Virginia to Legalize Marijuana by 2024

Adult-use cannabis legalization is slowly gaining popularity and demand throughout various states of the country. As a matter of fact, this is evidenced by the number of states that have voted marijuana into legalization just 2020. Despite the increasing call for action to legislators and the federal government, there are still many states that have yet to translate such needs into action.

Virginia is finally keeping pace with its neighboring states and other counties that have already started to decriminalize and even legalize the drug. Both the Senate and the House of Delegates approved marijuana legalization bills, namely Senate Bill 1406 and House Bill 2312 last Friday, February 5, 2021. Following this, the approved bills are slated to pave way for the access of adult-use cannabis come 2024.

Should the momentous move take place, The Washington Post states that Virginia will be the first Southern state to legalize marijuana sales. Apart from this, the state has also agreed to put an end to the death penalty. Details about the two bills, however, still needs to be fixed before being passed into law.

Besides being the first Southern state to legalize adult-use marijuana, Virginia is also slated to become the 16th state to legalize recreational cannabis use and the third state to do so via the legislative committees.

Both the Senate Bill 1406 and House Bill 2312 tackles the legalization of adult-use cannabis and the personal cultivation of the plant by Virginians aged 21 and up. Moreover, these bills also seek for the expungement of a number of marijuana-related offenses and more importantly, make a regulatory framework for the manufacturing and sale of cannabis in the state.

Both of the bills also maintained that a portion of the cannabis revenues will be allocated for programs geared toward pre-K, at-risk youth, and some for other public health initiatives, states the Rolling Stone.

In a statement, Senator Adam Ebbin said, “I think that Virginia is on a path to an equitable legalization plan for marijuana. There have been a few bumps, but I’m hopeful that we’ll have a polished bill we can agree upon on in the next few weeks.”

Despite similarities in its initiatives, there are still key differences between the two bills. Lawmakers are expected to resolve such issues and differences at a later session. One of the main differences between the two is the scope and role that the local government will play in implementing this.

Apart from the aforementioned scope, the Associated Press states that Senate Bill 1406 gives localities the option to opt out of allowing retail stores to operate within its area. The same news site also reveals that the Senate version seeks to require another vote by the legislators in order to help finalize the framework.

According to Newsweek, House Bill 2312 was approved by the House of Delegates with a vote of 55 to 42. Meanwhile, the Senate committee approved Senate Bill 1406 with a 23 to 15 result. The Washington Post said the Senate vote saw two Republicans join in pushing for the legalization of the drug, while one Republican did note vote at all.

Prior to the vote, the Rolling Stone said the Del. Don Scott from Portsmouth remarked, “If you want to help marginalized communities, here is an opportunity. This is an opportunity to invest in those communities that have been decimated by the so-called war on drugs and to give us an economic leg up.”

Following the passing of the bills, sponsor of House Bill 2312 House Majority Leader Charniele Herring from Alexandria took to social media platform Twitter to celebrate the momentous win, saying “This legislation will provide long overdue justice for so many marginalized communities in Virginia.”

Though the movement of the bills looks promising, these will still be required to be signed and approved by Governor Ralph Northam for these to become law. However, the Virginia governor has already voiced support for marijuana legalization in the state, citing the unequal treatment of people of color for marijuana-related crimes as part of his motivation to rally for change, shares the Associated Press.

Several organizations and individuals voiced their opposition for this, including the likes of the clergy, policemen, recovery industry, and Republicans. The Washington Post shares that a number of Republicans that the issue itself poses problems, especially with the commonwealth focusing on legalizing cannabis rather than providing vaccines for its people.

Many of these advocates reportedly believe that the number of casualties caused by the use of marijuana and driving under its influence will rise over time. By extension, the Associated Press states that these advocates also say that the use of marijuana among younger generations and those below 21 will increase, plus posing problems by accidental poisoning to children.

Del. Don L. Scott Jr. from Portsmouth said that “There is already a thriving $.18 billion marijuana market right now in the commonwealth of Virginia. Here is our opportunity to make it safer, to regulate it, to get tax revenues from it,” reports The Washington Post.

Economic Impact of Legalizing Marijuana in Virginia

Legalizing cannabis in the state of Virginia is slated to bring in millions of tax revenues per year. Based on the article by DCist, the estimated amount that the recreational cannabis industry will bring ranges from $31 to $62 million during the first year of implementation alone come 2024.

As the industry picks up, Wavy reports that the total marijuana industry could rake in around $698 million to $1.2 billion every year. This could also give up to $274 million in tax revenues, bringing in more funding to states and giving them the ability to allocate tax revenues as they see fit, especially for programs they want to get on the road.

Because of its large returns the marijuana industry promises to bring, the DCist states that this has prompted Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to prioritize the approval of the bills.

The approval of bills and its passing onto laws could also mean more jobs for Virginian citizens, something which could help uplift the economy, especially after suffering from the effects of the global health crisis of the virus pandemic in 2020.

Varying sectors would require the aid of Virginians, from farming, manufacturing, processing, and even selling cannabis products in the state, giving opportunities to communities and individuals in need. Furthermore, these can draw in investment opportunities, boosting the local economic business in the state.

With the tax revenues it can bring, the state could funnel some of the revenues towards alleviating the effects of the pandemic, apart from the intended allocations initially outlined by the Senate and House Bills.

Accessibility of Marijuana in the State

The impending passing of the legalization of marijuana in Virginia comes as more and more people are exploring cannabis use not only to deal with various health conditions, but also to cope with the effects of the pandemic. As many businesses shut down, medical marijuana patients are limited to getting their cannabis from weed delivery companies.

As of writing, marijuana is still illegal for recreational use. The state, however, has already decriminalized possession for small amounts of the drug, including up to an ounce where the maximum fine for possession is simply $25.

The sale and manufacturing of marijuana products are counted as a felony. Violators may get jail time ranging anywhere from a year to life, while minors can get up to 50 years in prison. Activities that fall under this category are fined from $2,500 to $100,000. Transporting, however, is fined up to a million dollars and can get individuals anywhere from five to 40 years.

