Does Weed Kill Brain Cells? Marijuana's Impact on Your Brain

 Despite the fact that medical marijuana and even recreational marijuana is legal in many states, there are still concerns from some over the effects on the brain and in particular the long term effects of heavy marijuana use.

Marijuana affects the brain in a number of ways due to the variety of active ingredients. THC and CBD are both cannabinoids that mimic natural chemicals found in the brain and attach to cb1 receptors and cb2 receptors. As well as cannabinoids, terpenes are also thought to contribute to the effects of marijuana, with terpenes being thought to influence serotonin, dopamine and GABA activity.

Marijuana research is ongoing especially into the long term effects of marijuana, it’s many therapeutic health effects and the potential harmful effects. Does cannabis kill brain cells? It’s possible that marijuana kills brain cells, but more research is needed to fully understand how marijuana affects the brain.

If you are using cannabis for medicinal purposes you can apply online for a doctor's recommendation and medical marijuana card today giving you access to the safest possible marijuana as well as dosage advice from licensed medical dispensaries.

Short-term Effects of the Marijuana Plant

Most cannabis users are more concerned with the short-term effects of eaten or smoked marijuana for the recreational effects of euphoria, getting high, or the medical benefits including pain relief and the ability to reduce nausea, anxiety and depression.

As already mentioned cannabis affects the brain by binding with cannabinoid receptors in the brain altering normal brain communications. Cannabinoids affect the areas of the brain that are linked to pleasure, movement and coordination, memory, concentration and thinking as well as time and sensory perceptions.

For most people their reactions to cannabis are pleasant and even medically beneficial, however not everyone will have a positive reaction. Either way the short term effects of cannabis wear off within a few hours.

However it is the long term effects that many people are worried about, and the damage that could be caused by prolonged use..

Long-term Marijuana Impacts on the Brain

According to the national institute on drug abuse there is significant evidence, primarily from animal studies but also increasingly from human studies that exposing the adolescent brain to cannabis can have lasting and irreversible effects on brain development.

One of marijuana’s effects in rats exposed at a young age is to alter their reward system making them more likely to indulge in substance abuse later in life by self administering drugs such as heroin. This is one of the reasons that cannabis is considered to be a gateway drug and a key reason why drug education is needed.

There are studies that have linked early marijuana use to reduced IQ and it is these studies that have given rise to the claims that smoking cannabis can kill brain cells. A New Zealand study looked at persistent marijuana use disorder starting in adolescence showed that heavy use was associated with a loss of 6-8 IQ points by mid-adulthood, furthermore those that used heavily as teenagers and quit as adults did not recover those IQ points but those who didn’t start until adulthood didn’t suffer the same loss of IQ.

Studies have also shown a loss in memory function in long term cannabis users due to its effects on the hippocampus region of the brain.

More research is needed to really determine whether or not heavy use of cannabis causes brain damage in the same way as alcohol or cannabis use. However we do know that users develop a tolerance to cannabis over time which means people need to use more heavily to get the same effects.

Cannabis Use Disorders

Cannabis use disorders or addiction can happen with marijuana users leading to substance abuse however is less likely to cause addiction than many other drugs.

Like other common additions including gambling addiction, sugar addiction, sex addiction, social media addiction, porn addiction or even opioid addiction, addiction affects can be both physical and mental and caution should be exercised of you are planning marijuana detox.

If you are suffering from marijuana abuse disorder you should seek addiction treatment and talk to a treatment provider who can provide medical advice. Treatment centers are a good place to seek advice if you have questions about treatment.

Interestingly CBD can be used therapeutically to help avoid relapse when giving up other addictive substances due to its ability to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Research is also being conducted into CBD’s potential to reduce cravings associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal.

CBD does not make you high but does have many therapeutic benefits. Although it can be useful in alcoholism treatment marijuana smoke is unlikely to be used for inpatient rehab.

Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana is an illegal man made substance that can have some very toxic and damaging effects. Synthetic cannabis also known as spice has become popular despite its negative effects. A synthetic cannabinoid binds with cannabinoid receptors in the brain in the same way as cannabinoids in marijuana but can have much more intense effects and in some cases be life threatening.

Synthetic cannabinoids do not have medicinal benefits and can be far more dangerous and addictive than marijuana. Synthetic marijuana use can cause many side effects such as memory loss, seizures, psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, violence, kidney damage and even brain damage. Addiction can lead to all these problems as well as leading to risky behaviors.

To ensure you are getting real marijuana and not synthetic cannabinoids sprayed onto dried plant matter you should always use a licensed cannabis dispensary. Licensed dispensaries only sell cannabis that has been legally grown and tested to ensure it is genuine. To get access to medical dispensaries you can apply for a medical card online today.

What Causes Bloodshot Eyes When Smoking Weed and How to Treat

 Lots of people get eye redness when they smoke cannabis and red eyes after smoking can be a giveaway sign that someone has consumed cannabis. For some people, red-eye is a given, while for others their eyes turning red only occurs sometimes, usually depending on the strength or the quantity of cannabis consumed.

So what causes red-eye when people smoke marijuana and is there anything you can do to limit, prevent or get rid of red bloodshot eyes?

What Causes Red Bloodshot Eyes?

The primary reason your eyes get red after smoking is that THC lowers blood pressure, in fact it initially causes increased heart rate and blood pressure but this quickly subsides and the blood pressure decreases.

When blood pressure lowers this causes blood vessels and capillaries to dilate leading to increased blood flow.THC is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis and the one that is responsible for getting you high, and also the compound that means medical marijuana is used to treat many medical conditions including chronic pain, nausea, anxiety and glaucoma.

To access medical marijuana in California you need a medical card. Talk to a medical marijuana doctor online today and get your recommendation in minutes.

When ocular capillaries dilate this results in increased blood flow to the eyes which will reduce intraocular pressure. Increased blood flow to the eyes causing blood vessels to dilate is what gives you red eyes after smoking but when you reduce intraocular pressure this can help treat glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a disorder where the optic nerve is damaged, usually by fluid building up causing increased pressure. A condition that can eventually lead to blindness. The effects of THC can reduce that pressure, making red eyes an inconvenient side effect for some and a reason to smoke weed for others.

The fact that this effect is caused by THC can explain why you might not always get red eyes after smoking. Smoking a high THC strain will get you high but is very likely to give you bloodshot eyes. However low THC strains can deliver many medicinal benefits without causing blood vessels to dilate and making our eyes red when we smoke.

This means that changing your strain to one with a lower THC content can reduce red eyes from cannabis, but it will not have the same effect on intraocular pressure and thus not be as effective at treating glaucoma.

Does Eating Weed Make Your Eyes Red?

You might be wondering if edibles make your eyes red in the same way as smoked cannabis. The answer is yes. It is the amount of THC in the bloodstream that will cause red eyes not how it got there so whether you eat it or smoke it doesn’t really make a difference.

How do You Get Rid of Red Eyes?

First of all it is worth noting that your eyes turning red after smoking is not harmful, and your eyes will naturally return to normal as the effects of THC wear off and increased blood flow reduces.

In fact for some people increased blood flow to the eyes and decreased intraocular pressure is actually the effect they are looking for to treat the symptoms of their medical condition.

And even if the potential benefits of lower blood pressure are not the effects you are seeking, red eyes can still be seen as a positive effect. The more red your eyes get the more THC you have in your bloodstream, and if you are looking to get high this is a good thing.

However if you would rather not broadcast the fact you have been smoking cannabis there are a few things you can do to reduce and even get rid of red eyes.

Firstly, the easiest method is to not get red eyes in the first place by choosing strains that are lower in THC or not smoking as much. Depending on your medical condition you may be able to get the relief you need without any unwanted side effects. Talk to your dispensary, your doctor or other people with the same condition to see if there are strains they would recommend to treat your condition that are lower in THC. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different strains.

If you find yourself with bloodshot eyes there are a number of things you can do. One option is to schedule your treatment or smoking times so that no-one is going to notice your eyes, choose times when you can stay at home, or even have a pair of dark glasses for if you do have to go out.

Using an eye drop that is formulated to reduce red eyes. Eye drops can get rid of red eyes if they contain an active ingredient that constricts blood vessels returning the white of the eye to its natural color. Cold water can also restrict blood vessels so splashing your eyes with cold water can help, and caffeine, chocolate and salt are also known to cause vasoconstriction although it’s unlikely this will be as effective as specifically designed eye drops.

