Feb 15

Weed Store Near Me | What To Expect From a MA Recreational Dispensary

By Anne-Marie Porreca Dispensaries & Local Info

Weed Store Near Me | What To Expect From a MA Recreational Dispensary

New weed store near me just opened up – are you thinking about checking it out? It’s actually a pretty straight forward process. Recreational dispensaries in MA work hard to keep their facilities casual, judgement-free zones while respecting your privacy. If you’re planning on visiting a recreational dispensary in MA for the first time, here’s what you can expect:

Located off of 495 in Lowell, MA, Smyth Cannabis Co. is the most popular weed store near Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

Age Restrictions Are Strictly Enforced

Valid medical card holders can buy medical marijuana at age 18. However, no one under the age of 21 years old is allowed on the property of an adult-use dispensary at all. This includes waiting outside or even staying in the car. So plan on leaving the kids at home or with a trusted sitter during your visit.

Be Prepared to Show Your ID Several Times

Regardless of how old you look, you will be required to present a valid ID before entering the store. But don’t be surprised if the employee at the counter asks to see it again.

Out-of-state IDs are accepted at most dispensaries, subject to the store manager’s discretion. Customers are responsible for following all laws regulating the transport of cannabis across state lines.

Many Dispensaries Are Cash Only

You’ll find an ATM at just about every recreational dispensary in MA. But you should arrive with cash in advance to avoid paying ATM withdrawal fees.

At this time, major credit card companies do not allow their cards to be used for the purchase of cannabis products or accessories. Most retailers do accept debit cards, but additional fees will apply. CanPay is a mobile debit card app for dispensary purchases without any additional charges. Find a retailer near you that accepts CanPay here.

Tips May Be Encouraged | Weed Store Near Me

Even if you will not be paying for your order with cash, many stores will expect you to tip your budtender a couple extra bucks for a job well done. You can give the dispensary a call in advance if you are unsure whether or not they accept tips.

Smyth Cannabis Co.’s flagship recreational dispensary in Lowell, MA does not allow tipping. We appreciate any and all recognition for our employees’ hard work. However, we pride ourselves on our low prices and do not want our customers to feel pressured to spend more money. Instead, we pay our employees a competitive hourly salary that is much more stable than a gratuity-based model.

Taxes Will Be Close to 20%

Medical cannabis sales are not taxed. On the contrary, the taxes of recreational weed are close to 20% of your total purchase price. In addition to the 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax, there is an extra 10.75% cannabis tax, plus a local tax of up to 3% that will vary based on city.

It is important to keep in mind that unless otherwise advertised, the prices you see at a MA recreational dispensary probably do not include taxes. Plan accordingly to avoid “sticker shock” at the register.

Top Weed Store Near Me: Cannabis Co. in Lowell, MA

Conveniently located right off of I-495 in Lowell, our weed store near me offers craft cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, concentrates and more. There’s something here for everyone – both new consumers and experts alike. We carry a rotating selection of our premium cannabis products, along with other products from your favorite local brands. Parking is available for free onsite. Visit us today!

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Feb 01

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Smyth Cannabis Co. Recreational Dispensary Lowell Massachusetts

Recreational Dispensary Lowell Massachusetts | FAQ

By Anne-Marie Porreca Dispensaries & Local Info

Recreational Dispensary Lowell Massachusetts | FAQ

At our recreational dispensary (Lowell Massachusetts), we work hard to keep the entire experience casual and judgement-free while respecting your privacy. Below are the questions that we receive most often:

Located off of 495 in Lowell, MA, Smyth Cannabis Co. is the most popular recreational dispensary near Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

How old do I need to be to buy marijuana at a recreational dispensary? (Lowell, Massachusetts)

Smyth Cannabis Co. and other recreational dispensaries (Lowell, Massachusetts) may only sell to adults over 21 years of age. Anyone under the age of 21 is not legally allowed on the premises of a recreational-only dispensary. This includes waiting outside or even staying in the car.

Valid medical card holders can buy from a medical dispensary at age 18.

Will I need to show my ID?

