In a great leap of development in the cannabis industry, the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology will be doing a marijuana testing program. This program seeks to make sure that product labels compliant, complete with accurate information regarding laboratory tests and their results, said a Marijuana Moment report.
According to the article, this is a way to assure consumers that the labels are truthful. The report said, “When you walk into a store or dispensary and see a label that says 10% CBD, you want to know that you can trust that number.”
This federal development coincides with the state of Maryland’s decision to evaluate the possibility of changing its current medical marijuana laws. In a request for public comment issued by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), the committee announced that it will be holding an online meeting on July 30, 2020 tackling various topics including expanding permissions, diversity, pandemic measures and fine schedules.
In the past, the Maryland marijuana market has been under fire for having a less diverse industry even with its program that seeks to enable minorities to own, run or operate marijuana companies. Because of this, the MMCC will be addressing the issue in the online meeting and will be “[welcoming] public comment on any proposal in support of increasing diversity and social equity.”
Another important matter that will be discussed in the upcoming meeting is the current state of emergency in the country brought by the virus pandemic. The public comment request emphasized that the state has released several bulletins that placed temporary measures including the suspension of patient signature requirements and the permitting of on-site or curbside deliveries.
According to Marijuana Policy Project, Maryland has placed other safe access policies for the pandemic, including telehealth services, permissions for the entire cannabis supply chain to operate, prompt processing of registration renewals and extension of agent registrations.
The commission is soliciting comments from the public as to whether such measures will continue to persist even after the pandemic.
Key Facts About Maryland’s Marijuana Laws
During this state of emergency, Maryland residents were able to enjoy weed delivery services. However, this is only a temporary measure, as mentioned. Its existing laws entail that the possession of fewer than 10 grams for personal use will only be treated as a civil offense with a maximum of $100 of fine and no incarceration. The possession of paraphernalia is also seen as a civil offense without any fines and jail time.
Possession of 10 grams to less than 50 lbs is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum of 1 year in prison and a fine of $1,000. Meanwhile, those with intent to distribute will be charged with felony with 5 years to 40 years of jail time and up to $1,000,000 fine, depending on the extent of the offense.
The state also allows the implementation of medical cannabis treatments to students who have their MMJ cards even during school hours and school-sponsored events. The law is still now in effect, but the Department of Education and the Medical Cannabis Commission are set to submit a well-developed set of guidelines by December 31, 2020.
Even with medical cannabis laws in place, an advocacy called People’s Commission to Decriminalize Maryland revealed its plan to fight state and local policies that enable the marginalization of people and the targeting of marginalized populations in the implementation of cannabis laws. The group has been taking steps to minimize the disparate effects of targeted policing in relation to marijuana.
Ways to Purchase Medical Marijuana in Maryland
Now that you know the pertinent laws that govern marijuana consumption and distribution in Maryland, you are now aware of the limitations of carrying products on your person. If you are a resident of Maryland or any nearby states such as Washington, DC and Virginia, you might want to purchase cannabis from any of the MD dispensaries. Here are some ways you can do so:
Avail Weed Delivery Services
One of the most important temporary measures regarding cannabis in relation to the current state of emergency is the legalization of weed delivery. This policy enables patients to purchase the products they need, especially during a time when dispensaries are considered essential services. With the permission of the MMCC, Maryland dispensaries can do onsite deliveries, curbside pickups, and home deliveries.
This is a great way to minimize contact with people at a time when a communicable disease is widely persisting. This allows for minimal contact, while ensuring that you will be able to get the right products. Just make sure that your favorite dispensary offers such services and you are good to go.
Attend Weed Events
Another great source of cannabis products is stalls or sellers present in events such as exhibitions, expositions, and conferences. However, because of the virus outbreak, many events were canceled or postponed, so you will be hard-pressed to find an event you can attend.
However, you have the option to ask your dispensary if they do meetups. This is a great choice if you have a preferred store, but you find it too far for you to go to in light of the current public health situation. Some stores schedule private meetups for purchases below the minimum for deliveries.
Meetups let you meet people who are also medical marijuana patients. This is a great way to find friends who share the same need for MMJ and who can give you tips on how to use this treatment aid optimally and effectively.
Direct Purchases from Dispensaries
Not every dispensary out there offers delivery services and meetups. The best way to deal with this while minimizing your contact is to simply call the store, place your order and ask schedule a pickup time and date. This way, you will simply have to go to the store and get your items.
If all else fails, you can visit your favorite dispensary to browse their catalogs on-site. Just make sure to practice safety precautions during these pandemic times.