Staying hydrated will help prevent any discomfort from dry eyes, as the better hydrated you are the less likely your eyes will get dry, but as red bloodshot eyes are caused by THC interacting with cannabinoid receptors and dilating blood vessels, drinking more water is unlikely to help you get rid of red eye.

And finally remember that if you sit back and relax red eyes will eventually subside and your eyes will go back to normal without causing you any harm.

If you are using cannabis medicinally you can get a marijuana card today and start accessing the best quality weed at lower prices.

10 Favorite Jobs that Don't Drug Test

 If you use medical marijuana then regardless of your health records you might be looking for jobs that don’t require drug tests. Despite the fact that both recreational and medical marijuana are legal in California according to state law employers are still allowed to conduct pre-employment drug tests and even random drug tests meaning that legal use of cannabis could still cost you a job in California.

If you have a condition that would benefit from the medicinal use of marijuana you can apply for a medical card online today.

Top Ten Jobs That Don’t Drugs Test

If you are looking for a job that doesn’t drug test there are certainly a few jobs that you will need to avoid. You’re unlikely to get a job as a bus or train driver for example or a job that requires you to operate heavy machinery.

However there are plenty of jobs out there that don’t require a drugs test especially now that cannabis has been legalized and is essentially the same as drinking. These could include both big employers and smaller employers and of course there are lots of jobs where you can be your own boss. It is worth noting that most employers will still require a drug and alcohol free workplace and reserve the right to test for drugs if they think workers are inebriated while at work.

There are however many jobs you can do as an independent contractor. Independent contractors work on a self-employed basis and are therefore not employed or subject to testing requirements.

1. Target jobs. Target no longer requires a pre-employment drugs test for most of their positions only testing for certain roles they view as safety sensitive.
2. Goodwill have made the decision not to test potential employees for their retail staff.
3. Restaurant manager. Most small restaurants are unlikely to require a drug test. They will expect you to be drug free on the job but are unlikely to care what you do in your own time.
4. Server. As above most restaurants don't care what you are doing on your days off.
5. Become an accountant. This is a job where you can earn good money and be your own boss.
6. Become a Chef. When you are cooking it’s all about the food you make.
7. Get into personal fitness. There are many self employed opportunities available where you won’t have to worry about testing.
8. Try your hand at fashion design.
9. Become a computer animator.
10. Work as an online entrepreneur. No testing and no requirements to work for anyone else.

California Law and Drug Screening

California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal use in 1996 and 20 years later in 2016 legalized the recreational use of marijuana as well. Yet the law expressly allows employers to retain a drug and alcohol free workplace which includes having policies that prohibit the use of marijuana for both employees and prospective employees.

According to the law cannabis use is treated in a similar way to alcohol use. Alcohol is legal for any adult, the same as cannabis but employers can require staff not to come to work intoxicated and discipline them if they do. With this reasoning it doesn’t seem unreasonable to require employees to undergo drug tests if they are thought to be intoxicated.

However, unlike alcohol, employees and job applicants can test positive days or even weeks after the last time they consumed as a test for drugs doesn’t test for current intoxication. Because employers choose their own drug test requirements this can make it difficult for job hunters to know which jobs they should be applying for, especially if they use cannabis medicinally to treat any number of health conditions.

When it comes to federal law the federal government does require drug tests for certain safety sensitive jobs including transportation aviation but has no requirements to test employees in other industries. This means there are companies that drug test and there are companies that don’t drug test.

A Right to Privacy

California is also one of the few states that includes a right to privacy in their constitution which further muddies the waters when it comes to drug testing policies. The courts have held that an individual's right to privacy is implicated by drug test policies but this does not mean that drug testing is illegal or that it no longer happens. Cases where individuals have been required to undergo a drug test are judged on a case by case basis weighing up the need or reasons for a test against the intrusion.

Courts in California have upheld pre-employment drug testing as long as testing is applied to all applicants and is not used to discriminate a gainst or exclude applicants with certain characteristics. This means that you could be refused a job just because you use cannabis medicinally and completely within the law.

What Jobs Don't Drug Test in California?

Increasingly employers are updating their drug test policies due to the fact that legal cannabis use could exclude otherwise great employees. Some may choose not to drug test at all while others may retain their testing requirements but turn a blind eye to cannabis use letting potential employees know that they must not use it on the job and trusting that they will abide by that rule.

Jobs that don’t drug test tend to be those that are not safety sensitive. For example Target only tests for safety sensitive jobs such as security guards and machine operators and Goodwill have stopped pre-employment testing for retail workers.

Job seekers who use cannabis on a regular basis should look for the kinds of jobs that are not safety sensitive as these jobs, driving, operating machinery etc are more likely to ask for urine samples. There are however plenty of jobs in both the public and private sector that are willing to turn a blind eye for the right candidate. You might be a computer programmer, a floral designer or a web designer or developer and have no problem with being tested at work.

Employers may also be more lenient towards individuals who need cannabis to treat a medical condition. You can get a medical card and a doctor's recommendation quickly and easily by applying online today.

Indica vs. Sativa: 3 Important Differences

 Cannabis is a plant, a flowering herb, that has psychoactive properties. There are hundreds of strains of cannabis that come under three subspecies, Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis. Of these three subspecies, Cannabis Indica strains and Cannabis Sativa strains are the most popular types of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use.

If you use cannabis for medical reasons you may wish to apply for a medical card online.

There are a number of differences between Indica and Sativa plants. You can tell the difference between the Indica and Sativa flower by the look of the plants, Sativa plants are taller and thinner with longer slimmer leaves while Indica plants tend to be shorter and bushier with fatter leaves. But you can also feel the difference between Indica and Sativa strains as they have different effects on the body.

For example, Indica strains tend to affect the body more, increase appetite and have a relaxing effect that helps people sleep as well as providing better pain relief. Sativa effects are much more stimulating, they increase your energy level, boost creativity and are more uplifting and euphoric giving more of a head high than a body high.

Particular strains of marijuana have different effects and there are many hybrid strains that are bred to help with specific medical conditions. Patients may also use different types of cannabis throughout the day with a Sativa strain or Sativa dominant hybrid strain being used during the day and an Indica strain at night.

How Do You Know the Difference Between Indica and Sativa?

There are a number of ways you can tell the difference between Indica and Sativa strains including their physical appearance, their effects on the body, and their chemical makeup.

Physical Differences - Indica vs. Sativa What's The Difference

The first important difference between Indica y Sativa are the physical differences between the plants. Although marijuana plants all look pretty similar, there are actually many physical differences between Indica and Sativa plants including the height and size of the plants, the shapes of the leaves and the color and scent of the flowers.

An Indica plant can be recognized by its shorter and bushier stature and shorter wider leaves. The difference in shape between Sativa and Indica strains is due to the difference in climate and growing seasons. Indica plants have a shorter growing season, grow more quickly and tend to have a higher yield making them a popular choice especially in cooler climates. Popular strains include bubba kush, fat banana and northern lights are popular Indica or Indica dominant strains.

A Sativa plant, by contrast, is taller and slimmer in stature with longer and thinner leaves. Sativa plants are generally found in warmer climates with long hot summers and the height can make them more difficult to grow indoors. The slower growing time also makes them less popular on the black market. Popular Sativa strains include super sour diesel and blue dream.

Sativa vs. Indica Effects

Although there are so many hybrid strains available there are some general differences between the effects of Indica and Sativa.

Sativas tend to have a more uplifting, euphoric, creative and even energetic effect. Whereas Indicas tend to be more analgesic and relaxing, stimulating the appetite and promoting sleep. With this in mind, you can easily see why Sativa strains are often preferred for treating conditions such as anxiety and depression whereas Indica strains are preferred for dealing with chronic pain or given to chemotherapy patients to help with nausea.

Because of their differing effects on energy levels Sativa strains tend to be more popular for use during the day whereas Indica strains are more popular at night. Strains are often developed to try and meld these effects together, combining the uplifting effects of Sativa with the pain-relieving effects of Indica and patients should look at the properties and composition of each individual strain to determine the one that is most suited to their needs.

