What Do Dispensaries Sell? Complete Guide to Legal Cannabis

Dispensaries sell cannabis flower, edibles, concentrates, vape cartridges, CBD products, and topicals,  each with different effects, onset times, and consumption methods. Understanding these product categories helps you choose the right cannabis experience for your needs.

A dispensary is essentially a specialized retail store: think of it like a pharmacy or liquor store, but for cannabis products. These licensed businesses operate under strict state regulations and sell various forms of marijuana to adults 21 and older (plus medical patients with cards). 

The shelves are lined with glass jars full of different cannabis flower strains, refrigerated cases containing edibles like gummies and chocolates, display cases showcasing concentrates and vape cartridges, and sections dedicated to CBD products that won't get you high at all.

If you are new to this world, here are some fundamental facts to get you started:

• Dispensaries evolved from medical origins to serve both medical and recreational markets
• Cannabis flower remains the foundation of the offer and the most sought after product
• Edibles provide long-lasting effects but require different dosing strategies
• Concentrates offer potent experiences for more experienced cannabis users
• CBD products deliver therapeutic benefits without psychoactive effects

Elevated is one of the premier dispensaries in Montana, growing 70 hand-picked cannabis strains entirely in-house. That allows us to maintain complete quality control from seed to sale. Our extensive flower selection includes options for pain management, stress relief, and recreational enjoyment across all our 18 locations.

Choosing the wrong cannabis product can lead to disappointing or overwhelming experiences. Keep reading to discover which products match your specific wellness goals.

What Is a Dispensary? Legal Status and Market Role



A dispensary is a licensed retail establishment where consumers can legally purchase cannabis products under state regulations. These businesses serve as the bridge between licensed cannabis cultivators and consumers, offering everything from traditional flower to modern concentrates and edibles. 

From Medical Origins to Recreational Markets

Cannabis dispensaries originated in the medical marijuana sector, initially serving patients with qualifying conditions under strict state programs. Montana's medical cannabis program began in 2004, establishing the foundation for today's regulated market.

The landscape expanded significantly when recreational cannabis became legal. Montana voters approved adult-use cannabis in 2020, allowing dispensaries to serve both medical patients and recreational consumers aged 21 and older. This dual market approach means dispensaries now cater to a broader range of needs and preferences.

Federal vs. State Legal Framework in Montana

Cannabis operates in a complex legal environment where state and federal laws conflict. While cannabis remains federally illegal, Montana state law permits both medical and recreational use under specific regulations.

Key aspects of Montana's legal framework include:

• Licensed dispensaries must operate under strict state oversight
• Products require mandatory lab testing for safety and potency
• Inventory tracking systems monitor cannabis from seed to sale
• Local jurisdictions can impose additional regulations or opt out entirely

Why Licensed Dispensaries Are Safer Than Street Dealers

Licensed dispensaries provide significant safety advantages over illegal sources:

• Product Testing and Quality Control All dispensary products undergo mandatory laboratory testing for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbials. Our in-house cultivation allows us to maintain quality control from seed to sale, ensuring consistent, safe products.
• Accurate Labeling and Dosing Licensed products include precise cannabinoid profiles, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about potency and effects. Street products lack this crucial information.
• Professional Guidance Knowledgeable budtenders provide education about different product types, consumption methods, and appropriate dosing. We prioritize customer education over sales, helping you find products that match your specific needs.
• Legal Protection Purchasing from licensed dispensaries protects consumers from legal consequences while supporting legitimate businesses that contribute to local communities and tax revenue.

Cannabis Flower: The Foundation of Dispensary Products

When people ask what dispensaries sell, cannabis flower is typically the first product that comes to mind. It's the dried, cured buds of the cannabis plant and remains the most popular choice for both new and experienced users. At our Montana locations, we hand-pick and grow over 70 strains in-house, giving you access to fresh, quality-controlled flower that's been carefully cultivated right here in Big Sky Country.

What's the Real Difference Between Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid?

The sativa versus indica debate has been oversimplified for decades. While many people believe sativas provide energy and indicas cause couch-lock, the reality is more nuanced.

Sativa strains traditionally come from warmer climates and tend to have:

• Higher concentrations of limonene and pinene terpenes
• THC-to-CBD ratios that may promote alertness
• Effects that many users describe as uplifting

Indica strains originated in cooler, mountainous regions and often feature:

• Higher levels of myrcene and linalool terpenes
• Cannabinoid profiles that may support relaxation
• Physical effects that users commonly find calming

Hybrid strains combine genetics from both categories, offering:

• Balanced terpene profiles
• Customized effects based on the specific parent strains
• The most variety in terms of potential benefits

Why THC Percentage Isn't Everything

The cannabis industry's obsession with high THC percentages misses the bigger picture. A 15% THC strain with the right terpene profile can provide better effects than a 25% THC flower with poor genetics.

