Cannabis as an industry hasn’t been around very long, especially the legal sale and purchase of cannabis for recreational use. But this young industry is growing fast, and people in states where cannabis is fully legalized now have a wealth of recreational and medicinal dispensary options.
So what’s the difference? Does it really matter if you get your cannabis from a recreational or medicinal dispensary? And what should you look for in a quality dispensary of any kind?
Here’s what you need to know about buying from a medicinal dispensary versus a recreational one and how to choose which dispensary is right for your cannabis needs.
Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis in New Mexico
As of April 2022, the commercial sale of both medical and recreational cannabis is legal in New Mexico. Prior to this, medical cannabis had already been legal in New Mexico for 15 years. Adults over the age of 21 may purchase cannabis from a licensed recreational or medicinal dispensary.
While the product — cannabis — remains essentially the same whether it’s used for recreational or medical purposes, how it’s regulated varies.
For example, outside of one’s home, New Mexico medical card holders may possess as much as 8 oz of cannabis, while recreational users may only possess up to 2 oz. The minimum age to apply for a medical card is 18, whereas you must be 21 or older to purchase cannabis for recreational use.
People in New Mexico can qualify for a medical card if they have a qualifying medical condition, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and severe chronic pain. Those who qualify must see a certified physician before they can apply for their medical card.
Why Are There Different Types of Dispensaries?
In medical-only states, it makes sense that only medicinal dispensary options exist. But in a state like New Mexico, where both medical and recreational uses are legal, why are both types of dispensaries needed?
While a recreational dispensary is essentially a store selling cannabis products, a medicinal dispensary looks and operates a little differently.
Not only do these dispensaries allow you to purchase cannabis for medical use, but they also typically offer information and one-on-one consultations about using cannabis to treat specific medical conditions.
While any adult over the age of 21 can purchase cannabis from a recreational dispensary in New Mexico, if you have a medical card, a medicinal dispensary will likely be better equipped to meet your medical cannabis needs.
What to Know Before You Visit
Whether you’re visiting a recreational or medicinal dispensary, do your research ahead of time so you know what to expect and whether it’s worth your time and money. Online reviews are a great resource to help you gauge the quality of service and products you’ll receive.
If you have a medical card, bring that and any other documentation with you to the medicinal dispensary, along with any additional documentation and questions you want to ask.
If you’re visiting a recreational dispensary, bring a valid ID. You may want to look over the menu online before you arrive, especially if you aren’t quite sure what you’re looking for.
Regardless, make sure the dispensary you choose has a reputation for quality products and ethical practices and is well equipped to meet your personal cannabis needs.
Recreational or Medicinal Dispensary? You Decide
Although cannabis is fully legalized in New Mexico for both medical and recreational use, your decision to buy from a recreational or medicinal dispensary depends on your reason for purchasing. Both play a valuable role in making life-improving products available to our community.
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