Look forward to getting your mind blown by quality and selection. That was my favorite part. Doesn't matter how I'm feeling, nothing makes me smile like coming home with a bag full of different strains to try. Find some clubs you like, explore the menu and take your time when you're looking. Every trip I end up like a kid in a candy store.
I'm always amazed at the smokeable treasures I end up finding when I really take a good look at everything they've got, often in price ranges or categories I would have skipped right over if I hadn't really taken the time to take a good look. I like to think theres almost always some good stuff on the cheap if you look, and some over priced stuff you'll end up with if you don't bother to take the time.
What to stay away from? TRUST YOUR GUT and make sure you know your laws (
www.canorml.org is a good place to look at laws). Sounds kinda obvious, but if a club/deal/event/person/place/whatever seems sketch or too good to be true, it probably is. Cops dick with patients, patients rip each other off, feds raid clubs and ruin stuff for everyone... not that you should be afraid, but stuff does happen.
If you think things through and always play it safe, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Overall things are pretty safe and peachy, but never forget to be careful and think about what you're doing. Your still still dealing with a world with lots of legal gray area and lots of people trying to take advantage of each other or the system ....use your brain, if somewhere doesnt feel safe or like a legit place to be, get the F out.
That said, the medical marijuana world really is a cool community. Theres so many cool people out there, and in general, everyone I've ever talked to or dealt with (patients and staff) at a club has been friendly, and I've lost count of how many awesome random people I've ended up sharing a bowl with in the lounge. Gotta love that many hippies and stoners all in one place. At the places I usually go, theres nothing but good bud, good convos and good attitudes. And don't forget your part of that community now too, so be respectful and friendly, not just to other patients, but to everyone. We all gotta co-exist, the way I see it, no point in pissing off anyone I don't have to.
Enjoy being legal!