Here’s the quick version: to buy cannabis at a licensed dispensary, you usually need a valid, government-issued photo ID showing your date of birth, and it must be unexpired. In many places, the minimum age is 21 for recreational cannabis, while medical buyers may be allowed at 18 with proper documentation.

What usually counts

Commonly accepted ID includes:

  • Driver’s license.
  • State or provincial photo ID.
  • Passport.
  • Military ID.

What dispensaries check

Dispensaries typically verify that your ID is:

  • Government-issued.
  • Photo-bearing.
  • Shows your date of birth.
  • Not expired.
  • Sometimes physically present rather than digital, depending on local rules.

Important differences

Rules vary by state and country, so the exact ID list can change from one dispensary to another. Some places are stricter about out-of-state IDs, foreign passports, or medical-card requirements, so it’s smart to check the local dispensary rules before you go.

Practical tip

If you want the safest option, bring your unexpired passport or driver’s license and expect the dispensary to scan or visually inspect it at the door.

Bottom line

If your ID is valid, government-issued, photo-based, and proves you’re old enough, you’re usually set.