The landscape of medical marijuana is changing rapidly across the country. Most of the states have legalized medical marijuana dispensaries and allowed the sale of these products subject to prescriptions.
The medical marijuana industry is likely to become a $14.5 billion industry by the end of 2020. With such whopping numbers, it is essential to know where you can find licensed dispensaries. Only these dispensaries will sell quality marijuana products that follow your state’s regulations.
State Department of Health Websites
The most reliable source of information on medical marijuana dispensaries is the State’s Department of Health website. Most of them will have the list of licensed dispensaries and practitioners in the state. If you see that there are no dispensaries close to you, then you can use the other method mentioned below.
The Internet of Things
The internet can be a reliable source when looking for dispensaries that are licensed to sell medical marijuana. You can get results based on location. One study done in California found that the internet search yielded mostly accurate results.
The researchers called the dispensaries to confirm the information and found that nearly all dispensaries listed sold medical marijuana products either over-the-counter or delivered to you.
Here are some things to look for in medical marijuana dispensaries:
Check License
With so many people turning to medical marijuana, there is a tremendous increase in the number of shady operations. Before you buy products from the dispensary, ask to see their license. Only those dispensaries that are licensed to sell medical marijuana products can do so. Just because the pharmacy has a green cross sign outside does not mean it is permitted.
Patient Privacy and Rights Protocol
A patient’s medical information is sensitive and subject to being held confidential. It will help if you make sure that the dispensary has a clear policy that requires them to keep your records confidential. A legal dispensary will have its privacy policy published in plain view. If not, you can always ask for the same.
Knowledgeable Doctor and Staff
Prescribing medical marijuana is like prescribing any other medicine. The doctor needs to have knowledge of the products and should have a license to prescribe medical marijuana. Also, it helps if the other staff members are also knowledgeable about the products.
Check Product’s Quality Testing Certificates
The law regarding the quality tests of marijuana products varies from state to state. A reliable licensed dispensary will only sell products that meet the state’s requirements of quality assurance. Read about the laws in your state before you head out to purchase medical marijuana. This way, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether the dispensary is reliable or not.
Get a Medical Marijuana Card and Recommendation
In most states that have allowed marijuana to be used for medical purposes, it is a good idea to consult an MMJ doctor and get a medical marijuana card and prescription. This means you will pay a lower tax or no tax on these products. Licensed dispensaries in these states are allowed to charge a higher tax when purchases are made for recreational purposes.
Medical marijuana dispensaries are mushrooming all over the country. You can use these steps to locate a dispensary that is licensed to sell medical marijuana products. Once you find a dispensary that you trust, you can use them for all your marijuana prescriptions.
Leave a Reply