What to Remember When Buying Medical Cannabis
Now that you know how you can purchase cannabis products in Maryland, you might be wondering what you need to do before you take the first step in buying products. Check out these tips for buying items, which can be helpful for beginners:
Consider Your Condition
If you are thinking of buying medical cannabis, you probably have a qualifying condition such as cachexia, anorexia, severe or chronic pain, nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other chronic and debilitating medical conditions and symptoms.
So, before you place an order, make sure to consider what your condition calls for. For example, patients who have eating disorders might want to regulate their appetite, and there are infused products that contain cannabinoids that best address either overeating or undereating. Make sure to consult your physician about the type of product you should get for your condition.
Look at Your Options
Say, your doctor says that you need a CBD-rich product to help address your condition. Bear in mind that there are lots of CBD-infused items you can choose from. Topicals that are perfect for skin issues, aches, and pains, while orally consumable items such as tinctures, gels, and tablets are good for many other conditions.
You also have the option to smoke flowers. Just remember that these contain various cannabinoids including CBD and acceptable amounts of THC, which have a variety of effects. If you want to simulate the smoking experience, vaping is a great option for you.
Other products you may want to consider include infused chocolates, baked goods, oils, and gummies.
Assess the Situation
Knowing what you condition needs and your options for products, you might be contemplating about how to get the products you want. If you are a beginner and you have no idea where to start, it is best to search for dispensaries near you and get in touch with them to know if they deliver or do meetups and pickups.
Those who prefer to visit the store may benefit from the experience as budtenders are knowledgeable about their products, which means that they can help you choose the perfect product for your needs. You can also learn about the effects of consuming the plant and even some tips for consumption.
As mentioned, make sure to practice safety measures such as social or physical distancing during your visit. The state of Maryland has such rules in place and it is only smart to observe such health and safety policies. The wearing of masks may also be encouraged, so make sure to keep that in mind.
The Bottom Line
Maryland is taking the right steps toward addressing marijuana-related concerns with the MMCC’s decision to consider making changes to existing laws. With temporary policies in place, marijuana patients can get their hands on the products they need with minimal risks of contact and exposure. The variety of ways to purchase products is a great development, especially during these pandemic times.
In a great leap of development in the cannabis industry, the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology will be doing a marijuana testing program. This program seeks to make sure that product labels compliant, complete with accurate information regarding laboratory tests and their results, said a Marijuana Moment report.
According to the article, this is a way to assure consumers that the labels are truthful. The report said, “When you walk into a store or dispensary and see a label that says 10% CBD, you want to know that you can trust that number.”
This federal development coincides with the state of Maryland’s decision to evaluate the possibility of changing its current medical marijuana laws. In a request for public comment issued by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), the committee announced that it will be holding an online meeting on July 30, 2020 tackling various topics including expanding permissions, diversity, pandemic measures and fine schedules.
In the past, the Maryland marijuana market has been under fire for having a less diverse industry even with its program that seeks to enable minorities to own, run or operate marijuana companies. Because of this, the MMCC will be addressing the issue in the online meeting and will be “[welcoming] public comment on any proposal in support of increasing diversity and social equity.”
Another important matter that will be discussed in the upcoming meeting is the current state of emergency in the country brought by the virus pandemic. The public comment request emphasized that the state has released several bulletins that placed temporary measures including the suspension of patient signature requirements and the permitting of on-site or curbside deliveries.
According to Marijuana Policy Project, Maryland has placed other safe access policies for the pandemic, including telehealth services, permissions for the entire cannabis supply chain to operate, prompt processing of registration renewals and extension of agent registrations.
The commission is soliciting comments from the public as to whether such measures will continue to persist even after the pandemic.
Key Facts About Maryland’s Marijuana Laws
During this state of emergency, Maryland residents were able to enjoy weed delivery services. However, this is only a temporary measure, as mentioned. Its existing laws entail that the possession of fewer than 10 grams for personal use will only be treated as a civil offense with a maximum of $100 of fine and no incarceration. The possession of paraphernalia is also seen as a civil offense without any fines and jail time.
Possession of 10 grams to less than 50 lbs is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum of 1 year in prison and a fine of $1,000. Meanwhile, those with intent to distribute will be charged with felony with 5 years to 40 years of jail time and up to $1,000,000 fine, depending on the extent of the offense.
