Before states legalized cannabis, people went to their dealers to get their stash. You could have had some options to choose from, but you wouldn’t have been able to trace their origins properly. It would have been just as likely for you to get a good batch as it was to end up with something incredibly low in quality. Aren’t you glad that you can get dank legal bud these days?

 legal bud

With state legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, you have access to lab-tested cannabis. Dispensaries can provide you with a vast array of dank legal bud selections. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between legal and black market bud — and why you should always opt for what’s available in licensed dispensaries. 

What Is Black Market Bud?

By definition, black market bud is any cannabis product that’s bought and sold illegally. Black market bud can likely be found in states where cannabis use is illegal, but it could also be available where cannabis use is allowed.

Sellers put these illicit products on websites, sell them on the streets, or even operate illegal dispensaries that don’t meet state regulations. Black market bud typically comes from unlawful suppliers, too. If you choose to purchase products like this, remember that you won’t be able to verify how the cannabis is grown or it’s been tainted with any chemicals. 

What Is Dank Legal Bud?

Legal bud includes cannabis that’s grown, processed, and sold in accordance with state and local regulations. You can only get them at licensed dispensaries in states where cannabis use is allowed.

Many dispensaries will have a vast array of options available. You’ll encounter all manner of dank bud, vapes, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and more. You’ll also have access to knowledgeable budtenders who can help you find the right products for your specific needs.

When purchasing legal cannabis, you and the seller must abide by rules and regulations. You have to be a certain age to buy, and often you can have only so much at a time. You also have to pay taxes on all of your purchases. In the state of California, there’s a 15% tax.

What Are the Best Reasons to Shop at a Legal Dispensary?

You might be wondering why you should buy legal bud when there are so many rules and regulations — and higher price points, too.

Those regulations ensure that you get safe, high-quality cannabis products every single time. You want tab-tested products with complete information on their labels. At legal dispensaries, you’ll always know the potency and terpene profile of the product you’re purchasing — as well as the actual source of the cannabis.

Products sold in dispensaries also go through rigorous testing to check for pesticides, fungicides, and other harmful chemicals. It might seem like a hassle to buy cannabis legally. But if you’re guaranteed safety and quality with each purchase, wouldn’t the hassle be worth it?  

Buying black market bud can be tempting. It’s often cheaper — and you don’t have to worry about added tax. However, you won’t know where it came from or even if it’s safe to use. You’d also be breaking the law. For high-quality dank legal bud, you should always shop at legal dispensaries.