The Differences Between Medical & Recreational Dispensaries

There are many things to consider when deciding whether to purchase medical or recreational marijuana. For example, each type of cannabis is legal in different states and sold at various stores.

However, there are some essential differences between medical and recreational dispensaries. Knowing these can help you make an informed decision and avoid getting scammed or paying too much for your product.

Legality

The legalization of medical cannabis has spread rapidly across the United States over the past decade. As a result, more than a dozen states now allow the medical use of marijuana.

State laws primarily govern the legality of marijuana, but federal law still classifies it as a Schedule I drug. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess, sell or grow marijuana in any form.

Despite this, a majority of Americans continue to support the legalization of marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 62% of adults aged 18 to 29 and 52% of those 30 to 49 say marijuana should be legal for both purposes, while just 17% of those ages 75 or older say it should be illegal for both.

This has led to various approaches by the states that have adopted medical cannabis legislation. Some have enacted a more strict and direct regulatory framework for regulating medical marijuana. Others have incorporated features more similar to pharmaceutical regulation.

Taxes

In addition to the federal excise tax on marijuana, each state charges a local sales or use tax. These taxes go into the state’s general fund to help finance public safety, health programs, and transportation.

Medical dispensaries can also be subject to a special privilege tax on their gross receipts from the sale of cannabis. This is similar to a business and occupation tax and is not deductible on federal returns under IRS code 280E.

Retailers must register with the state, file quarterly tax returns and make monthly payments. These businesses can keep 2% of their collected tax to cover administrative costs.

As with all business activities, the total amount of taxation you need to pay can vary depending on your location and type of dispensary. This is due to zoning laws established by local municipalities.

Safety

Security is critical to your business, whether operating a medical or recreational dispensary. It protects your building, products, cash, and employees from criminal activity.

It would help if you created a comprehensive security strategy addressing physical and cybersecurity risks. You’ll want to implement various tools, processes, and partnerships to help you prevent theft, fraud, and vandalism.

Safes and vaults are a great option for smaller dispensaries to keep their products and cash secure. They can also store important documents like medical records and patient IDs.

CCTV and alarms are another way to improve your store’s security. These systems will help monitor the exterior and interior of your dispensary and alert you to any suspicious activity or intruders.

You’ll want to install high-quality security cameras with a weatherproof and vandal-resistant rating. You’ll also need to ensure that the outside of your building is well-lit to quickly spot and identify any potential criminals.

Quality

When it comes to medical and recreational marijuana, there are many differences between the two. The main difference is that medicinal cannabis is intended to treat a specific disease, while recreational marijuana is meant to be used for pleasure.

As a result, a wide range of different products is available at dispensaries for both types of users. These products vary in their levels of THC, CBD, and terpenes.

Medicinal strains tend to have lower THC and CBD levels than their counterparts in the recreational market. This can be because medical strains are bred to have lower concentrations of THC or grown under more strict conditions or with more rigorous quality control.