Cannabis Classification System

When it comes to classification between the species of cannabis it is the presence and concentration of one of the common terpenes, myrcene, that determines whether a marijuana strain is Indica or Sativa.

Terpenes are the chemical substances responsible for giving cannabis plants their distinctive aromas. Myrcene has a musky, herbal earthy smell and is also found in thyme, hops and lemongrass. Other common terpenes include pinene, caryophyllene, limonene and terpinolene, all of which have different aromas, effects and therapeutic values.

Different strains of marijuana have a different balance of these terpenes as well as a different CBD to THC ratio which influences their effects. One of the key differences between Indicas and Sativas is their effects on energy levels, and this may come from myrcene which is thought to have sedative and relaxing effects.

Cannabinoids and terpenes work together to provide the medicinal benefits of each cannabis strain, thus it is important to understand the chemical composition beyond the cannabinoid profile when determining the physiological effect an Indica, Sativa or hybrid strain of medicinal cannabis is likely to have.

However it is also worth noting that just knowing whether a strain is Sativa or Indica doesn’t really tell you that much, especially as there are so many hybrid strains as well.

Medical Cannabis - Sativa vs. Indica

When it comes to medical marijuana again it depends on the individual and the medicinal properties they need. As mentioned above Indica strains may be more suited to chronic pain and Sativa strains to anxiety, but it’s not easy or wise to make such sweeping generalizations.

Patients will want to look at Sativa vs. Indica effects as well as the many hybrids that are available but may also be concerned with the CBD to THC ratio. THC and CBD are both cannabinoids but they have different effects on the body when you consume them. THC is responsible for getting you high, amongst other effects, but this may not always be desirable from a medication.

Many patients prefer to choose a cannabis product with lower levels of THC and more CBD content as CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive effects but can still help to manage pain, anxiety, depression and other disorders known to be receptive to cannabis treatment. This makes it easier to carry on with your daily activities than if you were consuming a strain high in THC.

Interestingly there is no real difference in THC or CBD between Indica and Sativa strains. Some have more some have less but this is not determined by the subspecies.

With so many differences between Indica and Sativa in terms of the effects of the different strains on the body, medical patients should work to find the best medication for their specific condition and lifestyle needs. Whether this is Indica vs. Sativa or CBD vs. THC.

Also new strains are constantly being created so choosing a specific strain that works for your condition doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experiment with other strains.

To benefit from a wide range of tested medicinal strains without needing to pay sales tax you can apply for a medical recommendation online today and talk to one of our qualified physicians.

Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Card Online $39

 Since the Rhode Island Marijuana Act was signed in 2006 qualified patients have been able to use medical cannabis to relieve the symptoms of a number of conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, chronic pain, PTSD and severe nausea. However, as recreational cannabis is not legal in the state you need a medical marijuana card in order to purchase cannabis in Rhode Island.

Once you have a Rhode Island medical marijuana card you can purchase cannabis legally from any of the state-licensed marijuana dispensaries. Medical marijuana patients are entitled to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces (70 grams) every 15 days and grow up to 12 plants and 12 seedlings, although additional registration is required to grow your own.

Qualified medical patients are also entitled to designate registered caregivers and authorized purchasers who can buy medical marijuana on their behalf.

Rhode Island dispensaries can also accept an out of state medical cannabis card. This means medical marijuana patients from other states are still able to access medication in Rhode Island although a Rhode Island patient may not be able to use their Rhode island medical card in other states.

How do you get a medical card in RI?

Getting a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island is a fairly straightforward process providing you have a qualifying medical condition. According to Rhode Island’s medical marijuana program patients with a debilitating medical condition may use marijuana if a doctor certifies in writing that the use of cannabis may ease symptoms and that the benefits would outweigh any health risks. Qualifying conditions are stated as:

• Cancer or cancer treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, etc.
• Glaucoma
• HIV or Aids
• Hepatitis C or treatment for Hepatitis C
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Severe, debilitating, chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of Multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease
• Agitation related to Alzheimer’s Disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

To get written certification for a marijuana card in Rhode Island you must first make an appointment with your doctor or a specialist medical marijuana doctor who will verify your condition and fill out the practitioner written certification form stating that they believe cannabis would alleviate your symptoms.

This written certification form is then submitted along with a patient application form. The patient application form and the can be found on the Rhode Island Department of Health website. These forms need to be filled in and posted along with a copy of your ID, proof of residency and the non-refundable application fee.

You must also state on your application if you plan on growing plants. If you are growing cannabis in Rhode Island grow locations must be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

Once your application has been sent you need to wait for approval. This usually happens within about 10 working days. The health department requires successful applicants to make an in person appointment to where they will take the photograph for your marijuana id card and check your original state identification card.

Once the department issues your Rhode Island medical marijuana card you can then take it to a compassion center and legally purchase marijuana. The license is valid for one year before it needs to be renewed. If you need to change your address or other information during this time you must fill out a patient information change form. This can be found in the patient FAQ area of the Health Department website along with lots of other information.

How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island?

The application fee for the medical marijuana program id card is $50 although there is a 50% discount for those receiving Medicaid, SSI, disability income, or veterans benefits. This is in addition to the cost of a doctors appointment which could be anywhere from around $100 to $300.

Can you own a gun and have a medical card in Rhode Island?

Ever wondered if you can own a gun and have a medical card in Rhode Island? Well, you can. Rhode Island is one of a number of states that allow both medical cannabis cards and gun ownership. Other states include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Jersey and New York.

Can I use my California medical card in Rhode Island?

If getting a medical card in Rhode Island feels like it will be a long and expensive process you might be interested to know that you can use a cannabis card from another state to purchase medical marijuana and CBD products in Rhode Island according to their cannabis laws.

Currently your medical card does not have to match your state id card although this may change so it’s worth keeping abreast of current law to make sure you don’t get caught out.

We have licensed physicians waiting so you can talk to a medical marijuana doctor online today and get a California medical card for less and in a fraction of the time.

Having a California marijuana card allows you to buy the same amount of Marijuana as you could with a local MMJ card and stay on the right side of medical marijuana law allowing you to access dispensaries near you and ensure you are able to relieve your symptoms with safe and tested medicinal cannabis rather than having to resort to the black market.

Rhode Island Cannabis Laws

Once you have your medical card whether you apply online or get a Rhode Island State Medical card you will still need to know what local cannabis laws are.

In Rhode Island medical patients are allowed to purchase up to 70g or 2.5 ounces in a rolling 15 day period. Your allowance doesn’t reset every 15 days so you need to be aware of how much you have purchased although this is also displayed on the bottom of your receipt and tracked by the dispensaries.

Only patients with a valid medical marijuana card or their authorized purchasers and caregivers are allowed into compassion centers. Children are also not allowed unless they are a patient. Currently the only condition that Rhode Island recognizes for minors is being on the autism spectrum.

For non-medical patients recreational cannabis remains illegal but it has been decriminalized meaning those caught with a small amount of cannabis (up to 1oz) are subject to a $150 fine but will not get a criminal record or jail time.

Smoking in public or anywhere where you are not allowed to smoke tobacco is illegal in Rhode Island even if you have a medical card. And you are not allowed to drive under the influence. And possession while driving is punishable by a 6 month driving suspension.

Is Weed Recreational in California? What You Should Know

 California is one of a number of states in the US that have legalized both medical cannabis and recreational cannabis. This means that you can possess cannabis product, consume and buy cannabis legally in the state provided you are over the age of 21.

Marijuana dispensaries licensed by the Bureau of Cannabis Control provide legal cannabis sales although not every cannabis dispensary is licensed to sell recreational marijuana. Some California marijuana dispensaries are only licensed to sell medical marijuana. In order to buy from these medical marijuana dispensaries you must have a doctor's recommendation. If you have a qualifying condition you can apply online today.

Is Recreational Weed Legal in California 2020?

Marijuana legalization in California started with the passing of the compassionate use act in 1996 which made marijuana legal for medical patients that had a doctor's recommendation verifying they had a qualifying condition. The passing of this act made California the first state to legalize marijuana and created a legal marijuana market in California.

Adult-use cannabis or recreational weed was legalized in 2016 with the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) also known as California proposition 64. This act effectively legalized cannabis for recreational use for any adult over the age of 21.

