<h1>The Total Guide To Cannabis Legalization In Maryland</h1>
If you live in Maryland, congratulations! You are one of twenty states in the United States that are moving towards full recreational cannabis legalization. But what exactly does this mean for you, and what do you need to know about legal cannabis use? What is a personal use amount? Are cases of cannabis use expunged from public records? Can you purchase <a href="https://www.leafythings.com/weed-delivery/on/toronto">weed from a local dispensary</a>? To help you through the process, we&rsquo;ve put together this comprehensive guide for all the ins and outs of cannabis legalization in Maryland.
<h2>Cannabis Legalization In Maryland: What You Need To Know</h2>
According to the recently passed ballot referendum, adults 21 and older in Maryland may possess and consume up to 1.5 ounces of flower, 12 grams of concentrate, or a total not exceeding 750 mg of THC per person. This new lag begins on July 1st, 2023, and this legal amount of cannabis is referred to as a &ldquo;personal use amount.&rdquo;
In addition to cannabis being fully legal, this ballot referendum has also created a process by which cases of cannabis possession of fewer than 10 grams can be expunged. There are additional expungement provisions as well. This law also increases the amount of cannabis a person may possess that&rsquo;s subject to a civil fine over a criminal penalty&mdash;think a parking ticket versus jail time. The criminal penalty threshold has been raised from 10 grams to 2.5 ounces per person, effective January 2023.
Maryland has also established a new Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, which makes recommendations on cannabis use and regulation based on studies. There are also new funds created for the State that address health effects, business assistance for small and minority-owned businesses, and community reinvestments and repair that have been adversely and disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition enforcement.
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Maryland Cannabis legalization " src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/351579c71e371138066cb257c6249c9d.jpg?1676395453517" alt="The Total Guide To Cannabis Legalization In Maryland" width="839" height="559" />
<h2>Does Recreational Cannabis Use In Maryland Impact Medicinal Cannabis Use?</h2>
The new law doesn&rsquo;t alter the medical cannabis program directly&mdash;patients may still purchase medicinal cannabis from licensed dispensaries, including individuals 18 years or older who register for the program. While the first adult-use recreational cannabis will be legally sold in Maryland starting July 2023, medical programs can still offer medicinal cannabis as needed. 
<h2>Where Can I Purchase Cannabis Legally In Maryland?</h2>
Maryland&rsquo;s MMCC regulates cannabis products sold at licensed medical dispensaries and governs only certified medical cannabis products. Medical patients may obtain products from a licensed dispensary, though other retail outlets may sell products containing THC. The manufacture and sale of THC products are not currently regulated by the MMCC, and licensed dispensaries will not become widespread until after July 2023.&nbsp;
The licensing process of a new dispensary can take several months to finalize, and building facilities also takes a few months. While licensed dispensaries will be legal starting in July, it&rsquo;s possible that Maryland citizens will not see widespread dispensaries until later in the year. Cannabis is also grown in agricultural crop cycles, and it takes up to 4 months for a seed to become a harvestable bud. Cannabis is currently sold as part of Maryland&rsquo;s medical program, and the raw plant material is currently available in edible, vape, and bud formats. In 2021, the average price per gram of cannabis was $10.81, and the average price of edibles in Maryland is around $20 for 100mg of THC-infused product.
While most cannabis dispensaries in other States are cash-only, it remains to be seen how dispensaries in Maryland will operate. There are many businesses ready to expand into the Maryland cannabis market, and there are current medical dispensaries that will shift to recreational.&nbsp;
<h2>Recreational Home Use Cannabis In Maryland</h2>
Per the law, anyone 21 or older is allowed to cultivate up to 2 plants in their home. Cannabis plants must be out of public view, and this governs a single household&mdash;even if multiple adults live in one residence, there can only be up to 2 cultivated plants. Any individual under 21 cannot legally cultivate a cannabis plant. It&rsquo;s possible that the Maryland General Assembly will implement additional home grow laws for medical patients during their 2023 session.
As of 2010, Maryland had the 5th highest cannabis arrest record in the United States. Many of these arrests and records will be expunged, and the rules and regulations governing the sale, cultivation, and possession of cannabis could change many things in the State moving forward.&nbsp;
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Cannabis Maryland - Recreational home" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/933bf7acd444b04aa3a445312496b8cf.jpg?1676395639714" alt="Recretional home cannabis maryland " width="716" height="716" />
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>Where Can I Lawfully Consume Cannabis In Maryland?</h3>
Cannabis use will be limited to private residences, but small restrictions might apply to multi-unit housing like apartments or condos. The rules and regulations of your landlord still apply.
Smoking cannabis is prohibited in any public setting, including motor vehicles. Public spaces include outdoor spaces as well, such as restaurants or bars with outdoor seating. Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level which means it is illegal to possess cannabis on federal property such as parks.
<h3>Can I Use Cannabis At My Place Of Employment?</h3>
The recent Maryland referendum doesn&rsquo;t address cannabis use in the workplace, meaning that individuals are still subject to the laws of their employers. Any employer can maintain their policies on substance use, and federal law still prohibits the use of cannabis while operating commercial transport vehicles. Your employer can still do drug screenings of current or prospective employees.
<h3>Am I Allowed To Travel With Cannabis Out Of State?</h3>
Cannabis use is still illegal under federal law, and you cannot transport cannabis over State lines. It&rsquo;s illegal to leave or enter Maryland with cannabis possession, whether medical or recreational.&nbsp;
<h3>Do The New Cannabis Laws Protect The Youth?</h3>
Cannabis is only legal for adults 21 years of age and older, but the new law also requires cannabis legalization to impact studies on people under 21. The new law also demands the development of public health policy practices that will prevent youth access to drugs. These policy practices include advertising restrictions, marketing changes, age verifications at the point of sale, and restrictions in setting up dispensaries near schools, parks, or libraries.
<h3>Will The New Laws Keep The Roads Safe?</h3>
Driving under the influence remains illegal via Maryland law, and driving under the influence of cannabis is still a DUI. Law enforcement can make a DUI arrest if they observe cannabis impairment, and can make drivers take a field sobriety test.

