Introduction

People have been talking about cannabis for a long time. Some think of it as medicine, others as something to relax with, and a few still think it should not be legal at all. The laws keep changing, and depending on where you live, the rules can be confusing.

If you have ever typed “dispensary near me” or “CBD near me” into your phone, you probably know what I mean. There are so many places that show up. Some look real, some not so much. This guide walks through how to tell the difference, what to expect, and how to stay safe if you are buying cannabis in 2025.

If you are searching for a dispensary near you, Google usually shows shops closest to your location. Always make sure the store is licensed before visiting. If you are in Florida, you can visit Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. Miami.

Federal and State Laws in 2025

Here is the short version. Cannabis is still not fully legal under federal law, but many states allow it. The government has been slowly adjusting its stance.

The DEA and the HHS have been looking at moving marijuana into a lower drug category. That means it would still be regulated but not treated as harshly as it used to be. Reuters covered that story recently.

The FDA keeps an eye on products that claim to contain CBD or other cannabis extracts, especially when companies make health promises. They are not too happy when sellers go overboard with their claims.

Most of the action happens at the state level though. The NCSL keeps a list of which states allow medical or recreational cannabis. It is a good reference if you are not sure about your state.

Here is a quick look at how it stands in a few places right now:

If you are curious about more states, you can check out this article: 2025 Cannabis Law Guide.

Finding Legal Dispensaries Near You

There are a few easy ways to find a legal shop. Not every store that sells “cannabis” is playing by the rules, so it is worth checking.

1. Search on Google Maps.
You can just type “dispensary near me” or “Delta 8 near me” and see what shows up. Look for businesses that have full profiles, real photos, reviews, and posted hours.

2. Check the license.
Every legal dispensary should have a license from the state. Most states let you search online to confirm it. If the shop will not show proof, it is probably not licensed.

3. Use trusted directories.
Sites like Leafly and Weedmaps keep lists of dispensaries that have gone through some kind of verification. They also show menus and reviews from people who have actually been there.

4. Look at lab reports.
Ask for the Certificate of Analysis, or COA. This is a test done by a third-party lab that checks for potency and safety. A real dispensary will have these available for every product.

5. Use local directories.
In Florida, for example, the Department of Health lists licensed dispensaries. Other states have similar sites. It might take a minute to look up, but it is worth it.

If you happen to be in South Florida, here is one place to start: Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. Miami.

What It Is Like Inside a Legal Dispensary

Most people are surprised the first time they visit a real one. It feels calm and secure. Usually, there is a person at the front who checks your ID. Inside, you will see a clean setup with staff who actually know what they are talking about.

Here is what you will likely notice:

• The staff (often called budtenders) can answer questions.

• You have to show ID proving you are 21 or older.

• All products are labeled and tested.

• There are purchase limits, depending on state law.

• Some shops only take cash or debit.

Someone at Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. once said, “We care about safety, quality, and following the law. Every product we sell meets those standards.” That sums it up well.

Online or Local – Which Is Better

Buying online is convenient. Walking into a store is personal. Both work, depending on what you like.

Some people prefer browsing online and picking up in person. Others order straight from sites like Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. Online. Either way works, as long as you stay within your state laws.

Traveling With Cannabis or CBD

Travel is where many people slip up. Even if cannabis is legal where you live, it does not mean you can take it everywhere.

A few simple points:

Do:

• Keep hemp products under 0.3 percent THC.

• Carry printed or digital COAs if you have them.

• Check TSA rules before your flight.

Do not:

• Cross state lines with cannabis unless both states clearly allow it.

• Assume federal law will protect you if stopped.

• Travel internationally with anything cannabis-related.

Most people who get in trouble are not trying to break the law; they just assume the rules are the same everywhere.

Staying Safe and Legal

Before you buy anything, do a quick safety check.

• Make sure the dispensary has a valid license.

• Ask for COAs on every product.

• Avoid any place making wild medical claims. The FDA has warned companies about that.

• Use Leafly and Weedmaps to compare reviews.

• If a deal seems way too good, it probably is.

You can also see how Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. handles safety here: Safety and Compliance Standards.

A Quick Look at CBD, Delta-8, and THC-A

There is still a lot of confusion about these. Here is what they are in simple terms.

CBD: Comes from hemp, not intoxicating. The FDA keeps watch over products with it.

Delta-8: A lighter form of THC made from hemp. It can make you feel relaxed, sometimes mildly high. Legal in some states, banned in others. Check the NCSL map if you are unsure.

THC-A: This is the raw form of THC. It is not psychoactive until heated. Some states allow it in hemp form if it stays under the THC limit.

Common Questions People Ask

Is it legal to buy cannabis online now?
In some states, yes. Usually you can order if the seller is licensed and ships within the same state. Crossing state lines is still against federal law.

How can I tell if a dispensary is legal?
Ask for their license number and look it up on your state’s health department site. You can also check on Leafly or Weedmaps.

Is Delta-8 legal?
It depends on your state. Some allow it, some do not. The NCSL keeps updated lists.

Can I travel with it?
Only if you are staying within the same legal state. Federal law still blocks interstate travel with THC products.

Do I need a medical card?
For recreational shops, usually no. For medical-only dispensaries, yes.

A Short Checklist Before You Buy

1. Look up the license.

2. Ask for a COA.

3. Know your state’s purchase limits.

4. Avoid anything with missing labels.

5. Keep receipts and COAs when traveling.

Simple steps, but they keep you out of trouble.

Wrapping Up

Finding a dispensary near you in 2025 is not that hard once you know what to look for. A few quick checks and you can tell if a place is legit or not. The rules are still catching up to the times, but safe, legal options exist almost everywhere now.

If you are in Florida, you can stop by Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. Miami. Or if you prefer staying home, you can order online here: Mary Jane’s Bakery Co. Shop.

Either way, stick to tested, legal products. It is worth it for peace of mind.