Though cannabis use is still largely illegal from a recreational standpoint, medical marijuana patients from Virginia can still get access, and by extension, possess a certain amount of medical cannabis for their treatment. This is only possible with the help of a licensed doctor who has prescribed the treatment and provided the patient qualifies for certain health conditions.

With many patients within the state requiring access to the drug, some dispensaries have started opening their doors and have started offering other services to keep up with the needs of its customers. One of the more revolutionary approaches as of late is weed delivery in parts of Virginia, allowing medical marijuana patients to obtain their prescription needs without going through the hoops.

The Bottom Line

The regulatory framework for implementing the legalization of marijuana in the state of Virginia is still very much complex. With the joint efforts and movements from the Senate and House committees, as well as other lawmakers, Virginians may soon have access to cannabis products and economic opportunities.

With full legalization of adult-use cannabis within sight, the promise towards widened accessibility of the drug and what it brings to the table in terms of health benefits has only become more apparent. What’s more, communities, especially people of color, will finally be given the justice they deserve, alongside with opening up opportunities of furthering discussion and influence of what the marijuana industry can bring to different states.  

VA Bill: BOP to Legalize MMJ Delivery to Caregiver Facilities

House Bill 1988 seeks to involve Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy (BOP) in the way cannabis is pharmaceutically produced, processed, and dispensed in the state. It has undergone reviews and revisions in the House, but it remains to be a proposal until an ultimate decision is given.

The bill tackles the accessibility of medical marijuana, specifically cannabis oil. If passed, this bill will allow the staff of designated caregiver facilities or any nursing home to possess, acquire, deliver, transfer, transport, and administer marijuana oil to patients.

In the document, cannabis oil is defined as “any formulation of processed cannabis plant extract, which may include oil from industrial hemp extract acquired by a pharmaceutical processor pursuant to 54. 1-3442.6., or a dilution of the resin of the cannabis plant that contains at least five milligrams of cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and no more than 10 milligrams of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol per dose.”

It further specified that industrial hemp cultivated and processed under the state and federal law does not qualify as cannabis oil “unless it has been acquired and formulated with cannabis plant extract by a pharmaceutical processor.”

To make this medical treatment aid more accessible, this bill proposes that acceptance of electronic signature on written certifications. This allows patients to go through telemedicine instead of face-to-face consultations. Practitioners are mandated to use their professional opinion to determine the manner of care in relation to cannabis oil.

The Board will also be in charge of adopting and implementing regulations with regards to dispensaries. It will be looking into physical standards, location restrictions, security, minimum equipment and resources, recordkeeping, labeling and packaging, and routine inspections among others. It must be noted that the original proposal offers to do routine inspections quarterly, but with some revisions, the bill now proposes inspections no more than once a year.

With regard to processors, these facilities are required to keep track of their employees criminal background. Applicants will be subjected to background checks to uncover federal and state criminal convictions.

The bill expects the BOP to provide and implements its regulations, complete with reasonable restrictions on promotions and advertising by July 1, 2021.

More Bills Underway

Aside from HB 1988, Virginia is currently dealing with other bills related to medical cannabis read for the first time in the House this year. This includes HB 1862 (employee protections; medicinal use of cannabis oil) led by chief patron Del. Dan Helmer and HB 2218 (pharmaceutical processors; cannabis products) led by Del. Cliff Hayes.

SB 1333 (pharmaceutical processors; cannabis products) led by Del. Louise Lucas, which has been referred in the Senate to Finance and Appropriations.

Aside from legislations in medical cannabis, Virginia’s legislative bodies have also been investigating bills and policies regarding legalization and expungement. So far, four have been incorporated into other similar and preferential bills.

The more focus on marijuana policymaking has been needed over the past few months as more and more people look into the use of cannabis in order to deal with the pandemic. Some, especially patients, are looking for more ways to safely access medical cannabis. In Virginia, residents can legally possess certain amounts of medical marijuana. A few dispensaries are also open in the state.

Non-MMJ patients in many states have also been looking to marijuana for relaxation and lifestyle improvement in light of the stressful situation during the pandemic. However, this cannot be applied in Virginia as marijuana is yet to be fully legalized in the state.

Potential Full Legalization

This is where legalization bills become more important. In fact, one bill has successfully passed a key Senate panel last week, reported the Richmond Times Dispatch. The Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services voted 8-7 in favor of the bill proposed by Governor Ralph Northam’s administration. The ultimate goal of this bill is to legalize recreational marijuana.

The Richmond Times Dispatch noted that all seven votes against the bill came from the seven Republicans on the committee, while the Democrats offered a key decision to delay sales until January 2024.

The 500-page bill addressed some of the most important aspects of cannabis law reform in Virginia, which will take some time when looking at all impacts of this bill.

Senator Monty Mason explained, “[The delay is] a good acknowledgement of the work that has to be done. I hope that we realize that we don’t have to eat the whole cow here, and we can take it apart as we move forward, make some strides this year, and understand that we can come back and continue to work on this as we go forward.”

The delay is also seen as a way to prepare for the sales. The state would need an agency to handle the legal marijuana market, which is expected to result in $500 million in annual revenues. The panel will further look into various aspects of the bill including a framework that would surround the industry and the new agency which is set to be called the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.

Senator Jeremy McPike is optimistic about the necessity for this delay. He said, “We felt the additional year also provided more framework for the social equity components – the business development and equity line to be in place – the education, the public awareness campaign.” McPike added that adding more time will enable the panel “to get it right” instead of rushing the planning process.

However, it is worth noting that this bill will not tackle reforms to the criminal justice system that would be needed before legalizing the plant. This topic will be addressed in one of the other bills that are currently being examined. This bill is sponsored by Sen Adam Ebbin and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas.

Marijuana Market as an Economic Move

With the projected revenues from the marijuana market reaching hundreds of millions, the economic impact of this bill would be tremendous. It will be able to bring in money for the state, which can be used for various initiatives including a social equity program.

