Marijuana is slowly moving towards complete legalization in the United States. So far, 11 states plus DC have legalized pot, while 22 have legalized it for medical use. Just last year, our Canadian neighbors legalized recreational weed country-wide!
However, because of the patchwork nature of legalization in the US, it can be hard to figure out how and where to buy pot. Fortunately, our handy guide below will walk you through the process.
Decriminalization vs. Legalization
The first thing that you need to do before you start looking for weed is to find out what the laws say in your state. While many states have legalized pot, many others have just legalized it medically. Even in states where it is legalized, the buying process can be different–a Denver dispensary will have different laws than a Sacramento one.
Once you’ve found your dispensary, it’s as simple as going there and picking up. Depending on your state, you may only be able to pay in cash due to financial restrictions on the pot business. You will also have to have your ID with you to prove that you are over 21.
It’s also important to note that federally, pot is still illegal. This means that you should never transport it over state lines, and you should be extra careful in DC–where the local government has decriminalized pot, but where 27 different federal agencies have police jurisdiction. This means that you can be arrested and charged for smoking or buying marijuana at the federal level, even though local laws allow it.
Beyond helping you find out where your dispensaries are, familiarizing yourself with your local legal system can help you avoid headaches and run-ins with law enforcement.
Where to Buy Pot: Ordering Online or Dispensary?
Because it is still illegal on the federal level, and the post office is a federal agency, you aren’t able to get weed shipped to your home. This means that if you live in a state that has legalized weed, your only option is to head to a physical dispensary.
However, this does not apply to CBD products. Pot has two main chemicals in it: THC, which is the psychoactive compound that makes you “high,” and CBD, which does not make you high but helps fight inflammation and anxiety, among other things.
CBD is legal in all 50 states since it can be derived from hemp instead of marijuana. This means that if you are looking for CBD oils and products, you can have them shipped to your home if you don’t feel like heading to a dispensary yourself. For actual marijuana, or any THC oils, edibles, and products, you’ll have to find your nearest dispensary instead.
Start Small
Knowing where to buy pot simplifies getting high legally, but you should be careful if this is your first time dealing with marijuana. A whole host of products are available at dispensaries, from edibles and concentrates to strains of weed of varying strengths. It’s best to ease into pot, choosing less intense products and minimizing your intake at first until you have a feel for your tolerance.
For more information about weed and legalization, check out the Drugs section of our site!
