Your Guide to Choosing a Cannabis Dispensary: Recreational & Medical
A cannabis dispensary is a state-licensed retail location where adults 21+ and registered medical patients can legally purchase cannabis products. Unlike unregulated markets, licensed dispensaries operate under strict systems designed to ensure product safety, consumer transparency, and responsible access.
At Bloom, our dispensaries are built around education, consistency, and trust. We help you understand product potency and formats so you can choose the right experience for your needs.
Find a Licensed Bloom Dispensary Near You
Shop Ohio Dispensaries: Regulated by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.
Shop Maryland Dispensary: Regulated by the Maryland Cannabis Administration.
What Does a Dispensary Do?
A dispensary serves as the legal, regulated point of sale between licensed producers and consumers. To maintain a safe environment, every location must follow compliance standards set by state regulators like the Maryland Cannabis Administration or the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.
What You Can Expect at a Licensed Dispensary
Lab-Tested Products: Every product is screened for safety and includes verified levels of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD).
Detailed Labeling: Clear transparency regarding ingredients, harvest dates, and batch numbers.
Expert Budtenders: Our budtenders are highly trained professionals ready to guide your purchase based on your goals.
Secure Environments: Compliant retail spaces that prioritize customer privacy and community safety.
What Is a Recreational Dispensary?
A recreational dispensary (also known as an adult-use dispensary) is a licensed retail store where adults aged 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis without a medical recommendation.
Recreational Dispensary Quick Facts:
Access: Requires a valid government-issued photo ID.
Certification: No medical card or physician's note is required.
Product Range: Includes flower, edibles, vapes, and concentrates rich in diverse terpenes for tailored aromas and effects.
Limits: Purchase amounts are governed by state-specific daily limits.
What Is a Medical Dispensary?
A medical dispensary is a healthcare-focused retail location that serves registered patients who have been approved by a physician to use cannabis for specific qualifying conditions.
Medical Dispensary Quick Facts:
Access: Requires a state-issued medical marijuana card.
Expert Oversight: Often provides higher possession limits and access to specialized products.
Patient Focus: Budtenders at medical locations emphasize precision dosing and consistent cannabinoid profiles for symptom management.
Recreational vs. Medical Dispensaries: Key Differences
Recreational (Adult-Use)
Age Requirement - 21+
Documentation - Government ID
Purchase Limits - Standard state limits
Product Selection - High-THC and lifestyle-focused
Taxes - Standard adult-use excise tax
Medical Marijuana
Age Requirement - Varies (often 18+, or minors with a caregiver)
Documentation - Medical Card + Government ID
Purchase Limits - Often higher for patients
Product Selection - Symptom-specific THC/CBD ratios
Taxes - Often reduced or exempt from excise tax
What to Expect During Your First Visit to Bloom
If you are new to the dispensary experience, we make the process simple and stress-free:
Check-In: You’ll be greeted by a professional who will verify your ID (and medical card, if applicable).
Consultation: You’ll meet with a budtender. Whether you’re looking for specific cannabinoids like CBD for wellness or terpenes for a specific flavor profile, they will guide you.
Selection: Browse our digital or physical menus featuring flower, edibles, and more.
Secure Checkout: Your products will be placed in compliant, child-resistant packaging for your journey home.
Explore Our Curated Product Range
A quality recreational and medical dispensary should offer a diverse range of consumption methods. At Bloom, we stock:
Cannabis Flower: Hand-trimmed buds rich in aromatic terpenes.
Edibles & Gummies: Precisely dosed for a smoke-free experience.
Vape Cartridges: High-potency cannabinoid extracts for on-the-go use.
Concentrates & Extracts: For experienced consumers looking for high THC purity.
Why Choose Bloom Dispensaries? (The Bloom Difference)
We don't just sell cannabis; we provide a curated experience. Our partnership with the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control and the Maryland Cannabis Administration ensures that every product on our shelves meets the highest safety standards. Our budtenders undergo rigorous training to stay updated on the latest cannabis research, ensuring you receive accurate, helpful advice every time you walk through our doors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dispensaries
How do I pay for my purchase?
Due to federal regulations, most dispensaries are cash-only. We provide on-site ATMs and may offer secure debit solutions like CanPay at select locations.
What is the difference between a dispensary and a smoke shop?
Dispensaries sell state-regulated, lab-tested cannabis. Smoke shops typically sell accessories (pipes, papers) and do not carry legal, regulated cannabis products.
How do I know if a dispensary is legal?
Legal dispensaries must display a license from the state (like the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control) and are required to verify your age and ID before any transaction occurs.
Ready to find a Bloom dispensary? Start with your state and explore our licensed locations: Explore Ohio Locations | Explore Maryland Location