There’s a reason why support for legal cannabis is at an all-time high. Every day hundreds of new people are discovering the joys of weed. So much so that an entire online marketplace has sprung up around the industry.
While this is a good thing for people who want cannabis without leaving the house, it raises some problems too. Notably, sketchy vendors that either scam customers or sell unsafe products.
That’s why we made this article about buying cannabis safely online. In it, we’ll teach beginners some helpful tips for finding the best online seller in your area. Let’s get started!
Make Sure It’s Legal
Cannabis legalization is in a bit of purgatory at the moment. Many states have voted to legalize or decriminalize the substance in some way. But, weed remains illegal on a federal level.
Because of this, you should look into local state laws that deal with cannabis shipping. If cannabis shipping isn’t allowed in your state, consider looking for a different product.
For example, CBD, and all cannabinoids besides THC, are now legal in most states. These cannabinoids come from hemp plants. And, while these are technically cannabis plants, the lack of THC content won’t get you high.
But, you might get some relaxing benefits or pain relief if you try them. Just remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to ordering cannabis online. So, do your research into what’s allowed within your specific state.
Look For Local Shops First
The first thing you should look for is shops that sell cannabis in your area. It’s always preferable to go with a brick-and-mortar store than a purely online seller.
For one thing, you can check it out before you order cannabis. That way you can get a feel for what types of products they offer and how helpful the shop is.
Plus, many cannabis delivery companies will only operate within a short local delivery range.
So, in some cases, these local shops may be your only option. Finally, it’s always nice to support small businesses in your area if you can.
Read Online Reviews
If you aren’t sure whether or not you can trust an online cannabis company, do a quick check of online customer reviews. You can’t expect every review to be perfect.
But, if there are a lot of them, then it’s a clear indication that the average customer experience wasn’t positive. If you can’t find any online reviews, it’s best to avoid the company.
This is usually a sign of a new, inexperienced company or a scam. Either way, it’s better to buy from a more experienced seller when you’re a beginner.
Pick a Product That Works for You
If you’re a newcomer to cannabis, you likely haven’t tried many types of cannabis products yet. While some people like to dive right into smoking cannabis flowers, it’s important to remember this is far from your only option.
If the idea of smoking scares you, look for cannabis edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Or maybe you’re worried about a high THC content. Don’t be afraid to try cannabis distillate products that contain no THC, but lots of cannabinoids.
If you do want to try THC, make sure to take it slow at first. Start at the lowest possible dose (one to two milligrams) and work your way up from there.
And don’t be discouraged if a product doesn’t work for you. Keep experimenting until you find one.
Purchase With Your Credit Card
If there is still some doubt in your mind about whether or not a vender is credible, make sure to buy with your credit card. Why?
Because it’s much easier to dispute a charge on your credit card than it is with say your debit card. This is thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) which allows you to dispute a charge if you’re upset with its quality.
Unfortunately, this won’t be granted to you if you purchase with a debit card.
Ask for Lab Results
Typically, you will mainly find lab results from an online cannabis store that sells CBD. This is to show you that there are only trace amounts of THC found in the product.
However, it’s still a good idea to buy from sellers that perform lab tests on all of their products. That way you know things like:
- How strong the product is
- Whether or not there are contaminants
- The specific cannabinoids found inside
Remember that many cannabis products are drastically different than what their labels claim. So, a lab result allows you to fully know what’s going inside of your body.
Don’t Buy Illegally Online
If you live in a state where cannabis is illegal recreationally, you might be tempted to purchase from sites that deliver to these areas still. However, it’s important to resist this urge.
For one thing, if you get caught, you’ll be subjected to heavy fines and/or incarceration. On top of that, sites that deliver to these areas tend to be scams. You can usually spot them by amateur-looking website design.
More often than not these sites will just take your money and not deliver you anything. After all, who can you complain to? What you ordered was technically illegal.
Or, if they do send you cannabis, you know little to nothing about it. You have no idea if the cannabis you got is safe, what its strength is, or where it was grown. So, skip the hassle and avoid these sites altogether.
Enjoy Learning About Buying Cannabis Safely Online? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn more about buying cannabis safely online. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to go with your gut.
If an online cannabis vender’s deal seems too good to be true, odds are that it is. So, keep searching until you find an option that’s as transparent as possible.
Enjoy this article? We’ve got lots more just like it. So, keep exploring to find more.