Pennsylvania dispensary laws can be somewhat confusing for first-time visitors and new MMJ patients. Dispensaries have only been open for business in Pennsylvania since 2018, so the Keystone State has a lot of relatively new MMJ patients.
The confusion comes from the fact that, due to conflicting state and federal laws, Pennsylvania dispensaries cannot accept direct credit card payments. This means patients need to bring cash to pay for medical marijuana in many PA MMJ dispensaries.
In our increasingly cashless society, this situation is inconvenient for patients. Carrying cash can be cumbersome and risky, so many people don’t like to do it. In response to this situation, some Pennsylvania dispensaries have come up with workarounds, such as on-site ATMs.
Unsurprisingly, people tend to have a lot of questions about how to pay for their MMJ in Pennsylvania dispensaries. Do Pennsylvania dispensaries accept credit cards? Are dispensaries in Pennsylvania cash only? Why are PA dispensaries cash only? Let’s cut through the confusion and uncover the facts.
Do Pennsylvania Dispensaries Accept Credit Cards?
The official answer to the question “Do PA dispensaries take credit cards?” is no. Pennsylvania MMJ dispensaries do not directly accept credit card payments.
Are Dispensaries In PA Cash Only?
Yes, Pennsylvania MMJ dispensaries technically only accept cash payments. However, many PA dispensaries have registers that function as mini ATMs that allow you to use a cash card or credit card with a pin to pay.
Why Are PA Dispensaries Cash Only?
Pennsylvania dispensaries are cash only due to the conflict between state and federal laws regarding medical marijuana. Marijuana is still illegal on the federal level, so it is illegal for federally regulated banks and credit card companies to interact with the marijuana industry.
Can You Use Your Credit Card In Pennsylvania Dispensaries?
You cannot pay for MMJ directly with a cash card or credit card in PA. But you can use your cards to pay using the registers that function as mini ATMs at most Pennsylvania dispensaries. So in practice, you will usually not need to bring a bunch of banknotes with you to your local PA dispensary.
Bear in mind that if you are visiting a PA dispensary for the first time, it is a good idea to call ahead to find out how you can pay at that particular establishment.
Can You Buy MMJ Without A Medical Card In Pennsylvania?
You cannot purchase medical marijuana products in Pennsylvania MMJ dispensaries if you are not in physical possession of your own PA medical marijuana card.
People who are not in possession of a valid Pennsylvania patient or caregiver MMJ card are not allowed to enter PA dispensaries.
How Do I Get A Pennsylvania MMJ Card?
To get a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, visit the MMJRecs online clinic, where you can have a telemedicine consultation with a PA MMJ doctor. Once the MMJ doctor verifies your suitability to receive MMJ treatment, you will be generated a unique MMJ doctor’s recommendation that you can then access at the Pennsylvania State Patient Portal. You then submit your application and payment electronically from the PA State Patient Portal.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A PA Medical Marijuana Card?
Pennsylvania has an extensive list of conditions that can legally be treated with MMJ. Here is the list of Pennsylvania medical marijuana card qualifying conditions:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system
- Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV / AIDS
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intractable seizures
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Neuropathies
- Opioid use disorder
- Parkinson’s disease
- PTSD
- Severe chronic or intractable pain
- Sickle cell anemia
- Terminal illness
- Tourette syndrome
How Much Does A Pennsylvania Medical Card Cost?
Pennsylvania MMJ cards cost $50. People who participate in Medicaid may be entitled to a discount.
How Long Does It Take To Get A PA MMJ Card?
Once you have submitted your Pennsylvania MMJ card application it will be processed within seven business days. You’ll need to allow up to 14 days for postage, so you should expect your card to arrive within three weeks of you submitting your application.
Can Out-Of-State Cardholders Buy Medical Marijuana In PA?
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania does not practice reciprocity with other legal MMJ states. This means that out-of-state MMJ cardholders are not able to buy MMJ in PA dispensaries.
What Products Do Pennsylvania Dispensaries Sell?
Once you have your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, you can choose from a good selection of MMJ treatments that are available at PA MMJ dispensaries. Pennsylvania dispensaries sell:
- Marijuana flower
- Marijuana pre-rolls
- MMJ pills and capsules
- MMJ oils
- Tinctures and liquids
- Topicals (such as creams, ointments, and patches)
Featured image by Clay Banks on Unsplash