The cannabis plant has many health, recreational and medicinal benefits, so it’s no surprise that marijuana is a booming business. In fact, it’s estimated that the cannabis industry will net around 23 billion dollars’ worth of legal sales in the year 2025. However, the laws and regulations regarding marijuana are constantly evolving, making it difficult to keep up. If you want to use marijuana safely and legally, here are some tips to help you stay on the right side of the law.
Check Your State and Local Laws
Marijuana might be legal in your state, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re free to light up. Your state and city most likely have many regulations about who can purchase and use marijuana, who can sell it and where it can be used. One way to ensure you’re staying legal and also getting a quality product is to only buy from a licensed medical or recreational marijuana dispensary.
Get a Prescription
If only medical marijuana is legal in your state, you may qualify for a prescription. Different states have different rules for who can get one, but some conditions that are commonly treated with medical cannabis include migraines, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and chemotherapy side effects. Some insurance policies also cover medical marijuana, so it may be worth getting a prescription even if recreational use is legal where you live.
Take a 420 Vacation
Is marijuana illegal for any purpose in your state? You can still enjoy it legally by taking a trip. Visit Denver, Colorado for a Rocky Mountain high, enjoy marijuana on the beaches of Montevideo, Uruguay or stop by a dispensary on your way to the casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, you might be surprised to learn that cannabis isn’t technically legal in some well-known marijuana vacation destinations like Amsterdam and Jamaica.
Purchase Online
Marijuana can be difficult to find in some places where it’s legal, which makes online dispensaries a valuable resource. Make sure to only purchase from dispensaries that are licensed to sell in your state and avoid websites advertising sales to anyone regardless of age or location. Illegally operating dispensaries may leave you without your money or your marijuana.
Although the following laws and regulations is an important part of using marijuana safely, many states and cities have decriminalized but not legalized cannabis. You can use marijuana in these locations without fear of legal repercussions, but keep in mind you may get an inferior product due to the lack of regulation.