The state also allows the implementation of medical cannabis treatments to students who have their MMJ cards even during school hours and school-sponsored events. The law is still now in effect, but the Department of Education and the Medical Cannabis Commission are set to submit a well-developed set of guidelines by December 31, 2020.
Even with medical cannabis laws in place, an advocacy called People’s Commission to Decriminalize Maryland revealed its plan to fight state and local policies that enable the marginalization of people and the targeting of marginalized populations in the implementation of cannabis laws. The group has been taking steps to minimize the disparate effects of targeted policing in relation to marijuana.
Ways to Purchase Medical Marijuana in Maryland
Now that you know the pertinent laws that govern marijuana consumption and distribution in Maryland, you are now aware of the limitations of carrying products on your person. If you are a resident of Maryland or any nearby states such as Washington, DC and Virginia, you might want to purchase cannabis from any of the MD dispensaries. Here are some ways you can do so:
Avail Weed Delivery Services
One of the most important temporary measures regarding cannabis in relation to the current state of emergency is the legalization of weed delivery. This policy enables patients to purchase the products they need, especially during a time when dispensaries are considered essential services. With the permission of the MMCC, Maryland dispensaries can do onsite deliveries, curbside pickups and home deliveries.
This is a great way to minimize contact with people at a time when a communicable disease is widely persisting. This allows for minimal contact, while ensuring that you will be able to get the right products. Just make sure that your favorite dispensary offers such services and you are good to go.
Attend Weed Events
Another great source of cannabis products is stalls or sellers present in events such as exhibitions, expositions and conferences. However, because of the virus outbreak, many events were canceled or postponed, so you will be hard-pressed to find an event you can attend.
However, you have the option to ask your dispensary if they do meetups. This is a great choice if you have a preferred store, but you find it too far for you to go to in light of the current public health situation. Some stores schedule private meetups for purchases below the minimum for deliveries.
Meetups let you meet people who are also medical marijuana patients. This is a great way to find friends who share the same need for MMJ and who can give you tips on how to use this treatment aid optimally and effectively.
Direct Purchases from Dispensaries
Not every dispensary out there offers delivery services and meetups. The best way to deal with this while minimizing your contact is to simply call the store, place your order and ask schedule a pickup time and date. This way, you will simply have to go to the store and get your items.
If all else fails, you can visit your favorite dispensary to browse their catalogs on-site. Just make sure to practice safety precautions during these pandemic times.
What to Remember When Buying Medical Cannabis
Now that you know how you can purchase cannabis products in Maryland, you might be wondering what you need to do before you take the first step in buying products. Check out these tips for buying items, which can be helpful for beginners:
Consider Your Condition
If you are thinking of buying medical cannabis, you probably have a qualifying condition such as cachexia, anorexia, severe or chronic pain, nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other chronic and debilitating medical conditions and symptoms.
So, before you place an order, make sure to consider what your condition calls for. For example, patients who have eating disorders might want to regulate their appetite, and there are infused products that contain cannabinoids that best address either overeating or undereating. Make sure to consult your physician about the type of product you should get for your condition.
Look at Your Options
Say, your doctor says that you need a CBD-rich product to help address your condition. Bear in mind that there are lots of CBD-infused items you can choose from. Topicals that are perfect for skin issues, aches, and pains, while orally consumable items such as tinctures, gels, and tablets are good for many other conditions.
You also have the option to smoke flowers. Just remember that these contain various cannabinoids including CBD and acceptable amounts of THC, which have a variety of effects. If you want to simulate the smoking experience, vaping is a great option for you.
Other products you may want to consider include infused chocolates, baked goods, oils, and gummies.
Assess the Situation
Knowing what you condition needs and your options for products, you might be contemplating on how to get the products you want. If you are a beginner and you have no idea where to start, it is best to search for dispensaries near you and get in touch with them to know if they deliver or do meetups and pickups.
Those who prefer to visit the store may benefit from the experience as budtenders are knowledgeable about their products, which means that they can help you choose the perfect product for your needs. You can also learn about the effects of consuming the plant and even some tips for consumption.
As mentioned, make sure to practice safety measures such as social or physical distancing during your visit. The state of Maryland has such rules in place and it is only smart to observe such health and safety policies. The wearing of masks may also be encouraged, so make sure to keep that in mind.
The Bottom Line
Maryland is taking the right steps toward addressing marijuana-related concerns with the MMCC’s decision to consider making changes to existing laws. With temporary policies in place, marijuana patients can get their hands on the products they need with minimal risks of contact and exposure. The variety of ways to purchase products is a great development, especially during these pandemic times.