Can You Smoke Medical Marijuana In Public In 2021?

Since the legalization of medical marijuana began in the United States, 36 states and four territories have allowed for the use of cannabis products for medical reasons. The change in medical marijuana laws that has occurred in those states has helped many people find relief from symptoms of various health ailments – but the laws regarding the use of medical marijuana in public may not be common knowledge as of yet. So, where can you legally smoke or consume medical marijuana products in the United States? Can you smoke medical marijuana in public in 2021? Let’s answer these questions and more.

Where can you smoke medical marijuana in public in 2021?

The last surrounding legalities when it comes to medical marijuana have been changing rapidly in the last few years. This has left people unsure of what’s legal and what’s not. Factor in the difference in laws on a state-by-state basis, and the whole thing becomes even more confusing. The laws between medicinal marijuana and recreational cannabis are also different.

In the United States, there is no designated area specified for those who want to smoke medicinal or recreational marijuana. It seems that all states have come to the agreement that public smoking of medical cannabis should not be allowed. The only exceptions are in California and Colorado, where some businesses have cannabis licenses that allow them to provide people with a public place to ingest cannabis. These cannabis lounges mirror bars for alcohol use. The only other place where medical marijuana patients can ingest their medication is in the comfort of their own home.

Where can you consume tinctures or edibles in public?

The use of medical marijuana tinctures or edibles in public varies on a state-by-state basis. This means that in some states a person can eat edibles no matter where they are, and in others it is just as illegal as if they were smoking medical marijuana.

person holding medical marijuana cigarette
Image by Jeff W on Unsplash: How easy is it to get a medical card in California?

Do you still need a medical card in California in 2021?

Although marijuana is legal in California for both recreational and medicinal purposes, it is still a good idea to get a medical card if you are dealing with an approved medical condition. For patients with medicinal marijuana needs, it is better to get a card so you have documentation to provide to authorities. This is because those with medical marijuana cards are allowed to grow and possess more cannabis than those who use it for recreational purposes. 

How do you get a medical card in California in 2021?

For those looking to get a medical marijuana card in California, you will have to go through the medical marijuana identification card program registration process. Although the program is optional to consume marijuana products in this state, it is suggested for those who wish to verify that they are allowed to carry and or grow medical marijuana.

To get a medical marijuana card in California, you must first put together the proper documentation to apply for the card. This documentation includes a copy of your medical recommendation, a personal identification card or other government-issued ID, and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a rental or mortgage agreement, any bills that you pay at the residence with your address and name on them, or a California DMV motor vehicle registration.

Once you have gathered all your documents, you will need to apply in person at your County program. The application comes with a fee of up to $100. You will also need to get your photo taken at the County program office for the medical marijuana card. Once the application process is done it can take up to 30 days for your application to be verified, and then up to 35 days to receive your medical marijuana card. 

mmj plant
Image by Roberto Valdivia on Unsplash: Getting a medical marijuana in California is still suggested for patients even though recreational marijuana is now legal, too.

Can a minor get a medical card in California?

In California, minors under the age of 18 can apply for a medical marijuana card as either a patient or a caregiver. if the minor is applying for themselves, they need to be lawfully emancipated or have a declared self-sufficiency status under the California law. If those two conditions are not met, the County program office has to contact the legal guardians of the minor to verify information on their application.

Consuming medical marijuana in California can be easy to do if you go through the proper channels. However, you will have to consume your MMJ at an approved location, which is currently only your home or another private residence.

Featured image by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash