Recreational cannabis in Connecticut has been legal since 2021, and since then, the state has grown to more than 70 operational dispensaries serving Connecticuters and visitors daily. Not all dispensaries offer the same experience, though. With so many different retail stores to choose from, you may find yourself overwhelmed with options. If you’re on the hunt for your next one-stop shop, here’s how to choose between Connecticut recreational dispensaries for the best experience.
Know your shopping goals
Whether you’re new to shopping at dispensaries or just looking for a new favorite store, it’s a good idea to have a goal in mind. Are you looking to stock up on the basics or do you want to try new things? Do you want a quick in-and-out experience or would you like to chat with a budtender for recommendations?
You don’t have to have the whole experience mapped out in your mind, but take a moment to consider what types of shopping experiences you enjoy or dislike. Keeping these preferences in mind can help you narrow your options.
Examine the inventory
Before making a trip, check the online menu for any Connecticut dispensary you are interested in visiting. Look at the product categories and scroll through the options to see if there is enough variety to choose from. The best dispensaries offer a diverse product selection to meet the needs of customers from all walks of life.
You may not know what product types you want just yet, but you can still browse each category to see if the store offers a solid selection.
Reviews and reputation
Read the reviews—good and bad—to get a better picture of the dispensary. Look for comments on the customer service, selection, and ambiance. Pay extra attention to mentions of knowledgeable and friendly staff, quick service, and quality products. Take any mentions of low quality cannabis, unhelpful staff, or stressful experiences as red flags, but keep in mind that most people only feel motivated to make reviews when they have a significantly good or bad experience.
Parking and accessibility
Location plays a huge role in finding the right dispensary. But for many shoppers, it’s worth going the extra distance to shop at an accessible store with good parking options.
Some dispensaries will describe the accessibility of the store on their website. Reviews can also give you a good idea of what to expect. If you still can’t find any information about the accessibility or parking options, check out the location on Google Maps or a similar tool with street view to see exactly what you’ll be working with.
Check out the discounts, deals, or loyalty programs
Deals can make all the difference when you’re looking for the right dispensary. Many dispensaries offer some form of deals or promotions, though the specifics can vary greatly from store to store.
If you’re looking for a Connecticut recreational dispensary to become your go-to store, you may want to find a retailer with a good loyalty program. Those who purchase cannabis on a regular basis can benefit from early notifications about promotions and events, get special offers, and earn points on each purchase through loyalty programs.
Some dispensaries also offer special discounts to certain community members, such as low-income, seniors, or veterans. These deals help ensure that all members of the community can access cannabis with ease.
Community outreach
With so many options to choose from, many discerning shoppers favor retailers who go above and beyond in their community. If you’re stuck trying to choose between a few different dispensaries, take a look at their community involvement and mission statement.
If local service matters to you, look for dispensaries with missions to improve their local community and repair the broader impacts of the War on Drugs. See if there is any mention of how they treat their employees, too. Do they offer paid volunteer days for their employees to give back to their community?
Dispensaries might also join their local Chambers of Commerce, host cleanup events in the neighborhood, work with local addiction services groups, and other acts of community involvement. If you’re an active member of your community and value giving back, you may want to find a cannabis dispensary that does the same.
Ready to shop at a cannabis dispensary in CT?
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to visit a Connecticut dispensary (or two, or three) to see what you like best. As you try out different stores, take note of what you like and dislike, the customer service experience, and any other notable moments from your trip.
Or head straight to Fine Fettle, where we focus on providing the best cannabis experience around. We have optimized our store with a diverse selection of products, friendly and knowledgeable staff, fantastic deals, a loyalty program, and much more. Sign up for our free loyalty program to see all the exclusive rewards and benefits we offer.
