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Marijuana 101

Pennsylvania Marijuana Laws: Do’s and Don’ts for Medical Marijuana Patients

Updated: April 7, 2023

Medical marijuana is becoming increasingly accessible across the US–a massive win for advocates and MMJ patients everywhere. But keeping up with your state’s medical marijuana laws is a must no matter where you live. 

For patients preparing to shop at one of our Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensary locations, we’ve created a handy guide to the dos and don’ts of MMJ in Pennsylvania. This guide will help you find everything you need to know about the latest state medical marijuana laws. Of course, if you have any questions not answered here, the FLUENT team is always happy to help!

DO understand the difference between medical and recreational use.

It is legal to possess and consume medical marijuana in Pennsylvania as long as you have a valid MMJ card. However, it is still illegal to have any part of the plant or its products for recreational or non-medical purposes.   Ultimately, you can be charged with illegal possession if you do not have a PA MMJ card.

DO know how much you can possess in Pennsylvania.

Under the recent 2021 update to PA MMJ laws, medical marijuana patients can now purchase up to three months’ worth of medical marijuana from their licensed dispensary of choice. Previous rules limited dispensaries to selling only a 30-day supply of MMJ.

DO check regularly to see if you have a qualifying condition for MMJ.

In Pennsylvania, qualifying conditions for an MMJ card have recently expanded. As a result, more people are now eligible for medical marijuana cards. So, even if you didn’t qualify previously, it’s absolutely worth it to check to see if you may be eligible now. 

Continue to watch for updates in the future because the list of qualifying conditions may only continue to grow.

Presently, qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in PA include:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 
  • Anxiety disorder(s)
  • Autism
  • Cancer
  • Cancer remission therapy (newly added)
  • Chronic pain
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Damage to nervous tissue in the central nervous system 
  • Dyskinetic/spastic movement disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Intractable seizures
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodegenerative diseases
  • Neuropathic conditions (newly added)
  • Opioid use disorder (for which conventional treatments alone are not adequate)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • PTSD
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Terminal illness
  • Tourette syndrome

DO follow all PA laws for medical marijuana.

Even if you have an MMJ card, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can consume whenever and wherever you want. There are still regulations in place, primarily to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Some important PA MMJ restrictions to be aware of:

  • Only consume medical marijuana in homes or private residences. Your employer can also allow you to consume MMJ on-site, but that is generally a rare occurrence.
  • MMJ patients/caregivers can transport medical marijuana in a closed, sealed container stored out of reach but only within state lines. We recommend securing your MMJ in the trunk of your vehicle to avoid any issues.
  • In PA, growing your own plant is still illegal. 

DON’T settle for an inconvenient MMJ option.

While it’s true that figuring out how to get MMJ in Pennsylvania can involve a bit of a learning curve, it should be pretty simple once you settle into a general routine. Make sure you select a dispensary with systems in place to make it as easy and convenient as possible to get your MMJ products.

DON’T assume that every medical marijuana dispensary is the same.

When it comes to PA medical marijuana, MMJ patients have their fair share of options – but not all dispensaries are equal. Even though the state is working to raise quality standards, medical marijuana is still relatively “young” in PA. So, for the best possible experience, choose a dispensary with a longstanding reputation for outstanding product quality and service: FLUENT.

FLUENT dispensaries in Hanover, Mechanicsburg, and Annville (coming soon!) are where you’ll find an expertly curated selection of MMJ products and strains from the industry’s top cultivators and brands. We’ve worked hard to source a diverse range of products serving the unique needs of PA MMJ patients, making it easier to shop according to your wellness goals. Plus, our staff is extensively trained, knowledgeable, and passionate about what we do, making them a valuable resource for new and experienced MMJ patients alike.

Shop FLUENT Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Pennsylvania

If you’re ready to pursue a lifestyle enhanced by the benefits of premium medical marijuana, make our Pennsylvania dispensaries your first and only choice. Visit the FLUENT PA dispensary near you to start shopping today.

Image Credit: By BOLDG, Shutterstock