Where do you go to shop for cannabis? If you’ve heard you can stop by a smoke shop to pick up edibles or a THC vape cart, that’s not strictly true across the board. In reality, some smoke shops carry Delta 9 (or Delta 8) products that aren’t regulated in any way, so you have no idea what’s in them. Dispensaries offer a place to shop for cannabis with confidence, where products are tested and vetted before you can buy them.
What is a smoke shop?
A smoke shop or head shop is a store that carries smoking accessories like pipes, bongs, and dry herb vapes. They also carry merchandise like posters, clothes, bags, and candles — to cover up that telltale smell — alongside the accessories you need to consume cannabis. And in recent years, smoke shops have started carrying products infused with hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD and even delta-9 THC. These spots often have a recreational focus and have that classic “stoner” feel.
It’s crucial to be aware that products sold in smoke shops are often unregulated, with no way to properly trace ingredients or confirm that the product contains what it says on the label. Be cautious when shopping for or accepting any cannabinoid-containing product from a smoke shop.
What is a dispensary?
Dispensaries are specialized retail establishments that are licensed to sell cannabis products for medical or recreational consumption, sometimes both. They offer verified products that cater to customers from all walks of life, with educated professionals called budtenders to help navigate your options. Some of the features commonly found in dispensaries like Boone Town include:
- Cannabis products: Offerings at dispensaries include flower, edibles, concentrates, topicals, and more.
- Professional assistance: Knowledgeable staff at dispensaries can guide product selection, dosage, and consumption methods.
- Legal compliance: Dispensaries adhere to regulations and standards to ensure that all products are above board.
- Medical and recreational focus: Some dispensaries specialize in medical cannabis, recreational cannabis, or both. Learn more about the difference between recreational and medical dispensaries.
- Emphasis on customer education: Dispensaries like Boone Town emphasize resources and information about the effects, benefits, and key differences of each product type and consumption method.
- Diverse product selection: Dispensaries typically offer different strains, a variety of cannabinoid-rich products (including CBD products), and more. With a wide selection of accessories, you’ll get everything you need to consume cannabis in one stop at a dispensary.
Choosing a dispensary vs. a smoke shop
Smoke shops and dispensaries each have their purpose and place. As you’re deciding which store will best suit your needs, consider these factors:
- Cannabis vs. accessories: Think about whether you need cannabis products like flower, edibles, or concentrates or if you’re simply looking for smoking accessories like pipes, bongs, or vaporizers. If you’re only interested in accessories, a head shop would be sufficient. But if you’re looking for THC products, it’s best to head to a licensed dispensary like Boone Town.
- Personalized advice: Are you seeking customized advice on product selection, dosage, consumption methods, or any other cannabis-related questions? Dispensaries like Boone Town have knowledgeable staff who can provide tailored recommendations based on your preferences, experience level, and desired effects to ensure a more guided and informed shopping experience than a head shop.
- Product quality and trust: Remember that dispensaries prioritize produce quality by only carrying state-compliant products. These products are traced from seed to sale and subjected to rigorous testing. This ensures that you can trust the potency and purity of the products you’re purchasing which may be lacking in the unregulated sourcing found in head shops.
- Atmosphere and experience: Consider the atmosphere and overall experience you’re seeking. Dispensaries are often polished, while head shops may offer a more laid-back or eclectic atmosphere. Think about which setting you’re most comfortable in and which aligns better with your preferences.
CBD store vs. dispensary: What’s the difference?
CBD stores specialize in products containing CBD, oftentimes without THC. (A CBD store may have some products that contain small amounts of hemp-derived THC, but it’s not the primary purpose of a CBD store.) A dispensary, on the other hand, is a regulated establishment that sells cannabis products, including those with THC, for medicinal or recreational consumption. Dispensaries typically offer a wider range of products, including flower, edibles, and concentrates, that contain THC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids.
Embrace excellence with Boone Town Provisions
Boone Town is your first stop in North Jersey for an unparalleled cannabis experience. Each product on our shelves is thoroughly tested and vetted according to strict state standards, a requirement before we can sell anything to you. But don’t just take our word for it — see the difference for yourself. Sign up for our email list to get the latest updates, and visit us seven days a week to experience what the dispensary difference is all about.