Virginia ACLU and advocacy group Marijuana Justice asserted that a social equity license should be given to license applicants who are members of communities that have been disproportionately affected by the criminalization of the plant.

According to the two groups supported by former Richmond City Council member Marty Jewell, 70% of the state revenue from marijuana should be funneled toward social equity instead of the proposed 30%.

To this end, Jewell argued, “Those dollars should go back significantly to communities impacted by over-incarceration and loss of rights. The Black community is in economic free-fall, and this money would go a long way toward at least beginning to construct a floor.”

Unfortunately, the creation of a social equity program and the proposed 70% toward affected communities was rejected by the panel.

Opposition Follows

Meanwhile, some parties warn against the legalization of marijuana. Todd Gathje of the Family Foundation said that children and teens would be “wondering why they’re being told it’s wrong at school and other places, and why their representatives are pushing for legalization.”

An assemblage of medical experts, law enforcement officers, and community leaders are moving to block the legalization bill, reported The Virginian Pilot. According to them, this move would increase risks of overdose, driving under the influence, and addiction.

Doctor James Avery of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations cited the safety of marijuana use as an example. He said, “Marijuana is not safe for those under 25 years of age – the studies are clear. Yet it’s become normalized for young people. Neuroscience tells us the younger a person is exposed, the greater the negative impact.”

Critics also warn against promoting cannabis in a manner that might lure children and teenagers, similar to the appeal of tobacco. An organization called Smart Approaches to Marijuana expressed worries about products that could be appealing to young individuals including gummies. Hanover Cares leader Octavia Marsh said, “Legal does not necessarily mean safe. Even if it’s not intentionally marketed toward our youth, they are indirectly exposed.”

Other arguments about cannabis access in Virginia includes safety and security. Law enforcement officials noted that there are no reliable tests for marijuana intoxication, which can make the streets unsafe, especially for drivers and pedestrians.

Regardless, the decriminalization law passed last year is a significant move toward full legalization. It is also seen as a way to avoid the disproportionate effects of criminalization due to the country’s war on drugs.

The Bottom Line

Virginia’s move toward full legalization seems imminent, especially in light of the decriminalization bill, as well as the numerous bills that are currently being reviewed. With this, more and more Virginians may be able to access marijuana and marijuana products in the future. Moreover, communities that have been negatively affected by the current laws may be able to receive benefits through social equity programs.

Virginians may soon be able to access such products complete weed delivery not only for caregiver facilities but for other customers as well.

Maryland to Consider Amending Medical Marijuana Laws

In a great leap of development in the cannabis industry, the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology will be doing a marijuana testing program. This program seeks to make sure that product labels compliant, complete with accurate information regarding laboratory tests and their results, said a Marijuana Moment report.

According to the article, this is a way to assure consumers that the labels are truthful. The report said, “When you walk into a store or dispensary and see a label that says 10% CBD, you want to know that you can trust that number.”

This federal development coincides with the state of Maryland’s decision to evaluate the possibility of changing its current medical marijuana laws. In a request for public comment issued by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), the committee announced that it will be holding an online meeting on July 30, 2020 tackling various topics including expanding permissions, diversity, pandemic measures and fine schedules.

In the past, the Maryland marijuana market has been under fire for having a less diverse industry even with its program that seeks to enable minorities to own, run or operate marijuana companies. Because of this, the MMCC will be addressing the issue in the online meeting and will be “[welcoming] public comment on any proposal in support of increasing diversity and social equity.”

Another important matter that will be discussed in the upcoming meeting is the current state of emergency in the country brought by the virus pandemic. The public comment request emphasized that the state has released several bulletins that placed temporary measures including the suspension of patient signature requirements and the permitting of on-site or curbside deliveries.

According to Marijuana Policy Project, Maryland has placed other safe access policies for the pandemic, including telehealth services, permissions for the entire cannabis supply chain to operate, prompt processing of registration renewals and extension of agent registrations.

The commission is soliciting comments from the public as to whether such measures will continue to persist even after the pandemic.

Key Facts About Maryland’s Marijuana Laws

During this state of emergency, Maryland residents were able to enjoy weed delivery services. However, this is only a temporary measure, as mentioned. Its existing laws entail that the possession of fewer than 10 grams for personal use will only be treated as a civil offense with a maximum of $100 of fine and no incarceration. The possession of paraphernalia is also seen as a civil offense without any fines and jail time.

Possession of 10 grams to less than 50 lbs is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum of 1 year in prison and a fine of $1,000. Meanwhile, those with intent to distribute will be charged with felony with 5 years to 40 years of jail time and up to $1,000,000 fine, depending on the extent of the offense.

The state also allows the implementation of medical cannabis treatments to students who have their MMJ cards even during school hours and school-sponsored events. The law is still now in effect, but the Department of Education and the Medical Cannabis Commission are set to submit a well-developed set of guidelines by December 31, 2020.

Even with medical cannabis laws in place, an advocacy called People’s Commission to Decriminalize Maryland revealed its plan to fight state and local policies that enable the marginalization of people and the targeting of marginalized populations in the implementation of cannabis laws. The group has been taking steps to minimize the disparate effects of targeted policing in relation to marijuana.

Ways to Purchase Medical Marijuana in Maryland

Now that you know the pertinent laws that govern marijuana consumption and distribution in Maryland, you are now aware of the limitations of carrying products on your person. If you are a resident of Maryland or any nearby states such as Washington, DC and Virginia, you might want to purchase cannabis from any of the MD dispensaries. Here are some ways you can do so:

• Avail Weed Delivery Services

One of the most important temporary measures regarding cannabis in relation to the current state of emergency is the legalization of weed delivery. This policy enables patients to purchase the products they need, especially during a time when dispensaries are considered essential services. With the permission of the MMCC, Maryland dispensaries can do onsite deliveries, curbside pickups, and home deliveries.

This is a great way to minimize contact with people at a time when a communicable disease is widely persisting. This allows for minimal contact, while ensuring that you will be able to get the right products. Just make sure that your favorite dispensary offers such services and you are good to go.

