When shopping for cannabis products, many consumers often feel overwhelmed with the choices available to them. Do they buy their cannabis from a licensed dispensary or a smoke shop? Although both types of businesses serve cannabis users, there are significant differences. In New York City especially, you’ll find legality, product testing, and availability discrepancies.
NYC Dispensaries vs. Smoke Shops: Key Legal Differences
The most notable difference between NYC dispensaries and smoke shops is legality. Within the state, dispensaries must operate under strict regulations. A licensed New York dispensary must follow all laws regarding the sourcing, testing, and selling of any cannabis product. At a dispensary, quality assurance is more of a guarantee. The inventory of a NY licensed dispensary will carry state-approved and lab-tested items that confirm ingredients and potency. Customers have the option to review the testing results of cannabis products before purchasing them at a dispensary.
In comparison, smoke shops tend to sell weed paraphernalia rather than cannabis products. You’re more likely to locate items such as rolling papers, bongs, vapes, and pipes. The smoke shop may also carry a selection of CBD and delta-8 THC products. Unlike a legal dispensary, none of these products are regulated in the same manner. Since the products don’t go through the same quality assurance processes, there are legal and health risks associated with shopping at a smoke shop instead of a dispensary.
Lab-Tested Cannabis vs. Unregulated Products: Safety & Quality in NYC
Under New York laws, dispensaries can only sell lab-tested cannabis products. You’re not allowed to buy untested or unregulated marijuana at a dispensary. Customers know that the products they purchase have gone through third-party testing. As part of the testing, the products get screened for potency to confirm that the labels accurately provide details on cannabinoids in the batch. Product testing results should display cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, in the cannabis. Potency amounts confirm that you’re using a product that will provide the promised effects.
Most importantly, dispensaries are legally required to screen for any contaminants in cannabis products. Screening will check for pesticides and heavy metals. This process ensures customer safety before they ingest any of the cannabis. If you don’t use a regulated business, there’s a risk you could purchase products that contain harmful additives.
Smoke shops are not going to have the same types of product testing policies. While they can carry legitimate products, namely CBD products or hemp-derived THC options, there are no regulations in place to confirm that the ingredients appearing on the label are accurate. You do run the risk of purchasing products that contain additives or a different potency as advertised. Also, testing is rarely done on any accessories sold inside the smoke shop. There’s less regulation for vapes, pipes, bongs, and other items used for weed.
Where to Buy Cannabis in NYC: Dispensary vs. Smoke Shop Product Selection
Another difference is the types of products found at a New York smoke shop versus a New York licensed dispensary. Since weed is legal in New York, you can locate the following products at a dispensary:
- Flower: Flower options at a dispensary have gone through lab testing and will have confirmed THC and CBD levels. The flower is the smokable part of a cannabis product and can be sold in quantities as low as 1/8 ounce. Varieties include indica, hybrid, and sativa strains. The strain you choose depends on your desired effects. As part of transparency, cannabis flower companies will advertise anticipated results after use.
- Pre-rolls: Pre-rolls offer a convenient way to enjoy your favorite weed strains. With a pre-roll, the amount of weed is measured and sealed in rolling papers. Each joint is ready to smoke.
- Edibles: Edibles from a dispensary will have a precise dosing of CBD and THC levels. Examples of edibles include gummies, mints, brownies, and cookies.
- Vapes: Vape carts and disposable pens are also located at dispensaries. The vapes come ready to use with pre-filled cannabis oil. Products are tested at dispensaries, so you can rest assured they will have the advertised amounts of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids in the oil.
- Concentrates: Concentrates at a dispensary include waxes and live resin. The potent extracts are derived from cannabis plants and have high levels of THC and CBD. Due to the potency levels, only a minimal amount is needed at a sitting. Concentrates are typically consumed through dabbing, vapes, or mixing with flower.
- Topicals: Dispensaries may carry a range of non-smokable topical lotions or oils for medical and recreational customers.
Smoke shops tend to focus on selling cannabis accessories and smoking products for tobacco users. Although dispensaries may also carry the following, these are a sampling of what you can typically buy at an unlicensed smoke shop:
- Pipes
- Bongs
- Rolling papers
- Hookahs
- Electronic cigarettes
- Cigars
- Tobacco
- CBD products
- Delta-8 THC products (unregulated)
Why Choose a Licensed NYC Dispensary for Safe, Legal Weed
Although smoke shops can offer access to accessories for tobacco and weed, they don’t provide any assurance of regulated cannabis products. To operate, NY dispensaries need to remain in compliance with state laws. You’ll get to buy lab-tested cannabis with ingredients you can trust.
Dispensaries also hire and train staff members to act as budtenders. Budtenders can answer any questions and advise what products will work based on your preferences, experience level, and health conditions. Budtenders get the training to educate customers on strain types, dosage amounts, and product options. As part of their training, budtenders also ensure compliance while selling any cannabis on-site.
Find a Licensed Cannabis Dispensary in Brooklyn, NYC
Check out Bud City in Brooklyn if you’re looking for a licensed dispensary in New York. Our expert team is dedicated to providing a safe and reliable experience for everyone who walks through the shop doors. Our budtenders can assist you in finding the right product, whether you’re visiting for recreational or medical use. Open daily, we also provide special pricing on all your favorite flower, edibles, pre-rolls, and more. Contact us today to learn more!