A valid, government-issued ID photo is required to enter any recreational dispensary (Lowell, Massachusetts). This may include a passport or a drivers license. Out-of-state drivers licenses are okay, subject to the store manager’s discretion. However, customers are responsible for adhering to all laws regulating the transport of weed across state lines. You will be asked to show your ID several times during your visit.

Can I have a discount?

Unfortunately, no. At this time, it is against the law to offer any deals, promotions or otherwise discounted prices on cannabis products at any dispensary in Massachusetts.

Do you carry _______?

Our menu changes daily as we are always selling out of products and bringing new ones in. Check back before your visit for an up-to-date list of what we have in stock. Contact us if you’re looking for something specific and don’t see it on our menu, as our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders may still be able to point you in the right direction.

Do you take credit cards?

Credit card transactions are not allowed for the purchase of cannabis products or accessories. However, most retailers including Smyth Cannabis Co. do accept debit cards, but additional fees will apply.

Cash is the safest option. ATMs are a staple at just about every dispensary in Massachusetts. But you should arrive with cash in advance to avoid running into any technical issues with the ATM and paying additional withdrawal fees.

Also, all online orders will need to be paid for in person at the time of pickup or delivery. Recreational dispensaries are unable to accept online payments at this time.

Do I need to leave a tip?

No. While it may be customary at some other dispensaries to leave tips, Smyth Cannabis Co. in Lowell, MA does not allow tipping. We appreciate any and all recognition for our employees’ hard work. However, we pride ourselves on our low prices and do not want our customers to feel pressured to spend more money. Instead, we pay our employees a competitive hourly salary that is much more stable than a gratuity-based model.

Are taxes included?

No, prices are not included at Smyth Cannabis Co. In addition to the standard 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax, expect an additional marijuana excise tax of 10.75%, plus a local tax of up to 3% that will vary based on city.

Other dispensaries may choose to include taxes in their menu prices. In addition, taxes do not apply to the sale of medical weed.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Recreational Dispensary | Lowell, Massachusetts

Conveniently located right off of I-495 our recreational dispensary Lowell, Massachusetts offers the highest quality cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more. Our friendly budtenders will help you find products you love at industry-leading prices. We carry a rotating selection of our premium cannabis products, along with products from other local brands. Parking is available for free onsite. Visit us today!

Jan 20

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Where To Buy Weed in MA? Black Market vs. Green Market

By Anne-Marie Porreca Dispensaries & Local Info

Where to Buy Weed in MA? Black Market vs. Green Market

Trying to buy weed in MA and don’t know where to look? Unless you have a medical marijuana card, then you basically have two options: the black market and the green market.

Pricing | Buy Weed in MA

Pricing is oftentimes the biggest consideration when weighing whether or not to buy weed in MA from a dispensary. It will almost always cost you more to buy weed from a dispensary as opposed to off the streets, especially if you’re used to paying $20/oz.

Dispensary purchases are subject to taxes. When you buy weed in MA, you’ll get hit with the 6.25% sales tax, an additional marijuana excise tax of 10.75%, plus a local tax of up to 3% that will vary based on city. So you can expect to pay about 20% of your total purchase cost in taxes.

The base prices of dispensary weed are still usually lower than most people would expect. Most dispensaries in MA have at least a few 0.5g prerolls on their menu for under $10.

Smyth Cannabis Co. in Lowell, MA has prices that’ll beat the streets. Check out our menu to see our current selection of top quality products available at industry-leading prices. Products rotate daily based on availability.

Quality / Purity

Before you buy weed off the streets, you might want to consider the quality and purity of the product you’re getting. Especially in today’s climate.

When you buy weed in MA from a dispensary, you can guarantee that it has been tested for yeast, mold, bacteria, pesticides, microorganisms and other contaminants. Weed is unable to be sold unless it passes testing. Obviously, black market weed does not need to be held to the same standards. Moldy weed is much more common in the black market and there is no real guarantee that the product is free of contaminants.

You can also pretty much guarantee that your black market weed has passed through the dirty hands of several different people. Unless you buy directly from the grower, you’ll never really know who else was handling it before you bought it. And whether or not they wash their hands after going to the bathroom.