• Attend Weed Events

Another great source of cannabis products is stalls or sellers present in events such as exhibitions, expositions, and conferences. However, because of the virus outbreak, many events were canceled or postponed, so you will be hard-pressed to find an event you can attend.

However, you have the option to ask your dispensary if they do meetups. This is a great choice if you have a preferred store, but you find it too far for you to go to in light of the current public health situation. Some stores schedule private meetups for purchases below the minimum for deliveries.

Meetups let you meet people who are also medical marijuana patients. This is a great way to find friends who share the same need for MMJ and who can give you tips on how to use this treatment aid optimally and effectively.

• Direct Purchases from Dispensaries

Not every dispensary out there offers delivery services and meetups. The best way to deal with this while minimizing your contact is to simply call the store, place your order and ask schedule a pickup time and date. This way, you will simply have to go to the store and get your items.

If all else fails, you can visit your favorite dispensary to browse their catalogs on-site. Just make sure to practice safety precautions during these pandemic times.

What to Remember When Buying Medical Cannabis

Now that you know how you can purchase cannabis products in Maryland, you might be wondering what you need to do before you take the first step in buying products. Check out these tips for buying items, which can be helpful for beginners:

• Consider Your Condition

If you are thinking of buying medical cannabis, you probably have a qualifying condition such as cachexia, anorexia, severe or chronic pain, nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other chronic and debilitating medical conditions and symptoms.

So, before you place an order, make sure to consider what your condition calls for. For example, patients who have eating disorders might want to regulate their appetite, and there are infused products that contain cannabinoids that best address either overeating or undereating. Make sure to consult your physician about the type of product you should get for your condition.

• Look at Your Options

Say, your doctor says that you need a CBD-rich product to help address your condition. Bear in mind that there are lots of CBD-infused items you can choose from. Topicals that are perfect for skin issues, aches, and pains, while orally consumable items such as tinctures, gels, and tablets are good for many other conditions.

You also have the option to smoke flowers. Just remember that these contain various cannabinoids including CBD and acceptable amounts of THC, which have a variety of effects. If you want to simulate the smoking experience, vaping is a great option for you.

Other products you may want to consider include infused chocolates, baked goods, oils, and gummies.

• Assess the Situation

Knowing what you condition needs and your options for products, you might be contemplating about how to get the products you want. If you are a beginner and you have no idea where to start, it is best to search for dispensaries near you and get in touch with them to know if they deliver or do meetups and pickups.

Those who prefer to visit the store may benefit from the experience as budtenders are knowledgeable about their products, which means that they can help you choose the perfect product for your needs. You can also learn about the effects of consuming the plant and even some tips for consumption.

As mentioned, make sure to practice safety measures such as social or physical distancing during your visit. The state of Maryland has such rules in place and it is only smart to observe such health and safety policies. The wearing of masks may also be encouraged, so make sure to keep that in mind.

The Bottom Line

Maryland is taking the right steps toward addressing marijuana-related concerns with the MMCC’s decision to consider making changes to existing laws. With temporary policies in place, marijuana patients can get their hands on the products they need with minimal risks of contact and exposure. The variety of ways to purchase products is a great development, especially during these pandemic times.

In a great leap of development in the cannabis industry, the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology will be doing a marijuana testing program. This program seeks to make sure that product labels compliant, complete with accurate information regarding laboratory tests and their results, said a Marijuana Moment report.

According to the article, this is a way to assure consumers that the labels are truthful. The report said, “When you walk into a store or dispensary and see a label that says 10% CBD, you want to know that you can trust that number.”

This federal development coincides with the state of Maryland’s decision to evaluate the possibility of changing its current medical marijuana laws. In a request for public comment issued by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), the committee announced that it will be holding an online meeting on July 30, 2020 tackling various topics including expanding permissions, diversity, pandemic measures and fine schedules.

In the past, the Maryland marijuana market has been under fire for having a less diverse industry even with its program that seeks to enable minorities to own, run or operate marijuana companies. Because of this, the MMCC will be addressing the issue in the online meeting and will be “[welcoming] public comment on any proposal in support of increasing diversity and social equity.”

Another important matter that will be discussed in the upcoming meeting is the current state of emergency in the country brought by the virus pandemic. The public comment request emphasized that the state has released several bulletins that placed temporary measures including the suspension of patient signature requirements and the permitting of on-site or curbside deliveries.

According to Marijuana Policy Project, Maryland has placed other safe access policies for the pandemic, including telehealth services, permissions for the entire cannabis supply chain to operate, prompt processing of registration renewals and extension of agent registrations.

The commission is soliciting comments from the public as to whether such measures will continue to persist even after the pandemic.

Key Facts About Maryland’s Marijuana Laws

During this state of emergency, Maryland residents were able to enjoy weed delivery services. However, this is only a temporary measure, as mentioned. Its existing laws entail that the possession of fewer than 10 grams for personal use will only be treated as a civil offense with a maximum of $100 of fine and no incarceration. The possession of paraphernalia is also seen as a civil offense without any fines and jail time.

Possession of 10 grams to less than 50 lbs is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum of 1 year in prison and a fine of $1,000. Meanwhile, those with intent to distribute will be charged with felony with 5 years to 40 years of jail time and up to $1,000,000 fine, depending on the extent of the offense.

The state also allows the implementation of medical cannabis treatments to students who have their MMJ cards even during school hours and school-sponsored events. The law is still now in effect, but the Department of Education and the Medical Cannabis Commission are set to submit a well-developed set of guidelines by December 31, 2020.

Even with medical cannabis laws in place, an advocacy called People’s Commission to Decriminalize Maryland revealed its plan to fight state and local policies that enable the marginalization of people and the targeting of marginalized populations in the implementation of cannabis laws. The group has been taking steps to minimize the disparate effects of targeted policing in relation to marijuana.

