If you’ve ever walked down Ocean Drive in Miami and popped into a corner shop, you’ve probably seen CBD everywhere—from gummies and lotions to infused water and even pet treats. And while it might seem like all CBD is created equal, the truth is there’s a big difference between the CBD you’ll find at your local grocery store and the CBD products stocked at licensed cannabis dispensaries.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy (and fun) to understand what makes them so different.
1. The Source Matters
CBD, or cannabidiol, can be extracted from either hemp or cannabis. Most of the CBD sold in public retail stores—think gas stations, shopping malls, or grocery chains—is derived from hemp. Hemp-derived CBD contains less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound), and while legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, it’s often unregulated in terms of testing and quality.
Dispensary CBD, on the other hand, is usually extracted from high-CBD cannabis plants and is subject to strict testing requirements. This means you’re not just getting better potency—you’re also getting peace of mind that your product is clean, safe, and accurately labeled.
2. Testing and Transparency
This is a huge one. CBD from dispensaries in Florida must undergo third-party lab testing to verify the cannabinoid profile, terpene content, and absence of harmful substances like pesticides, mold, heavy metals, or residual solvents. You can actually see the lab results on the packaging or ask a budtender to explain them to you.
Over-the-counter CBD products? Not so much. Many lack testing altogether, and studies have shown that some are wildly mislabeled—either containing way less CBD than advertised or, worse, none at all.
3. Product Potency and Variety
Walk into a dispensary near Ocean Drive, and you’ll find a curated selection of CBD-rich products: high-potency tinctures, full-spectrum vape carts, topicals with added cannabinoids, and edibles that don’t taste like they came from a convenience store.
Plus, many dispensary CBD products are full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, meaning they include other helpful cannabinoids and terpenes that work together for what’s called the “entourage effect.” That’s something you rarely find in generic CBD oil at a chain store, which is often made with CBD isolate (just CBD, no entourage).
4. Expert Guidance You Can Trust
Let’s be real—you won’t find a CBD expert in the vitamin aisle. At a dispensary, you’re talking to trained budtenders who actually know the science and can help tailor recommendations to your needs, whether you’re looking for anxiety relief, pain management, or better sleep.
You won’t just walk out with a product—you’ll leave with knowledge, too.
Final Hit: Know What You’re Paying For
Sure, you can grab that $20 CBD gummy pack from a kiosk by the beach—but chances are you’re not getting the full benefits (or the value) you could be from a dispensary-grade product. When you shop at a licensed dispensary, you’re getting a product that’s been tested, vetted, and backed by experts who care about your experience.
So next time you’re curious about CBD, skip the gas station and come talk to a real budtender. Your body—and your wallet—will thank you.