In 2020 legal recreational weed can be purchased from state licensed dispensaries and possession and consumption are both legal providing you abide by California's marijuana laws. All you now need to buy weed legally in California is ID to prove you are over 21.

Cannabis Law

Current cannabis regulation in California comes from the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). This legislation, which became effective in 2018, supplants the previous marijuana laws and establishes a uniform licensing regime for both medicinal and recreational cannabis in California.

What You Need to Know

While cannabis is legal in California you could still get into trouble if you don’t abide by the rules. When it comes to buying and using recreational marijuana in California here are a few things you need to know:

• Thanks to the adult use of marijuana act any adult over the age of 21 may purchase, be in possession of and transfer to another adult up to 1 ounce of dried cannabis or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. You will need ID to buy cannabis both to prove you are over 21 and to make sure you haven’t exceeded the daily purchase limits.
• Any adult may have up to 6 live plants although the rules vary locally as to where these can be grown, for example Woodland Hills along with many other areas prohibits outdoor cultivation only allowing you to grow indoors in private residences.
• Driving under the influence remains illegal in all parts of the state. If you are suspected of driving under the influence you could be subjected to drug testing and prosecuted.
• It is illegal to consume cannabis in public, including vaping, smoking and eating, as well as to open a container in public. This includes parks, sidewalks, public buildings and businesses. It is also illegal to smoke cannabis in any place where it is illegal to smoke tobacco including bars and restaurants. Some states have licensed special smoking lounges which provide a legal place to consume weed that isn’t a private residence.
• It is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines. This rule applies even if you are traveling between two states where marijuana is legal.
• It is illegal to have an open container in your vehicle unless it is locked away for example in the boot. This applies even if it’s with a passenger, so no smoking in the car whether you are the driver or not.
• It is only legal to buy from state licensed dispensaries. An illegal pot market still exists in California but you are breaking the law if you buy from the black market.
• Cannabis remains a schedule 1 substance according to the controlled substances act and remains illegal under federal law this means you cannot possess or consume marijuana on state land including national parks. Federal land accounts for over 40% of California meaning you need to be when using weed recreationally.
• It is illegal to sell or give cannabis to a minor unless they are a certified medical patient aged 18-20.

Local California Cannabis Regulations

While cannabis has been legalized in California, local governments, both city and county are permitted to regulate and prohibit commercial cannabis activity although they are not allowed to prevent cannabis deliveries and may not prohibit adult possession or consumption.

This means that there are a number of cities and counties where you will not find marijuana business in the form of storefront dispensaries and where commercial cultivation is not permitted. Other cities and counties however are much more lenient. For example the County of Santa Barbara has issued the most cannabis cultivation licenses. Palm Springs and San Francisco score very highly when it comes to being cannabis friendly as they even allow cannabis lounges.

This means that although recreational weed is legal according to state legislation, you need to check local legislation as well, as different local authorities have different rules. For example in California City medical businesses are allowed while recreational businesses are not. San Luis Obispo has very strict local regulations not allowing medical or recreational businesses. And Santa Cruz is very liberal with all types of medical and recreational business allowed. Individual local jurisdictions also get to decide how many licenses are issued for each type of business.

Other cities that allow all types of recreational and medical cannabis business include; Santa Rosa, San Bernardino, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Sacramento, Oakland and San Diego.

Bureau of Cannabis Control

California’s legal marijuana market is primarily governed by the Bureau of Cannabis Control alongside the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Department of Public Health.

The Bureau of Cannabis Control oversees the cannabis industry and issues licenses to any cannabis business wishing to transport, test or sell cannabis, with a separate agency being responsible for granting cannabis cultivation licenses.

Medical Marijuana Law

Despite the fact that legalization in California has taken place for both adult-use and medicinal cannabis California's marijuana laws still distinguish between the two in a number of ways.

Medical marijuana law allows patients that have a doctor's recommendation a number of privileges including access to the California Department of Public Health Medical Marijuana Identification Card program (MMICP), the ability to buy legal pot without sales taxes, and higher possession and purchase limits.

For example, the purchase limit for medicinal users and their primary caregivers is 8oz rather than 1oz and medical users are allowed to grow 12 plants rather than 6 and up to 99 plants if they apply for a growers license, although these do all need to be for personal use.

The Medical marijuana program also provides a registry that allows law enforcement to quickly identify patients and verify their credentials meaning you are less likely to get in trouble for possessing too much.

If you have a qualifying medical condition the process of getting a doctor's recommendation and ID card is quick and easy. You can apply online here today and get your results within minutes.

How to Legally Get Weed in California Without a Card

Medical cannabis has been legal in California since 1996. If you consume cannabis for medical purposes you can get a marijuana card allowing you to buy cannabis or get a cannabis delivery from medical marijuana dispensaries. We have marijuana doctors ready to give marijuana recommendations online today.

However it is not only medical marijuana patients with medical marijuana recommendations who can purchase marijuana legally in California. Recreational cannabis is now legal in California and has been since late 2016. This means that any adult over the age of 21 can legally buy and consume recreational weed without needing a qualifying condition or a doctor's recommendation.

So what do you need to know to legally get weed in California without a card?

Cannabis Regulations - Medical and Recreational Cannabis Laws in California

Legalizing cannabis in California happened in two stages. Medical marijuana became legal in 1996 with the passing of the Compassionate Use Act, making California the first state to have legalized marijuana for medical use. Recreational cannabis was legalized in 2016 when voters passed the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA).

Currently the framework for the regulation of medicinal and adult-use cannabis in California comes from the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). The purpose of this act is to regulate the commercial cannabis industry for both medical and recreational marijuana. Including dried cannabis, cannabis products and cannabis plants.

Legalized recreational marijuana can be purchased, possessed and consumed by any adult over the age of 21 providing they have state ID, stick to purchase and possession limits, and abide by other marijuana laws including only smoking in private and not crossing state lines.

Purchasing Weed

Under AUMA adults over the age of 21 with valid ID are able to purchase 28.5 grams (1oz) of dried cannabis or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis per day. Adults can buy legal weed from a number of state licensed dispensaries.

Medical patients with a letter of recommendation from a licensed physician, or their nominated primary caregivers can purchase up to 8 ounces per day and are not subject to the 8 gram limit on cannabis concentrates.

It is also worth noting that adults may give away or transfer up to 1oz of dried cannabis or 8 grams of cannabis concentrate to another adult over the age of 21.

Possession Limits

Possession limits under AUMA are the same as daily purchase limits. Adults may also possess up to 6 plants. Medicinal users have higher possession limits and can grow more plants. Medical users may grow up to 12 plants for their own use and can apply for a growers license entitling them to grow up to 99 plants providing that it is for personal consumption.

There are no clear possession limits for CBD oil or other CBD products in California.

Other Rules You Need to Be Aware Of

First up, although Cannabis has been legalized in California it is still illegal at a federal level and this means you need to proceed with caution. Crossing state lines in possession of cannabis is illegal as is being in possession or consuming cannabis on state land including national parks.

It is also worth being aware that cities and countries can have their own legislation and some choose not to allow the sale of marijuana and do not have licensed dispensaries.

Driving under the influence is obviously illegal but you are also not permitted to have an open container of cannabis in your vehicle, even if it belongs to the passenger not the driver.

And smoking is illegal in public spaces meaning you will have to find a specially licensed smoking area or consume in your own private residence.

The Bureau of Cannabis Control

The Bureau of Cannabis Control is the agency tasked with regulating both medical and recreational weed in California in accordance with the law. The role includes issuing licenses for medical or recreational dispensaries. A licensed dispensary may be able to sell to both the medical and recreational market if they have the correct license.

Legally Buying Recreational Cannabis

Buying weed in California is a fairly straight forward process although this depends slightly on where you are within the state as local law may limit the number of places you can buy marijuana.

Purchasing recreational cannabis is only legal from a recreational marijuana dispensary that is licensed to sell to adults that are not qualified medical patients. Once you have found a licensed dispensary all you need to have is an identification card. ID cards are needed for two reasons:

1. To prove you are over the age of 21 as it is illegal to sell recreational cannabis to a minor.
2. And to keep track of transactions and ensure you have not gone over legal purchase limits.

If you do not have an ID card you can use your driver's license or passport. California law also doesn’t dictate that you must be a resident of the state to buy legal weed in California just that you must be able to prove you are over the age of 21.

