The city of Chicago legalised recreational weed on 1st January 2020. Marijuana smokers were delighted since it led to the growth of legal dispensaries selling various cannabis products.
However, even though their numbers were small initially, they rapidly increased by the beginning of 2021. The ‘weed capital of the midwest’, Chicago now has around 64 weed shops, including those in the suburbs.
The number of dispensaries in River North neighborhood also rapidly increased, bringing smiles to users’ faces. They can legally visit one of their favourite shops and buy any products they like.
However, the entire process can be challenging for first-time visitors to one of these stores. They would be unfamiliar with the environment, types of products sold, questions to ask, and payment methods.
Buying weed from a legal store is different from purchasing it elsewhere. Anyway, here are some questions you will find helpful before visiting these stores.
Do they provide recreational and medicinal weed?
Recreational cannabis has more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance responsible for giving the high feeling. Users mainly use it for enjoyment and relaxation.
Medical weed contains a lower amount of this substance. Instead, it contains cannabidiol (CBD), effectively treating anxiety, depression, inflammation, and seizures
Although most stores in the River North neighborhood have recreational weed, you will find some that have products for medicinal purposes. However, before buying those, you might have to produce a recommendation from a doctor.
What is the age limit for entering a dispensary?
You must be at least 21 years old and have a government-issued ID or state identification card. In River North, Chicago, the law prohibits individuals who aren’t citizens of the US from buying or possessing marijuana.
If anybody tries to enter a shop by defying the above-mentioned laws, the state would suspend their driver’s license or charge them with a ‘Class A’ misdemeanour.
Do they have various types of products?
One of the reasons behind the rapid success of legalized weed stores in River North is the diversity in their stock. You can buy various cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, vapes, concentrates, pre-rolls, orals, and topicals.
However, the stores will only sell the products according to the stated limitation requirements. For example, River North and Chicago residents can buy 5 grams of concentrates, 500 milligrams of THC, and 30 grams of cannabis (flower).
Will they have bud-tenders?
Bud-tenders are professionals who possess knowledge about cannabis items and assist customers at the stores. Most stores in River North have bud-tenders who are above 21 years and have completed the Illinois Responsible Vendor Training.
You can ask them for information about any product, including its ingredients, recommended dosage, uses, etc. They will be happy to help you.
What is the mode of payment?
Almost all weed outlets in River North, Chicago, accept cash exclusively as the mode of payment. The reason is the illegality of hemp in many states of the USA, which makes financial transactions with credit cards challenging.
If you run short of cash, you can withdraw money from an ATM, which you will find in most dispensaries.
What are their work hours?
Cannabis-selling stores in River North usually remain open throughout the week, except from 9:00amto 9:00pm on public holidays. It is better to ask them the timings beforehand to avoid inconvenience.
Before visiting the dispensaries in the River North, you will find these questions helpful and ensure you have a pleasant experience. It is better to take the help of an online directory that shows you the names, location, prices, and other details in one place since it’s incredibly convenient.
David Tobin did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in psychology, mental health, and wellness.
