First Time at a Vermont Dispensary? Here's What to Expect
There's a moment, right before you walk into a dispensary for the first time, where you might hesitate. Maybe you're not sure what to expect. Maybe you're wondering if you'll look foolish asking basic questions.
That's okay. Everyone has a first time.
A good dispensary should feel welcoming, not intimidating. In Vermont, most have settled into something that feels like the state itself—unpretentious, neighborly, happy to take things at your pace.
What to Bring
Valid ID. Non-negotiable. Vermont law requires dispensaries to verify you're 21 or older, every visit. Driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID all work. Must be current—expired won't cut it.
You don't need a medical card. Vermont's adult-use program is open to anyone 21 and older, resident or visitor.
Cash. Most dispensaries operate cash-only due to federal banking restrictions. Some have ATMs or workarounds, but cash is your safest bet. If you're unsure what to spend, $50-100 covers a solid first purchase.
Patience. A good first visit takes a little time. You'll want to ask questions, maybe smell a few options, think through what you're looking for.
What Happens When You Arrive
You'll show ID at the door before accessing the sales floor—standard security, nothing to worry about.
Dispensary layouts vary. Some feel like modern retail. Others, like ours in Woodstock, are set up like farm stands—flower in glass jars you can open and smell, no barriers between you and the products.
You'll see things organized by category: flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vaporizers, concentrates, tinctures. If you're new, flower or pre-rolls are the easiest starting point. Edibles are trickier to dose. Concentrates are best saved for later.
Talking to Your Budtender
The person helping you genuinely wants you to leave happy. Don't worry about asking basic questions—they've heard them all.
Start with how you want to feel, not what you want to buy. "I want something relaxing for evening" gives them much more to work with than "what's popular?"
Be honest about your experience level. If it's your first time, say so. The more context you provide, the better they can guide you.
Ask about potency. Higher THC doesn't mean better—it means stronger. If you're new, something in the 15-20% range gives you room to find your footing.
Ask to smell it. At dispensaries that allow it, your nose knows. If something smells appealing, there's usually a reason.
How Much Can You Buy?
Vermont's purchase limits per transaction:
1 ounce (28g) of flower
5 grams of concentrate
500mg of THC in edibles
For context, if you're new, an eighth (3.5g) or even a single gram is plenty to start.
Your First Purchase: Start Low, Go Slow
This phrase gets repeated because it matters. You can always consume more. You can't consume less.
Flower or pre-rolls give you the most control. Effects hit within minutes, peak in 30, and fade within 2-3 hours. Take one small puff, wait 15 minutes, see how you feel.
Edibles are trickier. Effects take 45 minutes to 2 hours to appear and last 4-8 hours. Many bad first experiences happen when someone eats more before the first dose kicks in. If you go this route, start with 2.5-5mg and wait at least two hours.
Where You Can Consume
Private property is your safest bet—your home, a friend's place with permission.
Public spaces are off-limits. No parks, sidewalks, trails, or beaches.
Vehicles are never okay, driving or not.
Hotels and rentals set their own rules. Always check first.
If You Overdo It
It happens. Remember: no one has ever died from cannabis. Find a comfortable spot, drink water, eat something if you can. The intensity will pass, usually within a few hours. CBD can help if you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a medical card to buy cannabis in Vermont? No. Anyone 21+ with valid ID can purchase at recreational dispensaries.
Can tourists buy cannabis in Vermont? Yes. Out-of-state visitors are welcome with valid ID.
How much can I buy at once? Up to 1 ounce of flower, 5 grams of concentrate, or 500mg of THC in edibles.
Do dispensaries take credit cards? Most are cash-only. ATMs are usually available on-site.
What should I ask my budtender? Start with how you want to feel. Be honest about your experience level. Ask to smell the flower.
You're Ready
Bring your ID, bring cash, bring your questions. Take your time. Start gentle.
We hope you'll stop by sometime. The door's open, the jars are out, and we're happy to show you what we're growing.
Sunkissed Farm is at 4374 West Woodstock Road in Woodstock, Vermont. Open seven days a week. Questions? hello@sunkissed.farm or 802-222-6920.
