A license tells you someone's legal. It doesn't tell you they'll show up on time, deliver what they said, or answer their phone when something goes wrong. That part's on you to figure out.
A clean license and a good business partner aren't the same thing.
Ask for References
Ask who they've worked with before, then actually call those people. A grower or buyer with a real track record hands you two or three names without flinching. Hesitation on that one question tells you more than almost anything else you'll find.
Check Their Footprint
Search the business name and the owner's name. Look for an Instagram, a website, a Facebook page, anything with a history longer than a few weeks. Old posts, real photos of product or facility, comments from actual customers, it all adds up to a business that's been around and doing what it says.
Google reviews matter here too, especially for anyone dealing with the public directly. A pattern of complaints about no-shows or short weight is worth more than any pitch they'll give you in person.
A Thin Footprint Isn't a Red Flag by Itself
Plenty of solid farms and operators barely touch the internet. Some of the best flower in this state comes from people who've never posted a photo of it. Lacking a following doesn't mean lacking product, it usually just means nobody in the operation has the time or interest to run social media on top of actually growing.
Treat a bare online presence as a reason to ask more questions, not a reason to walk. Combine it with references and a real conversation before you decide either way.
Weigh It All Together
No single check clears someone. A slick Instagram doesn't make up for zero references. A great reference doesn't excuse a business that ghosts every follow-up call. Look at the whole picture before you commit real product or real money to someone new.
Do the legwork now. It's a lot cheaper than doing it after something's already gone wrong.