How Do I Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Missouri?
Becoming a medical marijuana patient in Missouri is the only way to legally use cannabis in the state. Fortunately, it isn’t hard to qualify and the process of becoming a patient is simple.
1) Find out if you qualify for cannabis treatment
2) See a doctor who can give you a recommendation
3) Apply for your card with the state
It’s that easy!
NuggMD has Missouri-licensed physicians available 7 days a week so you can see a doctor today.
Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis in Missouri?
To find out if you qualify for medical marijuana card in Missouri, you’ll need to examine state residency, medical condition and age.
Residency
You must be a resident of Missouri in order to get a medical marijuana card there. To prove your residency, you’ll need:
1) A statement that the qualifying patient resides in Missouri and does not claim resident privileges in another state or country, and
2) One of the following:
- a copy of a valid Missouri driver’s license,
- a Missouri Identification Card,
- a current Missouri motor vehicle registration, or
- a recent Missouri utility bill;
If none of these proofs are available, the director of the program may accept “some other evidence of residence in Missouri, which shall be approved or denied by the director of the medical marijuana program as sufficient proof of residency.” Be aware that this denial or acceptance is at the sole discretion of the director though.
Qualifying Conditions
Missouri has a list of qualifying conditions, but the list is very open:
(A) Cancer;
(B) Epilepsy;
(C) Glaucoma;
(D) Intractable migraines unresponsive to other treatment;
(E) A chronic medical condition that causes severe, persistent pain or persistent muscle spasms, including, but not limited to, those associated with
- multiple sclerosis,
- seizures,
- Parkinson’s disease, and
- Tourette’s syndrome;
(F) Debilitating psychiatric disorders, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder, if diagnosed by a state licensed psychiatrist;
(G) Human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
(H) A chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to physical or psychological dependence, when a physician determines that medical use of marijuana could be effective in treating that condition and would serve as a safer alternative to the prescription medication;
(I) Any terminal illness; or
(J) In the professional judgment of a physician, any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition, including, but not limited to,
- hepatitis C,
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
- inflammatory bowel disease,
- Crohn’s disease,
- Huntington’s disease,
- autism,
- neuropathies,
- sickle cell anemia,
- agitation of Alzheimer’s disease,
- cachexia, and
- wasting syndrome.
Under these rules, most residents of the state who are over 18 and seek cannabis treatment will qualify.
Age
A medical marijuana patient must be 18 or older to apply to the program. Parents or guardians who have a minor child who needs cannabis treatment, such as a child with Dravet’s or epilepsy, will need to be their child’s caregiver, and the card for a minor patient will only be issued to the patient’s parent or guardian.
How to Find a Doctor for an Evaluation
It’s not necessarily easy to find a physician who’s willing to talk about marijuana as a medical option. Fortunately, you do have options if your family physician is unwilling to discuss the issue. It’s important to find a legitimate doctor for your medical marijuana recommendation.
NuggMD works with state-licensed Missouri medical marijuana doctors who can give you an honest evaluation of your condition and help you decide if cannabis is an option worth trying.
Whichever doctor you choose for your evaluation, it will be helpful, although it’s not required, to have your medical records on-hand for your medical evaluation. This will ensure you receive the most appropriate evaluation and recommendation for your condition. The records you might want to gather include, but aren’t limited to:
- Patient charts
- Current prescriptions
- Physical therapy records
- Medical test results
- Hospital records
If you dread the thought of sitting around at the doctor’s office, or you just don’t have enough time in your day, you can conduct your medical marijuana evaluation entirely online. Simply enter getnugg.com/md/Missouri in your web browser and relax while you get your evaluation from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
The NuggMD Process
Here’s the NuggMD process:
1) Create an account at NuggMD
2) Input your basic information, including your name, age and address
3) Enter your medical history with as much detail as possible
4) Enter your payment information while you wait in your virtual waiting room. Your wait shouldn’t be long
5) When your new physician is available, they will conduct your evaluation via NuggMD’s online telemedicine platform.
Once you’re approved, the doctor will complete your recommendation and email it to you via the NuggMD platform along with specific instructions to complete the registration process. You won’t need to worry that it will be a confusing process because NuggMD’s support staff can help if you get stuck along the way.
What to Expect When Talking to the Doctor
Your video consultation can be as long or short as you need it to be, so don’t be afraid to ask your new doctor any questions you may have about your condition and how medical marijuana might fit into your treatment plan.
NuggMD’s physicians are passionate about cannabis as medicine and want to work with their patients to achieve the best treatment plan.
Here are a few questions you might like to consider asking your doctor:
- Which form or forms of delivery should I consider?
- Should I use higher CBD strains?
- What dose and frequency should I use?
- Will cannabis interact with any other medications or herbs I’m currently taking?
- What side effects, if any should I watch for?
Be sure to tell your new physician about all herbs and supplements you’re taking as well as your medications so they can assess any possible interactions.
As a NuggMD patient in Missouri, you’ll pay only $99 for your medical cannabis evaluation. If you’re not approved, your evaluation is free, so you’ve got nothing to lose!
