When purchasing marijuana for yourself or someone close to you, it’s essential to be aware of both state laws and local Keystone, Colorado city regulations. Doing this can help avoid illegal Keystone dispensaries that may only be selling black-market marijuana.
A family from Montezuma has plans to open a dispensary in Keystone, but local residents are opposed. This could negatively impact the community and its family-friendly image.
Legality of Keystone Dispensaries
According to Patrick Nightingale, director of Pittsburgh NORML and a criminal defense attorney, despite new laws and policies making cannabis more accessible and less punitive, recreational use remains illegal in Pennsylvania.
He emphasizes the significance of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law, passed in 2016, which has had a profound effect on the state. It has allowed many people to legally buy and use cannabis for medicinal purposes – especially those suffering from severe pain or other serious ailments.
As a result, several companies in the industry have opened Dispensaries In Pennsylvania. One notable exception is Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTCQX: TCNNF), which boasts 83 cannabis retail stores nationwide – mostly located in Florida and California.
Last September, Trulieve expanded into Pennsylvania with the acquisition of McKeesport-based cultivator and producer PurePenn, as well as dispensary operator Keystone Relief Centers. This $60 million transaction added three fully operational dispensaries in Philadelphia to its portfolio.
Taxes on Keystone Dispensaries
Medical and recreational marijuana use is becoming a reality, yet Keystone dispensaries must contend with new taxes and regulations that are difficult for legal businesses to follow. This will drive product prices even higher than they already are due to compliance costs.
To determine whether Keystone dispensaries are legal, you must familiarize yourself with both state law and local city regulations. Some states permit cities to outlaw Cannabis Shops while others have strict guidelines that only certain types of shops can operate.
To determine whether a store is legal, look into its license number. This data can be found on the government website for your state’s marijuana regulations.
Another way to determine if a shop is legal is by asking about its location and what services it offers. These details will enable you to confirm whether the establishment is legitimate, helping avoid getting involved with illegal markets.
Pre-Packaged Marijuana
If you are a cannabis consumer, you may have noticed some dispensaries offering pre-packaged flowers. It has become an increasingly popular way for individuals to purchase their medicine.
However, it’s essential to remember that pre-packaged cannabis can have some drawbacks. One such risk is potential loss of potency if not sealed properly, and clients don’t get to smell the product until they open it at home.
Many people opt to buy their cannabis in pre-packaged units because it is more convenient and saves them both time and money. Furthermore, this allows them to stay organized with their inventory while adhering to state regulations.
Is Keystone Dispensary Legal?
Pennsylvania remains the only state in America that has yet to legalize recreational cannabis use. The federal government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.
Pennsylvania residents have the legal ability to purchase Medical Marijuana from dispensaries if they’re under the care of a qualified physician. To do so, patients must register and acquire a patient ID card which allows them to purchase cannabis from dispensaries.
Last year, several out-of-state companies made significant inroads into Pennsylvania’s cannabis market. Trulieve Cannabis Corp is one such example.
Last September, Trulieve of Tallahassee, Florida expanded into Pennsylvania by purchasing PurePenn, a cultivator and producer based in McKeesport; Keystone Relief Centers (operating under the name Solevo Wellness) located near Pittsburgh.
This week, Trulieve added another Pennsylvania dispensary to its national portfolio with the acquisition of Anna Holdings LLC for $60 million. That company owns Keystone Shops – operating under license in Philadelphia, Devon, and King of Prussia – which operate under a dispensary permit.