These days, cannabis dispensaries are becoming increasingly common in many states. If you've recently received your medical marijuana card or if you live in a state that has even legalized marijuana, you may be planning your first visit to a cannabis dispensary. Before you show up, there are a few things you should know.

Be Prepared to Pay Cash

For the most part, cannabis dispensaries are still required by law to accept payment via cash only, so be sure to bring enough cash with you to buy what you need. Some dispensaries will have ATMs available so you can take cash out using a debit card, but depending on your bank's policies, you may incur additional fees this way. Before you arrive at the dispensary of your choosing, it's not a bad idea to give them a call and find out what their accepted forms of payment are so you can prepare.

Bring Your Medical Card, If Required

If you're buying from a dispensary that provides medicinal marijuana in a state that has not legalized recreational use, keep in mind that you'll need to provide a valid medical marijuana card. Be aware that in many states, these cards are only good for up to a year before they need to be renewed by a doctor, so you'll want to check and make sure that yours is valid. Be sure to bring another form of ID as well, such as a driver's license or state ID.

Wait Your Turn

Many states still have laws that require cannabis dispensaries to work with just one customer at a time. This means that when you arrive, you may need to take a number and wait in a lobby for your turn to be helped. Plan ahead by bringing something to keep you occupied as you wait, and expect to spend at least an hour at the dispensary.

Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions

While the people who run cannabis dispensaries aren't always experts, they should at least be able to tell you some basic information about the strain you're looking at. You should also be able to ask to smell a sample of any cannabis before you make a purchase, so don't hesitate to ask.

These are just a few of the basics to keep in mind when it comes to planning for your first trip to a cannabis dispensary. From there, you can feel more confident moving forward with your visit!