Additionally, packaging for dispensary-grade weed is designed to keep the product fresher for longer. Product vaults are temperature-controlled and usually, flower will come sealed in an air-tight container made of either plastic or glass. So, you don’t have to wonder if your weed is being stored in a zip lock baggie that was previously holding someone else’s lunch.

Availability

If you buy weed in MA from a licensed dispensary, chances are you’ll have a selection of different strains to choose from. Again, unless you are buying street weed from a knowledgeable grower, you probably have no idea what strain you’re going to get and what concentration of THC it is.

If you love all weed all the time, then this won’t be a major dealbreaker for you. But if you’re someone who has a preference for indicas or sativas, you’re definitely taking a gamble. You could very well end up with one that’s too strong/weak for your preference, or gives you undesired side effects.

Anonymity

You will be asked to show your ID several times when you legally buy weed in MA. Most likely, each individual employee you talk to will ask to see it even after the door attendant has checked you in. Most POS systems used at dispensaries keep all transaction information anonymous. But some people are still not comfortable with purchasing weed anonymously.

When you know a guy, they usually don’t need to know your name or information. Just the basic details needed to get you what you’re looking for.

Legality

Remember – it’s completely legal to buy weed in MA if you’re over the age of 21. But, only from a licensed dispensary.

Out of state customers are allowed to buy weed from dispensaries in MA, as long as they have a valid, government-issued ID. However, it is illegal to cross state lines with any amount of cannabis, even if you are traveling to another state where cannabis is also legal. The transportation of marijuana through mail, including via private carriers like FedEx and UPS, is also illegal.

Selling weed is illegal unless you are a licensed dispensary. But, it is legal to give weed away for free to others as a gift. So as long as you find a dealer who likes you so much that they give you their products for free as a gift, you’re golden. As long as it’s under an ounce. And don’t let it cross state lines.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Recreational Dispensary to Buy Weed in MA Legally

Conveniently located right off of I-495 our recreational dispensary Lowell, Massachusetts offers the highest quality cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more. Our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders will help you find products you love at industry-leading prices. We carry a rotating selection of our premium cannabis products, along with products from other local brands. Parking is available for free onsite. Visit us today!

Sep 05

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Cannabis Jobs in Massachusetts

By Anne-Marie Porreca Dispensaries & Local Info

Cannabis Jobs in Massachusetts

According to WBUR, cannabis jobs in Massachusetts grew by 64% in just the first year that weed became legal for the state. If you’re interested in breaking into this growing industry (pun intended), you’ll find many different jobs available to fit a range of skill sets. Whether you have a bachelor’s degree in finance, a passion for gardening, a simple high school diploma or none of the above, you’re bound to find a cannabis job in Massachusetts that you qualify for. Below are just a few of the most popular job titles you’ll see in the industry:

Smyth Cannabis Co. is always accepting applications for for cannabis near me in Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

Retail Cannabis Jobs in MA

Sales Associate — Cannabis Jobs in Massachusetts

AKA Budtender, Dispensary Technician
Sales associate positions are definitely among the most popular jobs in cannabis in Massachusetts. In short, they ring up customers and help them choose their products. They should be friendly and outgoing, just like a bartender at your favorite restaurant. Additionally, Sales associates will assess what each customer is looking for and answer any questions they may have. Most importantly, money handling skills are needed, although this may be an entry-level cannabis job in Massachusetts.

Inventory Specialist

Some weed stores require sales associates to get the correct products together to fulfill all orders. On the other hand, most dispensaries have a separate inventory staff that will put together each order you submit. Inventory specialists must keep close track of each product that is being sold, including their unique product and batch numbers. Daily audits are required to make sure each and every single item is accounted for. Consequently, excessive inventory issues will result in compliance violations, so this job requires excellent record-keeping skills.

Dispensary Manager

Looking to put your leadership skills to use with a cannabis job in Massachusetts? Those experienced with retail operations may be more interested in a manager position where they can work on sales strategies. Managers analyze performance and develop action plans to further growth. In addition, they will also be involved with managing daily operations, such as scheduling.

