Pros & Cons of Medicinal Dispensaries: Everything You Should Really Know About Them
Maybe a medicinal dispensary just popped up in your neighborhood, or maybe you’re finally thinking about getting around to obtaining a medical card. Medicinal dispensaries aren’t exactly new to the United States, but more and more of them are appearing in our local areas as cannabis laws continue to evolve in the country.
Now, medicinal dispensaries clearly serve an important function to the public, carrying cannabis for therapeutic use to individuals who can really benefit from it. But, are they the end-all-be-all when it comes to getting top-shelf cannabis? Let’s find out by simply comparing some pros & cons.
What is a Medicinal Dispensary?
A medicinal dispensary is a licensed physical establishment that sells marijuana to patients who have obtained a medical marijuana card through their state’s health department. Basically, you can only enter and purchase cannabis if you have your card with you, and to receive your card, you must undergo a process of applying through the state by proving that you have at least one of the state’s determined “qualifying conditions”. You must be diagnosed by a physician who is licensed by the state to recommend marijuana because of your condition, and then send in your application. If you’re approved, you’ll receive your medical card, which allows you to enter any state-licensed medical marijuana dispensary and purchase products as needed, within the purchase restrictions determined by the state.
The first state to approve medicinal dispensaries was California, back in 1998. Since then, 38 states, along with the District of Columbia, have approved medicinal marijuana programs. Keep in mind, each state has its own laws regarding this market, and some are more restrictive than others. Also, be aware that just because medical marijuana laws have passed in your state, that does not necessarily mean that there is a medicinal dispensary in your local area - in other words, you may have to travel to find one.
How Medical Marijuana Has Changed the Landscape of Cannabis in the US: Pros & Cons
It goes without saying that medical marijuana, and the subsequent developments of medicinal dispensaries, have been a major gamechanger as far as cannabis is concerned in the United States. Because of that, we want to take a look at the pros and cons, taking into account the fact that each state’s cannabis laws, and each dispensary, is ultimately unique.
Pros:
Medicinal Dispensaries Have “Legitimized” Cannabis
Medicinal dispensaries have done wonders for bringing a much-needed sense of legitimacy to the cannabis industry at large. When states like California and Colorado first began passing legislation to legalize medical marijuana, the general public in the US still maintained a somewhat negative view of the plant, overlooking its potential therapeutic value.
Now, as medical dispensaries are thriving, it’s undeniable that the plant offers serious value to individuals from all walks of life. This has changed the reputation of cannabis from a street drug to a genuinely valuable plant, rich in beneficial chemical compounds.
Medicinal Dispensaries Offer a Natural Alternative for Our Daily Needs
Medicinal dispensaries are carrying a product that acts as an alternative to more standard treatments, being the more “holistic” option. Many medical marijuana patients prefer cannabis to medications that may cause addictions, serious side effects, and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Medicinal Dispensaries are Strictly Regulated, Which Means Higher-Quality and Safer Products
Medicinal dispensaries were the first legal cannabis establishments to open their doors in the United States. Seemingly overnight, this raised the standards of cannabis across the country. Suddenly, cultivators, processors, and product manufacturers popped up to provide dispensaries with product that was made according to strict standards set forth by the state, challenging the low-quality and often sketchy products floating around on the black market.
This has benefited the industry as a whole immensely. It’s given the average enthusiast a far better understanding of identifying low and high-quality product, while generally leading toward a safer industry as a whole.
Medicinal Dispensaries Often Lead to Statewide Recreational Legalization
Medicinal dispensaries have historically been viewed as sort of a “gateway” toward adult-use legalization on a state level. States that approve medicinal marijuana see enormous success with dispensaries, and find that it offers a new form of revenue in the form of taxes, licensing fees, etc. This gives states the incentive to legalize cannabis beyond the medicinal context.
Cons:
Medicinal Dispensaries are Exclusionary
Medicinal dispensaries are exclusionary by nature. Obviously, the best example is the fact that they are not open to those seeking out cannabis for recreational purposes. But, beyond that, each state has a list of qualifying conditions, so for a patient to receive a medical card, they must be diagnosed with one of those conditions. Each state’s list is different, and some are far more restrictive than others, leaving out many notable conditions that affect those who could be benefiting from using cannabis. Some qualifying conditions are also highly specific, essentially determining that medicinal marijuana is only permissible if the condition is exceptionally severe.
