Alaska was one of the first states in the country to legalize recreational cannabis use, back in 2014. Ever since then, Alaska visitors and residents alike have enjoyed the freedom to purchase and use cannabis products to their hearts’ content.

But while marijuana is completely legal in Alaska, it’s important to keep in mind that not all cannabis dispensaries are created equal. If you are looking for a marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska, you’ll want to be sure to do your homework first.

Read on for some tips to keep in mind when looking for a cannabis dispensary in Anchorage.

Reviews and Location

Obviously, you don’t want to have to go too far out of your way when looking for a cannabis dispensary. So if you’re browsing online for a marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, try searching “cannabis near me,” so that only local results come up in your search.

Next, it’s time to look at reviews. There are plenty of helpful review sites out there that cater specifically to cannabis users and should be easy to find with a search.

You can also look for testimonials on each dispensary’s website. That might give you a better idea of the specific products and services that each Anchorage cannabis dispensary has to offer.

Products and Selection

Are you looking for pre-rolled joints or flower you can smoke with a pipe or bomb? What about concentrates, CBD products, or edibles? And will you need any glassware, grinders, or other accessories to go with your weed?

Before you can find the best marijuana dispensary in Anchorage for you, you’ll need to ask yourself these questions.

Knowing which products you’re looking for will help you narrow your search, as different dispensaries specialize in different things. There are also some top-notch dispensaries that offer a broad selection of products and brands—when in doubt, go to one of these dispensaries.

What’s the Price?

Are you on a budget, or are you looking for fine, premium cannabis products?

Some dispensaries cater to budget shoppers who are looking for good deals on cheap eighths or quarters. Other dispensaries take pride in offering only organic, high-percentage flower that has the best taste and smell—and that comes at a price.

Depending on how much cash is in your bank account, you may want one or the other. If you’d prefer to browse a selection of both bargains and top-shelf products, you can also look for a dispensary that offers a full slate of price points.

Friendliest Marijuana Dispensary in Anchorage

Product selection, price, location, and reviews are all important factors to consider when choosing an Alaska cannabis dispensary. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable shopping for cannabis, and the budtenders are kind and knowledgeable.

A “good atmosphere” is a hard thing to define, and it varies based on your own personal preference. But there’s a good chance you’ll know it when you see and feel it.

For example, some cannabis users value an experience in which their budtenders go to great lengths to find the perfect new strain for them to try. Others are looking for a dispensary that’s quick and easy, and where the best strains have already been selected for them.

But when it comes right down to it, your cannabis shopping experience should feel like any other experience: The decor should be inviting, the staff should be friendly and accommodating, the product selection and pricing should be easy to navigate, and you should leave happy with your purchase.

If you go to a cannabis dispensary and don’t get that experience, then you shouldn’t feel pressured to make a purchase out of obligation or come back again. Cannabis use is supposed to be about relieving stress—so don’t create more stress for yourself by shopping at a subpar dispensary!

Ask Your Friend

Do you have friends in Alaska who also enjoy using marijuana? If so, you ought to ask them which dispensaries they like using. After all, if you and your friend have similar interests, then there’s a good chance you will have similar tastes in dispensaries.

But what if you’re just visiting Anchorage? In that case, you might not have a friend to ask—but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a personal recommendation.

The culture in Alaska is, for the most part, “live and let live.” There isn’t too much of a stigma against cannabis use here, unlike what you might experience in the Lower 48.

That means you can feel free to ask your hotel clerk, tour guide, or restaurant server for a dispensary recommendation. There’s a good chance that they will be happy to point you in the right direction!

Don’t Forget

If you’ve never been to a marijuana dispensary in Anchorage before, here are a few quick tips to make sure the trip is successful.

You must be 21 or older to legally obtain cannabis in Alaska—so if you’re under 21, tough luck. Make sure you bring an officially, government-issued form of ID with you when you’re making your purchase.

You should also bring plenty of cash, as not all dispensaries accept credit cards.

Keep in mind that just because cannabis use is legal in Alaska, your hotel or vacation rental may have its own policies against smoking. If you’re unsure about where to smoke, consider buying an edible or other smoke-free product instead.

And remember: If you don’t know, ask! Most budtenders will be happy to explain how something works or recommend a new strain, edible, or piece of glassware for you to try.

Here to Help

If you are looking for a helpful, friendly marijuana dispensary in Anchorage with a wide range of products and price points, we hope you will stop by AKGLD. We take pride in selling quality cannabis products and helping our customers find the best picks for them.

We hope to see you soon!