Ralph Northam, the Governor of Virginia, signed into law a measure legalizing the possession and cultivation of marijuana. This made Virginia the first Southern state to make recreational weed legal. If you are an adult aged 21 years and above, you can now cultivate, possess, and consume small amounts of marijuana.
However, you need to understand that there is no legal way to purchase marijuana without a doctor’s prescription. At least not until January 1, 2024. According to the authors of the legislation, this period is necessary to establish the state’s Cannabis Control Authority. This body will regulate the new marijuana market.
History of Marijuana in Virginia
In the ’90s, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s General Assembly tightened the laws on marijuana. However, it added a provision allowing for its distribution and use for glaucoma and cancer. The state also had some of the lightest penalties for growing marijuana in the country. Authorities considered the cultivation of the plant for personal use as simple possession.
Before July 2020, possession of marijuana as a first offense was a misdemeanor. This unclassified misdemeanor came with a maximum penalty of a $500 fine, 30 days in jail, or both, in addition to a loss of driving privileges. As of July 2017, however, depending on the judge’s discretion, the loss of driving privileges was optional for adults and mandatory for juveniles.
Previously, a second offense was a Class 1 misdemeanor. It had a maximum penalty of a $2,500 fine, 12 months in confinement, or both. It also resulted in a loss of driving privileges. As of July 1, 2020, however, the Commonwealth of Virginia decriminalized the possession of 28 grams or one ounce of cannabis to a civil offense with a penalty of a $25 fine.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit to a Cannabis Dispensary
Legal marijuana is still fairly new in the state of Virginia. This is why most users do not know what to expect during their first visit to a cannabis dispensary. This is especially true for those who are still new to using marijuana. This, however, does not mean that you should dread the thought of visiting a cannabis dispensary.
The availability of legal marijuana, along with an increasing number of dispensaries in Virginia, has been having a huge effect on users. If you are about to make your first visit to a cannabis dispensary, this article will help you understand the process and know what to expect. This should take any anxiety out of the process and help you find what you are looking for.
As a new marijuana user, it is extremely important to do adequate research before you step into a dispensary. You should have the right questions and a licensed dispensary in mind. Also, when you visit a dispensary, you should take a careful look at the shelves to determine whether it has everything you want to purchase.
Your first time in a cannabis dispensary can feel like a whole new world. If you are interested in buying cannabis in Virginia, Here’s Weed is happy and ready to steer you in the right direction. Some of the things you need to know and do before you visit a dispensary in the state of Virginia include:
Have Clear Goals
Do you want to get the most out of your first visit to a marijuana dispensary? If so, you need to know your goals in advance. For example, are you looking for better ways to consume marijuana? Do you want to try medical marijuana to relieve symptoms of a condition you currently suffer from? Are you looking for a particular strain of marijuana? Whatever the case, you need to have a clear understanding of your goals and what you want to achieve. This will make it easier for you to make your first visit to a marijuana dispensary successful.
Bring Your ID
One of the most important things you will need when you pay your first visit to a cannabis dispensary is your ID. Whether the dispensary sells medical cannabis, recreational cannabis, or both, you will need to produce your ID. This should be a government-issued form of identification. If you are a medical marijuana patient, you need to come with your medical marijuana card.
Decide How Much You Want to Spend
You need to determine your budget before you visit a cannabis dispensary. When you let your attendant know how much you are willing to spend, he/she will help you get the best products based on your budget. Some cannabis products may be too costly for your wallet. A good dispensary will help you make the right decisions.
Expect Some Type of Security
Cannabis dispensaries often have a high level of security for the protection of their customers and staff. You should expect protected entrances, guards, and even CCTV. Rather than fearing such security measures, you should appreciate them and enjoy your first visit.
What Level of Assistance Do You Need?
If it is your first visit to a cannabis dispensary, you will need a lot of help to find the products you need. Even if you are a long-time user of marijuana, you may need help finding a different strain or new product. Or maybe you just want to get in and out as fast as possible.
Whatever type of experience you want, you should think about this in advance. If you think you will need lots of assistance, you will be ready to let a dispensary employee guide you. He/she will also provide you with valuable information during your first visit.
Consider Your Preferred Method of Consumption
Nowadays, smoking is not the only way to consume marijuana. Most dispensaries offer a wide range of cannabis products, including concentrates, flowers, edibles, tinctures, vape pens, drinks, suppositories, pills, ointments, and more.
However, you need to understand that each method of consumption comes with certain pros and cons. Therefore, you need to do your homework before you make your first visit to a cannabis dispensary.
Bottom Line
If you are looking to purchase legal marijuana in Virginia for the first time, you will need to check the availability of local dispensaries. Some marijuana dispensaries even have an online menu that can help new customers plan their visits.
For more information on how to prepare for your first dispensary visit, visit heresweed.com.