Sales & Marketing

Wholesaler — Cannabis Jobs in Massachusetts

The job of a wholesaler is to sell the products to other dispensaries. They weigh in on the quality of the products (strength, expiration date, exclusivity, etc.) in order to negotiate good deals with dispensary buyers. This is one of the cannabis jobs in Massachusetts that often requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, sales or other business focus.

Product Buyer

AKA Purchaser, Merchandiser, Wholesaler
Product buyers have many of the same duties as wholesalers. The main difference is that buyers are looking to purchase products in large quantities for their own store, instead of selling to others. Similarly, product buyers negotiate with wholesalers in order to purchase high-quality and in-demand products in bulk for their own stores, for the best prices possible. At smaller stores, wholesale and product buying may be combined into one dual role.

Marketing — Cannabis Jobs in Massachusetts

The role of markers in cannabis will vary greatly, depending on the size of the operation. Larger companies may have a few specialized marketing roles, each with its own set of responsibilities, whereas smaller businesses may have one or two marketing employees who take on many different marketing tasks. Specializations include:

Digital Marketing (Content Marketing, PPC, SEO, Email Marketing)
Social Media & Influencer Marketing
Event Management
Public Relations & Media Planning

Cannabis marketing can be in-house or outsourced through third parties. This team must work closely with compliance, as there are very strict rules in place and weed advertising is banned on many of the major platforms. Experience and industry knowledge may replace the need for any formal education needed for this cannabis job in Massachusetts.

Brand Ambassador

AKA Field Marketer, Brand Representative
Brand ambassadors bring the branding of a cannabis company or dispensary to the community. Their job is to spread the word about the brand by sharing it with the public. Networking is the main responsibility of a brand ambassador. You will find them working popups at weed stores, industry trade shows and other events. Are you knowledgeable about weed? Do you consider yourself a social person who enjoys a change of scenery, all while educating others? Working as a brand ambassador may be your dream cannabis job in Massachusetts.

Operations & Logistics

Compliance — Cannabis Jobs in Massachusetts

Cannabis compliance employees have a very important role. In addition to overseeing company policies, they are also responsible for reporting to government agencies and staying on top of all legal requirements. Every aspect of the cannabis industry is closely monitored, even down to the contents of their trash. Compliance staff must stay up-to-date on all new laws and regulations to make sure they are properly carried out. In the same vein, the compliance department must monitor testing, packaging, marketing, storage and more. To clarify, experience or education in law is required for this position.

Logistics Manager

To sum it up, the logistics department is responsible for overseeing the overall transportation, distribution and storage of cannabis products and accessories. Secure vaults are required in every dispensary and they must be temperature controlled.

Packaging Technician

Packaging positions can either be in-house cannabis jobs in Massachusetts or outsourced through a third party. Employees should be very detail-oriented, as they are responsible for weighing and portioning out the products, putting them in the correct packages and making sure they are accurately labeled. This fast-paced position will be required to meet quotas. Consequently, any issues during packaging may result in a compliance violation that can carry heavy fines.

Delivery Driver

AKA Courier
There are further regulations for cannabis delivery drivers and their vehicles. Delivery vehicles must be temperature controlled, with two drivers in each vehicle. The truck must have internal cameras and each driver must wear a body camera. Most importantly, the vehicle must also be equipped with a GPS.

Cannabis Cultivation

Trimmer

A job in trim is an excellent position for those looking to break into the weed growing industry. Trimming tasks are a lot like gardening. Responsibilities of this entry-level cannabis job in Massachusetts include removing buds from plants after harvest and trimming of the leaves, stems and excess plant matter, as well as drying out the buds before packaging.

Grower

There are different levels of seniority for growers, depending on experience. Duties are a little more hands-on than that of a trimmer. Growers are more involved in planning and cloning, nutrition, pest control, climate and air quality, etc.

Cultivation Director

Cultivation directors are just one of the cannabis jobs in Massachusetts that can expect to earn well over $100k a year. They plan, execute and oversee the entire operation from harvesting schedules to training and managing the team. Cultivation directors must have a background in plant science. It is their job to make sure they are growing healthy, potent marijuana at maximum efficiency. Further, they will also have a major say in which strains will be grown.

Lab Science Cannabis Jobs in Massachusetts

Concentrates & Extraction Processor

Buds that have failed testing, as well as shake, or non-potent plant matter including stems and leaves, are then processed and extracted. After that, the extracts are used for a variety of different products, including concentrates. Processors will have a chemistry background and understand how to efficiently make different concentrates from the materials they have to work with. Entry-level support positions may be available, but this cannabis job in Massachusetts requires working knowledge of the product.

Lab Manager

All cannabis plants must be sent off to a lab after harvest to be tested for microbes and fungi, solvents, pesticides, etc. before it is sold. After that, finished concentrates must also be tested again before sale to confirm potency. Those with a chemistry background looking for a cannabis job in Massachusetts may want to consider a career in a testing lab.

Edibles Chef

Chefs, flavor scientists and chocolatiers can also find an exciting cannabis job in Massachusetts through working with edible weed products. Above all, you will learn how to infuse cannabis into different types of foods, including candy and chocolate, baked treats, teas, soda, ice cream and more. Certainly, edibles chefs must work closely with compliance to accurately monitor doses.

Join Our Team

Smyth Cannabis Co. in Lowell, MA posts all open positions on online job boards such as Indeed. So, if you have skills and experience you think could help our team, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today and let us know why you’re interested in a career here at Smyth Cannabis Co.

Aug 03

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MA Medical Marijuana Card vs. Recreational Dispensary

By Anne-Marie Porreca Dispensaries & Local Info

What Can a MA Medical Marijuana Card Get You That a Recreational Dispensary Cannot?

There are several benefits of having a valid MA medical marijuana card as opposed to just shopping at adult-use dispensaries.

Located off of 495 in Lowell, MA, Smyth Cannabis Co. is the most popular recreational dispensary near Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

MA Medical Card Holders Get Cheaper, Tax-Free Prices

Medical weed sales are tax exempt because taxes do not apply to medicines in MA.

The standard 6.25% sales tax will apply to all recreational marijuana purchases. In addition, there is a marijuana tax of 10.75%, plus a local tax of up to 3% that will vary based on city. A MA medical marijuana card will save you about 20% of your purchase price in taxes.

Greater Possession Limit

Massachusetts laws require a limit on the sale of both recreational and medical weed. Customers may purchase up to 1 oz per day of recreational weed. However, valid MA medical marijuana card holders are given a limit of 10 oz every 60 days.

Higher Potency Weed

Cannabis products sold for medical purposes are allowed to be much stronger than those for recreational use. For example, recreational edibles can contain +1,000mg THC, while the THC content of recreational edibles must be under 100mg.

Lower Age Requirement

You must be at least 21 years of age to visit a recreational dispensary in Massachusetts. In fact, no one under this age limit is allowed on the property of a recreational dispensary at all. This includes waiting outside or even staying in the car.

The minimum age for a MA medical marijuana card is just 18 years old.

More In-Stock Options for MA Medical Card Holders

Recreational dispensaries in MA are required to keep a certain amount of inventory for patients. Additionally, any dispensary licensed to sell both recreational and medical weed must prioritize their medical products. This means that in order for a product to be sold recreationally, it must also be available medically. If a medical product is out of stock, it is unable to be sold for recreational use.

Discounts, Promotions & Other Savings

Special sales, deals and other promotions may not be applied towards recreational cannabis products. This includes customer rewards and loyalty programs. Recreational dispensaries can still use these programs, but any money off may only apply towards merchandise and accessories.

MA medical marijuana card holders may be eligible for discounted pricing at medical dispensaries only.

Home Delivery

Before July 3, 2021, delivery of marijuana products was limited to medical patients only. Today, delivery options are available for both medical and recreational cannabis users. Several third-party cannabis delivery apps, such as Lantern, are expanding their service areas.