Ways to Purchase Medical Marijuana in Maryland

Now that you know the pertinent laws that govern marijuana consumption and distribution in Maryland, you are now aware of the limitations of carrying products on your person. If you are a resident of Maryland or any nearby states such as Washington, DC and Virginia, you might want to purchase cannabis from any of the MD dispensaries. Here are some ways you can do so:

• Avail Weed Delivery Services

One of the most important temporary measures regarding cannabis in relation to the current state of emergency is the legalization of weed delivery. This policy enables patients to purchase the products they need, especially during a time when dispensaries are considered essential services. With the permission of the MMCC, Maryland dispensaries can do onsite deliveries, curbside pickups and home deliveries.

This is a great way to minimize contact with people at a time when a communicable disease is widely persisting. This allows for minimal contact, while ensuring that you will be able to get the right products. Just make sure that your favorite dispensary offers such services and you are good to go.

• Attend Weed Events

Another great source of cannabis products is stalls or sellers present in events such as exhibitions, expositions and conferences. However, because of the virus outbreak, many events were canceled or postponed, so you will be hard-pressed to find an event you can attend.

However, you have the option to ask your dispensary if they do meetups. This is a great choice if you have a preferred store, but you find it too far for you to go to in light of the current public health situation. Some stores schedule private meetups for purchases below the minimum for deliveries.

Meetups let you meet people who are also medical marijuana patients. This is a great way to find friends who share the same need for MMJ and who can give you tips on how to use this treatment aid optimally and effectively.

• Direct Purchases from Dispensaries

Not every dispensary out there offers delivery services and meetups. The best way to deal with this while minimizing your contact is to simply call the store, place your order and ask schedule a pickup time and date. This way, you will simply have to go to the store and get your items.

If all else fails, you can visit your favorite dispensary to browse their catalogs on-site. Just make sure to practice safety precautions during these pandemic times.

What to Remember When Buying Medical Cannabis

Now that you know how you can purchase cannabis products in Maryland, you might be wondering what you need to do before you take the first step in buying products. Check out these tips for buying items, which can be helpful for beginners:

• Consider Your Condition

If you are thinking of buying medical cannabis, you probably have a qualifying condition such as cachexia, anorexia, severe or chronic pain, nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other chronic and debilitating medical conditions and symptoms.

So, before you place an order, make sure to consider what your condition calls for. For example, patients who have eating disorders might want to regulate their appetite, and there are infused products that contain cannabinoids that best address either overeating or undereating. Make sure to consult your physician about the type of product you should get for your condition.

• Look at Your Options

Say, your doctor says that you need a CBD-rich product to help address your condition. Bear in mind that there are lots of CBD-infused items you can choose from. Topicals that are perfect for skin issues, aches, and pains, while orally consumable items such as tinctures, gels, and tablets are good for many other conditions.

You also have the option to smoke flowers. Just remember that these contain various cannabinoids including CBD and acceptable amounts of THC, which have a variety of effects. If you want to simulate the smoking experience, vaping is a great option for you.

Other products you may want to consider include infused chocolates, baked goods, oils, and gummies.

• Assess the Situation

Knowing what you condition needs and your options for products, you might be contemplating on how to get the products you want. If you are a beginner and you have no idea where to start, it is best to search for dispensaries near you and get in touch with them to know if they deliver or do meetups and pickups.

Those who prefer to visit the store may benefit from the experience as budtenders are knowledgeable about their products, which means that they can help you choose the perfect product for your needs. You can also learn about the effects of consuming the plant and even some tips for consumption.

As mentioned, make sure to practice safety measures such as social or physical distancing during your visit. The state of Maryland has such rules in place and it is only smart to observe such health and safety policies. The wearing of masks may also be encouraged, so make sure to keep that in mind.

The Bottom Line

Maryland is taking the right steps toward addressing marijuana-related concerns with the MMCC’s decision to consider making changes to existing laws. With temporary policies in place, marijuana patients can get their hands on the products they need with minimal risks of contact and exposure. The variety of ways to purchase products is a great development, especially during these pandemic times.

Wake and Bake: DC Scheduled Weed Delivery for First Timers

The advantages of scheduled weed delivery in DC are almost endless, helping people stay at home and get marijuana supplies easily. At the time of the pandemic, it is important to restrict the trips outside, and simply get delivery services and receive goods at the doorstep.

No need to go out and drop by a dispensary to get weed supply, line up for half an hour, and drive back home. Schedule delivery services provide a hassle-free service of getting a stash of marijuana on a given time and date.

For first-time buyers in DC, learning about the laws and regulations on weed delivery is crucial to get marijuana and CBD products. In this article, we are going to dive deeper into the weed delivery services in DC, and why schedule deliveries are on the rise.

DC Recreational Marijuana

The recreational marijuana laws in DC are quite confusing for newbies who come from states like California or Colorado. For one, buying directly at dispensaries isn’t allowed, and the only way to get marijuana is through trading, gifting, and freebies.

The DC legislature leaves a grey area on purchasing recreational marijuana, preventing ramping up of supplies, and limiting people’s purchasing power. By understanding the laws, consumers won’t get in trouble and enjoy recreational weed more.

When the Initiative 71 took full effect in 2015, DC residents are allowed to consume recreational marijuana at home, cultivate up to six plants, and carry less than 2 ounces of weed in public for personal use. Individuals under the age of 21 aren’t allowed to smoke or consume any marijuana products, as it’s against the law.

Basically, the state authorities are limiting the consumption of marijuana, banning public smoking and driving under the influence of the drug. Since 2015, residents are only allowed to trade items for weed, donate and receive marijuana as a gift, and get cannabis as a freebie from buying other products like clothing and smoking accessories.

These are better compared to not getting weed at all, in comparison to other states like Wisconsin and Wyoming. By observing the laws in place, residents can consume weed in their private property, plant, but not sell to other people.

In addition, no single person should smoke weed in public places like parking lots, parks, restaurants, malls, and fitness centers. Anyone found doing this illegal activity is subject to a maximum penalty of $1,000 or jail time up to 60 days. The reason behind this is, the DC Department of Health is trying to reduce the exposure of secondhand smoke, which can affect other people.

Scheduled Marijuana Orders

As mentioned, customers cannot buy weed directly from any other dispensaries in the state. The only way to get the supply is by buying a different product and gets the weed as a freebie. Hence, the schedule marijuana delivery is meant for buying another product, then a small pack of weed is provided to customers.