How to Apply for Your Missouri State Medical Marijuana Card
Once you’ve been evaluated and approved for medical marijuana treatment by your doctor, your physician will email your recommendation to the address you provided, along with instructions for how to apply for your card using the state’s online application system. You must fill out your state application within 30 days of receiving your recommendation from your doctor.
- First, make sure you’ve entered your CORRECT SSN and date of birth during your NuggMD registration process. Your doctor will need this to complete your recommendation. You can’t go back and fix this yourself if you or your doctor make a mistake on your state application paperwork or recommendation. Instead, you’d have to submit a help ticket to request the Department to fix it, causing a delay in your application. So make absolutely sure you’ve entered the correct number.
- Wait for your doctor to send your recommendation to you via email. It should only take between 24 and 48 hours to receive it.
- Next, you’ll create an account at the state’s application portal.
- Fill out the requested information.
- Once you read the terms and conditions and confirm that you’re not a robot, you’ll finish up your registration and wait for your verification message in your email. It shouldn’t take long.
- Once you verify your email, you can click the link to sign in and complete the rest of your application. You can find detailed walk-through instructions here.
If you get stuck on your application or have any questions about the process, feel free to reach out to our customer service team.
VERY IMPORTANT: YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR STATE APPLICATION WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING YOUR DOCTOR’S RECOMMENDATION
Missouri’s Cannabis Cultivation Rules
During the application process, you’ll notice under the “Questions” tab that it asks if you wish to cultivate your own cannabis. Qualifying patients can cultivate their own cannabis in Missouri if they want to. The rules are very strict and must be followed to the letter to avoid problems with the law.
- Patient cultivation MUST take place in an enclosed, locked facility.
- Under no circumstances is a patient allowed to cultivate, or have someone cultivate for them, more than 6 flowering marijuana plants. 6 plants per patient is the absolute limit.
- A patient may only cultivate up to 6 flowering plants, 6 non-flowering plants up to 14 inches tall, and 6 clones under 14 inches tall at any given time.
- Two qualifying patients may share the same enclosed, locked facility for up to 12 flowering plants, 12 non-flowering plants and 12 clones.
- If one of the qualifying patients is also a primary caregiver for another qualified patient, they may cultivate up to 6 more flowering plants, 6 more non-flowering plants, and 6 more clones for a total of 18 each.
- A patient can’t cultivate in a place where they are prohibited by state law or private contract.
- The plants must be clearly labeled with the qualifying patient’s name.
- The cultivation authorization must be displayed in close proximity to the plants and list the name of the qualifying patients or primary caregiver they are being cultivated for, and the address of the facility in which the plants are being cultivated.
You do not need additional certifications or paperwork from your doctor, but you will be required to answer extra questions on your online application and allow the Department to access your growing facility if and when they request to see it.
To apply for the additional cultivation certificate, go to the “Questions” tab and click “Yes” on the cultivation question. Below it, you’ll fill out the information required. You’ll need to describe the cultivation area you will be using, what security measures it will have, and who will have access to the area. You’ll also need to indicate whether others will be sharing the cultivation facility with you and provide details about them if applicable.
The state will require an additional $100 fee if you’re approved for a cultivation certificate.
What Types of Marijuana Consumption Methods are Available in Missouri?
Different states have different rules about the types and concentrations of marijuana that can be made available to patients. For instance, in New York patients are prohibited from smoking marijuana, but are allowed to “vape” marijuana concentrates or flower. Some states only allow low THC products, while others allow very high potency products. Each state’s laws are different.
In Missouri, your consumption methods aren’t limited. You can smoke it, eat it, use concentrates, tinctures, topicals or whatever method you and your doctor think is appropriate.
There are 3 main consumption methods to consider when deciding which method or methods are best:
- Inhalation
- Oral ingestion
- Topical application
Let’s explore each in more detail.
Inhalation
This is the most common, and fastest form of ingestion. Inhaled cannabis enters your bloodstream directly through your lungs. This can be accomplished by smoking joints, blunts or bongs, or by using vape pens, dab rigs or table top vaporizers. There are dozens of ways to inhale cannabis. You can discuss with your doctor which method is best if you choose this route.
The effects of inhaled cannabis usually peak around 30 to 90 minutes and wear off within a few hours, depending on metabolism and tolerance. This makes it one of the more preferred methods for pain because of its rapid effect. It’s also preferred by novices because inhaled cannabis usually has a less potent high than eating it and wears off faster if the user accidentally ingests more than they are comfortable with.
Note that no one has ever died from a cannabis overdose, but being too high can be a very uncomfortable experience for a new user. In such a case, the faster it wears off, the better.
So, inhaling cannabis is an ideal method of ingestion for many patients because of its quick onset and shorter half-life. But there are a few notable downsides and risks. It’s hard to look at the news today without hearing about the vaping crisis. Currently, the CDC believes that additives in illegal vape cartridges, namely Vitamin E Acetate, are causing severe lung injuries.
So far, more than 2,506 people have been hospitalized and 54 people have died from these vaping lung injuries. Therefore, you should NEVER buy a vape pen from a black market source. It’s very difficult to know what additives are in the oils and they may be dangerous.
