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Finding the Best Dispensary Near You: Tips for First-Time Shoppers

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Shopping for cannabis for the first time can be exciting, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of dispensaries and products available. Whether you’re new to cannabis altogether or just new to shopping legally, this guide will help you navigate your options and find the best dispensary in Missouri– one that offers the right mix of quality, variety, service, and trusted brands like Illicit.


From Kansas City to St. Louis, there are hundreds of cannabis retailers across the state. But how do you know which one is right for you? Below, we break down what to look for in a dispensary and share some of our favorite picks– including Illicit partner locations like From The Earth, Key Cannabis, Codes Dispensary, Good Day Farm, and Greenlight Dispensary.

from the earth missouri dispensaries
From The Earth’s Westside Kansas City dispensary is one of 8 highly-rated Missouri locations.

What Should You Look for in a Dispensary?

When you search for a dispensary near you in Kansas City (or anywhere else in Missouri), you'll likely find a long list of results. Here are a few tips to narrow your search and ensure a great experience:


  1. Licensed & Trustworthy

Always choose a state-licensed dispensary with lab-tested products. All the retailers listed here meet Missouri compliance standards and carry verified, high-quality cannabis from Illicit.


  1. Wide Selection

Whether you're interested in flower, vapes, edibles, or concentrates, your dispensary should stock a wide variety of product types and strains– including your favorite Illicit options like Smokos pre-rolls, THC gummies, or live resin carts.


  1. Knowledgeable Budtenders

Helpful staff can make a big difference, especially for first-timers. Look for dispensaries known for friendly, patient service and personalized recommendations.


  1. Convenient Location & Hours

Cannabis shopping should be convenient. Find a dispensary close to home or work with hours that suit your schedule.


  1. Deals & Loyalty Programs

Top dispensaries often offer first-time discounts, daily deals, and loyalty rewards. These perks can stretch your budget and encourage return visits.

illicit cannabis merch
The best dispensaries in Missouri stock a wide variety of Illicit flower, edibles, vapes, and merchandise.

What is the Best Dispensary in Missouri?

Here are some standout cannabis dispensaries across Missouri– each known for quality service, top-tier product selection, and support of Illicit’s mission.


From The Earth

With 8 locations throughout Kansas City, Raytown, Independence, Lee’s Summit, and St. Joseph, From The Earth is often considered the best dispensary in Missouri for both first-time and seasoned cannabis shoppers.




Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to walk first-time customers through the process. You can shop online for delivery or quick pickup, and they offer regular specials to help you save.


Key Cannabis

If you’re located in St. Louis, O’Fallon, Carbondale, or pretty much anywhere in  Missouri, Key Cannabis is another great dispensary option. Known for their sleek storefronts and strong brand selection, Key often carries a deep lineup of Illicit flower, carts, and concentrates.


Key Cannabis locations offer:


  • Drive-thru pickup at select stores

  • Educational resources for new customers

  • Consistent access to high-potency Illicit concentrates and infused products


Codes Dispensary

Located in Sedalia, Chillicothe, and lots of other MO cities, Codes Dispensary delivers a unique retail vibe with a focus on education and value. First-timers will appreciate the approachable atmosphere and straightforward product recommendations.


Codes is a reliable place to find Illicit’s:



Keep an eye out for their bundle deals and strain drops.

missouri cannabis concentrates
The best Missouri dispensaries carry a wide variety of products, including specialty edibles like caramels.

Good Day Farm

A trusted regional name, Good Day Farm has locations in Springfield, St. Louis, and other Missouri cities. While they carry their own product line, they’re also known to stock premium partner brands like Illicit.


Good Day Farm It is a one-stop shop with a calm, wellness-focused atmosphere, and they carry a wide selection of Illicit strains, Illicit gummies, and other products.


Greenlight Dispensary

With locations across Missouri (including Kansas City, Poplar Bluff, and Harrisonville) Greenlight is a great choice when you're looking for a dispensary near you in Kansas City or beyond.


Greenlight’s clean, professional feel is ideal for new shoppers. They often stock Illicit vapes, concentrates, and other products– and their team is known for providing helpful product walkthroughs. Online ordering and in-store pickup make shopping easy.


What Are the Best Illicit Products for First-Time Shoppers?

If you’re not sure what to buy on your first visit, you can’t go wrong with these Illicit favorites:


  • Smokos Pre-Rolls – Convenient & potent, these strain-specific joints are easy to smoke.

  • Illicit THC Edbiles – Tasty, reliable effects make these edibles a go-to for newbies.

  • Live Resin Carts – Full-spectrum effects in a sleek, easy-to-use vape cartridge.


Be sure to ask your budtender which Illicit products they recommend based on your goals– whether you want to relax, stay focused, or get better sleep.


