Buying from a licensed dispensary means your products are lab-tested, accurately labeled, and legal. Unlicensed shops can look convincing — here’s how to find the real thing.

Why licensed matters

Safety: licensed products are tested for potency, pesticides, and contaminants.
Accurate labeling: the THC/CBD on the label is verified.
Legal protection: you’re buying within the law.
Recourse: licensed shops answer to regulators.

How to verify a dispensary is licensed

Look for a government licence or authorization number displayed in-store or online.
Check for an official “licensed retailer” decal (common in Canada).
Confirm the shop appears on your state or province’s official retailer list.
Be wary of no ID checks, cash-only with no receipts, or prices that seem too low.

Ways to find dispensaries near you

Search by location — enter your city or postal code on a directory.
Filter by what you need — delivery, deals, recreational, or medical.
Read reviews and check hours before you go.

What to check before visiting

Verified hours (so you don’t arrive after close).
Menu and prices.
Payment methods (cash, debit).
First-time customer deals.

Dispensaries Guide lists only licensed retailers, with verified hours, menus, and reviews. Find a licensed dispensary near you — across the U.S. and Canada.