This has many patients turning back to smoking flower, but even if this is legal in your state (and it is in Missouri) smoking is not entirely without risk either. Those with asthma, COPD or other lung disorders might not be able to tolerate smoke and it’s generally agreed that smoking anything isn’t good for anyone.
There is another alternative. Dry herb vaporizers come in desktop and handheld models, and they’ve advanced a lot over the past few years as cannabis users have increased demand for this option. Some even allow users to heat both concentrates and flower.
Dry herb vaporizers heat cannabis flower to temperatures just below combustion. This allows the cannabinoids in the plant to heat up and be inhaled without adding the chemicals and tar that result from combustion. If you think this might be a good alternative form of ingestion for you, ask your doctor during your visit.
Oral Ingestion
Eating cannabis results in a very different high than inhaling it. When we inhale cannabis, we absorb delta-9 THC into our lungs and then our bloodstream, but when we eat it, the THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC in our livers before it is absorbed into our bloodstream through our guts. 11-hydroxy-THC induces a much more potent and longer lasting high. Even people who’ve smoked cannabis for years can be surprised by the potency of an edible.
And if you take too much, it will take a very long time to wear off. Generally, the onset of the effects of edibles will be felt between 30 and 90 minutes and will last up to 8 hours or even longer for a particularly potent dose.
In other words, edibles are extremely unpredictable.
Tolerance for edible doses is extremely varied as well. 10 mg is a commonly recommended first time dose, but many first timers find that as little as 2.5 mg is more than enough. If you don’t know what your tolerance for edibles is, then the motto is “go low and slow.”
This means that you may need to take a few days to find your dose. Many a novice cannabis user has taken a 10 mg dose, and when it didn’t kick in after waiting an hour, they took more. If they are one of those people that metabolizes cannabis more slowly, it usually ends up in a very unpleasant high or even vomiting and delirium.
So, if you’re inexperienced with edibles, be patient. You might want to consider trying just 2.5 mg and then waiting five or six hours before taking a larger dose.
Remember this always when trying a new ingestion method: you can always take more, but you can never take less.
Topical Application
Topicals are a great option for patients who want to use medical marijuana without experiencing the psychoactive effects. Topicals deliver cannabinoids through the skin, but very little THC absorbs into the bloodstream.
Be aware that transdermal patches are the exception to this rule because the cannabinoids are combined with agents to make them more easily absorbable through the skin. So you can actually get high from some transdermal patches. Be sure to ask before you use a new kind of patch or topical if this is a concern.
What Does Marijuana Feel Like?
If you’ve never had marijuana, it’s a bit hard to describe. You’ve probably heard stories about food cravings, euphoria and giggle fits. Most of these stories are true. As a matter of fact, it’s a good idea to keep some healthy munchies on hand so you don’t end up devouring an entire bag of potato chips or a box of Twinkies. Most people find it to be a pleasant experience, although there are some who dislike the feeling and can’t tolerate it well enough to derive a medical benefit from cannabis.
Until you know how you’re going to react to cannabis, plan pleasant and distracting activities during use. You might even want to have someone sit with you for the first time. This is because if you take more than you can tolerate, you can feel disconnected from reality or paranoid. You can even hallucinate, although this is very rare. Everyone is different.
Do NOT drink alcohol with marijuana.
Common side effects of marijuana are:
- Changed perception of time
- Loss of concentration
- Relaxation
- Giggles
- Happiness
- Increased energy
- Decreased energy (A.K.A. couch lock)
What if My Dose is Too High?
The side effect of cannabis that no users enjoy is anxiety. Anxiety is almost inevitable if you take a dose that’s too high for your tolerance. Some people get anxious on doses as low as 5mg, while others can chow down 100mg candy bars and barely feel it. This means you can’t use your friends or local budtender as a compass for your own tolerance. And having a tolerance that high is very rare unless you’re a long-time cannabis patient.
A new cannabis patient who ate a 100mg, or even a 50mg edible would likely feel like they need a padded room and be turned off from the prospect of ever taking cannabis again. In fact, many people who mistakenly say they’re allergic to cannabis just took too much their first time.
If you find that you’ve taken more cannabis than you can comfortably tolerate, stay calm. Remember that no one has ever died of a cannabis overdose. Also, don’t be embarrassed. You’re not the first person, and you won’t be the last, to suffer a panic attack or anxiety from consuming too much cannabis.
If you do experience this problem, be sure to call your doctor as soon as possible to have your dose adjusted. Remember, 5mg or even 2.5mg is a perfectly reasonable dose for a first time consumer. It’s ok to break those commonly-found 10mg doses in half or even quarters. And if you can find microdose products available in 2.5mg, 3.7mg or 5mg doses for your first time use, try them out! You may be surprised to find that this is more than enough.
START LOW AND GO SLOW! PATIENCE IS THE KEY!
*While no one has ever died of a cannabis overdose, you can develop a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. If you start to experience any abnormal symptoms like severe vomiting that will not go away, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.
