Imagine this: you purchase a cannabis product on a whim because you stumbled across a shop online.
You’re very eager to try it, and you wait patiently for the product to come in. Once it arrives, you’re disappointed it’s emitting a mildewy, musty smell — you’ve fallen victim to a sub-par shop that sells expired, inferior products.
There’s nothing more frustrating than buying second-rate cannabis products. But how are you supposed to find the ideal shop? Below, we’ve outlined five factors to consider when choosing online cannabis shops.
1. Website Security
Buying cannabis online may feel a bit sketchy, especially if you normally shop at a brick-and-mortar retail shop. But you can quell some of your worries by ensuring the cannabis product website you’re looking at implements specific security measures.
One of the most important security measures you should look for is the implementation of HTTPS encryption (rather than HTTP encryption). A site with HTTPS encryption is much more secure and prevents a third party from intercepting your payment information and personal data.
2. Prices
As a consumer who values the money you make, you want to get the best deal possible. But as a cannabis aficionado, you want to ensure you purchase the highest-quality products.
Comparing cannabis product costs across different websites is the best way to find the perfect middle ground.
Steer clear of suppliers that charge $15-$20 more per product than you see on average. It would help if you also skipped manufacturers who sell products for suspiciously low prices, as these items are likely expired, impotent, or otherwise sub-par.
3. Online Customer Reviews
Hearing what past customers have to say about a website will help you sort out the high- and poor-quality cannabis websites. Read any online reviews you can find to guide your decision.
You shouldn’t be quick to trust all the online reviews you come across. Here are some telltale signs of fake online reviews:
- Spelling and grammatical mistakes
- Overuse of “me” and “I”
- Photoless profiles
- Generic names
- Phrase repetition
4. Product Selection
Ideally, a cannabis website should carry a range of different cannabis products. A wide selection shows that a manufacturer is dedicated to providing a satisfactory experience. Some product types to look for include:
- Flowers
- Concentrates
- Tinctures
- Edibles
- Topical creams
Look for a site that carries cannabis products for consumption and accessories like bowls and slides to make your experience more enjoyable. You can discover more here.
5. Business Details
A legitimate cannabis product website will have a physical location where it packages and ships products out. You should be able to verify this physical address online.
Another way to verify the business’s details is to look for a phone number to call. See if a staff member answers, and stay wary if you can’t connect with a real person.
How to Choose the Best Online Cannabis Shops
The best advice we can offer when choosing the best online cannabis shops is to keep these five criteria in mind. You should also go with your gut — if something feels off, it’s probably for a good reason. Steer clear of any shops that don’t sit right with you and begin searching for a more reputable store.
Looking for more tips on how to be a conscious consumer? Check out more articles on our site!
