Your First Dispensary Visit

What to Bring

A valid government-issued photo ID proving you are 21 or older is required. Maryland law mandates ID verification at the door and again at point of sale — no exceptions.

If you are a qualifying medical cannabis patient, bring your Maryland MMCC patient card along with your ID. Your MMCC card allows entry at 18 or older and access to the medical menu.

Beyond your ID, bring a general sense of what you are hoping to explore — sleep, relaxation, focus, a social occasion, or simply curiosity. You do not need to have it figured out. That is exactly what the team is for.

What to Expect

A typical visit to SOL moves through a few simple steps, none of which should feel rushed or overwhelming.

Arrival and ID check. A team member will greet you at the door, verify your ID (and MMCC card if applicable), and confirm you meet the age requirement for the menu you are accessing.

Welcome and intake. Once inside, you may be asked a few brief questions about your experience level and what you are hoping to find. This helps the team direct you to the right products without guesswork.

Floor time with a budtender. Budtenders at SOL are trained to ask about your experience, your goals, and any concerns before making suggestions. The experience is intentionally unhurried — you are never pressured toward a decision.

Selection and checkout. Once you have found something that feels right, you will complete your purchase at the register. Payment options vary; ask the team about what is accepted.

A Note on Budtenders

Budtenders are trained product specialists, not medical professionals. They can explain products, consumption formats, and general use patterns with expertise and care. What they cannot do is diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or substitute for clinical guidance.

If you have questions about cannabis in the context of a specific health condition, medication, or medical history, Ask Dr. Dix — SOL's clinical pharmacist service — is the right starting point. It is available to anyone and does not require a purchase.

Your First Purchase

If you decide to purchase on your first visit, the most consistent harm-reduction guidance in cannabis medicine is simple: start low, go slow.

For flower, consider starting with options under 15% THC. For edibles or other ingestible formats, 5mg or less is a widely recommended starting dose. Your budtender can point you toward the lowest-potency options available on the menu that day.

No purchase is required on any visit. You are always welcome to learn, browse, and return when you feel ready.

Next Step