The cannabis industry is witnessing its best period thanks to rising national acceptance and the consequent rise in the number of marijuana dispensaries.

8 Things To Consider If You Want To Find The Best Cannabis Dispensary In Chicago
Chicago,IL/USA-January 5th 2020: many customers stand in line at night during cold weather to purchase medical and recreational marijuana from the local dispensary now that's legal on state level. Image/Shutterstock

Since the legalization of cannabis by the state of Illinois in 2020, numerous marijuana dispensaries in River North and countless other neighborhoods of Chicago have popped up. [1]

But how would you find the best one that sells high-quality, genuine cannabis? To help you do that, here are

Eight Factors You Need To Consider To Find The Best Cannabis Dispensaries In Chicago

#1. Location

The location of the dispensary can be a deal-breaker for many. Nobody wants to travel across Chicago to find a dispensary. Known for its busy streets in the day and happening nightlife, River North is one of the top neighborhoods in Chicago with higher marijuana demand.

If you live around this neighborhood, you won’t have any problem finding the best dispensaries in River North, Chicago. You can also check whether the dispensary offers home delivery or not.

#2. Variety of Products

Many dispensaries offer a wide range of cannabis products and not just marijuana. You can also buy various products like Cannabis edibles, tinctures, and cartridges. You can also purchase multiple strains from different origins.

Some dispensaries offer cannabis varieties based on the content of CBD and THC. You can also buy various edibles like cookies, gummies, drops and chocolates, and wines.

#3. Price

Though the cannabis price isn’t the only factor to consider while choosing the right dispensary, you should pay attention that you are not overspending on your herb. Chicago is one of the cities with high marijuana prices.

One gram of cannabis costs about $22 in the city of Chicago. You can get other strains in a cheaper price range, but you might have to compromise on quality. You should choose the dispensary with top quality at standard market prices.

#4. Dispensary Type

Before you start your quest for the best dispensaries in River north, you must understand that there are two types of cannabis dispensaries- medical and recreational.

The medical dispensaries offer CBD-based strains and products higher in CBD than THC. CBD is one of the cannabinoids that helps you feel calm and relaxed. You will need a doctor’s prescription to buy from these dispensaries.

On the other hand, recreational dispensaries sell cannabis for recreational use. The cannabis strains at recreational dispensaries are on the higher THC side. THC is one of the cannabinoids with psychoactive effects that give you that euphoric high.

Though CBD and THC are one of the well-known contents of cannabis, there are more than 100 cannabinoids that play equal roles in the quality, effectiveness, and potency of cannabis.

#5. Cannabis Potency

Cannabis potency is one of the significant factors you need to consider while selecting a dispensary. Many cannabis dispensaries offer varying potency levels from 1.5mg, 5mg, or 10mg, etc [2].

If you recently started using cannabis for recreational purposes, it’s best to stick to the lower potency of cannabis. If you choose cannabis for medical use, select the strain that matches the prescription and potency advised by your doctor to take accurate dosages.

#6. Strains

There are various strains of cannabis, such as Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. Some dispensaries specialize in certain strains, while some offer a wide range of strains to choose from. You can also choose from specialized strains like Afghan Black, Biscotti, Berry Gelato, Afternoon Delight, etc.

#7. Reviews

Reviews are the game changers when it comes to making a purchase decision. Many buyers admit that they first go online to check the dispensary reviews to find out more about their offerings and service quality. Before you select a dispensary, make sure you check their reviews. It will give you a glimpse of the buying experience that previous buyers went through.

#8. Helpful Staff and Friendly Environment

Despite rising awareness and acceptance of cannabis, many cannabis enthusiasts often find it strange and awkward to visit a cannabis dispensary. You wouldn’t like to visit a dispensary that looks shady and most likely to be fake. The environment of the dispensary makes a lot of difference.

The dispensary must have a friendly, welcoming environment and ambiance that promotes positivity and relaxation. It’s also good to have helpful infographics and informative posters to educate buyers about different strains, brands, and benefits.

The staff should also be friendly and beneficial to help the buying experience smoother. They can help the buyer find the correct strain and quantity that suits their needs.

Finding the right dispensary makes a lot of difference in the quality of genuineness of the cannabis. Make sure you choose the authorized, certified dispensary that offers a wide range of options you can choose from.

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2 Sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

[1] ASCEND - Chicago - River North: https://letsascend.com/locations/illinois/chicago-river-north/#
[2] How Marijuana Works: https://science.howstuffworks.com/marijuana5.htm
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Jason Vredenburg, RD

Jason Vredenburg is a nutrition writer with over twenty years of experience as a Registered Dietitian. He has researched and written nu