If you don’t fancy visiting a recreational dispensary or are unable to you can also get legal weed delivered. All you need to do is find a legal recreational dispensary that delivers in your area and ensure you have payment and your ID card.

Buying Marijuana in California with a Medical Marijuana ID card

While any adult can buy recreational cannabis, patients with a variety of qualifying conditions can get a medical marijuana identification card allowing them to purchase medicinal grade cannabis from medical cannabis dispensaries and means they are covered by medical marijuana law.

Medical patients are subject to higher purchase and possession limits than recreational users. California’s medical marijuana laws allow medical marijuana card holders to purchase up to 8oz a day as opposed to 1 oz under Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Medical patients aged 18-20 are also allowed to legally buy marijuana if they have a medical cannabis card.

Medical patients and their primary caregivers can also join California’s medical marijuana identification card program. The California Departments of Public Health Medical Marijuana Identification Card program (MMICP) was set up to provide a state authorized medical marijuana identification card as well as a registry of patients and caregivers that allows law enforcement to quickly verify medical entitlement.

If you have a qualifying medical condition you can apply for a medical marijuana card online here. There are doctors waiting to talk to you and you can get results within minutes and a PDF letter of recommendation delivered straight away. This not only gives access to more dispensaries making it easier to legally get weed in California but also increases your possession and purchase limits.

On top of higher possession limits medical cannabis users are also exempt from paying cannabis sales tax which can significantly reduce the cost of the cannabis they consume. 

The Fastest Way to Detox from THC in your System

 If you have smoked marijuana whether it was medical marijuana or recreational, then you may be wanting to know how long THC stays in your system.

Marijuana drug tests are relatively common and workplace drug tests may even be a condition of your employment. Marijuana users who consume marijuana on a regular basis may be interested in marijuana detox drinks and other ways to flush marijuana and eliminate THC from the system, including the fastest way to detox from THC in your system.

Medical marijuana users are legally allowed to smoke cannabis, you can apply for a letter of recommendation here, but may still be subject to workplace drug tests and must still consume within the confines of the law.

If you are suffering marijuana withdrawal you may also be keen to find ways to metabolize THC faster as well as other methods to manage and prevent withdrawal symptoms that will make the process easier.

The Difference Between CBD and THC

THC is not the only active substance that enters your system when you consume cannabis. Cannabis consumption also delivers CBD and the effects of cannabis are a result of both CBD and THC.

Molecularly CBD and THC are very similar, they both have 21 carbon, 30 hydrogen and 2 oxygen atoms, however, these atoms are arranged in a slightly different way which accounts for the different effects on your mind and body.

Different cannabis strains will have different levels of THC and CBD. Recreational weed may have a higher concentration of THC compared to medical cannabis as it is THC that causes most of the psychoactive effects commonly associated with smoked cannabis including the euphoria and high. Medical cannabis may have higher levels of CBD as this has many therapeutic benefits and cannabis edibles and oils are often available very low levels of THC or no THC at all and are extracted from the hemp plant.

There is also sometimes a difference in the legality of THC vs. CBD, CBD is seen as a more therapeutic compound as it has less of the side effects associated with recreational use.

Testing for marijuana generally test for THC rather than CBD although there are CBD tests available. However many CBD products contain trace elements of THC which could show up on marijuana drug tests testing for THC in your system.

How Long Does It Take to Get CBD Out of Your System?

CBD generally stays in your system for between 2 and 5 days with CBD being completely eliminated from the body in anywhere between 11 and 28 days, although everyone is different and not everyone will fall within this bracket. There are a number of factors that affect how long CBD stays in your system including:

• How much you use - The more you use the longer it remains detectable.
• How often you use - CBD builds up in the body of more frequent users and a chronic user will have CBD in their system for longer amounts of time than an occasional user.
• Your body mass and metabolism - Both CBD and THC are fat-soluble meaning they get stored in fat cells. Your natural metabolism also plays a role in the lengths of time any drug is detectable.
• How you consume - Vaping, tinctures, oils and foods all deliver CBD to the body in different ways with more or less entering the bloodstream.

Unlike THC there is relatively little research as to how long it takes to get CBD out of your system.

How Do You Get CBD Out of Your System?

Your body will naturally metabolize and excrete CBD, primarily through urine and sweat and this process starts as soon as it enters your body. You can support this process to get CBD out of your system in a number of ways.

Drink Water

First of all drink more water. When you drink water you help to cleanse the body removing toxins via your urine. If the goal is to pass urine drug tests then drinking extra water the day before your test as well as a couple of liters a few hours before your test can help.

You can combine water with a detox drink or diuretics to make you urinate more frequently and again speed up the detoxification process. However, be aware that drinking a lot of water can dilute your urine to the point where urine samples may be rejected.

Eat Fiber and Avoid Fatty Foods

Just like drinking water eating fiber is pretty sound advice whether or not you are trying to get CBD out of your system. Eating fiber helps to clean out the bowels supporting the detoxification process. Eating fatty foods can disrupt the process.

Exercise

Sweating is a great way to get toxins out of your body including CBD so upping your exercise will help to get CBD out of your system.

Removing THC From Your Body

Cannabis users are likely to be more worried about detectable THC and its metabolites than CBD as most drug tests look for THC metabolites during the drug screening process. Detection times can vary depending on a number of factors including the type of drug test, the amount of THC in your system and the cutoff concentration.

Saliva, blood, urine and hair follicle tests all have a different detection window with blood tests giving positive results for a matter of hours while urine testing results could be positive for between 3 and 30 days after consumption. If you get given a hair test this could have detected marijuana smoked up to 3 months ago whereas saliva testing generally only gives a positive result for up to 72 hours.

As well as the sensitivity of the drug test heavy users generally test positive for longer periods of time than individuals who smoke weed only occasionally as THC and it’s metabolites build up in the body over time. For example, THC may show up in the oral fluid of chronic heavy users for almost a month.

If you are told you are going to get drug tested and are worried about testing results there are a number of things you can do to support your body to detox THC from your system, as well as a number of quick fixes that are unproven but maybe the fasted way to detox your body from THC.

Detox drinks, pills and even mouthwashes might be able to help you flush THC from your system and in turn, help you pass a drugs test. Diuretics are popular as they increase urination but however, they can dilute your urine too much. You can stop your urine from looking too pale by taking a good multivitamin which has b vitamins in it and supplementing with creatinine.

The only proven method and the most effective is to abstain from consuming marijuana, drink plenty of water, eat a high fiber low-fat diet and commit to plenty of exercises, although you should refrain from exercise in the 24 hours before your test as this can release stored THC metabolites back into the bloodstream.

Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are occasional user abstinence and a natural detox shouldn’t cause any issues. However heavy and chronic users including medicinal users may suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, stomach pains, tremors, restlessness, headaches, sweating and fever or chills as well as mental symptoms including insomnia, nervousness, irritability, aggression and depression. Medicinal users will also have to deal with the symptoms they use marijuana to treat including chronic pain.

You can do a number of things to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms including drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks, eating healthily and avoiding junk foods, exercising and surrounding yourself with people to support you.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Substance abuse and mental health are also closely linked and there can be mental repercussions of rapid withdrawal. If you are worried about your mental health you should talk to your doctor or contact mental health services to help you detox.

Using Marijuana Medicinally

Cannabis is now legal in many states for both recreational and medicinal use but this doesn’t stop there from being situational where you may need to detox THC from your system. However, this can be a problem for those who use marijuana medicinally for relieving symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety or nausea.

Having a doctors recommendation may help to justify your usage. You can apply for a doctors recommendation here.

Is Marijuana Legal in Oregon? Weed Laws in Oregon

 According to state marijuana laws cannabis is currently legal in Oregon for both medicinal and recreational use.

That means that adults over the age of 21, including both residents and visitors, can legally purchase, possess and use recreational marijuana within limits defined by Oregon marijuana law. Medical patients can also get a doctor's recommendation and register with the state medical marijuana program to legally purchase cannabis and benefit from lower taxation.

Oregon has a long history of cannabis culture. It was the first state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis within the state and one of the first states to legalize medicinal use after California.

