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Cannabis Delivery vs. In-Store Shopping: Which Option Is Best for You?

February 17, 2025

Now that weed is legal in Massachusetts and has seen such a burst of popularity, more dispensaries are opening than ever before. As they seek to stay at the top of the industry, it’s becoming common for a Boston dispensary to offer delivery on top of the stock they keep on the shelves.

But is there a difference between getting cannabis delivered and picking it up in the dispensary yourself? As it turns out, there are some big differences between the two! While you can usually purchase the same products, whether you buy them for delivery or in-store, everything else is pretty different.

Here are some things to keep in mind about cannabis delivery vs. in-store shopping so you know which option is best for you.

What to Know About Cannabis Delivery

Cannabis delivery is available via a dispensary’s online shop. By placing an order, you can request that weed be delivered directly to your address according to your specifications. Alternatively, some dispensaries offer transport services themselves: think Doordash but for cannabis.

While many weed dispensaries maintain an online presence, keep in mind that you’ll need to buy from stores in Massachusetts. Transporting cannabis across state lines is still illegal. It’s always a good thing to shop local anyway!

smiling man in cannabis dispensary with jars

In-Store Shopping Know-How

The other option is to go in-store to a dispensary. Most locations have a wide selection on display, so you can wander the store to see what’s in stock. Budtenders often stand ready to answer customer questions and provide assistance. Once you have made your purchase, the store is no longer responsible for the product, and you will need to transport it yourself.

The Pros and Cons

Both shopping in-person and online have advantages and disadvantages. The weed quality is generally the same (unless you leave your package out in the rain for a day!), so it’s best to think about other factors.

Delivery

There are many great things about ordering cannabis for delivery. You don’t have to go out and deal with the time commitment of going to a dispensary, worrying about parking or public transit, and waiting in line.

If the dispensary is closed, it’s no problem; just place an order, and it will ship as soon as possible. This also helps you to be a bit more fiscally savvy since you can look at the exact total of your order before committing to the purchase.

However, delivery isn’t for everyone. You don’t get to see the product before you buy it, and you’re entirely on your own; if you have questions, the best you may get is an email address to use for inquiries.

This can take more time than simply going into a store, and even the fastest delivery services will still take at least a day or two. In addition, you might open your package to discover that you received the wrong product or are missing something entirely. So, the convenience of delivery is mitigated by the potential issues that could arise from the lack of in-person contact.

In-store

Visiting a cannabis dispensary is a fun pastime for many weed enthusiasts. Something about the environment is especially appealing, whether that’s being alongside like-minded people or just embracing the fresh air of getting out of the house.

Budtenders in dispensaries are available to answer your questions on the spot, and their advice often goes beyond simple Q&As. In fact, they might be able to point you toward strains you’ll like based on the information you share. When you’ve made your selection, you can walk out of the store with your product in hand, and there is no need to wait.

On the other hand, visiting a store offers some challenges. You’ll need to get there, which is not necessarily easy for everyone. Once you’ve arrived, you might find that there’s a line or all the budtenders are occupied.

The variety of products can be overwhelming, and you don’t have as many options to sort through the selection as you might online. Due to the difficult relationships between many dispensaries and financial institutions, it’s common for dispensaries to only accept cash.

medicinal buds of various cannabis strains in jars

Visit Our Boston Dispensary to Explore New Strains

Whether you are new to cannabis or someone who’s partaken for years, the modernization of the industry is leading to new options, such as online ordering. While some people enjoy the in-person interaction, others prefer the convenience of delivery.

If you’re not sure which one is right for you, we recommend heading to a Boston dispensary in person first to see if it’s a good fit. The budtenders at Pure Oasis can help you find the products that work best for you, and we even have a rewards program for those who like to visit often. Stop by Pure Oasis to see if the dispensary environment is right for you!

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