More and more states across the country are legalizing medical and recreational cannabis.
Patients who meet qualifying conditions are able to sign up for a medical cannabis card.
The benefits of a medical card include higher potency of cannabis, more allowable quantity of cannabis and no tax on their purchases. For recreational cannabis, locals and visitors to the state need only to present a valid government identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Recreational use cannabis is legal for purchase and possession to adults 21 years and older. Federal restrictions remain in place, making it illegal to consume cannabis on federal land. Cannabis is not permitted to be consumed in the car or in public places, such as parks, restaurants, bars, airports or anywhere near a school. However, as laws have eased up a bit, the number of dispensaries is growing. Unlike other businesses, a dispensary requires specialized licensing. It is expensive, difficult and requires a great deal of paperwork to be awarded a dispensary license. There is a limit to the number of dispensary licenses granted in specific areas and extensive restrictions and regulations associated with every aspect of the business operation. From 24/7 video of the premises to accounting, each state has very specific laws. Dispensaries also need to cooperate with one another. The sharing of information makes it impossible for customers to visit multiple dispensaries and exceed their legal limit for purchase. Each state also has unique rules for reciprocation for medical cannabis cards. Just because a patient is able to purchase medical marijuana in their home state, doesn’t mean they can travel and have access to their medicine. Plus, it’s illegal to transport cannabis over state lines.