What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
People are using larger and more potent doses of THC. Lately, a poorly understood syndrome has occurred with cannabis users called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. No one knows what causes cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, but current theories are that it results from over-stimulating CB1 and CB2 receptors with very high doses of THC.
According to current medical understanding, this condition only appears to affect people who have been using cannabis at least once a day for years, and is very rare even in this small subset of people. But because this condition can lead to death due to dehydration in very rare cases, it’s appropriate to warn all cannabis users of this condition.
The condition seems to occur in three distinct stages:
Prodromal: This stage can last for a few months or even years. During this stage, the patient will suffer mild nausea and stomach pain. Unfortunately, this tends to lead to a person taking more cannabis to relieve the symptoms. If you begin to notice this type of persistent nausea, notify your doctor immediately because you may need to quit using cannabis for a while.
Hyperemetic: During this stage, the patient will vomit profusely and can become dehydrated and malnourished as a result of the constant nausea. Some patients may find relief from a hot shower. It’s absolutely vital to see a doctor if this happens if the patient hasn’t seen a doctor already because this is a very serious and potentially fatal condition.
Recovery: The only known treatment that works for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is to quit smoking marijuana. The symptoms generally go away in a day or two after the patient stops using marijuana. If cannabis use starts again, the symptoms will almost certainly return.
No one knows yet why some people get CHS. Most people don’t. It’s still a very rare condition. There’s no way to tell ahead of time who can develop the condition and who won’t. So, be patient. Use the minimum amount of cannabis necessary to treat your condition according to your doctor’s instructions. And always, always call your doctor and report any unexplained symptoms of nausea, belly pain or vomiting.
Need Help? NuggMD’s Here for You
NuggMD’s knowledgeable customer service team is here to answer your questions every day via email and live chat. It’s their mission to think outside the box and creatively solve problems so you can have the best experience possible.
Of course, the laws aren’t perfect, so there are some things that can’t be fixed (yet). In those cases, we can reach out to advocacy organizations, state and local legislators and our communities. Below, we’ve included a list of local advocacy organizations that you can reach out to. If you know of any other organizations we can add to this list, we’d love to hear from you.
Missouri Norml
15 N. 10th St.
Columbia, MO 65201
573-443-6866
facebook.com/MissouriNORML
MONORML.org
Marijuana Policy Project
P.O. Box 21824
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-462-5747
New Approach Missouri
2025 Zumbehl Rd, #291
St. Charles, MO 63303
info@newapproachmissouri.com
Missouri Cannabis Industry Association
15 N. 10th St.
Columbia, MO 65201
membership@mocia.org
Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association
1015 Grupp Rd, #31674, St. Louis MO, 63131
Phone: (800) 766-0599
Email: director@mocanntrade.org
Andrew Mullins, Executive Director
PR – Media Inquiries: Jack Cardetti (573) 680-4009
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to possess cannabis even though there are no dispensaries yet?
Yes, but only if you have a medical marijuana card.
How much cannabis am I allowed to possess?
You can purchase and possess up to four ounces, or the equivalent in concentrates. If you are cultivating cannabis (with permission from the Department) you may possess up to a 90 day supply at one time so long as the cultivated cannabis stays on the cultivator’s property and in their possession.
How much is the state card application?
The application is $25 for patients and caregivers. There is an additional charge of $100 for those who wish to cultivate their own.
How long does it take for the state to process a medical marijuana card application?
As provided by Amendment 2, Sec. 3(19), the state has up to 30 days to process your application. If they don’t finish processing it within that time, then your physician recommendation would serve as your card. This is highly unlikely to happen though because the Department’s been processing cards very quickly. In some cases, patients are receiving their state certifications via email within 48 hours. And since you will print out your patient identification card instead of waiting for it to arrive in the mail, the process is even faster. As applications begin to pick up at the beginning of 2020 in anticipation of the first dispensaries opening, it may take a bit longer.
How long does my certification last?
A patient must recertify at least annually. A physician is also within their rights to require their patient to return for certification more often if they feel the patient’s condition requires closer monitoring.
Will my health insurance cover my certification?
Amendment 2 states: “Nothing in this section shall be construed as mandating health insurance coverage of medical marijuana for qualified patient use.” Because cannabis is still federally prohibited, it’s unlikely that insurance companies will be covering it soon. Some insurance carriers make an exception for Epidolex, which is approved at a federal level.
Is there a tax on cannabis sales?
Yes, your retailer will be required to charge an additional 4% tax for your purchase. There may be other applicable local taxes as well.
Can I purchase cannabis in Missouri with an out-of-state card?
No. Missouri doesn’t have reciprocity with any other state cannabis program. The only way to legally purchase cannabis in Missouri is to present a Missouri Department-issued patient identification card. However, if you have “equivalent identification card or authorization issued by another state or political subdivision of another state,” you are not subject to arrest for possession of less than 4 ounces or the equivalent. You should talk to a lawyer before attempting to possess cannabis in the state with out out-of-state card because your out-of-state authorization may not be considered equivalent.
Can I get a card if I have a criminal record?
