A cannabis store, also known as a weed shop or marijuana dispensary, is a licensed marijuana retailer that sells and/or delivers medicinal or recreational marijuana.
Today, possession of marijuana is deemed legal only for medicinal purposes in most states, i.e., people that are part of the Medical Marijuana Program (MMJ) are allowed to buy and use marijuana by prescription. However, for those looking to get high for no medical reason, marijuana is not legal to buy. Still, there are ways to bypass the ban and legally purchase the herb at marijuana dispensaries.
For those wondering, “Is there a dispensary near me?” continue reading and get all the details about cannabis stores and ways to purchase the herb without getting in trouble with the law.
A Brief History of Marijuana Legalization
Since 1937, using and purchasing marijuana has been illegal throughout the US. Due to the passing of the Marijuana Act of 1937, Congress banned the use of marijuana for recreational, therapeutic, and industrial purposes, also forbidding the establishment of cannabis stores.
It wasn’t until 1970 that the Controlled Substances Act deemed marijuana and all of its cannabinoid derivates as Schedule I substances, making the herb fall into the same category as heroin. The Schedule I substances were declared highly addictive with no approved medicinal attributes, which contrasted what the marijuana properties delivered, according to users.
Fast-forward to 1972, California presented the first-ever marijuana-related issue on a ballot. However, the idea of decriminalizing marijuana didn’t sit well with the majority of voters, deeming the effort a flop. It took 24 years for California to decriminalize marijuana with Proposition 215 in 1996 and become the first US state to make using and purchasing marijuana for medical purposes legal.
Two years later, in 1998, Oregon and Alaska joined the group of marijuana-friendly states.
As for the recreational use of marijuana, since 2012, 19 states and Washington DC have passed laws allowing the use and purchase of marijuana for adults older than 21.
Is Marijuana Legal in Miami?
When it comes to Florida, the laws regulating the use and purchase of marijuana are rather conservative. Surprisingly for many, given the long-standing history of marijuana banning, medicinal marijuana is legal in Florida, but recreational weed is not.
With the passing of the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014, low THC content marijuana became legal to purchase for medicinal purposes. If Miami residents are part of the MMJ program and hold proper credentials, they can buy marijuana from authorized dispensaries or cannabis stores.
Can I Smoke Pot in Miami?
Yes and no. You can smoke marijuana in Miami if you need it for your health, but not in public and not for recreational purposes. For those asking, “Is there a recreational dispensary near me?” — there is — but the only legal variant you can buy from a cannabis store is the Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol.
However, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office allows for small amounts of up to 20 grams of marijuana to be carried and will not prosecute users in such cases. Yet, no matter how small the blunt you’re smoking is, you cannot smoke marijuana in public.
Where Can I Buy Marijuana?
If you’re based in Miami and wondering, “Is there a marijuana dispensary near me?” you’re in luck since there are 15 cannabis stores in Miami that sell and deliver marijuana for medical purposes.
All of the cannabis stores in Miami are licensed marijuana dispensaries selling different strains of marijuana. However, if you’re looking to use the herb recreationally, you can still do so if you’re over 21 years old and hold a valid ID.
It’s important to remember that recreational marijuana use is illegal in Florida, and if caught with it, you can end up paying hefty fines and even face jail time. However, the law has a particular loophole that allows for the Delta 8 marijuana variant to be legal for use and purchase. It’s still marijuana but with significantly lower levels of THC, which means you’ll get a more mellow yet equally satisfying hit.
Are There Dispensaries Near Me?
For Miami residents, 15 cannabis stores serve as dispensaries for selling and delivering marijuana.
Suppose you have been cleared as a patient and allowed to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. In that case, you can easily browse through the dispensaries in your area and have your next batch delivered fast and discretely.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a recreational buzz, you can still reach out to a cannabis store and ask for the Delta 8 variant, which is the only THC-containing marijuana that’s not illegal.
Visit KushMia: A Trusted Cannabis Store for All Weed Goodies
Whether you’re into edibles, pre-rolls, or simply enjoy the kick of the marijuana flower; you’ll find it all and more at KushMia. We’re the best medicinal marijuana dispensary and delivery service in Miami.
You can also check out some of our special deals and discounts for your next high. Get in touch.