Different dispensaries have distinct rules on scheduled delivery services, and most of the time, couriers set a cut-off daily to avoid late-night delivery. The schedule delivery option is for people who want to place advance orders or deliver the item the following day.

For instance, if a customer is low on a marijuana supply, he or she can place an order online for a scheduled delivery of his or her choice. The customer can choose for the desired time and date of delivery, suited to his or her schedule. Given this setup, a customer can easily receive the order and pay the item without a hassle.

There are also some online delivery services like Ghouse, which arrange private meetups with a minimum order size of $75 for the accessories and other items. The private meetup could be anywhere near The National Cathedral on Wisconsin Avenue. Other weed delivery providers only support door-to-door delivery for a single purchase.

One thing that makes scheduled marijuana delivery better than regular delivery is, customers can expect the package on time, with real-time tracking, and order confirmation. Additionally, customers can select the preferred date and time to expect the order and receive it personally.

Choosing Delivery Services in DC

The weed delivery services in DC are saturated, and first-time buyers can easily fall victim to poor customer service and poor quality marijuana freebie. To get away with these things, it is important to choose the best weed delivery in DC and get excellent service.

Some of the things to consider are customers’ reviews, availability of products, and proximity of the dispensary.

For safety, customers need to know if the marijuana freebie is high quality, and doesn’t provide physical effects such as vomiting, nausea, and dehydration. The risks are higher with poor quality weed, those who are passed the shelf life. Usually, well-cured marijuana can stay up to six months to a year, depending on the quality. Ensure that supplies are always fresh, and the supplier is reliable.

Another way to check the quality of marijuana freebie offered by dispensaries is by checking customers’ reviews. If most customers can vouch for the quality of the items and the free weed, then consider buying from the service provider or supplier. Check other online forums too, and see whether the brand has consistently good reviews from buyers.

The availability of the products matters too, as some strains aren’t common. Consult the dispensary and ask if you can choose the freebies you want. If looking for specific marijuana strain or product, contact the service providers first before placing an order.

Finally, the proximity of the dispensary matters when getting scheduled weed delivery. Some areas are not serviceable, and dispensaries require an additional charge to deliver the items and freebies. Find out if your area is covered by the delivery service, and if not, consider finding another marijuana dispensary within your location.

Because quarantine procedures are stricter in some areas, many people would accept additional charges for weed delivery. After all, this is safe than going out of the house to get the marijuana supply.

Best Weed Delivery in DC

Despite the threat of the coronavirus, DC allowed emergency marijuana orders in the state. Curbside pickup and door-to-door deliveries are only available for individuals with a medical marijuana card, as authorities limit the number of people going out of their homes. Recreational marijuana isn’t allowed, and residents simply need to rely on cultivating the plant to get weed supply.

This initial order was announced by Mayor Muriel Bowser on April 14, and expires on August 12, or once the public health emergency order is lifted. However, mid-May, Bowser already lifted the stay-at-home order, which means non-essential retails can open for curbside pickup.

Scheduled marijuana delivery services are the thing these days, to avoid going out. Here are some of the best-scheduled weed delivery services in DC.

• Ghouse

One of the best weed delivery services in DC is Ghouse, offering high-quality marijuana for a minimum order of $75. The brand offers curbside pickup and private meetup, within a 3-mile radius of Winconsin Avenue.

Choose from sativa, hybrid, and Indica, as freebies from buying stickers, baseball cards, lighter, bags, shirts, edibles, and cartridges. The most affordable item to buy is a sticker, which costs $35, and customers can get a free eight of weed. For a full ounce, purchase either a bag or shirt, which costs $200.

Call Ghouse at (202)-845-9928 to place an order and schedule a private meet-up. All items are subject to availability.

• Jungle Girls Delivery

Want to buy art with weed as a freebie? Check out Jungle Girls Delivery for weed inspired artworks for sale. The brand offers rush delivery within DC, with pickup schedules 10:30 AM, 12noon, 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM. All pickups are by appointment or schedule due to the pandemic.

Some of the products available to purchase are smoke essentials, flower-inspired art, digital art for download, edibles, concentrates, and munchies or snacks. The minimum order size is $40, which is totally affordable. Jungle Girls Delivery also sells infused snacks like cookies, chocolate bars, cannabis capsules, and brownies.

• Better Bud Bureau

Get your hands on some of the organic, pesticide-free marijuana products and merch from Better Bud Bureau. From stickers, logos, sanitizer, and edibles, customers can choose from a wide array of freebies. There are CBD and THC products to get, from mist, brownies, microdose cubes, and sour gummies.

All delivery services are limited and by appointment or schedule only. Contact Better Bud Bureau at (202)-891-1547 to place orders and schedule a delivery.

Conclusion

Buying recreational marijuana in DC is easy, even at the time of the pandemic. Many retail establishments offer by appointment or schedule delivery to attend to customers’ orders and requests. Individuals who possess a medical marijuana card can easily buy marijuana products, from THC, CBD-infused products, and marijuana strains.

Contact the weed delivery providers today to place orders and get your weed supply.

Is Weed Legal in Massachusetts?

Curious about the current marijuana landscape in Massachusetts? Today, with more public support for marijuana law reform than ever, it’s normal to find yourself interested in which states have already legalized the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes.

Whether you’re eyeing to move into the famed Bay State soon or is set to spend a brief vacation there for a week or two, knowing where Massachusetts stands in relation to marijuana can help you know what you can and what you can’t do once you get there.

To help you prepare in advance, here is a comprehensive discussion on the current state of marijuana in Massachusetts. Find out whether cannabis has been declared legal in the state and learn about the different laws and policies surrounding the drug in the state by reading this guide below.

Marijuana in America: Where Does Massachusetts Stand in the Cannabis Poll?

In less than two decades, the world has witnessed how marijuana’s position evolved from a stigmatized gateway drug to a substance blessed with tons of medicinal promises.

