In December 2017, legal medical marijuana sales started in Maryland, and from that time thousands of patients have entered the dispensary on the same day. Several dispensaries are now functional in different parts of Maryland, and patients can purchase a 30-day supply at any of these locations using a state-issued medical marijuana card.

The state of Maryland has legalized medical cannabis but not recreational cannabis.

While recreational cannabis is illegal, individuals can still possess less than 10 grams of cannabis for personal use. Distributing cannabis is still considered a civil offense which can result in fines and jail term.

In 2011, the Maryland house of representatives first passed legal protections for medical marijuana patients. This law meant that individuals could easily defend themselves if caught with the possession of cannabis.

In 2013, the house of representatives in Maryland established the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission, which was in charge of establishing the state’s medical-marijuana program. Sadly, the law did not go far and access to marijuana under the program did not happen.

Nonetheless, at the end of 2017, the law became effective as registered patients could buy marijuana from a dispensary and consume it safely without being prosecuted.

As of July 2018, there were more than 50 operational medical marijuana dispensaries. This usually leads to a long line in front of dispensaries due to the lack of excess dispensaries. This also makes it difficult for patients to get into a dispensary the same day. Some have to wait a few days before getting their products.

To enter a dispensary on the same day in MD you have to qualify for the following conditions including Cachexia, anorexia, wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, acute or persistent muscle spasms, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions.

Dispensaries in MD function similar to any store, with some additional regulations. To enter the dispensary on the same day, you’ll need to prove your MMCC ID and verify your information in their database.

Getting to a dispensary in MD same day will also require that you bring enough cash to purchase your products. Dispensaries don’t support credit card transactions due to federal regulations, so it’s best to have your cash in hand.

When you enter the dispensary, the staff will give you guidelines on how much cannabis you can purchase. Individuals can only purchase at most a 30-day supply, according to your physician. During the next phase, another staff member will direct you to the sales floor, which is usually in a separate room.

In this room, you’ll be able to buy medical marijuana. You’ll be welcomed by budtender or sales personnel who will try to figure out what strain best works for you. You’ll be asked a few questions to determine what works best for you.

When you choose your preferred medical marijuana, the budtender will complete your purchase and package your products. Once you’ve paid, you can exit the dispensary. Note that dispensaries don’t allow cannabis consumption on the premises.