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By Mastamynd | August 25, 2024
How to Spot a Fake Ohio Cannabis Dispensary
Fake recreational cannabis dispensaries are becoming more common in Ohio, and it’s important to know how to spot them. As the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live and a passionate advocate for cannabis consumers, I’m here to help you navigate this growing issue. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
1. Verify Online First:
Before visiting any dispensary, click the brown text to check the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Dispensary Map to ensure it’s a real, state-licensed dispensary.
2. Look for Sealed Products:
All legal cannabis products in Ohio must be sold in sealed packaging. If the product isn’t sealed, it’s likely not from a legitimate source.
3. Avoid THCA and Delta-8:
These products are generally not sold in licensed Ohio dispensaries. Seeing them is a strong red flag.
4. Ask Questions:
Real dispensaries can answer questions about where their products come from. If the staff can’t provide this information or seem agitated by your questions, it’s a sign that something isn’t right.
5. No Smoking Supplies or Pre-Rolls:
Legal dispensaries don’t sell rolling papers, pipes, or pre-rolls yet. If you see these items, it’s a clear warning sign.
6. Sales Tax Is Required:
All legal dispensaries in Ohio charge a recreational sales tax of 10%, plus any local taxes. If a dispensary isn’t collecting sales tax, it’s not legitimate.
7. Watch for Agitation:
If the staff becomes defensive or agitated when you ask questions, especially if you’re a knowledgeable medical patient, this is another indication that the dispensary may not be real.
Stay Safe:
Stick to state-licensed dispensaries to ensure you’re getting safe, regulated products. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and verify that the dispensary is following all legal requirements.
Insights from the Industry: An Interview with Pharmacann
To give you a better understanding of what to expect from a legitimate cannabis dispensary in Ohio, we interviewed Bryan Benavides, Director of Retail & Digital Marketing at Pharmacann, about the transition to adult-use cannabis sales.
When will prices come down? Best guess?
"In a cannabis market transitioning to adult use, prices will stabilize when the supply chain for cannabis products is smooth and uninterrupted."
How will your company continue to make sure MMJ patients like myself have access to cannabis?
"Service to medical patients is in the DNA of Verilife. Prioritizing our medical patients is a given. Ensuring our dispensaries have ample products for medical patients, dedicated points-of-sale, and reserved parking are just some of the tools we'll use to keep our medical patients satisfied. One-on-one consultations remain a priority for our patients."
Do you think you will run out of product in the first week?
"No. While there may be shortages of particular products, we will have plentiful inventory of all varieties to ensure our new adult-use consumers are happy, and that our medical patients are cared for."
What is the most important thing you want new consumers to know about your company?
"The cannabis retail experience is a normal retail experience. There is no stigma coming to a regulated dispensary that is fully licensed under Ohio state law. Your products will be manufactured to the highest standards, and packaged and labeled with consumer protection in mind. The taxes you pay in association with these products will be reinvested in the communities we live in. Customers will be pleasantly surprised and delighted with our focus on customer experience in each of our dispensaries across the company. We care for a wide range of customers and patients, as some may be shopping for cannabis for the very first time, while others may be long-time cannabis consumers. No matter their experience level, it’s our job to make every consumer feel confident in the choices they make."
How will your company deal with increased foot traffic and long waits?
"We are not new to the adult-use transition, having seen this rodeo before many times in many states. Pre-ordering and ample staffing are just two strategies we use to manage increased traffic. We do not abide long waits, under normal circumstances as we know your time is very valuable. We pride ourselves on efficiency and operational excellence."
Join the Conversation with Ohio Cannabis Live
At Ohio Cannabis Live, we’re dedicated to protecting and informing the cannabis community in Ohio. Have you encountered a fake dispensary? We want to hear from you! Share your experiences in the comments below and help others stay safe.
Your feedback is vital in raising awareness and keeping our community informed. Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and followers to spread the word.
Follow us on Ohio Cannabis Live for more updates, and stay engaged with the latest in Ohio’s cannabis scene.
About the Author:
Anthony D Riley, also known as Mastamynd, is the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live and a leading advocate for cannabis consumers in Ohio. He is also the organizer of the upcoming Ohio Cannabis Expo, an event aimed at bringing the cannabis community together to provide information and resources related to legal cannabis. The expo offers opportunities to network, purchase unique cannabis-related items, and connect with various aspects of the legal cannabis industry through workshops and guest panels. Mastamynd’s work continues to shape the future of the cannabis market in Ohio, ensuring consumers are informed and empowered.