What to Bring to a Dispensary in California: A 2025 Guide to First-timers, Tourists, and Foreigners

So you’re finally ready to hit a dispensary in California. Maybe for the first time, maybe not. Either way, congrats. You’re officially about to shop for weed like an adult instead of texting “u up?” to your flaky plug.

But before you head over to your favorite cannabis dispensary, let’s make sure you don’t roll in clueless. A first-time visitor, a tourist, or someone just tryna legally purchase some flower? Here’s what you actually need to bring and what NOT to do unless you want a security guard giving you side-eye.

First Things First: Bring a Valid ID (Seriously, Don’t Forget)

Look, you can’t buy legal recreational cannabis in California unless you’re at least 21 and the dispensary will card you at the door. No ID, no entry. Doesn’t matter if you look 40 and smell like Cookies.

See the official list of California legal requirements.

What counts as valid ID when buying weed:

• A current driver’s license
• A state-issued ID card
• A passport (yep, foreign ones work too)
• A medical marijuana card if you’re under 21 and here for healing, not high-ing

Expired ID? Fake ID? Borrowed your cousin’s license? That’s a no. Dispensaries in California follow strict rules. They’re not trying to lose their license because you “forgot it at home.”

How to Pay: It’s Not Like Target

Here’s where it gets funky: even though weed is legal in California, it’s still illegal at the federal level, which means the usual swipe-your-card situation? Not happening.

Your options:

• Cash — always works
• Debit card — some shops take it, but you might get hit with a small fee
• On-site ATM — most dispensaries got one

Pro tip: Hit up your bank ATM before you show up. Save that $3 “convenience” fee for something that’s actually convenient.

Also, credit cards? Don’t even try it. They’ll laugh you out the lobby.

What It’s Like Inside a Dispensary (So You Don’t Panic)

If you’ve never been inside a dispensary, relax – it’s not some back-alley vibe. Think boutique wine store meets super chill Apple Store… but for THC.

Here’s how it usually goes down:

1. You walk in, flash your ID at the front, sometimes to a security guard who lowkey looks like he lifts for fun.
2. You wait a sec (some places queue, some let you wander in).
3. You get paired with a budtender, basically your weed sensei.
4. You browse all the goodies: flower, edibles, CBD drops, vapes, maybe even a 1000mg monster bar you’ll never finish.
5. Ask questions. Budtenders live for this. Want a strain that won’t knock you out but chills your anxiety? Ask.
6. Make your purchase, get your goodies sealed up in a state-approved container, and float on home.

Keep in mind: You won’t be able to smoke, sample, or even consume anything on-site. Dispensaries are retail, not lounges. Don’t light up in the parking lot either unless you like awkward conversations with law enforcement.

Out-of-Towners & International Visitors — Can You Cop?

Yes, absolutely. If you’re a tourist, you can legally buy recreational weed in California as long as you’re 21+ with a valid government-issued ID.

You don’t need to be a resident. You don’t need a California card. You just need to:

• Prove you’re 21
• Follow California cannabis purchase limits (up to one ounce of flower or 8 grams of concentrates per day)
• Keep your goodies in California — because once you cross state lines or try flying with it, it’s illegal at the federal level

That includes edibles, vapes, CBD, doesn’t matter if it’s for pain relief or just vibes. If it’s got THC, leave it behind.

What to Wear & How to Act (a.k.a. Don’t Be Weird)

Dress Code? Chill.

You don’t need to show up in tie-dye and cargo shorts (unless that’s your thing). Just be clean, comfy, and don’t smell like regret from last night’s party.

Vibes? Respectful.

• Say what’s up to your budtender
• Don’t yell or act like you’re on TikTok live
• Dispensaries prohibit photography in many cases. Privacy is a big deal
• Don’t ask for a “sample” like you’re at Costco, that’s not legal

You’re here to legally buy weed, not shoot a music video. Be cool. Ask questions. Learn. Enjoy.

What NOT to Do (Weed Rookie Mistakes)

• DO NOT show up without ID
• DO NOT bring credit cards. They won’t work
• DO NOT bring kids. Nope. Minors aren’t allowed in recreational shops
• DO NOT try to “test” THC content on-site. This isn’t a tasting room. And as I’ve mentioned, it’s illegal.

What You’ll Find on the Menu (And What to Expect)

Most cannabis dispensaries in California have a live online menu and you can usually pre-order or browse before showing up.

Expect to see:

• Indicas, sativas, hybrids – broken down by strain, effect, and THC/CBD levels
• Edibles: gummies, cookies, drinks, just don’t eat the whole bag (trust me)
• Flower: by the gram, eighth, quarter, etc.
• Vape carts, concentrates, tinctures, and CBD for the mellow folks

Budtenders can help you figure out what’ll give you a light buzz vs. what’ll have you staring at your cat for 2 hours straight. Wanna show up like a pro on your first visit? Peep our Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis so solid, your budtender might think you’re just pretending to be new. (Oscar-worthy performance, honestly.)

In Vallejo? Come Through.

If you’re rolling through Vallejo or call it home, we got you.

Vallejo Relief Center is your go-to cannabis dispensary for:

• First-timers who don’t want to feel dumb
• Tourists trying to shop safely
• Locals who know what’s up

We’ve got:

• An on-site ATM
• A staff full of chill, smart budtenders
• A constantly updated online menu
• Daily deals and monthly promos
• No judgment, just good weed and good vibes

Check our live cannabis dispensary menu here →

Final Checklist Before You Pull Up

• Valid ID (21+ or MMJ card if under)
• Cash or debit (expect a fee)
• No kiddos, no credit cards, no funny business
• Chill attitude and a few questions to ask
• Leave your stash in Cali: No flying with flower

TL;DR: If You’ve Got an ID and Some Cash, You’re Set

Buying legal recreational weed in California is easy, if you’re prepared. Bring your ID, have your payment ready, show some respect, and don’t act like a narc. You’ll walk out with exactly what you need: CBD for stress, a THC-packed edible, or just a chill strain to pass the time.

We’ll see you soon.