This post was written by guest writer Nike John, founder of The Heritage Club, a Black woman-owned and operated Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary with its first location in Charlestown, Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, residents and visitors are lucky to be able to tap into the legal cannabis market for both medical and recreational use. However, there is so much to know when familiarizing yourself with the Massachusetts cannabis market before you make your first cannabis purchase.

Follow this guide below to make sure your cannabis experience in Massachusetts is a fun and safe one:

1. Know the laws. Although it's legal, there are certain regulations and restrictions in place, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the local laws. Similar to liquor laws, for recreational use, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase and possess cannabis products. It is illegal to consume cannabis in any form - smoking, vaping, or eating - in public. If you are a visitor, it is illegal to drive across state lines with any kind of marijuana product.

2. Find a quality, licensed dispensary that aligns with your vibe. First and foremost, look for licensed dispensaries in Boston that are authorized to sell cannabis products. This is absolutely essential for safe consumption! Ensure that the dispensary you choose is reputable, has good reviews, and offers a quality selection of brands and products. Depending on your experience with cannabis, you may want to find a dispensary that can help you learn about and find the best products that fit your needs. Smaller dispensaries like The Heritage Club have professional budtenders to help guide new and avid users. If you’re looking for convenience or want to preview the selection before going to a store, search online or use mobile applications (shoutout to Weedmaps!) to find dispensaries near your location. Most importantly, pick a dispensary that matches your vibe and cares about the plant itself.

3. Research or consult with a professional on product types. Consider the types of product you're interested in, such as flower (dried cannabis), edibles (like chocolates, candies, etc.), concentrates, or topicals. These will all impact your mind or body in a different way, so it's important to know how flower will interact versus an edible.

4. Educate yourself on cannabis strains. There are hundreds of cannabis strains on the market, with new weed strains being developed all the time. Each strain has its own unique qualities, but you can get an idea of how it will feel from how the strain is categorized. The budtenders should be able to share some more insight, but for example, a strain like “Grease Monkey” would be described as a hybrid strain described as euphoric, sleepy, relaxed.

5. Prep for your dispensary visit. After you’ve selected a dispensary to visit and done your research, pack a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify your age and identity. Also remember to respect the rules and regulations of the dispensary, including any limits on the quantity of cannabis you can purchase.

6. Consult with the Budtender. The dispensary's staff aka budtenders are knowledgeable about different cannabis products. Explain your needs, preferences, and any concerns you may have to the budtender. They can guide you in selecting the right strain, dosage, or consumption method based on your desired experience.

7. Enjoy responsibly! And remember cannabis consumption is not allowed in public spaces and to always consume safely and respectfully! Also be mindful of the potential effects on your mental and physical state.

Some other important things to remember:

• Choose dispensaries that prioritize quality and safety. Look for products that have been tested by independent laboratories to ensure accurate labeling and absence of contaminants.

• Cannabis products can vary in price depending on the strain, potency, and type of product. Keep in mind that higher prices don't always guarantee better quality.

• If you're new to cannabis, start with low dosages and gradually increase as you become familiar with its effects on your body.

• Remember that edibles may have a delayed onset, so be patient and avoid consuming more if you don't feel the effects immediately.