You are 21. You have your ID. You have been thinking about trying cannabis — or you just moved to Pullman and realized it is legal here — but you have never actually walked into a dispensary. Maybe you are a WSU student who just turned 21. Maybe you moved to the Palouse from a state where cannabis is still illegal. Maybe you are 55 and curious for the first time in your life. It does not matter. This guide is for you, and it covers every step from your front door to walking out of Happy Time with your first purchase.
Step 1: Check Your ID
Before you leave your house, make sure you have a valid government-issued photo ID that shows you are 21 years of age or older. This is the only requirement to purchase recreational cannabis in Washington state. Accepted forms of ID:
- State-issued driver's license (any U.S. state)
- State-issued ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Foreign passport
- Military ID (DoD)
- Tribal ID with photo and birthdate
If your ID is expired, we cannot accept it. If it is cracked, bent, or damaged to the point where the photo or birthdate is unreadable, that could also be an issue. Washington law requires us to verify every customer, every visit, and the penalties for getting this wrong are severe for the store and the individual employee. Please do not take it personally — it is the same rule for everyone.
Step 2: (Optional) Browse the Menu at Home
Our Pullman menu is online and updated in real time. If the idea of walking into a store with 553+ products feels overwhelming, spend ten minutes on the menu first. You can browse by category — flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, topicals — read product descriptions, see THC and CBD percentages, and compare prices.
You do not have to order online. You do not have to know what anything means. Just browsing will make you more comfortable when you arrive. And if something catches your eye, write down the name so you can ask about it at the counter.
Step 3: Drive to Happy Time
We are at 1485 S Grand Ave, Pullman, WA 99163. South Grand Avenue is one of the main roads through town. If you are coming from the WSU campus, head south on Grand. From Moscow, take WA-270 west into Pullman and turn south on Grand. Free parking is right in front of the building. No garage, no meters, no walking three blocks. Pull in and walk in.
Step 4: Walk Through the Door
This is the part that trips people up, so let us be specific about what happens. You walk in. A staff member greets you. They ask for your ID. They check it, hand it back, and then either let you know a budtender is available or point you toward the display area where you can browse at your own pace.
That is it. There is no secret password, no sign-in sheet, no fingerprint scan, no registration form. It is a retail store. You will see display cases with products, signage with prices, and staff members ready to help. The vibe is relaxed. Music might be playing. Other customers will be browsing or chatting with staff. It feels like walking into a well-organized specialty shop — because that is exactly what it is.
Step 5: Talk to a Budtender (This Is the Best Part)
A budtender is the person behind the counter who helps you choose products. Think of them as the bartender of the cannabis world. They know the menu, they know the strains, and they talk to first-timers every single day. You are not going to surprise them or ask a question they have not heard before.
Here is exactly what to say if you are not sure where to start: "This is my first time. I do not know much about cannabis. Can you help me pick something?"
That is all you need. From there, the budtender will ask you a few questions:
- "How do you want to consume it?" — Smoking, vaping, or eating? Each method has different onset times and effects. Smoking and vaping hit faster (minutes). Edibles take longer (30-90 minutes) but last longer.
- "What effect are you looking for?" — Relaxation? Energy? Pain relief? Sleep? General curiosity? There is no wrong answer.
- "What is your budget?" — Our cheapest products start at $3 (edibles) and $5/gram (flower). Tell them your number and they will work within it. No judgment, no upselling.
Step 6: Common First-Timer Product Picks
Based on what our budtenders recommend to beginners most often, here are the categories worth considering:
- Low-dose edibles (start here if you do not want to smoke): A 5mg or 10mg gummy is the most controlled way to try cannabis. You eat one, wait 60-90 minutes, and see how you feel. If the effect is too mild, you can take more next time. Starting low is the universal advice for a reason. Prices start at $3.
- Pre-rolls (start here if you want the traditional experience): A pre-rolled joint is ready to smoke with no equipment or preparation. Light it, take one or two small puffs, put it out, and wait ten minutes to gauge the effect. Singles from $6.
- Flower (if you already have a pipe or want to buy one): Buying a gram of flower gives you multiple sessions. A budtender can suggest a mild strain for beginners. Starting at $5/gram.
For your first time, skip concentrates. They are potent and designed for experienced users. You will have time to explore those later if you want to.
Step 7: Pay and Go
We accept cash and debit cards. If you need cash, there is an ATM in the store. Credit cards are not accepted for cannabis purchases due to federal banking rules — this is industry-wide, not specific to Happy Time.
Your purchase goes into a bag. The budtender may give you a quick reminder about dosing (especially for edibles) and consumption rules. Then you walk out the door. The entire visit takes 10-20 minutes for most first-timers, less if you ordered online for pickup.
Step 8: Consume Responsibly
Washington law requires that cannabis be consumed in a private residence — not in public, not in a vehicle, not on the WSU campus. If you live off campus in Pullman, your apartment is fine. If you are a guest in someone's home, that works too. The key is private property, indoors or in a private outdoor space.
For edibles, the golden rule is start low and go slow. Take one dose (5mg is standard for beginners), wait at least 90 minutes before considering more. Edibles hit differently than smoking — they take longer to kick in and the effects last longer. Impatience is the number-one mistake new edible users make.
Address: 1485 S Grand Ave, Pullman, WA 99163
Phone: (509) 715-9990
Menu: happytimeweed.com/pullman-menu
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the budtender judge me for being a first-timer?
No. Our staff helps first-time buyers every day. Asking basic questions is completely normal and expected. There is no judgment, no impatience, and no pressure to buy anything specific.
What if I do not like what I bought?
Cannabis products cannot be returned once purchased (state law). That is why we encourage first-timers to start with a small, inexpensive purchase — a single pre-roll or a low-dose edible. Try it, see how you feel, and come back for more once you know your preference.
How much should I spend on my first visit?
You can walk out spending under $10 with a single pre-roll ($6) or a pack of low-dose gummies ($3-$5). There is no minimum purchase. Buy small, try it, and return when you are ready to explore more.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No. Happy Time is a walk-in retail store. No appointment, no reservation, no registration. Just show up with your ID during business hours.
I am from Idaho and just turned 21. Can I buy in Pullman?
Yes. Washington does not require state residency. Your Idaho ID works as long as it shows you are 21 or older. Remember that you cannot transport cannabis back across the state line into Idaho — consume your purchase in Washington.