If we were to look back, California became the first domino to fall in 1996 after legalizing medical marijuana, creating a ripple that has pushed many other states to follow the same arrangement. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to vote for the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes, marking yet another key milestone in the U.S. marijuana legalization.

Today, it’s not surprising that a total of 11 states, plus D.C., have now legalized both recreational and medical use of cannabis. Massachusetts. is one of these 11 marijuana havens.

Recreational Marijuana in Massachusetts – Is It Legal?

As mentioned earlier, Massachusetts is one of the 11 U.S. states to have legalized the use of recreational cannabis. Specifically, this means that anyone who is 21 years of age and older can buy and use marijuana for a specified amount.

Similar to all other states, the story of how Massachusetts embraced cannabis is a long and complex one. In 2008, the state voted to decriminalize cannabis, marking the first significant event that made Massachusetts closer to becoming a marijuana haven for patients and enthusiasts. Specifically, at the time, the use and purchase of the drug remained illegal, however, anyone who is to be caught doing the act will face only civil fines instead of criminal charges.

About four years since the decriminalization, medical marijuana in the state had been approved. And, finally, in 2016, Massachusetts voters passed Question 4, which legalized the use of cannabis for recreational purposes in the state.

Specifics of the Law: Exploring Recreational Marijuana in Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts' recreational cannabis laws, anyone who is 21 years of age or older is allowed to possess and carry specific amounts of marijuana. In particular, he or she can have up to one ounce of marijuana or 5 grams of concentrate outside of their residence and up to ten ounces of marijuana inside their residence.

Additionally, adults are also allowed to possess and cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants, with a maximum of 12 per household.

What Can’t You Do: Limitations of Massachusetts’ Recreational Cannabis Laws

Of course, similar in the case of all other states to have legalized recreational marijuana, Massachusetts’ existing cannabis laws still come with a few limitations.

Among these include:

• People who are to be caught “operating, navigating, or being in actual physical control” of any transport vehicle while under the influence of a marijuana product will still face penalties.

• Transfer of marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories to people under 21 years of age is illegal.

• Manufacturing marijuana or hemp products by means of any liquid or gas with a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit is prohibited (except when done pursuant to a marijuana product manufacturer license issued by the commission).

• Property owners and local government agencies can still prohibit or regulate the possession or consumption of marijuana within a building, subdivision, or facility.

• Employers can still enact and enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of marijuana to their employees.

• Anyone can still face civil, criminal, or other penalties if their use of marijuana resulted in negligence or professional malpractice.

• While medical and recreational cannabis are both legal in Massachusetts, it is still illegal to consume the drug in public.

Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts – Is It Legal?

Even before recreational use has been declared legal in Massachusetts, medical use of the drug has already been approved, thanks to the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative, also known as Question 3, which was passed in 2012.

Under the said measure, patients who are suffering from specific serious illnesses are allowed to use cannabis for medical purposes in the state.

Who is Eligible for the State’s Medical Marijuana Program?

As per required by the state laws, medical marijuana program is limited to those who reside in Massachusetts and are suffering from a specified debilitating medical condition.

Specifically, he or she must you must experience a debilitating medical condition as determined by the Commonwealth. Among these include:

• Cancer

• Glaucoma

• HIV/AIDS

• Hepatitis C

• Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)

• Crohn’s disease

• Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Or other debilitating conditions as determined in writing by a patient’s certified physician.

How to Apply for the State’s Medical Marijuana Program?

To apply for Massachusetts’ Medical Marijuana Program, interested individuals must follow the steps below:

Step 1: Determine whether they are eligible to apply.

Step 2: If they qualify for the program, the next step is to get a certification from a certified physician recommending the use of medical marijuana. If the health care provider approved, he or she will provide the patient with a PIN number to register with the Program.

Step 3: After getting the PIN, the patient must now register online via the Medical Use of Marijuana Program Online System to ask for a medical marijuana card. During the application, they will be asked to provide the PIN number provided by their health care provider.

Step 4: To complete the application, applicants must upload the required documents (a valid ID and current photograph of the applicant, along with other needed files).

Step 5: Pay the $50 application fee.

Step 6: Submit their applications and wait for the approval.

Step 7: If they’ve been approved, applicants will receive a temporary printable version of their Massachusetts medical marijuana card, which they can use to purchase marijuana products at dispensaries.

Step 8: The official Medical Marijuana Card will arrive by mail when it is ready.

What Can’t You Do: Limitations of Massachusetts’ Medical Cannabis Laws

To date, under Massachusetts’ medical cannabis laws, registered patients are only allowed to purchase up to a 60-day supply of up to 10 ounces from a dispensary with each prescription. They may, however, be allowed to buy more if a qualified health care provider determines that their condition warrants higher doses.

Some Notes to Remember

Generally, although medical and recreational marijuana are both declared legal in Massachusetts, exporting the drug from the state towards another will still subject a person to a felony crime at the federal level, as marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Similarly, a person can still be arrested for possession of cannabis when in another state that hasn’t legalized possession of cannabis – regardless if that person is a registered medical marijuana patient in Massachusetts.

The Bottom Line

Is the current marijuana landscape in Massachusetts a lot clearer to you now? Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast, a potential medical marijuana patient, or just a curious culture vulture, learning the ins and outs of Massachusetts marijuana laws can benefit you greatly.

To know more, feel free to visit Massachusetts official state site and look for more info regarding the current status of marijuana and the laws surrounding the drug to date.

Is Weed Legal in NY?

How we deal with marijuana has significantly changed over the last decade. From being dubbed as a face of evil, the drug has undergone a tremendous transformation. Now, public support for cannabis continues to balloon, with dozens of states and countries voting in favor of legal marijuana use.

Given these significant changes, it’s normal to wonder where New York currently stands on the marijuana poll. Is cannabis now legal in the state or is it among those whose traditional perceptions of the drug remain mostly intact?

Here, we have prepared a comprehensive guide that will take you through the ins and outs of New York’s current marijuana landscape. Whether you’re an enthusiast or not, knowing about these laws will surely help you how to deal with cannabis during your whole stay in the Empire State.