Terpenes create the real magic:

• Myrcene promotes relaxation and may enhance THC absorption
• Limonene supports mood elevation and stress relief
• Pinene may improve focus and memory retention
• Linalool offers calming properties similar to lavender

We focus on the entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create your desired experience. Our in-house cultivation allows us to preserve these delicate compounds through proper curing and handling, ensuring you get the full spectrum of benefits from each strain.

Edibles: Long-Lasting Cannabis Without Smoking

When people ask what do dispensaries sell beyond traditional flower, edibles consistently rank as the most popular alternative. These cannabis-infused products offer a smoke-free experience that appeals to health-conscious consumers and those seeking longer-lasting effects.

Why Do Edibles Feel So Different From Smoking?

Edibles create a fundamentally different experience because of how your body processes them. When you smoke cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream through your lungs within minutes. With edibles, THC travels through your digestive system and liver, converting into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound that produces stronger, longer-lasting effects.

This process explains why edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, but then last 4-8 hours compared to smoking's 1-3 hour duration. The delayed onset catches many newcomers off guard, leading to the classic mistake of taking more before the first dose takes effect.

Start Low, Go Slow: The Golden Rule for Edibles

Montana dispensaries recommend starting with 2.5-5mg of THC for beginners. This conservative approach prevents overwhelming experiences that can discourage new users. Even experienced smokers should start low with edibles since the liver's conversion process creates different effects.

Here's a practical dosing guide:

• Beginners: 2.5mg THC, wait 2 hours before considering more
• Occasional users: 5-10mg THC
• Regular users: 10-20mg THC
• Experienced users: 20mg+ THC

Montana's Largest Edible Selection Goes Beyond Gummies

While gummies dominate most dispensary shelves, we offer Montana's most diverse edible selection from our in-house bakery. Our award-winning edibles include chocolates, baked goods, beverages, and specialty items that provide consistent dosing and superior taste.

Our bakery-quality production ensures each edible contains precisely measured THC and CBD levels, verified through third-party lab testing. This consistency matters because homemade edibles often have uneven distribution, creating unpredictable experiences.

Popular edible categories include:

• Gummies and candies: Easy dosing, discreet, long shelf life
• Chocolates: Faster onset due to fat content, premium experience
• Baked goods: Familiar comfort foods with cannabis benefits
• Beverages: Quick onset, easy to control dosing
• Capsules: Precise dosing, no taste, pharmaceutical-style consistency

The key advantage of dispensary edibles over homemade versions is consistent potency and safety testing, ensuring you know exactly what you're consuming every time.

Cannabis Concentrates: Potent Products for Experienced Users

Cannabis concentrates represent the most potent products that dispensaries sell, containing significantly higher THC levels than traditional flower. These concentrated forms of cannabis require specialized knowledge and consumption methods, making them better suited for experienced users who understand their tolerance levels.

Which Types of Concentrates Are Available?

Rosin is created using heat and pressure without chemical solvents, resulting in a clean, amber-colored concentrate that preserves the plant's natural terpene profile. This solventless extraction method produces a premium product that many consider the gold standard of concentrates.

Shatter gets its name from its glass-like consistency that can literally shatter when dropped. This concentrate is made using butane extraction and typically contains 70-90% THC, making it one of the most potent options available.

Live resin is extracted from fresh-frozen cannabis plants rather than dried flower, preserving more terpenes and creating a more flavorful experience. The process captures the plant's full chemical profile at harvest, resulting in enhanced taste and effects.

Why Concentrates Require Different Consumption Methods

Concentrates require specialized consumption methods because their thick, sticky consistency and extreme potency make standard smoking techniques ineffective and potentially wasteful.

Most concentrates require:

• Dab rigs with heated surfaces (nails or bangers) that vaporize the concentrate
• Vape pens specifically designed for concentrates with appropriate temperature controls
• E-nails that maintain consistent temperatures for optimal vaporization

The consumption method directly affects the experience. Dabbing provides immediate, intense effects, while concentrate vape pens offer more controlled dosing.

When to Consider Switching from Flower

Consider concentrates if you've built tolerance to flower and need stronger effects for medical conditions. Patients managing severe chronic pain or other serious symptoms often find concentrates more effective than traditional flower.

However, concentrates aren't suitable for beginners. Start this journey only after you're completely comfortable with flower's effects and understand your tolerance levels.

At our Montana locations, we carry premium concentrates including solventless rosin and live resin products. Our budtenders provide detailed consultations about concentrate selection, proper consumption methods, and dosing guidelines to ensure safe, effective experiences for qualified users.

Vape Cartridges: Discreet and Convenient Cannabis

Vape cartridges represent one of the most popular products that dispensaries sell today, offering precise dosing and discreet consumption for both new and experienced users. These pre-filled cartridges contain concentrated cannabis oil and attach to battery-powered vape pens for easy, on-the-go use.

