America’s favorite cash crop is on pace to receive record-breaking sales.

Cannabis might generate close to $65 billion in revenue in the United States by 2025. California has long been the standard bearer for the plant, so it’s on many people’s grail list to hit a California dispensary. Whether you’re a resident or going to California on business or pleasure, it pays to learn what you should know in advance.

Here are some things you should know before visiting California dispensaries.

Know the Cannabis Laws in California

Dispensary laws apply statewide. Dispensaries may have their own rules, but all are required to fit standards and protocols outlined by the state. After the state passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, it has continuously refined its processes for personal possession and consumption.

California allows medical and recreational purchases of the plant. You must be 21 to enter a dispensary in California if you’re a recreational user, and 18 if you have a medical recommendation.

Consider Whether to Go Medical or Recreational

Decide whether you want to make a recreational or medical purchase. For medical, you need to visit a licensed and board-certified physician that writes cannabis recommendations. The medical recommendation is given out for issues like insomnia, chronic pain, nausea, and depression.

After a brief checkup, they’ll write you a medical recommendation that is valid for a year at any cannabis dispensary in California. Recreational cannabis purchases don’t require a recommendation and are available to anyone 21 or older.

Find a Dispensary That Has the Cannabis You’re Looking For

Take the time to research a weed dispensary to see what kind of products they have. Figure out why you want to use cannabis, and which methods you’d like to use to get a dose.

A dispensary like Apothecarium sells a mixture of flower, vapes, edibles, and other cannabis products. Learn about the different effects and what level of potency you need. This means understanding Indica, Sativa, and hybrid effects, and which strains are the best among them.

If you’re buying edibles, pay careful attention to the dose so that you don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Show Up With Your ID

Whether you’re a resident or going to California for a trip, don’t forget to bring your ID. You need a government-issued ID that shows your date of birth and proof that you’re 21 or older. It needs to be valid and not expired, and should clearly show your photo and name.

Once you get to the dispensary, you’ll give your budtender a bit of information about what you’re looking for, and they can help steer you in the right direction. Make sure you look for deals and factor in taxes when you’re making a decision.

Shopping at California Dispensaries

Doing business at California dispensaries allows you to find whatever cannabis you enjoy. It’s a plant that you can fit into your life to your heart’s content as long as you’re in the Golden State.

If you’re a bud enthusiast, check out our other articles on all things cannabis-related.