Depends where I am. Right now I get it delivered in about 2 minutes after I call (assuming the dealer is around to pick up the phone). It's not the best weed but it'll do. Over the summer I was getting it free, a family member got a half pound for her birthday so I got plenty. My dealer is pretty cool, he knows me pretty good and I usually weigh the bag after I get it to make sure its right, and it always is. I've never met a dealer who actually smokes. No joke. All my dealers in the past are strictly against smoking, it's really wierd... I don't think it passes through many hands to get to me, maybe two or three at most.
Never heard of someone getting sand in their herb in the states. Maybe you're experiencing one of the pitfalls of firearm prohibition?