Possession of higher amounts that the law allows remains illegal as does selling without a license and you can still not smoke in public or drive while under the influence but these rules are similar to those for alcohol. Medical patients are subject to higher possession limits and purchasing limits than recreational users provided they are registered with Oregon's medical marijuana program and carry a medical marijuana card.

Oregon Medical Marijuana Laws

Oregon was the first state to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana one of the first states to legalize marijuana for medical use. Medical Marijuana was made legal in Oregon in 1998 when Oregon voters passed Measure 67 also known as the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act.

The Oregon Medical Marijuana Act was responsible for allowing marijuana patients to consume cannabis legally as well as setting up a state registry for medical cannabis users as part of the medical marijuana program. Medical marijuana dispensaries were licensed to allow patients to buy cannabis legally and limits were set on how many marijuana plants an individual patient could grow.

Although cannabis law in Oregon now permits recreational cannabis use as well as medicinal use, marijuana patients are subject to different laws in terms of the quantities of usable marijuana they can legally possess, the legal age limits for consumption, cultivation limits and daily and monthly purchase limits.

Under Oregon's medical marijuana laws patients with a qualifying condition can get a recommendation from an attending physician entitling them to apply for a medical marijuana card. Find out more about getting a doctor's recommendation here. Patients are then able to:

• Possess more than one ounce of marijuana in public.
• Legally purchase larger amounts of cannabis product.
• Buy from a medical marijuana dispensary.
• Legally purchase and consume cannabis from the age of 18 rather than 21.
• And cultivate up to 12 immature cannabis plants and 6 flowering cannabis plants.

Medical marijuana patients are also able to designate carers who can purchase or cultivate cannabis on their behalf. Carers need to apply for their own card but are then subject to the same possession and purchase limits as medical users.

Medical users can legally purchase up to 8 ounces of usable cannabis per transaction and up to 32 ounces of dried flowers in a month and they are legally able to possess up to 24 ounces of usable cannabis. As well as the increased possession and purchase limits there is also a financial consideration. Medical users are not subject to the same levels of taxation that apply to recreational marijuana sales.

Staying Within The Law

Regardless of whether you are a medicinal user or not certain things remain illegal such as driving under the influence of marijuana or smoking in a public place. Cannabis also remains illegal under federal law and is still classed as a schedule 1 controlled substance meaning you need to be careful not to be in possession of cannabis on federal land.

As well as being illegal to smoke in public places there are also strict rules surrounding schools and children's play areas. Plus landlords are allowed to ban smoking in their properties so smoking may even be prohibited in private residences.

Oregon’s Recreational Marijuana Laws

The passing of measure 91 in 2014 made marijuana legal for recreational as well as medicinal use and medical dispensaries began legally selling marijuana to recreational users in 2015.

However, although marijuana has been legalized for recreational use it is not as simple as weed is legal do what you like. There are still limits regarding how much you can possess, purchase, cultivate and give away and if you are caught in possession of more than you should have you are still breaking the law and could face a fine or even a prison sentence. Plus, there are different rules if you are at home or away from your home and quantities are different for cannabis edibles, cannabis concentrate and cannabinoid products.

Current Oregon laws allow adults over 21 who have valid ID to:

• Purchase up to one ounce of cannabis or 5 grams of cannabis concentrates from an OLCC-licensed retail outlet. Purchase of cannabis from unlicensed sources remains illegal. And as mentioned above if you are a registered Oregon Medical Marijuana Program cardholder you can buy more.
• Purchase up to 16 ounces of cannabis edibles in solid form, 72 ounces of products in liquid form, 10 cannabis seeds and up to 4 immature plants.
• Possess up to one ounce of cannabis in usable form although this goes up to 8 ounces if you are in a private property. Adults over the age of 21 are also legally allowed to possess up to one ounce of cannabis concentrates provided they have been purchased from a licensed retailer and not been made at home.
• Cultivate up to 4 plants per household out of public view. Again medical patients can grow more and there is a distinction between a mature plant and an immature plant.
• Give away cannabis up to legal possession limits to another adult providing there is no financial consideration which includes both money payment and payment in kind.

There are also a number of rules you need to be aware of when it comes to carrying, consuming and growing cannabis.

For example while it is legal to grow up to 4 plants per household this number does not increase if more than one adult lives at the residence and growing more could result in heavy fines of up to $125000. Also it is strictly illegal to grow if you live within 1000 feet of a school and absolutely not worth risking the potential 25 years in jail.

You also need to remember that while cannabis in Oregon might be legal it is still illegal under federal law according to the controlled substances act, and on federal land including national parks.

It is also strictly illegal to transport cannabis across states lines even if recreational weed is legal in both states. You also need to be careful when transporting legal cannabis within the state as Oregon laws require cannabis to be stored away from the driver in a childproof container.

Also while you are legally allowed to possess cannabis in public it remains illegal to smoke in public. Visitors or residents that are caught smoking in public, including bars, parks and sidewalks, could face a fine of up to $1000 and be prosecuted with a class b felony.

Different Drug Laws in Different Cities and Counties

It is worth noting that cannabis laws in Oregon allow for cities and counties within the state to opt out of statewide laws if 55% or more of the people voted against legalizing recreational cannabis. This means that individual cities and counties can choose not to allow licensed marijuana businesses.

Personal possession remains legal even in cities and counties where there are no licensed marijuana retailers. On top of this in 2018 a statewide delivery rule was passed to allow marijuana patients to order cannabis for delivery in any municipality. This rule was passed to ensure that patients are not denied access to the treatment they need or forced to purchase from the black market.

Oregon's Cannabis Regulation

Marijuana business including marijuana production and distribution in Oregon is primarily overseen by both the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

Legal cannabis in Oregon is available from licensed retailers and dispensaries. Retailers must apply for a license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). As well as providing licenses for retailers, the OLCC also oversees Oregon’s cannabis licenses for producers, processors and wholesalers.

Many of Oregon's marijuana retailers are also licensed to sell medical grade marijuana which can be sold to patients who have a doctor's recommendation and are registered with the Oregon Health Authority’s medical marijuana program, and to offer a home delivery service.

You can find a list of all licensed retailers, producers and distributors on the OLCC website so you can check that the cannabis you are buying is safe and legal weed.

Is Weed Legal in PA? Pennsylvania Marijuana Laws

As with so many states in the US the question “Is weed legal?” does not have a straightforward yes or no answer. Rules around the possession, sale and consumption of cannabis are complex and there are many regional variations both within and between states.

Cannabis is illegal under federal law and is a schedule 1 controlled substance, however marijuana laws vary between states and differ for medicinal marijuana and recreational marijuana.

A Brief Overview of Pennsylvania Marijuana Laws

Pennsylvania marijuana laws are similar to Florida marijuana laws in that both states have legalized cannabis consumption for medical use as part of a state medical marijuana program.

Since Governor Wolf signed senate bill 3 into law in 2016 if you are using marijuana medicinally and follow the rules for purchase, possession and consumption, cannabis can be legal in Pennsylvania.

Patients with a number of serious medical conditions stated as part of the law can obtain a doctor's recommendation and medical cannabis Id card allowing them to legally purchase, possess and consume medical marijuana. Even with approval and a medical marijuana ID card, there are still limitations as to where they can buy from and how much they can possess. And home cultivation remains illegal unlike under California marijuana laws where patients can grow their own supply, potentially up to 99 plants providing this is how much they need for their condition and they have a growers license.

Possession of marijuana, if you do not have a doctor's recommendation, remains illegal under Pennsylvania’s marijuana laws and marijuana sales are only licensed for qualified patients. However, marijuana decriminalization has occurred in a number of cities and counties in PA including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and York, meaning those in possession of small amounts of recreational weed receive a small fine rather than a criminal conviction.

It is not only illegal to possess cannabis but also to have or sell cannabis paraphernalia, in fact, that maximum penalties for paraphernalia are higher than possession of small amounts.

Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Law

In 2016 Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed the senate bill that made medical marijuana legalized in Pennsylvania and introduced Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program. As a result of the medical marijuana act, on the 15th of February 2018 cannabis became legally available to patients from licensed dispensaries across the state.

The department of health (DOH) issues medical marijuana ID cards to patients and caregivers as well as permits to growers, processors and dispensaries. Medical cannabis law protects patients and caregivers from arrest or prosecution for marijuana possession, as well as protecting them against discrimination in some aspects of family law. However, patients must be registered and have an ID card before legal protections take effect.