Yes. Criminal records don’t disqualify applicants from getting patient identification cards. However, your card can be denied if you:
- Lie or provide false or misleading information on your application,
- Provide incomplete information on your application, or
- Don’t apply for a state card within 30 days of your certification date.
Your card can be revoked if you:
- Violate any provisions of the program’s rules,
- You possess more marijuana than your card allows (likely 1 year suspension),
- You sell or traffic any drugs (guaranteed permanent removal from the program).
Can a nurse practitioner or dentist recommend cannabis?
No. Only a state licensed physician or osteopath can write a cannabis recommendation.
I have a caregiver who cultivates for me. Can I cultivate also?
No. Only your caregiver or you can cultivate for you. You can’t both cultivate at the same time.
Can I be fired for using marijuana if I have a Missouri Patient Identification Card?
Amendment 2, Sec. 7(1)(d) states that a cannabis patient can’t “bring an action against any employer, former empoyer, or prospective employer for wrongful discharge, discrimination, or any similar cause of action or remedy based on the employer, former employer, or prospective employer prohibiting the employee, former empployee, or prospective employee from being under the influence of marijuana while at work or disciplining the employee or former employee, up to and including termination from employment for working or attempting to work while under the influence of marijuana.”
Can my landlord prohibit marijuana use in my residence?
Missouri’s laws didn’t just concentrate on protections for patients. The built in protections for landowners and employers as well. Just as Missouri’s rules allow employers to fire or not hire cannabis patients, the rules allow the barring of cannabis use by contract. If your lease prohibits use or cultivation, this is a contract. If you agree to the contract, then you can be evicted for breaking this contract. Therefore, you need to ensure that your potential or current landlord will approve this use first.
Can I be denied an organ transplant if I become a medical marijuana patient?
Not in Missouri. Amendment 2 provides specific protections for organ transplant patients. Specifically, the law says “No patient shall be denied access to or priority for an organ transplant because they
hold a Qualifying Patient identification card or use marijuana for medical use.”
How many patients can a primary caregiver have?
“No individual shall serve as the Primary caregiver for more than three Qualifying Patients.” (Amendment 2 Sec. 7)
How many plants can be cultivated in a single locked patient cultivation area?
A single patient may have 6 seedlings, 6 immature plants, and 6 flowering plants to provide a continuous supply. Two patients may cultivate together for a maximum of 12 seedlings, 12 immature and 12 flowering plants. If a patient is also a caregiver, they may grow an additional six plants of each type for their patient. Under no circumstances can a single, enclosed, locked facility cultivate for more than three people. That’s a maximum of 18 seedlings, 18 immature and 18 flowering plants.
Can I use cannabis in public?
No. Amendment 2 Sec. 7 (7) says “No Qualifying Patient shall consume marijuana for medical use in a public place, unless provided by law. Violation of this prohibition shall subject the violator to sanctions as provided by general law.”
Can I make extracts with butane or other volatile materials?
No. Only those with a state-issued manufacturing license can use flammable gasses or dangerous materials for extraction.
Oklahoma Christmas Gift Guide 2020
Leave a CommentBefore you put a bong or a bag of weed in your friend’s stocking this Christmas, you should know that it’s 100% illegal to give away cannabis in Oklahoma–even to another patient. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have any options for celebrating cannabis with a gift though! Here are a few options to inspire you.
This one is at the top of the list for a reason. If you know a friend or a loved one who uses cannabis, but does not yet have an Oklahoma medical marijuana card, then they are at great risk of their freedom.
Just because it’s medically legal in the state, doesn’t mean it’s recreationally legal. If your friend or loved one is caught with illegal cannabis, they are risking fines and jail time. Not to mention the damage it will do to their ability to find a job, get funding for school, and more.
Why take all these chances when it only costs $99 to get a medical cannabis evaluation from NuggMD? And yes, you can pay for someone else’s recommendation. So if you’d like to give the gift of legal protection for your fellow cannabis users this Christmas, just head over to getnugg.com/md/oklahoma and talk to customer service today!
This is an absolutely gorgeous ashtray for a backyard patio or den. The cap comes off to reveal the tray, which can then be flipped open to dump the ashes into the chamber below. It’s made of zinc alloy that is nickel, lead and cadmium free. Less smoke, less flyaway ash, and such a beautiful ornament that it’s almost a shame to use it.
Oklahoma has very generous possession limits, with patients able to possess up to three ounces of cannabis on their person, eight ounces of marijuana in their residence, one ounce of concentrated marijuana, 72 ounces of edible marijuana and up to six mature marijuana plants and up to six seedling plants. This leaves plenty of cannabis for cooking experiments, and a lot of cannabis patients find that edibles are definitely the way to go. So, what better way to learn how to cook with cannabis than with Laurie Wolf, “The Martha Stewart of Marijuana Edibles?”
This is for your budding canna-chef friends. They can try out their new infused chocolate recipes with these adorable silicone pot leaf candy molds.
Some people actually like the smell of cannabis. This cannabis scented candle by Free Spirit Alchemy will fill your home with the scent of perfect purple haze. Just don’t try to smoke it or eat it. It’s got zero THC or CBD.
