Check state law before you buy
Cannabis laws differ by state. 24 states and DC allow adult-use sales. 38 states allow medical cannabis. Some states allow both. Some states allow no sales. Federal law lists cannabis as a Schedule I drug. Federal agents can enforce federal law. State law does not protect you from federal charges.
Adult-use vs medical
Adult-use sales require age 21 or older. Medical sales require a state-issued card. Some states require a medical card to buy. Some states allow adults to buy without a card. Check your state rules. Example: California allows adult-use. Texas allows medical only. Idaho allows no sales.
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Possession limits
Possession limits vary. California allows 28.5 grams of flower and 8 grams of concentrate. Colorado allows 28 grams. Washington allows 28 grams. New York allows 85 grams. Some states allow more. Some allow less. Check the state limit. Possession above the limit is a crime.
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Purchase limits at dispensaries
Dispensaries track sales. A state database records each purchase. Limits per transaction: 1 ounce of flower, 5 grams of concentrate, 800 milligrams of edibles in some states. You can buy multiple times per day. But the state tracks total. Some states limit total per day. Some limit per visit.
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ID and age
Bring a government-issued photo ID. A driver license or passport works. Some states require a state ID. Some states accept out-of-state IDs. Medical patients need a state medical card. Some states require a state ID for medical. Adult-use buyers can use out-of-state IDs in many states.
Taxes
State taxes add to the price. Excise taxes range from 10% to 37%. Sales tax adds more. Example: Washington excise tax is 37%. California excise tax is 15%. Colorado excise tax is 15%. Oregon has no sales tax. Check the total price at the register.
Transport and federal land
Do not cross state lines with cannabis. Federal law prohibits transport across state lines. Federal land, such as national parks, allows no cannabis. Airports allow no cannabis. TSA may report you to local police. Do not drive under the influence. DUI laws apply.
Pitfalls
- Buying from unlicensed sellers. No testing. No tax. No legal protection.
- Possessing more than the state limit.
- Carrying cannabis into a state where it is illegal.
- Using cannabis on federal property.
- Flying with cannabis. Federal law applies.
- Driving after use. DUI charges apply.
- Ignoring local bans. Some cities and counties ban sales.
Parameters to check
- State legal status: adult-use, medical, or none.
- Age: 21 for adult-use, 18 for medical in some states.
- Possession limit: grams of flower, grams of concentrate, milligrams of edibles.
- Purchase limit per transaction.
- Tax rate: excise plus sales tax.
- Residency: some states require in-state ID for medical.
- Transport: no crossing state lines.
- Local rules: city and county bans.