Ascend Cannabis Dispensary in Rochelle Park was the first medical marijuana dispensary I ever visited and I am so glad that this was where I had my first experience. It was an absolute pleasure!

I had just received my medical marijuana card and called ahead to ask if I needed additional pieces of identification. Assured I only needed my med card, I was good to go.

The Experience

Ascend Cannabis Dispensary in Rochelle Park is conveniently located right off Route 17 behind Public Storage, so it’s easy to get to but not a lot of foot traffic. I was greeted by a friendly guy who I was certain I’d spoken to on the phone when I’d called, but I didn’t say. He took my card, scanned me in and led me to another friendly woman with red hair. 

I explained this was my first time in a dispensary and apologized in advance for the fool I might make of myself by the questions I may ask. I was looking specifically for something to help with my bipolar disorder.

After my introduction, we flicked back and forth on a screen and I was really excited to try edibles for the first time, mostly because I’d heard the jokes about the delayed onset and how one could easily slip up and be high forever…or longer than desired. 

On a more serious note, I really never learned to roll and liked the thought of not worrying about how my hair or clothes might smell. 

My well-informed attendant gave me a rundown of the ones that were available and I added a bag to my cart.

Checking Out

When my cart was sufficiently filled, I checked out while I waited for my order to be filled. I didn’t notice until later that, although I was allowed to use my debit card to check out, the transaction went through as an ATM transaction, showing that I had TAKEN OUT CASH instead of making a payment. 

Admittedly, I’m fascinated by this part of the process but didn’t complain about the additional $3 charge. Certainly, that’s to make sure that purchases are absolutely final.

I didn’t realize it at the time but now that I’ve been to both Rise dispensary in Paramus and this Ascend location, I feel like Ascend has a niche in making the experience feel good. Rise was very regimented and stiff, almost clinical. Nothing invited me to linger longer than I had to. 

Sunday Fundays

If it wasn’t already amazing getting points and all for buying edibles, on Sundays you get double the points. So if you plan your visits just right, you’ll save even more money as you stack those points. They add up fast…so I’ve heard

On my last Sunday visit, a young lady named Mac was having a bad day and we chatted a bit. Customers had been giving her a bit of a hard time. I can’t imagine walking into a cannabis dispensary mad and being unpleasant to the staff, but different strokes, right? Shout-out to you, Mac! You were an angel.

The vibe at Ascend was so pleasant that I would definitely stick around longer, ask questions and most likely spend more than I initially intended to. I’m looking forward to checking out the Ascend in Montclair, New Jersey.