If you live in Maryland, congratulations! You are one of twenty states in the United States that are moving towards full recreational cannabis legalization.

Maryland Cannabis Legalization

<h1>The Total Guide To Cannabis Legalization In Connecticut</h1>
While recreational cannabis has been legal in Connecticut since July 1st, 2021, you may have some lingering questions about the legality of the drug in your state. How much cannabis can an adult possess at one time? How old do you have to be to use cannabis? What does the law say about cannabis use while driving, at work, or at home? Is there anything else a discerning cannabis consumer should know about the drug while living in Connecticut in 2023? We&rsquo;ve put together this comprehensive guide to help answer your questions.
<h2>Recreational Cannabis In Connecticut: What You Need To Know</h2>
Recreational cannabis has been legal in Connecticut as of July 1st, 2021. This means that both the use and possession of small amounts of recreational weed are legal for adults 21 years of age and older. While there are still facets of the law that are subject to change, and the state still studies recreational use and makes changes to it, it is up to state and local municipalities to regulate, define, and implement the law.
As of an amendment passed in October of 2021, adults in Connecticut age 21 and older are allowed to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis on their person, and up to 5 ounces at home or in a vehicle glove compartment, as long as that container remains locked. Adults can also grow cannabis plants, but this is limited to those who possess medical cannabis cards. Adults with medical cards age 18 and older can grow up to 6 cannabis plants in their private residence, indoors only.
As of January 2022, adults age 21 and older can grow up to 6 plants beginning July 2nd, 2023. Plants must still be grown indoors and out of sight. Also, prior sentences or charges for cannabis possession will be erased as of July 1st, 2022. Individuals can also petition courts to have their records erased, and any individuals with charges between January 1st, 2000 and September 30th, 2015 will have their charges automatically erased.&nbsp;
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Recreational Cannabis In Connecticut" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/947160fc29d4b70bb8b3c4105882a299.jpg" alt="Recreational Cannabis In Connecticut: What You Need To Know" width="817" height="421" />
<h2>Cannabis Dispensaries In Connecticut</h2>
Beginning January 10th, 2023, designated dispensaries throughout Connecticut will be able to retail cannabis products. As of the start of 2023, there are nine existing medical cannabis dispensaries that can sell recreational products to adults aged 21 and older. Seven of these dispensaries have been open to the public since January 2023, and customers are able to purchase up to a quarter ounce of cannabis product at a time. Purchase limits will continue to be reviewed by the state to help maintain an adequate supply for both medicinal use and recreational use.
While recreational purchases are available, Connecticut&rsquo;s purchasing limit remains lower than other northeastern states with similar laws, such as New Jersey and Massachusetts. These states allow people to purchase up to 1 ounce of cannabis at a time. Because of continued shortages and product issues, the laws are subject to change.
Connecticut law requires there be at least 250,000 square feet of growing area and manufacturing space approved across the state before retail shops could effectively open. As of 2023, there are at least four existing medical producers who have completed the steps to open additional adult-use cannabis markets. Patients and consumers can be confident that the products sold at the nine licensed retailers are all lab-tested and labeled with correct and detailed product information.
There are at least 42 cannabis businesses that have received provisional licenses from the state in 2023. These establishments should open throughout Connecticut this year, depending on locations, zoning, and other operational steps. There are an additional 100 businesses in various stages of the licensing process, though currently cannabis licenses are being awarded through a state lottery process once the business meets certain criteria. This includes both equity and non-equity applicants.
<h2>Cannabis Use In Public Places In Connecticut</h2>