This 12 pack of weed magnets is perfect for the fridge in the man cave.
This is a cool, but subtle and classy way for your friend to show how much they love weed. The case is slim, lightweight, and compatible with both AirPods 1 and AirPods 2.
It’s the Candyland of weed 😀
If you know someone who’s about to become a budtender, or maybe they just wanted to know everything there possibly is to know about the sacred herb, this is the perfect book. Written by Jorge Cervantes, this amazingly thorough guide shows readers how to identify, cultivate and prepare cannabis, so first-time growers will really appreciate this guide. It has 516 positive reviews on Amazon so far, which is a pretty great track record.
Do you have a friend who likes to kick their feet up and toke a bowl at the end of a long day at work? They’ll get a real giggle when they see the bottoms of these socks 🙂
This smell-proof stash box is water resistant and small enough to fit into your fridge. Unlike other stash boxes, it has several zipper pockets and compartments inside, so you can store your gear and carry it without jumbling up the contents. Best of all, it comes with a lock to keep little hands away from the contents. This could be a huge help for patients that are also parents.
These rings are beautiful and made from actual cannabis suspended in epoxy resin. Sizes 4.5-9.5 come with rounded edges, and 10 and up with flat edges.
New York Christmas Gift Guide
Leave a CommentChristmas is here again, and even though Black Friday is over, it’s a good bet there’s still a few gifts to get. Too bad cannabis isn’t an option in New York because it’s still illegal to give away. California regularly sees a massive uptick in cannabis sales around the holidays.
But just because we can’t give cannabis or paraphernalia to our fellow patients in New York, doesn’t mean that we can’t find great presents for them. There are hundreds of cannabis-inspired gifts that will show your stoner friends you care.
Here’s a few gifts that we hope will inspire you this Christmas!
These cute men’s socks turn the table on the stoners in our life.
Bong Appétit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed
Inspired by the Viceland show of the same name, this book by the editors of Munchies delves deep into the science of cannabis infusion and culinary arts.
Marijuana Pot Leaf Cookie Cutters
Ready to try out your new recipes? This cookie cutter will take the cake. Makes a great stocking stuffer for your favorite cannabis foodie too!
This little smell proof stash jar can attach to your backpack or keychain. It’s waterproof so it protects your bud till you get where you need to be.
If you’ve got a friend who loves retro “Reefer Madness” type merch, they will LOVE this metal sign. It’s perfect for a man cave, she shed or garage.
Your favorite science buff will have a lot of fun with this periodic table. The elements coincide with the actual periodic table, so it’s accurate. But of course, it’s all about the bud.
This one’s for your bud who likes to bbq.
This informative, 144-page book by Mickey Dee covers the recent research and progress in cannabis treatment for a wide variety of ailments. If you have a friend who’s thinking about trying cannabis for their medical condition, but wants to learn more before they take the leap, they could benefit in a big way by reading this.
The perfect pun. This gift is great for a giggle.
This table lamp/night light runs on 3 AA batteries and changes colors as it glows.
If your friend qualifies as a medical marijuana patient, but hasn’t applied to the program yet, NuggMD can help. A medical cannabis evaluation only costs $149 in New York and takes just minutes from the comfort of their own home. If you’d like to help a friend or loved one receive an affordable New York medical card this Christmas, please contact customer service today at getnugg.com/md/new-york
California Cannabis Gifting Guide 2020
Leave a CommentLegal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It was not written by an attorney. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, Nugg and all authors make no guarantees of any kind and cannot be held responsible or liable for any outdated or incorrect information. The information contained herein is not provided in the course of and does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship, is not intended to convey or constitute legal or regulatory advice, an interpretation of law, an advisory opinion or rulemaking of any kind, and is neither a substitute for nor does it release you from your responsibility to review applicable law and, if necessary, obtain legal advice from a qualified attorney.
Did you ever wonder as a child what the world would be like in 2020? Maybe we’d have flying cars, or transporters, or we’d all have instant communicators.
…wait, that one came true.
Most likely, the one thing we never imagined is that we’d be contemplating gifting cannabis for Christmas. It really is a new day, and giving the gift of Christmas cheer has taken on a whole new meaning with legal marijuana.
So, without any further ado, here’s your guide to gifting cannabis, to help bring a little green into your Yuletide this year.
First, THE RULES
Possession Amounts: Just because it’s legal to give away cannabis doesn’t mean we can give away unlimited amounts. Recreational patients can possess up to 28.5 grams of flower OR 8 grams of concentrate or the equivalent contained in edibles. You’re also only allowed to give away up to an ounce at a time. So, don’t go overboard and try to do all your Christmas shopping at once. You can buy quarters for up to 4 friends at once, or eighths for up to 8 friends at once or 8 1 gram cartridges for example. Don’t go over that.
*Note: Medical patients can carry up to 8 ounces or that equivalent in concentrates or edibles at once.
Also, make sure the person you’re gifting to isn’t already maxed out on their own stash. You don’t want to put them over their own possession limit either.
