Getting your medical marijuana card comes with a whole lot of excitement — and a little bit of confusion. Sometimes, you don’t get all of your questions answered, leaving you slightly lost in terms of rules and regulations surrounding MMJ. In particular, a lot of patients are left wondering, “Where can you smoke marijuana if you have a medical card?”
Alongside federal laws, states that have legalized adult use of medical marijuana have laws in place to regulate the possession of MMJ, as well as where and how patients can use medical cannabis.
With this in mind, you must be aware of state law regulations so you don’t put yourself at risk the instant you light up at the wrong place.
Is Smoking Medical Marijuana in Public Legal in the U.S?
The very simple answer to this is no, smoking MMJ in public isn’t legal in the US. Unlike our neighbor Canada, smoking recreational or medicinal marijuana in public is a criminal offense.
Over there, the medical marijuana laws are more lenient. As long as you do not see a “No Smoking” sign around, you can chill by a street corner and light up a bud.
Over here in the U.S? It is a different story.
The law is clear on the fact that it is illegal to smoke medical marijuana anywhere in public.
The law applies to all states in the U.S.A, including the ones that have legalized the adult use of medical marijuana.
If You Have a Medical Marijuana Card, Where Can You Smoke?
So, where can you smoke if you have a medical marijuana card? Unfortunately, not a whole lot of places — this is because of lack of public consumption we mentioned above.
Basically, here are the places in the U.S where you can smoke medical marijuana:
- Your friends’ or family’s home (if permitted by the landlord or property owner)
- Your home (because you own it and are free to make the rules!)
And that’s just about it. Both places refer to the same thing: your residence/your private property.
However, some states have begun allowing businesses like cannabis cafes or lounges that do allow public consumption.
While these businesses aren’t super common across the country, they’re gaining popularity every day.
The point is, the only place you can legally smoke medical marijuana in a legal state is in an enclosed space away from the public. In most cases, if not all, this simply refers to your residence or your friends’ or relatives’ private property.
It is also important that you note the little clause attached to option 1.). If your landlord prohibits smoking marijuana on the premises, and you cannot convince them otherwise about your legal need for it, it would be in your best interest to move to an apartment where it is not prohibited.
Can I Ever Use Medical Marijuana in Public?
Technically, yes! The prohibition law strictly applies to smokable medical cannabis. You may ingest medical marijuana in public through other means like edibles or topical marijuana ointments.
Also, you may choose to vape using vape pens, but you have to be super discrete about it. Smoking medical marijuana vapes is still technically illegal, but it’s very easy to get away with.
If it burns and it smells out enough for law enforcement officers to get a whiff of it, and you are not in a private enclosed space, then you might be in for a ride with the law.
Can I Smoke Medical Cannabis in My Parked Car?
Absolutely not.
It is very illegal to smoke marijuana in a car, even if it is parked. Many states have laws that prohibit the use of marijuana in a vehicle, even if the vehicle is not being driven.
Additionally, even if it is legal to use marijuana in your state, it is still illegal under federal law. It is important to remember that driving while under the influence of marijuana is also illegal in most states, and can be very dangerous.
It is always best to use marijuana responsibly and in accordance with the laws of your state.
Precautions for Using Medical Marijuana in Public
As always, ensure that you are never stepping out of your home with more marijuana than is allowable by state law. And, keep in mind what the federal law has to say about medical marijuana use.
Additionally, you should always ensure that you have your medical marijuana product in its original packaging whenever you are out with it in public.
Most importantly, always have your medical marijuana card on you — and do not try smoking your medical cannabis products in public.
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card for Easy, Safe Consumption
Going through medical marijuana dispensaries for products tends to be the only legal, safe option for those throughout the US. Thankfully, if you’re in need of a medical marijuana card, getting one is so much more accessible than ever before.
At Elevate Holistics, we can help you get medical marijuana cards in minutes and even register you with the state’s medical marijuana program if you’d like. Then, you can purchase medical marijuana from all of the dispensaries in your area — completely hassle-free.
Just remember: you have to wait until you get home to indulge in medical marijuana use — sorry.
Click the button below to get approved for medical marijuana in your state.
