Ten Excellent Reasons for Spending Your Christmas Money on a Medical Marijuana Card
Make 2024 the year you learn to reap the benefits of Arizona's Medical Marijuana program
- Lower Age Limit for Medical Use:
Medical marijuana is available to patients aged 18 and older, whereas recreational use is restricted to individuals aged 21 and older.
- Access to Higher Potency Products:
Medical marijuana patients may have access to higher potency cannabis products, providing more flexibility in managing their medical conditions.
- Extended Possession Limits:
Medical marijuana patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or marijuana products, while adult-use consumers can only possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana or 5 grams of marijuana concentrate.
- Growing Privileges:
Medical marijuana cardholders can grow up to 12 plants per patient if they live more than 25 miles away from a dispensary, while adult-use consumers can grow up to 6 plants per individual or 12 plants per household regardless of their location. Meanwhile, licensed caregivers can grow up to 12 plants per patient for up to 5 patients, for a total of 60 plants per household.
- Legal Protections in Employment:
Medical marijuana patients are often afforded certain legal protections in the workplace that adult-use consumers may not enjoy. For instance, medical marijuana patients are protected from discrimination or termination based on their status or a positive drug test, unless it would cause the employer to lose a federal contract or funding. Adult-use consumers do not have such protections and may be subject to the employer’s drug policies
- Lower Taxes:
Medical marijuana purchases are generally subject to lower taxes compared to adult-use cannabis, potentially making it a more cost-effective option for patients with ongoing medical needs. In Arizona, Medical marijuana purchases are subject to a state excise tax of 6.6% and a local tax of 2-3%, for a total of 8.6-9.6%6. Meanwhile, adult-use cannabis purchases are subject to a state excise tax of 16%, a state retail sales tax of 5.6%, and a local tax of 2-3%, for a total of 23.6-24.6%, adding quite a bit to the final total.
- Access to Specific Strains and Products:
Medical dispensaries may have a larger selection of strains and products that are designed to treat specific medical conditions, such as high-CBD or low-THC products. Adult-use dispensaries may have a more limited inventory or focus on products that are more appealing to recreational users, such as high-THC or flavored products.
- Recognition in Other Medical Marijuana States:
Having a valid medical marijuana card may grant recognition and certain privileges in other states with medical cannabis programs, facilitating travel for patients who rely on marijuana for medical purposes. Medical marijuana cardholders may be able to purchase, possess, and use medical marijuana in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Arizona, such as Nevada, Michigan, Hawaii, and others. On the other hand, adult-use consumers are subject to the laws of the state they are visiting, like Oklahoma, where medical marijuana is legal, but adult-use is still prohibited under state law.
- Patient Consultations and Support:
Medical marijuana patients may have access to consultations with qualified physicians who can recommend the best strains, products, dosages, and methods of consumption for their medical conditions10. They may also have access to support groups, educational resources, and advocacy organizations that can help them with their medical marijuana needs. Adult-use consumers may not have such access and may have to rely on their own research or the advice of dispensary staff.
- Priority Access and Discounts:
Some dispensaries may offer priority access and discounts to medical marijuana cardholders, such as shorter lines, lower prices, loyalty programs, or first-time patient deals. Adult-use consumers may not have such benefits and may have to wait longer, pay more, or miss out on some offers that are available only to medical patients.