Age Limit: The person you’re gifting cannabis to must be 21 or older if they don’t have a medical card. This may seem obvious, but there are certain gifting situations where this is a concern. For instance, if you’re participating in a white elephant, it’s a bad idea to throw cannabis in the mix unless you know that everyone in the circle can legally possess cannabis, and actually wants cannabis as a gift.
For your own safety, and theirs, don’t give cannabis to a younger person even if they say they have a medical card. This is because there are serious legal consequences involved in giving cannabis to a person under the age of 21, up to and including jail time, and you most likely don’t know if their recommendation is up to date. Keep it to 21 and over to be safe.
Transportation: It’s not legal to send cannabis through the U.S. Mail or any other postal carrier (yet). The best way to deliver cannabis to a friend if you can’t deliver it yourself is to have it delivered to them by a nearby dispensary. You can order cannabis for delivery in most parts of the state at getnugg.com Remember, at no time should you have more than an ounce in your possession should you choose to deliver cannabis presents to yourself.
Consent: Make sure the person you’re gifting cannabis to actually wants cannabis for Christmas. You might be surprised to find out which of your friends love to receive the gift of weed and which friends don’t. They may be abstaining because they have a safety sensitive job for which they are drug tested, or they may be in certain types of recovery programs that don’t allow use of any substances. They may also be in a specific court program or on parole, or in another legal situation in which they aren’t allowed to possess marijuana. So, if they’re always the first to show up with a bag of weed at a party, it’s obviously ok, but if you’ve never seen them with cannabis, ask first.
Location: You can only give away cannabis in your own state because it’s still federally illegal. Transporting cannabis over state lines, even to another legal state, isn’t legal yet. This may seem ridiculous, especially between fully-legal states like California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. But if a state trooper caught you crossing the state lines with cannabis it could easily become a federal issue and rob you of years of your life.
So, keep cannabis gift giving at home for now. Be patient. Almost everyone agrees that it’s going to be federally legal within the next five years or so. Follow the rules until then so you don’t miss all the fun!
Now, The Gifts!
Infused Edibles
Honey Pot makes some nummy infused honey for your favorite stoner friend. It’s delicious in tea or on bread. Their packages come in 4oz/100mg THC and 2oz/50mg THC
One of our favorites is Positivi-Tea. This caffeinated green mint tea has 10mg THC and 5mg CBD per bag for the perfect mood-lifter.
Flower
Canndescent was a very popular gift item last year, and this year will likely be no different. Whichever strain you choose, it will come in a beautiful container designed to showcase the beauty of every bud. You can even order a collectible box with five different types.
Korova’s got a LOT of different flavors in California, from Creme Brulee to Moltov Cocktail–all of them great–but Alien Blackout is definitely a favorite.
Stocking Stuffers
If you know someone who likes to bring the pre-rolls to the party, this carrying case is a perfect stocking stuffer.
Lowell Herb Co. Hell’s Fire Pre-roll
They’ll love their stocking stuffer even more if it already has some seriously dank herb in it. They have a lot of other great pre-rolls if you can’t find this particular flavor near you, but this one’s a very popular seller for a good reason 😉
Gifts for Your Out-of-State Stoners
Just because you can’t give your out-of-state friend any weed or paraphernalia (that includes rolling trays, pipes, etc.–all are ILLEGAL to send over state lines), doesn’t mean you can’t have a little weed-inspired fun!
Stoner Coloring Book byEdwina Mc Namee
Edwina Mc Namee has a lot of entertaining coloring books for the resident stoner who enjoys psychedelic art (who doesn’t?)
This one’s a play on Cards Against Humanity, and it’s just as funny with a stoner twist. It’s simple to play. Each round, a player asks a question from a question card, and the rest of the players answer the question with their funniest answer card.
This is THE go-to cookbook for cannabis newbies by popular cannabis chef Cheri Sicard. The author provides 60 easy-to-make recipes that taste like heaven; a dosing guide; a guide for choosing the right tools, foods and equipment; and cannabis 101 explaining the history and potential benefits of cannabis.
Is Marijuana Legal in New York Yet or Not?
Leave a CommentIs recreational marijuana legal in New York?
The short answer is no, not yet.
It’s been two months since New York enacted its expanded marijuana decriminalization law on August 29, 2019, and it seems like New Yorkers are more confused than ever about the legal status of cannabis in the state. After all, marijuana has been decriminalized in New York since 1977, with possession of up to 25 grams being a mere infraction carrying a $100 fine. Possession in public view, however, was a misdemeanor.
This led to abuse of the infamous stop and frisk, where the police officer would pull the cannabis into public view during the search and then arrest the victim. This public view loophole was closed by the new decriminalization bill, and that really is a big deal. But it’s not the massive change the public expected.
The new law Senate Bill 6759A, decriminalizes possession of up to two ounces of cannabis, but it has a lot of caveats and there are still plenty of ways to get into trouble or go to jail–just not quite as many as before.
Marijuana Possession Penalties in New York
Under the current decriminalization law, possession of one ounce or less of cannabis is a $50 fine. Those in possession of between one ounce and two ounces are subject to a $200 fine. And fines aren’t the only penalty for these low-level possession charges. New Yorkers can still be arrested, and they are still being arrested. Worse, those arrested are still mostly people of color. Children can still be removed from the home’s of cannabis users and undocumented immigrants can still be deported for marijuana use or possession.