How Do Distillate Cartridges Work?

Distillate cartridges contain highly refined cannabis oil that's been processed to remove plant matter, leaving behind pure cannabinoids and sometimes added terpenes. When you activate the battery, it heats a small coil inside the cartridge, vaporizing the oil for inhalation.

The process is simple:

• Attach the cartridge to a compatible battery
• Press the button (or simply inhale on draw-activated models)
• The heating element vaporizes the oil
• Inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece

Most cartridges use 510-thread connections, making them compatible with standard vape batteries. The oil typically contains 70-90% THC, making it significantly more potent than flower.

Why Controlled Dosing Matters for New Users

Vape cartridges excel at providing consistent, measurable doses compared to other consumption methods. Each puff delivers a predictable amount of cannabinoids, allowing you to start small and gradually increase until you find your ideal effect.

Start with these dosing guidelines:

• Take one small puff and wait 15 minutes
• Effects typically begin within 2-5 minutes
• Increase gradually with additional small puffs if needed
• Avoid taking multiple large draws immediately

We've found that many customers appreciate cartridges because they eliminate guesswork. Unlike edibles with delayed onset or flower with variable potency, vapes provide immediate feedback about your dosage.

Quality and Safety Standards You Should Expect

Not all vape cartridges meet the same safety standards, making it crucial to purchase from licensed dispensaries that require lab testing. Quality cartridges undergo testing for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and potency verification.

Red flags to avoid:

• Cartridges from unlicensed sources
• Unusually thick or thin oil consistency
• Strong chemical odors or harsh taste
• Lack of lab testing information

At our Montana locations, we only carry cartridges that pass comprehensive safety testing and come from reputable manufacturers. Our budtenders can explain the testing results and help you choose cartridges that match your desired effects and quality expectations.

Quality cartridges use food-grade materials and avoid harmful additives like vitamin E acetate, which has been linked to serious lung injuries in black market products.

CBD Products: Cannabis Benefits Without the High

CBD products often surprise newcomers who didn't realize you could get cannabis benefits without feeling intoxicated. CBD (cannabidiol) offers therapeutic effects like pain relief, reduced anxiety, and better sleep without the psychoactive "high" that comes from THC.

How Do CBD and THC Effects Actually Differ?



THC directly activates your brain's CB1 receptors, creating euphoria, altered perception, and that classic "stoned" feeling. CBD works differently by influencing your endocannabinoid system indirectly, providing therapeutic benefits while keeping you clear-headed and functional.

Here's what you can expect when you take CBD products in any format:

CBD Effects:

• Reduced inflammation and pain
• Calmer anxiety without sedation
• Better sleep quality
• Muscle relaxation
• Mental clarity maintained

Who Benefits Most from CBD-Only Products?

CBD works exceptionally well for people who need cannabis benefits during work hours or daily activities. We see great results with customers managing chronic pain, anxiety disorders, or inflammation who can't afford to feel impaired.

Perfect candidates include:

• Working professionals dealing with stress
• Seniors managing arthritis or sleep issues
• Athletes recovering from workouts
• People sensitive to THC's psychoactive effects
• Anyone needing daytime symptom relief

Should You Choose Full-Spectrum or CBD Isolate?

Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC (under 0.3%) plus other cannabinoids and terpenes, creating what's called the "entourage effect" where compounds work together for enhanced benefits. CBD isolate is pure CBD with everything else removed.

Choose Full-Spectrum When:

• You want maximum therapeutic potential
• You're not subject to drug testing
• You've tried isolate without sufficient relief

Choose CBD Isolate When:

• You undergo regular drug testing
• You're extremely sensitive to THC
• You prefer predictable, consistent effects

At our Montana locations, we carry both options and help customers find the right CBD concentration and format. Our budtenders can explain how different CBD products work and recommend starting doses based on your specific wellness goals.

Find Your Perfect Cannabis Products

Walking into a dispensary for the first time can feel overwhelming with dozens of products competing for your attention. Without proper guidance, newcomers often make costly mistakes like choosing products that are too strong or don't match their wellness goals.

That’s why Elevated doesn’t leave you out on an island. We employ knowledgeable budtenders who specialize in educating first-time customers about product selection and proper dosing. With their assistance, you can pick your cannabis products with confidence.

Visit your nearest Elevated location today and let our friendly staff guide you through our comprehensive product selection to find exactly what matches your needs and experience level.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and individual results may vary. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using cannabis products, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking prescription medications.



All cannabis products sold by Elevated are tested by state-licensed Montana laboratories for quality and compliance. Must be 21+ to purchase recreational cannabis, or a registered cardholder for medical products. Consume responsibly and in accordance with Montana state laws.