Should You Buy Marijuana Online? The Truth About Online Dispensaries

Should you buy marijuana online?

It’s possible, but it would depend on where you live and the location of the dispensary you’re interested in.

With the booming popularity of legalization, more connoisseurs are researching whether they can find an online shop instead of having to visit a dispensary in-person.

However, it’s important to note that the rules aren’t the same for every buyer, and there are plenty of laws to pay close attention to when it comes to buying weed from the comfort of your home.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of buying marijuana online as well as the pros and cons of doing so.

Should You Buy Marijuana Online?

1. Is It Legal?

The first and most commonly asked question about buying weed through an online store is whether it’s legal or not.

If you live in a state where marijuana is legal and you find a dispensary within your state, then you are more than capable of buying weed online.

For example, if you live in Colorado and find a dispensary in Colorado, you shouldn’t face any legal grey areas when ordering.

Where the law comes into play is when you decide to ship Schedule I drugs (like weed) across state lines, as this is a federal offense.

The government of the United States hasn’t cleared marijuana for legality on a federal level; only some states have agreed to legalize the herb.

It will be tough for it to become federally legal, as the government has yet to recognize the medicinal value of pot, not to mention it is also one of the most commonly trafficked drugs.

In the event you are caught purchasing marijuana across state lines and having it shipped to your home, you could face up to five years in prison for orders as little as 50 grams or less.

These penalties become harsher if you place an order above 50 grams.

Where Is Marijuana Legal in the United States?

For adults, marijuana is fully legal in 11 states at this time.

Still, it’s important to note that some states find it legal for medical consumption and others for recreational and medicinal purposes.

In states where you can buy medical marijuana, you will typically need a unique card that signifies you have an ailment that requires weed as your treatment.

For people who live in a state where the recreational variations are legal, you can purchase it without a medical card; all you need is a photo ID that proves you are over the age of 21.

The states where you can easily buy marijuana online include:

Legal Medical Marijuana

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Utah
• West Virginia

Legal Recreational and Medical Marijuana

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Washington

2. Is It Safe?

There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to buying weed online, and it’s essential that you keep your wits about you to ensure you’re not being scammed and that you’re doing it legally.

When you opt for a trusted dispensary, you can guarantee they have been through numerous government screenings and have had to jump through an assortment of legal hoops to be eligible to sell pot online.

With that said, you can guarantee that when buying from a trusted company, you’ll be getting quality herb, likely better quality than what you’d get on the street.

However, there is a much darker side to the internet when it comes to buying weed from untrustworthy sources.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of “companies” that also claim to send you real pot when, in fact, they will send synthetic variations or none at all.

Always ensure you read customer reviews as well as do a little bit of research about a company before you fill out your payment information and address.

3. How Is Marijuana Shipped to Me?

One of the most exciting loopholes about buying weed from a retailer in a legal state while you live in a legal state is how that product is shipped.

You can guarantee legal dispensaries are aware of the rules and regulations of shipping companies and carriers, but you should be informed as well.

Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get any packages via FedEx or USPS, as both still operate under federal law.

For example, you’ll find that USPS considers shipping marijuana an illegal offense, and as a buyer or a shipper, you might be faced with federal penalties.

You’ll also find that these rules apply to other courier services, including UPS and FedEx, as both works based on federal law.

It’s always better to be safe; some couriers are obligated to call the police if they find Schedule I drugs in packages.

Most online dispensaries will have their delivery service with independent drivers to drop off your packages at your home.

This process is by far the most convenient, though your delivery costs are bound to be more than what they would be with USPS.

When the driver arrives at your home, you have to show a valid form of picture ID before obtaining your package.

Do American Marijuana Laws Apply to Canadians?

When it comes to buying pot online in Canada, there are plenty of legal issues you get to avoid, unlike Americans.

With the legalization of marijuana across the country on October 17th, 2018, plenty of laws and regulations changed to accommodate the average consumer.

You’ll find that marijuana is both legal for recreational and medicinal purposes across the country, which makes it quite simple to purchase.

You don’t have to worry about paying an outside courier to deliver your goods, as the Canada Postal Service isn’t federally barred from providing marijuana.

The country has even established its very own website filled with a ton of different strains as well as accessories that you’ll need to smoke the bud you’ve purchased.

Plenty of people have found that using their dedicated online marijuana store from the government is the simplest way to order pot.

It’s important to note, however, that there are still a couple of restrictions put in place for customers in Canada who want to order online.

Not every dispensary has received approval from the government to sell marijuana, and as such, this has created a ton of black market goods that are still illegal to purchase.

It’s highly recommended that you find a reputable retailer with the appropriate certifications to ensure you are making an above-board buy.

Can I Buy Marijuana From Canada?

You might be thinking that since marijuana is legal throughout Canada, why not just buy it from there?

The easiest way to answer this question is because your pot will have to cross state lines and go through customs before arriving at your doorstep.

Even for individuals who reside in legal states, such as Michigan, ordering marijuana from Canada is still recognized as an illegal act.

There have been numerous travelers turned away from US/Canada border crossings only for mentioning they have consumed marijuana in the past.

The only legal way to purchase marijuana within the United States, at this time, is if you live in a legal state and buy from a dispensary in that state.

Can I Buy Pot With Debit or Credit?

Even though it would be incredibly convenient to buy pot with your credit or debit card, it’s likely not a possibility when you’re buying weed online.

The federal government controls banking institutions, which has given banks the ability to refuse to do business with dispensaries and companies associated with marijuana.

Unfortunately, this has left many customers in a position where they can’t have the same conveniences as shopping online for a pair of pants, for example.

In most cases, you will be required to pay for your products once they are delivered to your home in cash.

However, these rules may vary depending on where you live and the bank you are with.

It’s always preferable to take a look at the payment information of the dispensary you’re interested in ordering from before placing your order.

Other users have found that mail-order pot is readily available as long as you can conduct an eTransfer, as most banks don’t consider marijuana to be an “acceptable product.”

Transferring money from your bank to the dispensary is much easier than you’d think, as you can do it all through your online banking.

You will be entering the amount of money you want to send, as well as the name, phone number, and email address of the dispensary.

Once all of the necessary information has been given, you simply submit the transfer.

The dispensary then confirms that they have received the money, and they will dispatch a delivery person to your home.

This reason is also why you need to make sure you work with a trusted and authorized company; you wouldn’t want to send an eTransfer only to have your money taken with no product to show for it.

Final Thoughts

Online dispensaries are incredibly convenient, as long as you correctly work with them.

Though there are still some hoops you’ll have to jump through, such as transferring money instead of paying with debit through their site, it’s an excellent option for people without transportation.

The next time you find yourself wondering whether or not should you buy marijuana online, as long as you live in a legal state and buy from a dispensary in your state, it can be a great experience.