Federal law bans the transportation of marijuana through mail, including via private carriers like FedEx and UPS. Deliveries must be made by a licensed agent wearing a body camera, and two agents must be present in each delivery vehicle. Vehicles can not carry more than $10,000 worth of products at any time. It is illegal to deliver cannabis to public areas such as hotels, libraries, restaurants, college campuses, etc.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Recreational Dispensary

You can still buy potent cannabis products at great prices even if you do not qualify for a MA medical marijuana card. Smyth Cannabis Co. offers the highest quality cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more and industry-leading prices. We also carry a rotating supply of our premium cannabis products, along with products from other local brands.

We are located right off of I-495 in Lowell and have parking available for free onsite. Visit us today!

Aug 03

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Smyth Cannabis Co. Recreational Dispensary in MA

Dos & Don’ts of Visiting a Recreational Dispensary in MA

By Anne-Marie Porreca Dispensaries & Local Info

Dos & Don’ts of Visiting a Recreational Dispensary in MA

Planning a visit to a recreational dispensary in MA? It’s actually a pretty straight forward process. Recreational dispensaries in MA work hard to keep their facilities casual, judgement-free zones while respecting your privacy. Check out these dos & don’ts so you know what to expect at a recreational dispensary in MA!

Located off of 495 in Lowell, MA, Smyth Cannabis Co. is the most popular recreational dispensary near Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

✓ DO: Make Sure Everyone In Your Party is Over 21 Years of Age

Valid medical card holders can buy medical marijuana at age 18. However, a recreational dispensary in MA may only sell to adults over 21 years of age. Anyone under the age of 21 will be denied entry and asked to leave.

✗ DON’T: Bring Your Kids to a Recreational Dispensary in MA

In fact, recreational dispensaries in MA can not legally allow anyone under the age of 21 years old on their premises at all. This includes waiting outside or even staying in the car. So plan on leaving the kids at home or with a trusted sitter during your visit.

✓ DO: Be Prepared to Show Your ID Several Times

You will be asked to show your ID several times during your visit. Most likely, each individual employee you talk to will ask to see it.

Out-of-state customers are welcome to purchase from any recreational dispensary in MA with a valid, government-issued ID. (Subject to the store manager’s discretion) Customers are responsible for following all laws regulating the transport of cannabis across state lines.

✗ DON’T: Rely on Your Credit Card

At this time, credit card transactions are not permitted for the purchase of cannabis products or accessories. Most retailers do accept debit cards, but additional fees will apply. CanPay is a mobile debit card app for dispensary purchases without any additional charges. Find a retailer near you that accepts CanPay here.

Recreational dispensaries in MA cannot legally accept payments online. You’ll have to pay for your online order in person at the time of pickup or delivery.

✓ DO: Bring Cash

You’ll find an ATM at just about every recreational dispensary in MA. But you should arrive with cash in advance to avoid running into any technical issues with the ATM and paying additional withdrawal fees.

✗ DON’T: Get “Sticker Shocked” by MA Recreational Dispensary Prices

It is important to keep in mind that unless otherwise advertised, the prices you see at a MA recreational dispensary probably do not include taxes. While medical weed sales do not incur any hefty taxes, the taxes on recreation sales add up to be approximately 20%.

In addition to the standard 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax, expect an additional marijuana excise tax of 10.75%, plus a local tax of up to 3% that will vary based on city.

✓ DO: Put Smyth Cannabis Co. in Lowell, MA on Your List of Dispensaries to Visit

Conveniently located right off of I-495 in Lowell, our dispensary offers the highest quality cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more. Our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders will help you find products you love at industry-leading prices. We carry a rotating selection of our premium cannabis products, along with products from other Massachusetts brands. Parking is available for free onsite. Visit us today!

Jul 08

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Massachusetts Dispensaries | Navigating an MA Dispensary Menu

Massachusetts Dispensaries | Navigating a MA Dispensary Menu

By Anne-Marie Porreca Cannabis 101, Dispensaries & Local Info

Massachusetts Dispensaries | Navigating a MA Dispensary Menu

Located off of 495 in Lowell, MA, Smyth Cannabis Co. is the has the best recreational dispensary menu around Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

Strain Types | MA Dispensary

There are three (or sometimes four) main strain types listed on any given MA dispensary menu. In short, you can pick a strain type based on the desired effects you are looking for.

