First time cannabis buyer’s guide

September 4, 2026
A woman smiling at a customer holding a coffee cup at a checkout counter

Visiting a cannabis dispensary for the first time? This guide covers everything a first-time cannabis buyer needs to know before stepping into Kush21—from Washington State legal requirements and valid ID rules to payment methods and staff etiquette. All cannabis sales are for customers aged 21 and over, in compliance with Washington State Initiative I-502.

Located near Sea-Tac Airport in the SeaTac/Burien area, Kush21 is one of Washington State’s most established recreational cannabis retailers, having opened Burien’s first cannabis store in 2016. With a wide product selection and experienced staff, the dispensary is designed to make a first visit straightforward and informed.

green background with a white outline of washington state. It is emblazoned I-502 Implemenation referring to cannabis laws

1. Understand Washington State Cannabis Laws (I-502)

Washington State legalizes recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over under Initiative I-502. Knowing the rules before you arrive helps ensure a compliant and smooth visit.

Key regulations to understand:

Purchase limits per transaction: Up to 28 grams of cannabis flower, 7 grams of concentrates, 16 oz. of solid cannabis-infused products, and 72 oz. of liquid cannabis-infused products or drinks.

Public consumption is prohibited. Consumption is permitted only in private residences or in hotel smoking rooms where the property explicitly permits it.

Do not transport cannabis across state lines. This is a federal offense regardless of state-level legalization status.

Do not open or consume products on dispensary premises or in public view. This is required under I-502 and enforced by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).

For complete regulatory information, visit the Washington State LCB cannabis education page.

2. Bring a Valid, Government-Issued ID

A valid, government-issued photo ID proving you are 21 or older is required both to enter Kush21 and to complete your purchase.

Kush21 accepts the following forms of identification:

Driver’s licenses (including vertical licenses, provided they are valid and the holder is 21+)

State-issued identification cards

Temporary IDs accompanied by the previous ID

Military IDs

Passports

Most dispensaries do not accept vertical IDs; Kush21 does, as long as the ID is valid and the holder meets the age requirement. Do not attempt to enter without valid identification—staff are legally required to verify age at the door and again at the point of sale.

3. Research Products Before You Arrive

Kush21 carries a broad product selection, including flower, edibles, concentrates, pre-rolls, drinks, and cartridges. Knowing your preferences in advance helps staff assist you more efficiently.

Before your visit, it helps to consider:

Product type: Are you looking for flower, a pre-roll, an edible, a concentrate, or a cartridge?

Cannabis type: Products are categorized as CBD, Indica, Sativa, or hybrid strains. Staff can explain the characteristics of each category.

Quantity: Do you have a sense of how much you’d like to purchase (e.g., a gram, an eighth)?

Method of use: Different products are designed for different methods of consumption. Budtenders can walk you through the options.

Browse the current product menu and pricing at Kush21.com before you arrive. Online ordering is also available, so your order can be ready when you get there—and you’ll know your exact total in advance.

4. Plan to Pay with Cash

Kush21 is a cash-only dispensary. Because cannabis remains federally regulated, most payment card networks do not process cannabis transactions.

If you forget to bring cash, Kush21 has three on-site ATMs available for your convenience. To avoid surprises:

Check the online menu for current pricing before your visit

Place an online order to get an exact total

Factor in any applicable taxes when estimating your budget

5. Ask Your Budtender Questions

Kush21’s budtenders are trained, knowledgeable staff members whose role is to help customers navigate the product selection and understand their options.

If this is your first dispensary visit, let your budtender know—they can walk you through the store layout and product categories. Don’t hesitate to ask:

What product categories does this store carry?

What are the differences between available product types?

What are the usage instructions or regulatory guidelines for a specific product?

Budtenders are required to follow LCB guidelines and will provide factual, product-based information rather than personalized medical advice.

6. Know the Store Rules (LCB Requirements)

Washington State’s Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) sets strict conduct requirements for licensed dispensary premises. Violating these rules can result in consequences for both customers and the business.

The following are prohibited inside Kush21 and on its premises:

❌ Using a cell phone while inside the store

❌ Taking photos or videos inside the dispensary

❌ Smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis products on-site or in the parking lot

❌ Opening any cannabis product packaging on the premises

❌ Purchasing cannabis on behalf of another person (including those who are 21+)

❌ Purchasing for or allowing access to anyone under 21

❌ Transporting cannabis products across state lines

These are legal requirements, not store-specific policies. They apply to all Washington State–licensed cannabis retailers.

7. Sign Up for the Kush21 Loyalty Program

Kush21 offers a loyalty rewards program that provides discounts for new sign-ups and returning customers.

New members: Receive 15% off your entire first purchase when you sign up with your phone number or email.

Returning members: Earn 10% off your purchase for every 5 visits.

Check-in window: Members can check in once every seven hours.

Vendor Days: Periodic promotional events where specific brand products are offered at discounted prices for a limited window. Loyalty members receive advance notice of these events.

Download the Kush21 app on iOS or Android to manage your rewards and stay updated on deals.

8. Be Patient During Busy Periods

Dispensary staff serve one customer at a time to ensure each person’s questions are answered and the transaction is completed accurately.

Kush21 can experience high foot traffic, particularly given its proximity to Sea-Tac Airport. If there’s a wait, use the time to browse the product display or review the menu. Each customer receives the same level of attention when it’s their turn.

9. Leave an Honest Review

Kush21 invites customers to share their experience on Google, Leafly, or Weedmaps. In return, the store offers 15% off a future in-store purchase for verified, honest reviews.

Customer reviews help other first-time visitors find accurate, up-to-date information about the store’s products, service, and experience. If you’d like to leave a review, let a staff member know and they will provide the discount details.

A hand holding a smartphone displaying the Google search engine homepage where you can access google reviews
Leave us a review! Photo by Solen Feyissa

Frequently Asked Questions: First-Time Cannabis Buyers at Kush21

Q: Do I need to be a Washington State resident to shop at Kush21?

No. Out-of-state visitors aged 21 and over are welcome to purchase cannabis at Kush21 with a valid government-issued ID. However, purchasing cannabis for the purpose of transporting it across state lines is prohibited under federal law.

Q: What happens if I don’t have cash?

Kush21 has three on-site ATMs. Standard ATM fees may apply. To prepare in advance, visit Kush21.com to browse pricing and consider placing an online order to know your exact total before you arrive.

Q: Can I consume cannabis in my rental car or hotel room?

Public consumption of cannabis is prohibited under Washington State law. Consumption in a hotel room is only permitted if the property has a designated smoking room and explicitly allows it. Consuming cannabis in a vehicle—whether or not it is moving—is not permitted.

Q: Is there a minimum purchase amount at Kush21?

There is no stated minimum purchase, but legal purchase limits apply. Washington State limits individual transactions to 28 grams of flower, 7 grams of concentrates, 16 oz. of solid cannabis-infused products, and 72 oz. of liquid cannabis-infused products. Kush21 staff can help you understand what those limits mean in practical terms.

Q: What if I have more questions before I visit?

Browse the full FAQ section at Kush21.com/faqs or visit the store and ask a budtender directly. Staff are available to answer product and regulatory questions during store hours.

All cannabis purchases at Kush21 are for adults aged 21 and over only. Valid government-issued ID is required. Cannabis is legal for adult recreational use in Washington State under Initiative I-502. Do not transport cannabis across state lines. Consume responsibly and in accordance with Washington State law.

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*All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

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