When shopping for medical marijuana, a patient should demand the best. There is no compromise regarding health, wellness, and experience. On that note, there is a world of difference between licensed and unlicensed sources. To protect your health and make sure you get the high-quality medicine you need, always choose a licensed dispensary.
What is a licensed medical marijuana dispensary?
Licensed dispensaries are regulated medical marijuana stores that are legally allowed to sell medical marijuana products to patients throughout Pennsylvania. Anyone who has applied and been approved for a medical marijuana patient identification card can shop at a licensed medical marijuana dispensary.
If you want to learn more about Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, check out our Medical Marijuana 101 guide for patients and caregivers.
Why shop at a licensed dispensary?
When you shop at a licensed dispensary, you can be confident you’re getting quality products and services. Most importantly, you can trust that your experience will be consistent and reliable.
Safe, high-quality medical marijuana
Medical marijuana dispensaries carry laboratory-tested products that are confirmed to adhere to the state’s rigid standards for product quality. When you shop for medical marijuana at a licensed dispensary, you will be able to access the Certificate of Analysis for each product. This document shows the laboratory testing results, including the potency and cannabinoid profile, terpene profile, and contamination testing.
Reviewing a Certificate of Analysis gives you complete insight into what is in the medical marijuana you are purchasing. That is a level of transparency you will only get from a licensed dispensary.
Familiar medical marijuana brands
Licensed dispensaries carry brands with a high reputation that offer a high-quality, consistent, predictable experience. At Vytal Options, for example, you’ll find brands like &Shine, Calypso, Cresco Labs, Dr. Solomon’s, and many more reputable brands. That’s not to mention Vytal Options’ great in-house brands like Solventless by Vytal.
These medical marijuana brands are sold at licensed dispensaries throughout the state and are manufactured according to rigorous standards. You can expect products from these brands to deliver consistent experiences every time, no matter where you have purchased them from, but you will not find them outside licensed dispensaries.
Exceptional customer service
Licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Pennsylvania hire experienced pharmacists who are available to consult with patients. This level of access to a pharmacist, who is up to date on the latest research about medical marijuana, gives patients the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and ask questions. Every medical marijuana patient is different, so discussing your needs with a pharmacist before you shop is a key resource that sets licensed dispensaries apart from non-licensed sources.
In addition, the staff at a licensed dispensary are trained experts on the products in stock. So, if you have any questions, you can trust that dispensary personnel are there to help guide you through the menu. The dispensary staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help guide you through the buying process.
Secure location
Licensed dispensaries follow strict regulations to ensure a secure facility, so you can feel at ease whenever you shop. Buying medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary is much like any other retail experience: professional, organized, and safe. When you are shopping for medical marijuana, you deserve peace of mind, and that is precisely what you will get at a licensed dispensary.
What are the risks of buying medical marijuana from an unlicensed source?
Shopping at unlicensed sources comes with several significant risks. If you want to ensure safety and find high-quality medical marijuana products, you should only purchase medical marijuana products from a licensed dispensary.
Some of the risks of shopping for unlicensed medical marijuana include:
- It’s illegal: Unlicensed sources are illegally selling medical marijuana, which places you at risk. To legally purchase and possess medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, you need a medical marijuana patient identification card, and you must purchase products at a licensed dispensary. Otherwise, you could face legal consequences.
- The products may be contaminated: Unlicensed sources do not necessarily carry laboratory-tested products like licensed dispensaries. This means you could be purchasing products with mold, mildew, or other contaminants.
- Mislabeling of products: Even if an unlicensed location does have testing results available, you cannot be certain that they are accurate. Products may be labeled with incorrect THC percentages, as there are no regulations in place requiring accuracy, thus jeopardizing consumer safety. Unlike licensed dispensaries, you do not know the accuracy of the information on these products at unlicensed retail locations.
- There’s no guarantee of safety while shopping: Unlicensed sources are not required to adhere to safety regulations or security standards. This could put a consumer at risk of danger.
Need medical marijuana? Choose a licensed dispensary
At Vytal Options, we’re dedicated to bringing you safe, reliable, high-quality medical marijuana products and an exceptional shopping experience. From consultations with our pharmacists to friendly and knowledgeable support from our staff, we are confident you will have a memorable and satisfying experience every time. So, check out our online menu or stop in at a Vytal Options location near you to see what sets us apart.