Medicinal Dispensaries Require a Lot of Effort on Behalf of the Patient
Medicinal dispensaries have a lot of “red tape”, so to speak. We already sort of outlined the process earlier, but it requires that the patient finds an approved physician to receive their diagnosis, then submitting a detailed application, paying an application fee, and waiting for their card to come in the mail before they can even make their first purchase.
Medicinal Dispensaries Have Restrictions
Medicinal dispensaries offer cannabis to qualifying patients, legally. But, there are restrictions. For one thing, there are strict purchase and possession limits in all states, so you can’t just walk into a dispensary and buy whatever you want. Further, some states restrict certain types of products, like concentrates or edibles, which means that customers don’t necessarily have full access to whatever it is that they want, in the amounts that they feel they need in order to find relief.
Medicinal Dispensaries May or May Not Offer Online Access to Their Catalog
Many medicinal dispensaries only allow you to buy in person, which can be a challenge for some individuals - such as those who are disabled, or those who don’t have a vehicle. At the same time, hemp shops often allow you to buy products online should you not be able to make it to their brick-and-mortar location.
State Laws Can Get Confusing
Medicinal marijuana laws vary from state to state, and this is where things can get tricky. Let’s say you’re visiting a new state for a month, and you have a medical card from your home state. Depending on the particular state’s medical marijuana laws, you may or may not be able to purchase at your destination – and if you are, you may be very restricted when it comes to what you may buy. There’s also the matter of crossing state lines with cannabis, as you may be penalized for possession if you’re in a state where marijuana is strictly illegal.
Exploring the Dark Side of Green: Unveiling Corruption in Medicinal Dispensaries
Some medicinal dispensaries can be considered subpar for several reasons, which may impact patient care and overall service quality. Here are some detailed factors that contribute to a medicinal dispensary being regarded as "bad":
- Poor Quality Products: Dispensaries that offer products that are not tested for potency or contaminants can be risky for consumers, especially those with health conditions that rely on specific, high-quality cannabinoids.
- Lack of Product Variety: A limited selection can be a significant drawback for patients who may need specific strains or product types (like tinctures, edibles, or topicals) to effectively manage their conditions.
- Inadequate Staff Knowledge: Staff at dispensaries should be well-informed and able to advise on product usage, effects, and potential drug interactions. Poorly trained staff can lead to misinformation and inappropriate product recommendations.
- High Prices: While some high costs can be due to regulatory burdens, excessively high prices, especially if not matched with high-quality products and services, can be a major deterrent for patients who often have to pay out of pocket.
- Poor Customer Service: Good customer service is crucial in any retail setting, but even more so in medicinal dispensaries where clients may have complex health needs and questions. Unfriendly or unresponsive staff can create a negative shopping experience.
- Inconsistency in Product Availability: Regularly running out of key products can be frustrating and problematic for patients who rely on those products for ongoing treatment.
- Lack of Compliance with Regulations: Dispensaries must adhere to strict regulations regarding licensing, security, product testing, and more. Non-compliance can lead to legal troubles and safety issues for consumers.
- Unwelcoming or Inconvenient Location: Facilities that are hard to access, whether due to location or poor physical accessibility, can be a barrier for patients, especially those with limited mobility.
- Privacy Concerns: A dispensary must handle sensitive medical information with high confidentiality and security. A lack of privacy or discretion can deter patients from using a dispensary’s services.
- Poor Online Presence or Digital Services: In the digital age, many patients look for online ordering, product information, and reviews. Dispensaries that lack these resources may be seen as less professional or accessible.
Each of these factors above can contribute to a medicinal dispensary being considered bad, affecting its reputation and the trust of its patients.
Medicinal Dispensaries are Just One of Several Ways to Get Cannabis Nowadays
Overall, medicinal dispensaries offer legal access to high-quality and safe cannabis products for those who are struggling with certain medical conditions. And, they do a lot of good for local communities, as well as the cannabis industry at large in the United States. But, there are other choices for those who find that the disadvantages outweigh the pros. At PureRemedies CBD, you can find lots of top-notch hemp that offers many of the same properties as what’s sold at medicinal dispensaries, without any legal restrictions. Our hemp products are accessible to any adult in the United States, and don’t require a medical card for purchase. Explore our selection today, and simply find a hemp product that suits your needs!