My first visit to Rise Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Paramus, New Jersey was my second visit to any medical marijuana dispensary, ever.
I called and asked specifically if they had Curaleaf Select Bites in Blueberry available. I hated sounding so desperate but since I Uber everywhere, I’ve become accustomed to calling ahead to make sure what I’m looking for is in stock. This is just my first time doing it at a marijuana dispensary.
At my first medical marijuana dispensary visit (Ascend in Rochelle Park), I discovered the wonderful world of edibles. My results in productivity and comfort was incredible, so much so that I completely lost interest in flowers and buds. Why bother smoking when I can eat an edible and have no scent in my hair, home or clothing?
The one I tried is a hybrid; the company also makes a sativa and an indica blend. I was interested in the indica blend (the blueberry noted above) since I’ve often been plagued with chronic insomnia and I’ve been told indica is better for rest and relaxation.
Luckily they had it in stock so I Uber’d over to the spot.
When I got there, I was unpleasantly surprised at the stark, cold entrance. As opposed to my visit to Ascend in Rochelle Park, there were no friendly faces welcoming me. There was just a door with a sign instructing me to wait until the light turned green to enter. I stood for a few seconds, then pressed the silver button and immediately the light turned green.
The Process
Upon entering, a guy swoops me in, all friendly, and gives me a bunch of forms to fill out. I was a little put off by it, only because this was not the experience I’d had previously. I’m getting used to the fact that not all dispensaries are run the same.
It took me all of maybe 8 minutes to fill out the paperwork, then a guy took my paperwork and began to give me a tour. I couldn’t conceal my frustration, so as he was showing me the shirts and stuff, I said something like, “Yeah, yeah. I’m just looking for edibles today so…” and he politely shuffled off and told me to wait in the line, then left me alone. Jessie.
Stuart was behind the register and was a pleasure to deal with. Like me, he was older and we laughed at how we never thought we’d see a day like this, just walking into an establishment and taking our pick of fine products. He gave me some insight into the edibles I was looking for and what I was using them for. It turned out I decided not to purchase the sativa blend. I was down for the experiment but I’m always ALL THE WAY UP, so I can try that another time. Specifically, I’m looking for help at night so that I can hopefully do away with Seroquel which has increased my blood pressure, has made me anemic and has also led to prediabetes. Rather experiment with weed which has never caused any of those things – and I’ve been hella fat before.
Checking Out
I was not allowed to check out with a debit or credit card which I’m assuming is so you can’t dispute the charge at any time, even if your card were stolen. It was explained that I could use an ATM they had conveniently just feet away from the register or link my bank account on their app. I’ll set that up for the future since I refuse to carry cash, especially to a place like that where everyone knows you must have cash to pay. Doesn’t sound safe or smart.
Rise Medical Marijuana Dispensary is not somewhere I’d personally visit in the evenings. It’s right off the highway and easy to disappear.
On my way out, I apologized to Jessie and explained I hadn’t intended to be snippy with him. I was just frustrated that in order to go back home, I forgot that from Paramus to Hackensack is almost always double the fare it cost to come. He was very pleasant and said he understood.
TL;DR
Rise Dispensary’s website is far more descriptive than the website for Ascend in Rochelle Park. For instance, I didn’t even know that the edibles I purchased had 2 other varieties. To date, Ascend’s website still doesn’t show that at all, not even as being out of stock.
I didn’t feel as laid back and chill in this place. Less friendly, it felt more like a Fort Knox experience, with a few people who were clearly security standing in obvious ways. It just didn’t feel good.
I would only go back if I cannot locate the Curaleaf Select Bites elsewhere. It’s not worth the additional fare to ride back home and the less than chill high traffic area.