Some states (38 currently) have some type of medical marijuana program and 24 states have adult use programs as well. Each of the states that allow adult use also issue medical cards.
Adult-use (recreational) cannabis dispensaries and medical marijuana dispensaries differ in a handful of ways. Before we get into some of those, please keep in mind that in most instances, both types of dispensaries are housed in the same building.
Purpose:
- Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensaries:
- They’re intended for recreational use by adults. Customers do not need a medical card or reason to make a purchase.
- Open to the general public, provided they meet the age requirement.
- Medical Marijuana Dispensaries:
- In states that have medical marijuana programs, doctors are able to “prescribe” cannabis for a variety of conditions that vary by state.
Similarly, each state’s programs have their own nuances with respect to the types and levels of THC potency that are allowed.
Products:
- In some markets (states), all products are available to anybody who wants them (i.e. same menu for medical and recreational (adult use). In other states, certain products are only available to people with a medical card.
For example, any adult in Maryland can purchase pre-rolls from a dispensary. Yet, their strongest inventory (thc-wise), which are infused with a concentrate, are only available to medical marijuana card holders.
Lastly, in some states, like Florida medical marijuana is not taxed, while in other states medical is taxed along with adult use cannabis.