We’re all living with a crazy amount of uncertainty these days. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has shown us that we simply can’t predict how much the world will change from one day to the next. One thing that is for certain is that medical marijuana (MMJ) patients will still need cannabis to help treat their physical or emotional medical conditions. As an MMJ cardholder, you’re probably concerned that you won’t be able to access all the MMJ products you need because the majority of the country is on lockdown or quarantined. Some people are feeling the need to stockpile to ensure they don’t run out. So if you’re wondering, “Am I able to grow more MMJ at home during COVID-19 lockdown?”, read the info below.
Can I grow with a medical card?
There are currently 33 states (plus Washington D.C.) that have legalized medical marijuana. That means if you’re a card-carrying MMJ patient, you can legally purchase the MMJ products you need to help with your symptoms. So, how many plants can you grow with a medical card? The answer is complicated. There are some states (such as New York and North Dakota) that do not permit patients to grow any of their own plants at home – they must purchase their products at licensed dispensaries only.
In the states where MMJ patients are permitted to grow and cultivate cannabis, the amount can vary widely. Each state has a limit, ranging from four all the way up to 12 plants that can be grown on an individual’s own property. There are sometimes restrictions that limit the number of mature plants vs. seedlings that you’re allowed to grow as well. Your best bet before deciding to grow any plants is to research the laws in the state where you live.
Image by Christina Winter on Unsplash: MMJ patients should check with their own state’s restrictions to determine how much product they can grow.
How much MMJ can I grow at home during lockdown?
Because of the current pandemic and the government’s orders for most Americans to remain at home, you’re probably asking, “Can I grow more MMJ at home during coronavirus?” The answer to this is also a bit tricky. At this time, there has not been any immediate legislation passed to change the amount of MMJ that a person is allowed to grow during this time. Although there might be some areas where patients are finding it harder to access dispensaries, there isn’t really anything new in terms of how much cannabis you’re allowed to grow.
This isn’t to say that law enforcement might not be more relaxed with grow limits; there could be some entities that understand that everyone is just trying to get through this difficult time with the resources they depend upon to manage their health. But your best bet is to not assume that you can get away with growing more marijuana than usual. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this situation, so don’t automatically assume you can avoid penalties if you’re not sticking to the grow limits in your state.
How else can you get MMJ during lockdown?
There are other ways to get your MMJ products if you’re concerned about grow limitations. At this time, many dispensaries are still open, especially ones located in larger cities. In fact, many of them have been permitted to stay open since they’ve been deemed “essential services” in areas of California, New Jersey, and some other states. This means the government is recognizing that individuals rely on these businesses in a major way to help with their medical conditions.
Even if your dispensary is no longer operating during normal business hours or might not have the entire dispensary open for customers, many of these businesses are providing curbside pick-upws so you don’t even have to get out of your car to pick up your MMJ products. Some dispensaries are going the extra mile to be even more helpful to their customers by offering home deliveries to MMJ patients. This is great for customers who might already have found it difficult to leave their homes (a difficulty that is only magnified during this crisis).
Image by Ndispensable on Unsplash: It might be possible for you to still get your MMJ products from local dispensaries, even during the lockdown.
Some local governments (e.g. Boston) have stated that they’ll allow MMJ patients to purchase more product during this time, in case they’re quarantined for many weeks. With this stipulation, patients can purchase a tad bit more cannabis than they normally would, such as a 60-day supply versus a 30-day one. It does seem as though some patients are taking advantage of this relaxed law, since many dispensaries are reporting an increase in their sales over the last couple of weeks. If you want to make sure you don’t run out of your MMJ products, you can research your state’s specific policies and see whether you’d be permitted to purchase more than you normally do (if you’re not wanting to grow your own plants).
If you’re concerned about not being able to get what you need from a dispensary, you might have the option of growing your own plants if it’s permitted in your state. Try to be conscious of how quickly you’re using up your supply during the pandemic; you might be able to have your products last longer by changing up the way you’re ingesting them, such as switching to edibles or tinctures that might last longer. Make sure to ask your doctor if you’re thinking of making any changes to your cannabis regimen. They might even be able to make some suggestions on how to make your supply last for a longer period of time with the same amount of efficacy.
Local dispensaries are another great resource during this time. Employees can help give you tips on how to maximize your MMJ supplies to last you during this lockdown period. Above all else, when in doubt, follow your state’s legislation and continue using your MMJ products to effectively treat your medical symptoms.
Featured image by Rick Proctor on Unsplash