The first one is indica. Indicas are known for their calming and relaxing effects. Just think of “in da couch.” For example, they’re known to slow you down more than sativa strains and are often used to help consumers sleep.

Next, there is sativa. Are you looking for a head-rush high that will leave you feeling energized, focused and productive? Then we recommend choosing a sativa. Sativas are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. They are associated with more of a “head high” than indica strains.

A hybrid strain is one that has been bred from both an indica and a sativa. As a result, it gives you the best of both worlds. Hybrids are very rarely perfect 50/50 splits and generally produce effects that lean towards either indica or sativa.

Massachusetts MA dispensaries might also list High CBD as another strain type on their menus. High CBD strains are mostly used for medicinal purposes, although their bodily effects can be beneficial to recreational consumers, as well.

Further, you can better understand a strain’s effects by looking more in depth at the cannabinoids and terpenes its contains. But for beginners, the indica/sativa/hybrid model is a quick and easy way to get a basic idea of how a strain will affect you.

Potency & Percentages

Several different percentages are used to describe cannabis products. In general, these percentages give better insight as to how potent or “strong” the product is.

TAC (Total Active Cannabinoids) — To put it simply, TAC represents the concentration, per gram, of all ingredients of the product that have the ability to produce drug-like effects. This even includes those that are not psychoactive.
CBD (Cannabidiol) — This active cannabinoid does not get you “high” but instead yields a calming medicinal effect on the body. A higher concentration of CBD is associated with more of a relaxing “body high.”
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) — This is the cannabinoid responsible for making you feel high. Usually, the higher in THC your product is, the faster and more intensely you will feel the “head high” and other effects. Inexperienced consumers should work their way up gradually before using products very high in THC, to avoid unpleasant side effects like nausea and anxiety.

In conclusion, the goal here is to find a good balance so you can feel good and enjoy the cannabis without getting too high for your comfort level.

Strains Massachusetts Dispensaries

Certainly, most Massachusetts dispensaries boast a variety of strains on their menu. There are some universally well-known strains you might recognize, and oftentimes for good reasons. In addition, there will be several other strains that you will be seeing for the first time. As listed above, strain type and potency are going to be the main factors in helping you choose one that’s right for you.

On the other hand, more experienced consumers may begin to take notice of a strain’s terpene profile. Terpenes are naturally occurring organic compounds found in plants, including cannabis. Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes do not directly contribute to making you feel “high.” However, some terpenes are still considered to be psychoactive because of how they affect your brain. The entourage effect is the theory that terpenes affect the experience of your high. To sum it up, it works like aromatherapy. Scents from different plant-based essential oils can impact a person’s mood. So while they may not directly be responsible for making you feel “high,” they still certainly play a role in the effects you feel from THC.

Pricing

While MA dispensary base prices are usually much lower than you would expect, you might still find yourself “sticker shocked” at the register. Usually, potency is the main factor that Massachusetts dispensaries take into consideration when determining their prices. For example, higher potency products tend to cost more money. However, sometimes you can luck out and find competitive pricing on products that are nearing their expiration date, or may have failed their first round of lab testing.

Next, it is important to note that special sales, deals and other promotions do not apply towards recreational cannabis products. This includes customer rewards and loyalty programs. It is illegal for all Massachusetts dispensaries to offer any happy hours, coupons, BOGO deals or coupons for marijuana sales. Any money off you are given may only be used towards merchandise and accessories.

Lastly, expect to pay about 20% of your recreational marijuana purchase price in taxes. In addition to the standard 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax, there is also a marijuana tax of 10.75%, plus a local tax of up to 3% that varies based on city. On the other hand, medical weed sales are tax exempt because taxes do not apply to medicines in MA.

Top Rated MA Dispensary | Smyth Cannabis Co.

Conveniently located right off of 495 in Lowell, Smyth Cannabis Co. offers the highest quality cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more. Above all, our friendly budtenders go out of their way to help all customers find products they love at industry-leading prices. Additionally, we carry a rotating selection of our premium cannabis products, along with products from other local brands. Parking is available for free onsite. Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. in Lowell today!

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