Getting a Medical Marijuana ID Card

Although the medical marijuana program has made cannabis legal for patients suffering from a number of qualifying conditions in order to legally buy and use cannabis in Pennsylvania patients need to do a number of things.

First of all patients need to suffer from a qualifying condition. According to the PA.Gov website “Only patients suffering from one of the following medical conditions can participate in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Autism.
• Cancer, including remission therapy.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and other associated neuropathies.
• Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders.
• Epilepsy.
• Glaucoma.
• HIV / AIDS.
• Huntington’s disease.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Intractable seizures.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Neurodegenerative diseases.
• Neuropathies.
• Opioid use disorder for which conventional therapeutic interventions are contraindicated or ineffective, or for which adjunctive therapy is indicated in combination with primary therapeutic interventions.
• Parkinson’s disease.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain.
• Sickle cell anemia.
• Terminal illness.
• Tourette syndrome.”

Patients that suffer from one of these conditions first need to register by creating a profile in the medical marijuana registry. In order to do this, they must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and have either a Pennsylvania Drivers License or ID card issued by the department of transportation. Patients can also designate up to two caregivers that may also register and get a card allowing them to purchase cannabis on their behalf. Patients that are minors must have a registered caregiver.

Once patients have registered they must then get a letter of recommendation from an approved physician registered with the department of health. Approved physicians have access to the registry and will directly submit their recommendation.

Once approved patients must then return to the registry and complete their application by paying for their ID card. Only once you have received your card can you legally purchase medical marijuana in Pennsylvania and you must do so from a licensed dispensary.

Recreational Adult-use Cannabis

Despite medical marijuana being legal in Pennsylvania and the governors call to legalize adult-use cannabis, recreational cannabis remains illegal in Pennsylvania at present.

In most places that have not seen decriminalization possession of cannabis will still be prosecuted under criminal law. Until they legalize weed, possession of up to 30g of cannabis is treated as a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 30 days in jail and or a $500 fine. Distribution of up to 30g with no remuneration carries the same penalty as a possession. Getting caught twice can mean a doubled penalty, and even in areas with decriminalization multiple offenses will mean higher penalties.

Possession over 30g remains a misdemeanor but carries a potential penalty of up to a year in jail and a $5000 fine. The sale or distribution of over 30g is considered a felony and punishable by 2.5-5 years of incarceration and a maximum fine of $15000. Penalties are higher if you are caught within 1000 feet of a school or 250 feet of a play area, selling to a minor or have a previous drug conviction.

Selling within a school zone carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 2-4 years in jail, and school boundaries are so broadly defined that almost everywhere is within a school zone. This gives judges the ability to be much more ruthless when handing out sentences.

Cultivation, also known as manufacture, is a felony even for a small number of plants and carries a maximum sentence of 5 years and fines of up to $15000. The possession of paraphernalia also carries high penalties of up to a year in jail or $2500 in fines. Hash and concentrates are subject to lower weight limits but otherwise carry similar penalties.

In areas where cannabis has been decriminalized the penalties for possession are much lower with fines for a first offense ranging from $25 - $100.

A Move to Legalize Weed

Despite the fact that cannabis remains illegal under federal law cannabis news is full of more and more states that are legalizing cannabis for recreational adult use as well as for medical purposes.

There are 11 states plus the District of Columbia that have already legalized cannabis for recreational as well as medicinal use including Alaska, California, Main, Massachusetts and Nevada. Colorado and the District of Columbia were the first states to legalize in 2012 with the latest state to join the list being Illinois. States looking to legalize include Arizona, Montana and South Dakota.

In 2019 governor Tom Wolf announced a statewide listening tour by lieutenant governor John Fetterman. Lt Gov John Fetterman’s listening tour included stops in all 69 counties and reported high levels of support for both decriminalization and making cannabis legal. The governor has issued press releases calling for the consideration of new legislation especially in regards to assisting recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

So is marijuana legal? Not yet. Until they fully legalize marijuana under Pennsylvania law you if you want to have your marijuana moment legally you need to be a marijuana patient registered with the medical marijuana program and in possession of a medical marijuana ID card. You can apply for a doctor's recommendation and ID card here.

If you do not have a serious illness that doesn’t completely rule out getting high as depending on where you are the penalties for possession of small amounts of cannabis is limited to a fine, but this just means it has been decriminalized not legalized so you would still be breaking the law. As always its best to check local cannabis regulation and keep an eye on marijuana news so you know when marijuana is legalized in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Marijuana Laws & Cannabis Penalties

While recreational marijuana is illegal in Pennsylvania, despite some areas of local decriminalization, medicinal marijuana is permitted for a number of qualified medical conditions under Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program.

Recreational Cannabis in Pennsylvania

Although Pennsylvania has made marijuana legal for medical use there is no legal recreational use of cannabis in most parts of the state. However there has been some local decriminalization meaning that in certain cities including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh punishment for possession of small amounts of cannabis, usually under 30g is punishable by a civil fine, typically of between $25 and $100 with fines increasing for subsequent offenses.

Marijuana penalties

Pennsylvania law like federal law treats cannabis as a schedule 1 controlled substance. This means that even possession of small amounts of marijuana in Pennsylvania is a misdemeanor offense. Possession of under 30 grams of recreational weed carries a maximum fine of $500 and a potential 30 days in jail.

A first offense of marijuana possession is eligible for conditional release but a subsequent conviction could result in a doubled penalty so until recreational legalization it is important to make sure you have the right certification if you intend to use therapeutic marijuana in PA.

The sale and distribution of under 30 grams of cannabis are also considered a misdemeanour with fines of up to $500 and a possible sentence of 30 days in jail. However, if you sell or distribute larger amounts this would count as a felony facing a minimum 2.5 prison sentence up to 5 years and a $150000 fine.

To sell or distribute any amount of cannabis within 1000 feet of a school or 250 feet of a playground carries a sentence of 2-4 years of jail time.

The possession or sale of drug paraphernalia is also a misdemenor and is punishable with a maximum sentence of 6-12 months or $2500.

Growing Cannabis

Unlike some other states including California, cultivation of cannabis, even small amounts for personal medical use, remains a felony punishable by 2.5-5 years in jail and fines of up to $15000.

Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania

Medical marijuana became legal in Pennsylvania when Senate Bill 3 was signed by Governor Tom Wolf in 2016. This bill saw marijuana legalized in Pennsylvania for medical use to treat a long list of qualifying medical conditions as part of the medical marijuana program.

Licensed medical dispensaries started legally selling cannabis to qualified patients and carers on the 15th of February 2018.

In order for patients to legally access cannabis in Pennsylvania and get a medical marijuana card they must get a recommendation for a registered doctor. You can apply online today here and get a PDF copy sent immediately after approval.

The bill also set up a state-licensed system of distribution for patients with a qualifying condition. Patients can purchase medical cannabis in a number of forms including pills, oils, tinctures and cannabis flowers, however, medical marijuana law does make any provision for personal cultivation of the plant.

In fact cultivating any amounts of marijuana in Pennsylvania remains highly illegal and under current cannabis law growing even 1 plant is considered a misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of between 6 months and 2 years and a fine of between $500 and $2000.

Making Weed Legal in Pennsylvania

Although currently Pennsylvanian marijuana laws prohibit the recreational use of cannabis there are moves being made to get marijuana legalized in Pennsylvania. In 2019 Gov Wolf, who signed the Pennsylvania medical marijuana bill in 2016, announced a statewide listening tour by lieutenant governor John Fetterman.

John Fettermans listening tour would tour all 67 counties and be attended by over 10,000 people. The report from the tour showed that well over half the people would be in favor of making recreational cannabis legal and even more support for decriminalization.

Gov Wolf and lt gov Fetterman called for debate and consideration on new legislation that would make recreational weed legal. Most recently they argue that new marijuana laws legalizing pot would assist Pennsylvania in its post pandemic recovery.

However, untill pennsylvania legalize weed, if you suffer from severe chronic or intractable pain or any of the other conditions approved under medical marijuana laws you can apply for a doctors recommendation today.

Medical Marijuana: What You Need For a Prescription

 Medical Marijuana is legal in many states but that doesn't mean that just anybody can walk into a pharmacist and buy cannabis.