Here’s the other penalties you can still face for non-medical marijuana possession in the state:
- Possession of more than 2 but less than 8 oz is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and a $ 1,000 fine.
- Possession of more than 8 oz but less than a pound is a felony with up to 4 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
- Possession of more than a pound, but less than ten pounds is a felony with up to 7 years in jail and a 5,000 fine.
- Possession of more than 10 pounds is a felony with up to 15 years in jail and a $15,000 fine.
And selling cannabis in the state without a license comes with very severe penalties. The smallest penalty is 3 months in jail and a $500 fine for selling a single joint, and it goes up from there. Hardly worth it.
Smoking cannabis in public is now treated the same way that smoking tobacco is. Therefore, you’re not allowed to smoke cannabis in any of the places listed here, and if you get caught, you’ll get a fine.
No one is arguing that the expanded decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis isn’t a huge accomplishment in a state well-known for its abuse of marijuana enforcement. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But most New Yorkers want to know why it’s not fully legal yet, especially in light of Governor Cuomo’s promises and the dangers posed by the current vaping illness.
Where Are People Buying Their Cannabis?
New York’s highly restrictive legal medical market leads most New Yorkers to seek out black market sources for their cannabis, and one of the most common black market items in the state is the cannabis vape pen. These are hot selling items because they are more discreet than flower and can’t be as easily detected.
Unfortunately, these black market vapes are the prime suspect in the vaping illness investigations, and for good cause. Most of them contain dilutants such as Vitamin E acetate that are known to be harmful when combusted and inhaled.
So far, this hasn’t been a problem seen in legal medical cannabis vape products, although the state is still advising cessation of all vape products out of an abundance of caution. New York has also approved the first raw flower product–Curaleaf’s ground flower pods, which can be vaporized using dry herb vaporizers instead of oil-based vape pens.
But what’s truly needed are practical expectations and common sense regulations for a fully legal adult use market. Right now, the vast majority of cannabis users in the state obtain their supply entirely from the black market. This is true even for medical users who have a card because the price of legal medical cannabis is double that of black market or even more.
Legalization will only fix this if the regulations and prices are reasonable. Hopefully, this is the goal for Governor Cuomo’s talks with Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey–rather than simply ensuring all states have similar unreasonable pricing schemes. Otherwise, adult users from all four states will simply continue to purchase from the black market. It’s just far too easy to smuggle inexpensive vape pens from anywhere in the country, so common sense would dictate that any effort to steer the legal market in these four states to just a few mega companies would result in a stronger black market than ever.
And this is definitely a point of contention for those state representatives who are holding out for a better deal.
When Will Marijuana Be Legal in New York?
The real choke point for New York’s legalization push has been the state senate. Both Governor Cuomo and Manhattan Senator Liz Krueger have pointed fingers at each other for failing to pull in the needed Senate votes.
Among the more notable senate holdouts was Brooklyn Senator Andrew Gounardes, who expressed concerns over ability to detect impaired driving. This will be a tough hurdle since testing methods are not developed enough to detect current impairment with marijuana. It’s honestly not even possible to put a number on what would represent an impaired driver since tolerance and blood levels vary wildly.
Senator Peter Harckham of South Salem wants to see more state aid for schools, public health and law enforcement. This is an easier problem to solve and it likely will be solved in this round of talks, but it will probably mean higher taxes for consumers and a greater chance of increased black market activity.
It will almost certainly be necessary to ensure local control as well. Long Island, Hudson Valley, Putnam and Rockland counties are likely to disallow sales if given that option. Their Senators’ support will probably not come without that option.
And this year’s efforts will most certainly include social justice and equity discussions, which Governor Cuomo included in the recent talks with other states. This will be complicated, but extremely necessary considering New York’s history of racially-biased enforcement.
These complications are just the tip of the iceberg. So it’s easy to see why the Governor’s having a difficult time keeping his promise. At times like this, a little public support never hurts. You can find the contact information for your local state senator here.
The legislature will be reconvening for the second half of the 2019-2020 legislative session in January and will have until June to find a solution that satisfies enough state senators to pass a bill allowing adult-use marijuana in 2020.
How To Find A Job That Doesn’t Drug Test In 2020
Leave a CommentImage Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images
Drug testing policies have never made much sense in regard to recreational and medical marijuana use. It seems a little twisted that a drug test can be positive for marijuana up to a month after casual use while methamphetamine and cocaine users and alcoholics often fly through the screening process. This is because most drug tests can only detect alcohol ingestion within a few hours and methamphetamine and cocaine use for a couple of days.
The hypocrisy and danger of the current system is readily apparent to even the most jaded observer. After all, who’s the safety risk on the job? Someone who smoked a joint at a party over the weekend and came to work completely sober and refreshed, or a person who came into work so hung over from alcohol that they couldn’t function properly? Yet the safe and sober weekend marijuana user is far more likely to fail a drug test than a problem drinker.