Read on.

Cannabis in New York: Knowing the Line

Nearly every day, researchers are discovering something incredible about cannabis. However, how states and countries deal with these discoveries vary greatly. While some are quick to embrace and maximize the potentials of the drug, others are moving temperately with cautions, while some sluggishly.

In the case of New York, the state is somewhere between the first and the second. While it hasn’t joined the ranks of states who have gone all-out in declaring cannabis legal for recreational and medical purposes, the state does have a few laws that are in favor of the drug.

Specifically, to date, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in the Empire State. However, the use of the substance for medical purposes is permitted. Along with this, possession of small amounts of cannabis has also been decriminalized.

To put it simply, New York has legalized medical marijuana, but recreational cannabis use remains illegal there. However, the state did decriminalize possession of small amounts of the drug.

With the presence of these laws, it’s safe to say that although New York hasn’t approved the recreational use of cannabis, it does have its fair share on marijuana advancements.

Medical Cannabis in New York: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

As mentioned earlier, medical cannabis is legal in New York. This means that patients who are suffering from specified serious conditions can purchase cannabis for medical uses.

Specifically, the law took effect in 2014, when New York City Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Compassionate Care Act, which allows doctors to prescribe marijuana in a non-smokable form to patients suffering from serious ailments.

The signing made New York the 23rd state to legalize medical marijuana in some form.

Under the program, patients must first be certified by their physicians and possess a registration identification card before they can purchase medical cannabis products.

Meanwhile, practitioners must complete a New York State Department of Health (Department) approved course and register with the Department to certify patients. They are also required to consult the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program Registry first before issuing a certification for medical marijuana.

What Conditions Make Someone Eligible for Medical Marijuana in N.Y.?

To date, under New York’s laws, patients are eligible to apply for the state’s medical-marijuana program if they happen to be suffering from any of the conditions below:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• Cancer

• Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

• Chron’s disease

• Chronic pain

• Epilepsy

• HIV or AIDS

• Huntington's disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Neuropathy

• Parkinson's disease

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Spinal cord injury with spasticity

• Ulcerative Colitis

In addition, patients suffering from a severe debilitating or life-threatening condition or any of the following conditions must also be suffering from one or more of the following associated or complicating conditions:

• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome

• Severe or Chronic Pain

• Severe Nausea

• Seizures

• Severe or persistent Muscle Spasms

• Opioid use disorder

How to Register in the Medical Marijuana Program?

Aside from being diagnosed with any of the conditions provided above, the laws also require that patients must be at least 18 years of age to apply. In case the patient is under the specified age, an Approved Caregiver must be designated and register on behalf of the patient.

In addition, patients must also be residents of New York State and provide proof that they are indeed one.

Once they satisfy all these criteria, they can apply for the medical marijuana program of the state.

To do so, the first step is to consult a qualified practitioner. If the practitioner approves medical marijuana use, he/she will provide the patient with a certification for medical marijuana.

After that, the patient will then be allowed to register to the Medical Marijuana program via the Department's online Patient Registration System. The application fee is currently at $50.00 for all patients and designated caregivers.

Once the application has been approved, the government will then issue a Temporary Registry Identification Card, which the patient can use, along with a government-issued ID, to purchase approved Medical Marijuana products.

Medical Marijuana Identification Cards will later be mailed to the address of the patient.

You may find more details about New York’s Medical Marijuana Program by visiting this link: Information for Patients.

Recreational Cannabis in New York: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

As stated earlier, recreational use of cannabis is illegal in New York. However, the state did decriminalize weed just recently, which marked a momentous turn of event, especially for cannabis enthusiasts living in the state.

To explain what this means, it’s important to distinguish first how legalization differs from decriminalization.

As the word suggests, the legalization of marijuana means all legal prohibitions against the act will be removed, with no fines, penalties, etc.

Meanwhile, if marijuana has been decriminalized in a state, this means using the drug will remain illegal, but the people who are to be caught possessing the drug with a certain amount will not face criminal penalties. Typically, this means that individuals won’t face jail time or criminal record. Instead, similar to a minor traffic violation, they’ll only be subjected to civil fines.

In the case of New York, marijuana has been decriminalized. Under the state’s law, possession of up to two ounces or less of marijuana in the State will be treated as a violation instead of a criminal offense.

The measure took effect in August of 2019, following a month since Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it.

The law also expunged previous convictions for low-level marijuana possession.

In explaining his reason for signing the measure, Government Cuomo said at the time that laws governing marijuana have been disproportionately targeting communities of color. He also claimed that expunging records of individuals who have been unjustly convicted serves as “critical step forward” in the criminal justice process.

To date, individuals who are to be caught with up to 28 grams of marijuana in New York will be subjected to a $50 fine, while those with more than 28 grams will need to pay a maximum fine of $200.

Meanwhile, possession of cannabis between 2 to 8 ounces in the state will be classified as a Class A misdemeanour, which is punishable by no more than 1 year of imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $1,000.

If a person happens to be caught possessing more than 8 ounces of marijuana, he or she will be subjected to longer years of imprisonment, with the longest extending up to 15 years, and higher fines, with the highest at $15,000.

Is CBD Legal in New York?

With the current buzz CBD, or cannabidiol, is getting, it’s normal to find yourself curious as to whether it is legal in New York as well.

The short answer is, YES.

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, the substance has been declared legal across the United States, which includes the State of New York.

This means that whether you’re a resident or a tourist, you are free to use CBD oil for recreational purposes. You may also buy the substance in N.Y., so long as you’ll be taking it as a dietary supplement rather than as a medical product.

To date, high-quality CBD oil can be easily accessed across the state, and you can get it even without a NY medical marijuana card.

The Bottom Line

Impressed about New York’s current marijuana landscape? Hip bars, museums, and buildings aside, the state’s promising cannabis laws are also among its main tourist points.

Sure, while the state appears to be lagging in the recreational front, the legalization of medical marijuana use and the decriminalization of cannabis suggests that N.Y. is somewhere on its way to advancing its relationship with the drug.