How Do You Prepare for Your First Dispensary Visit?

Here are a few tips to make your first visit smooth and stress-free:


  • Bring a Valid ID – You must be 21+ to shop recreational cannabis in Missouri.

  • Check the Menu Online – Most dispensaries post menus with product details & pricing.

  • Ask Questions – Budtenders are there to help. Don’t hesitate to ask anything!

Start Low, Go Slow – Especially if you're trying edibles or concentrates, ease into it until you know how your body responds.

illicit live sugar concentrate
The best MO dispensaries have budtenders that can help you find the right extract, and teach you how to dab it!

What’s the Best Dispensary in Missouri for You?

Finding the best dispensary in Missouri depends on your location, goals, and personal style. But if you want friendly service, premium Illicit products, and a welcoming environment, From The Earth is hard to beat– especially if you’re searching for a trusted dispensary near you in Kansas City.


Still exploring? Wherever you go, just ask for Illicit and you can shop with confidence.


Find dispensaries near you that carry Illicit products and shop for top-rated products at From The Earth, Key Cannabis, or other trusted Missouri dispensaries today!


FAQs About Finding the Best MO Dispensary Near You

What is the best dispensary in Missouri for first-time cannabis shoppers?

From The Earth is widely considered the best dispensary in Missouri for first-time shoppers. With friendly staff, a wide selection of Illicit products, and multiple locations across the state, they make the shopping process approachable and stress-free.

Where can I find a dispensary near me in Kansas City that carries Illicit products?

You can find Illicit products at several Kansas City dispensaries, including From The Earth’s Westside, Brookside, and State Line locations. Greenlight Dispensary in Kansas City also carries Illicit vapes and concentrates.

Which dispensaries in Missouri carry Illicit concentrates, vapes, and edibles?

From The Earth, Key Cannabis, Codes Dispensary, Good Day Farm, and Greenlight Dispensary all carry a variety of Illicit products– including Smokos pre-rolls, live resin carts, RSO, THC gummies, and more.

How do I choose the best dispensary in Missouri for my needs?

Look for a dispensary with a wide product selection, knowledgeable budtenders, convenient hours, and a strong reputation. From The Earth, Key Cannabis, and Codes Dispensary are great places to start.

What are the best Illicit products for beginners?

New shoppers often love Illicit’s Smokos pre-rolls, Illicit THC gummies, and live resin vape cartridges. These products offer reliable effects and are available at top Missouri dispensaries.

Are there dispensaries near me in Kansas City that offer online ordering?

Yes, most dispensaries near you in Kansas City– including From The Earth and Greenlight– offer online menus with ordering for pickup or delivery, depending on your location.

Does the best dispensary in Missouri also carry infused edibles?

Absolutely. From The Earth, widely considered the best dispensary in Missouri, stocks a variety of Illicit THC edibles, including gummies and hard candies, ideal for new and experienced users alike.

Can I find Illicit pre-rolls at a dispensary near me in Kansas City?

Yes! Illicit’s popular Smokos pre-roll packs are available at many Kansas City dispensaries, including From The Earth and Greenlight.

Which Missouri dispensary has the friendliest staff for first-timers?

From The Earth is known for its helpful, friendly budtenders who go out of their way to educate new shoppers. Codes Dispensary and Key Cannabis also receive high marks for customer service.

What dispensaries in Missouri have drive-thru pickup?

Key Cannabis offers drive-thru pickup at many of its Missouri locations, making it a convenient choice for those seeking fast service and access to Illicit products.



Why Trust Illicit

Illicit is known in the cannabis market for our commitment to quality and our award-winning products, including "Best Flower," "Best Concentrate," and "Cultivator of the Year." Our responsible cultivation and unique processing methods, including hand trimming, ensure the highest product standards. We’re also a Clean Green Certified Cultivator and Manufacturer, which reinforces our dedication to clean and sustainable cannabis cultivation. Beyond this, we're deeply invested in advocacy and community, collaborating with organizations like the Last Prisoner Project to support cannabis reform and criminal justice. Trust us for our excellence in both products and social responsibility.


About Illicit

Illicit offers premium cannabis to more than 100 dispensaries across Missouri, challenges legal paradoxes, and champions criminal justice reform. By ensuring top-quality cultivation and advocating for policy change, we address the adverse impacts of outdated cannabis laws and educate on its benefits, collaborating with key advocacy and reform groups to inspire the question, 'Why is cannabis illicit?'


About the Author:

David Craig is the VP of Marketing for Illicit and From The Earth. Craig has been on the ground floor of developing multiple lifestyle and retail brands in the cannabis, fitness, and entertainment industries from Las Vegas to New York City.


Where to Find Illicit Products

You can find Illicit products in over 100 dispensaries throughout Missouri. Find an Illicit retailer near you.


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