In most states including California you need a doctor's recommendation to be able to legally purchase, possess or grow cannabis for medical purposes. You can apply for a recommendation online with a licensed physician today and get your letter of recommendation within minutes.

Medical Marijuana Prescription

Despite the fact that medical marijuana has been legalized for medical use and even recreational use in many states it remains illegal at the federal level and a schedule 1 drug. This means that physicians are prohibited from prescribing marijuana under all but the strictest of conditions under federal laws.

As a result, states that allow medical marijuana do not require marijuana prescriptions but instead require patients who qualify for medical marijuana to get a doctor's recommendation which certifies that the patient suffers from a qualifying condition and should be allowed to take part in the states approved medical marijuana programs.

Due to the conflict between state and federal laws a doctor who prescribes medical marijuana would lose their license and even if you did have a prescription pharmacies and dispensaries would not fill them.

Once a recommendation has been issued the state will then step in to facilitate and regulate the procurement of medical cannabis and protect individuals who possess and use marijuana for medical reasons.

Differences Between a Recommendation and a Prescription

In many states marijuana recommendations allow marijuana patients to go into a licensed dispensary and purchase medical marijuana. Cannabis recommendations are treated differently to prescriptions and in the ninth circuit at least recommending medical cannabis is not sufficient basis for a physician's right to prescribe to be revoked.

A recommendation is not the same as a prescription for insurance purposes either and even where cannabis is legal, patients have received medical marijuana recommendations and are able to take part in the state medical marijuana program insurance companies will often not cover the cost of medical marijuana products.

Also because doctors are not able to prescribe cannabis they are also unable to specify dose or the type of cannabis that should be used.

Conditions and Symptoms That May Benefit From Medical Marijuana Treatment

Although cannabis may not have received much attention in conventional medical education in recent years it has been used as a form of medicine for health care, patient care, and palliative care for thousands of years.

Recently many states have recognized the therapeutic benefits of cannabis despite it remaining a schedule 1 drug at the federal level, and have changed state laws to make cannabis legal for medical use for a variety of conditions. These conditions may vary slightly from state to state but include:

• AIDS
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as motor neuron disease
• Anorexia
• Arthritis
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Crohn's Disease
• Glaucoma
• Migraine
• Muscle spasms including those caused by multiple sclerosis
• Pain management for a number of chronic painful conditions
• Parkinson's disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other stress disorders
• Seizure disorders including Epilepsy
• Severe nausea

In California the compassionate use act allows doctors to recommend cannabis for any illness for which marijuana provides relief which allows doctors a certain amount of freedom in who they recommend as qualifying patients especially if conventional treatments have not provided relief.

Medical Marijuana Recommendations - Things You Should Know

If you have looked at the conditions and symptoms that medical marijuana patients are able to find relief from and feel that the medical use of marijuana may improve your own medical condition then you may wish to apply for a doctor's recommendation and medical marijuana identification card.

You can apply for a recommendation online and get medical marijuana identification in the form of a letter of recommendation from a qualified physician that will allow you to purchase approved medical cannabis from state licensed dispensaries. You can also get a medical cannabis card and register with the state department of health's medical marijuana program.

Because you are getting a recommendation and not a prescription medical marijuana patients don't just hand over a script and so need to know a little about the different strains and levels of different cannabinoids they contain. Doctors may recommend medical marijuana with different levels of THC and CBD depending on the patient and the condition they are suffering with.

There are also a few points of caution that are worth remembering. Firstly medical marijuana law varies between states. Florida medical marijuana law will be different from New York State medical marijuana law and a condition that qualifies for medical treatment in San Francisco might not in Washington DC. Marijuana also remains illegal at the federal level and there are a number of states that do not allow medical marijuana in any form.

In California registering with the California Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP) is voluntary but having a medical marijuana card can help with law enforcement. In other states registering with the state medical marijuana program may be compulsory.

Secondly marijuana can have a number of side effects. If you are using a marijuana product for the first time the advice is to start with a low dose. While doctors often recommend medical cannabis to treat severe nausea, high doses can cause nausea and although many use marijuana to treat mental health conditions for some smoking can cause anxiety and paranoia. If you suffer any adverse effects you should talk to your health care provider.

Medical Marijuana Certification - Get a Medical ID Card

 California is well known for being the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. Since that time individuals with a qualifying condition for medical cannabis have been able to apply for a consultant certificate from a qualified medical professional allowing them to legally purchase and possess cannabis for medicinal use.

If you qualify for medical marijuana You can apply for a recommendation from a medical marijuana doctor online today and get your medical cannabis certification in minutes. With the recommendation, you can then apply for the department of health's medical cards.

The Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP) was established following California Senate Bill 420 also known as the medical marijuana program act. This bill set out a number of measures and clarifications relating to the compassionate use act. The department of health services was required to create a medical marijuana registry and allow patients to voluntarily register with the MMICP as a simple way for law enforcement to identify those with medical marijuana consultant certification.

Qualified patients are also able to nominate a designated caregiver who can also receive a marijuana card allowing them to legally carry, purchase and grow cannabis on the patient’s behalf.

Since passing the Adult Use of Marijuana Act in 2016 it has been legal for all adults over the age of 21 to purchase, obtain, possess, transport and give away to other adults up to an ounce of cannabis which may lead some patients to wonder if they still need medical marijuana certification and an id card.

Why Get Medical Marijuana Certification

Despite the fact that any adult with ID can now legally purchase cannabis in California from licensed recreational retailers there are still a number of reasons why medical marijuana patients would wish to carry MMJ cards.

For a start if you have a condition for medical marijuana both patient and caregiver are allowed to possess, grow and transport larger quantities of the plant depending on the medical condition and how much cannabis they need to provide relief.

Marijuana dispensaries are also licensed as either medical, recreational or both. If you have medical marijuana certifications you are able to access both types of marijuana dispensary as well as receive home deliveries from medical dispensaries which is particularly useful in counties or cities that have chosen not to license recreational retail.

On top of greater access to dispensaries and the ability to carry and grow more with fewer restrictions, having a medical ID card can also save you huge amounts of money on taxes which could save you up to 40% on every purchase.

How To Get a Medical ID Card

In order to legally qualify for medical use of marijuana you must have a qualifying medical condition and receive a recommendation from a licensed physician to use medicinal cannabis as part of your treatment plan.

You can choose to visit a physician in person or access an online medical marijuana consultant who can access your medical records to determine if you have a qualifying condition that would benefit from cannabis or CBD products interacting with your endocannabinoid system.

Once you have your physician certification you are able to access medical cannabis products from your local dispensary and enjoy the health and wellness benefits of medicinal cannabis.

You will also have the necessary patient certification to apply for a state Medical Marijuana ID card (MMIC) as part of the California medical marijuana program. As well as your doctor’s recommendation you will also need identification such as a driver's license or government-issued photo id card and proof of residence.

To obtain an MMIC and appear on the register you will need to fill out an application form and schedule an appointment to apply in person. This card is not required to access medical cannabis.

If you need more information there is lots of patient information as well as frequently asked questions and answers on the California Department for Public Health website.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

There are a large number of qualifying medical conditions and physicians are permitted to prescribe cannabis for “any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.

Senate Bill 94 defines the following serious conditions:

• AIDS
• Anorexia
• Arthritis
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• Migraine
• Persistent muscle spasms (e.g., spasms associated with multiple sclerosis)

Seizures (e.g., epileptic seizures)

• Severe nausea
• Or any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that either substantially limits a person's ability to conduct one or more of major life activities as defined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the person's safety, physical, or mental health.

Cannabis is well known through both studies and patient testimonials to improve patient quality of life in many ways including helping combat stress and anxiety, pain management, and increasing appetite which can, in turn, support sleep nutrition and physical activity.

As well as the above list cannabis is commonly recommended for Crohn’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder and other stress disorders, the pain associated with sickle cell anemia, anxiety disorders, inflammatory diseases and insomnia.

Getting Medical Marijuana

The first step in getting medical marijuana is to get a doctor's recommendation for medical cannabis use. You can do this via an office visit with your regular physician or apply online here and talk to one of our specialist marijuana doctors.

Once you have your recommendation you can buy from any medical dispensary in the state or have your supply delivered to your door by one of many cannabis delivery companies.