As of 2016, roughly half the U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana. If you have a medical condition such as chronic pain that can be eased with the help of medical marijuana, and your state has recently legalized dispensaries, you may be curious but also a little intimidated. Visiting a marijuana dispensary for the first time doesn't have to be overwhelming as long as you follow these four etiquette tips:

Bring Notes About Your Condition

Just like when going to the doctor, it can be helpful to bring concise and to-the-point notes about your medical condition, so that your "budtender" can help you choose the appropriate strain and product. You will also want to mention anything important about your lifestyle that will affect the type of marijuana that works best for you. For example, while indica strains work best for conditions including back pain and anxiety, their relaxation effects can make some people sleepy.

If you intend to use marijuana during the day when you have work or other obligations, it's best to choose an indica/sativa hybrid which combines the benefits of indica with the mild stimulation effects of sativa. The clearer you are about why and how you will use marijuana, the more accurately the budtender will be able to pick out the best product.

Research Ahead of Time

Be sure to spend a little time researching the laws of your state before you head to the dispensary. In some states (like Colorado), you typically only need your driver's license or other state-issued ID to enter a dispensary. In other parts of the country, you may need a note from your doctor on official letterhead, and you may even need to add yourself to a state-wide registry of medical marijuana patients.

Leave Your Cell Phone Alone

Many dispensaries do not allow phones inside (though they may be okay if they are shut off and tucked into a handbag or your pocket). Taking photos of the inside of a dispensary is widely considered to be a no-no. To be on the safe side, simply leave your phone in your car.

Consider Tipping

At most dispensaries, a budtender will personally attend to you and spend a good amount of time asking questions and helping to find the perfect product. Most accept tips, just like any service industry professional, so you may want to bring an extra few bucks in your wallet just in case.

By following these tips, your first visit to a medical marijuana dispensary will go smoothly for both you and the dispensary employees. For more information, contact professionals like Citadel Alternative Care.