Getting the most for your money requires careful planning and smart shopping. Whether you're trying to celebrate with ample high-quality weed, looking for a robust supply at a great price, or simply trying to make your shopping as low-stress and convenient as possible, here are 10 shopping tips to help you get what you want out of your next weed run. 

1. Be patient when there are longer wait times.

With more U.S. states legalizing, dispensary traffic will pick up. Longer wait times will be inevitable particularly throughout April on or around 4/20. You might also see spikes in July around Independence Day or 710 Day, or holidays such as Valentine's Day. But keep your cool, plan ahead, and you'll be able to minimize your dispensary downtime. 

2. To get around wait times, order ahead online for pickup.

Ordering online for pick-up is one of the most effective and accessible ways you can avoid an excruciating wait time for your purchases. Depending on how well a delivery service has prepared, delivery orders can get backed up fast. 

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Carefully planning out online pick-up orders can help increase your chances of getting your weekend stash in a timely fashion. 

3. Be mindful of order caps.

To avoid running out of inventory, dispensaries may limit quantities on orders. Whether you order early or separate your orders between shops, be prepared to deal with order caps as dispensaries try to cover everyone's needs. 

4. Do your product research ahead of time.

As you begin to shop, go in armed with your planned-out order, as well as questions you may have about new products. Research ahead of time with Weedmaps product guides, and research and compare the Weedmaps menus of your local shops before you enter their doors. It'll speed up your transactions, and help budtenders get to everyone more quickly. 

5. Running low? Try delivery.

Depending on which state you live in, you have access to delivery so you can skip your turn in the rotation. Most deliveries are going to be busy around weekends and especially around the 4/20 period, but some will be prepared with seasonal drivers and ample staff to take calls and orders. 

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Smaller delivery operations may also be more available during peak ordering periods. Research beforehand which deliveries are preparing for the rush and be ready to order from them if your 4/20 supply gets uncomfortably low.  

6. Budget your spending and quantity requirements early.

Don't order until you've set a budget and figured out how much weed you're going to need. If you're upfront with your budtenders about your spending range and quantity requirements, they'll be equipped to help you find high-quality products that fit your needs. Read user reviews on Weedmaps to find out which dispensaries have knowledgeable, helpful staff. 

7. Know your good flower from bad, and understand the differences between concentrates.

Chances are you're going to be buying flower as part of your sesh shopping. Consult the Weedmaps Learn platform to know the indicators of high-quality flower, which will help you get the best for your buck and avoid overpaying for low-quality cannabis. 

Cannabis concentrates come in a wide variety of forms with an ever-diversifying variety of ways to consume them. Weedmaps' concentrate product guide is a great resource for understanding where and how to look for the concentrate experience and price range you're looking for. 

8. When in doubt, look for Brand Verified products.

Look for the Weedmaps Brand Verified seal on dispensary and delivery menus. This will give you the assurance that the products you're buying have been authorized by the brand to be sold at that dispensary or through the delivery service. 

9. Go for the deals.

You may be more interested in minimizing the dent that legal cannabis can put in your wallet — favoring cheap, reliable weed over the expensive stuff. Consult WM Deals in your area, and ask your local shops about their own promotions. 

10. Look out for early deals.

The days leading up to weekends, holiday periods, and yes, 4/20, can be a great time to stock up on high-quality discount items. Find out which dispensaries are offering early deals and take advantage of price cuts that may save you cash. 

Featured image by Gina Coleman/Weedmaps