Tell Me More About These

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Since the legalization of medical marijuana

in several states in the US, marijuana

dispensaries are opening up all over these

states.

A medical marijuana dispensary is a place

where marijuana is grown, stored, and sold

to patients.

These dispensaries are a booming industry

and when you visit one it is more similar to

your local Starbucks coffee shop rather

than a pharmacy.

Marijuana dispensaries are just like

wellness health clinics. They are required to

follow specific guidelines as well as adhere

to strict state and federal laws.

According to ProCon’s website,“there are 18 medical marijuana states

and Washington D.C. that have enacted laws to legalize medical

marijuana where qualifying patients can obtain marijuana from a

dispensary.”

Before opening up a dispensary, operators must obtain local and state

licenses and are required to pay fees.

In getting a license to operate, they typically have to classify the

business as a non-profit organization as well.

There are different state laws and guidelines that

medical marijuana dispensaries are required to

observe in order to legally operate. Backgrounds

checks are also required for operators and

employees.

Marijuana cultivation inside dispensaries should

also be supervised by the operator.

Before they give out medical marijuana to

patients, they are also required to implement strict

guidelines in dispensing medical marijuana.

Patients should bring their medical marijuana

license and/or their written recommendation from

their physician.

Patients are also required to bring valid

identification cards for proof of identity.

Other dispensaries have their own

licensed physicians who give additional

examinations and tests to the patients to

prove their claim of medical necessity.

Inside the marijuana dispensaries, most

marijuana plants are placed at the back

secured with cameras and locked doors.

Many dispensaries have display cases of

brownies infused with marijuana,

candies and even bongs and pipes that

patients purchase to use for medicating.

There is also medical marijuana in

capsule form, just like any other

medications.

There are also guidelines to be

followed when growing

cannabis in dispensaries.

Marijuana plants, just like any

other plants, need water, sun,

nutrients and suitable

temperature.

Marijuana dispensaries should

make sure they are growing

cannabis plants well suited for

medical purposes and their

patients needs.

There Are Different Types

Of Marijuana Dispensaries

There are those which are open by

appointment only and some are walk-in

dispensaries.

Once the patient enters the dispensary, they

present the required documents to the

information desk for validation. In Vermont,

only one patient is allowed to enter the

dispensary.

Others will have to wait in line outside of the

dispensary.

As soon as everything is verified, the patient

is assisted at the back room where different

types and strains of marijuana are available

for the patient's needs.

According to Wikipedia’s Medical Cannabis

in the United States article, “Those seeking to

acquire medical cannabis may have to resort

to the black market in order to obtain the

product if their state does not allow the

existence of legal dispensaries.”

Medical marijuana dispensary operators

should always remember that the marijuana

they are selling is for medical purposes only.

It is also their responsibility for marijuana not

to be abused by patients.

Most of all, operators and employees should

not abuse marijuana as well.

Medical marijuana is still classified

as Schedule 1 Drug by Federal Law

and selling and distribution of this

substance is still illegal, unless stated

otherwise.

What is important in marijuana

dispensaries is that it serves the

patients like a wellness or health

clinic does.

Medical marijuana dispensaries’

mission should be to help and provide

patients with medical marijuana.

Let us know what you think.