A first visit to a licensed dispensary in California is simple. Here is what to bring, and a few state rules worth knowing, each linked to its official source.
A valid ID
Licensed retailers sell adult-use cannabis to people 21 and older, and they must check a valid ID before every sale. State rules accept a government-issued ID that shows your name, date of birth, height, gender and photo (such as a driver license), a military ID, or a valid passport from the United States or another country. Source: DCC regulations, section 15404.
At Elevated SF, you need to be 21 or older to shop.
Your medical card, if you have one
If you hold a county-issued Medical Marijuana Identification Card, bring it. According to the California Department of Public Health, patients who present a valid card do not pay sales and use tax on retail purchases of medicinal cannabis products. Source: CDPH MMICP FAQs.
A way to pay
Payment options differ from store to store, so check before you go. For Elevated SF, see our FAQ or call (415) 825-5123.
A plan for getting home
- An open container of cannabis in a vehicle is illegal. Keep your purchase sealed, or in the trunk.
- You can’t use cannabis in public places like restaurants or bars, or anywhere smoking tobacco is banned.
- Most hotels don’t allow guests to use cannabis in their rooms; ask the front desk.
- Cannabis is still illegal under federal law, so you can’t take it across state lines.
Source for all four: Department of Cannabis Control, What’s legal.
Make sure the store is licensed
Licensed retailers must display their state license where the public can see it (DCC regulations, section 15039), and you can look any license up in the DCC license search. Elevated SF’s license number is C10-0000152-LIC.
General information, not legal advice. Checked against the official sources on September 25, 2026.