While this new bill has made recreational cannabis use legal, it does prohibit the smoking of weed in state parks including beaches, on the water, or on major streets. You also cannot legally smoke or use cannabis in workplaces, in hotels, or near 25 feet of a public entrance.&nbsp;
Property owners, rental companies, and landlords are also subject to their own laws governing cannabis use. Anyone may ban the use of cannabis on their private property, and any community with a population of 50,000 or more must set up a public place for individuals to smoke. Municipalities may ban retail sales through public zoning, similar to what they can do with tobacco smoking and sales.
As with all cannabis, the use and possession of weed is still a federal crime. You may not possess any cannabis while crossing state lines, and it is illegal to take cannabis out of state or approach border crossings while in possession.
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Public Cannabis use connecticut" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/a8553b0ddd926ee6f3d66d345ee3e70a.jpg" alt="Cannabis Use In Public Places In Connecticut" width="800" height="802" />
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>Who Can Grow Cannabis For Recreational Sales?</h3>
Only producers and farmers explicitly licensed by the DCP of Connecticut will be authorized to cultivate cannabis plants for commercial sale. The number of licensed producers at one time, per the law, will be at least three but not more than 10. Regulations established by the Department of Consumer Protection set out qualifications for applications and licenses, and anyone applying to be a producer will have to demonstrate both financial capacity and growing capacity for their space, which requires a secure indoor facility. Anyone who grows cannabis for recreational sale in Connecticut must maintain adequate controls over theft, loss, and diversion of products.
<h3>Will Dispensaries Provide Nutritional Product Information For Cannabis?</h3>
Any licensed local Maryland dispensary will be able to provide you with important cannabis product information such as THC/CBD levels, cannabis bud strain, growing location, potency, and more.
<h3>Will I Be Able To Purchase Cannabis Edibles And Other Products In Connecticut?</h3>
Edible cannabis products such as gummies, baked goods, and beverages will be available for purchase at any licensed dispensary in Connecticut. <a href="https://www.leafythings.com/weed-delivery/on/london">Edible cannabis products </a>do have strict regulations so as to not appeal to anyone under 21, such as no animal shapes or cube/sphere gummies. Each item is clearly stamped and marked if it contains THC, and serving sizes are also clearly marked and separated. All beverages containing cannabis can only be packaged in single-use sizes.

While recreational cannabis has been legal in Connecticut since July 1st, 2021, you may have some lingering questions about the legality of the drug in your state. How much cannabis can an adult possess at one time? How old do you have to be to use cannabis? What does the law say about cannabis use while driving, at work, or at home? Is there anything else a discerning cannabis consumer should know about the drug while living in Connecticut in 2023? We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help answer your questions.

Connecticut Cannabis Legalization Guide 2023

<h2>The Total Guide To Cannabis Legalization In Rhode Island</h2>
If you live in Rhode Island, you may have some questions about cannabis and its recent legality. Can you purchase cannabis at a dispensary? Do you need a medical card? Who can buy cannabis? Are there restrictions on growing, consuming, or purchasing cannabis? In order to answer your questions we&rsquo;ve put together the informative guide below.
On May 25th, 2022, Rhode Island governor Dan McKee signed a bill into law that legalized recreational cannabis use. This new law took effect immediately, and as of 2022 any adult aged 21 or older can possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis, and can also grow cannabis in their primary residence.&nbsp;
<h2>Cannabis In Rhode Island: What You Need To Know</h2>
It is now legal for any adult age 21 or older to consume what is called &ldquo;Adult-use&rdquo; recreational cannabis. Adult-use refers to non-medicinal cannabis legally bought and sold. Dispensaries now have licensees to sell recreational cannabis, and more <a href="https://www.leafythings.com/weed-delivery/on/toronto">dispensaries</a> will open throughout the State in the coming years. Many medical cannabis dispensaries now sell weed products for recreational use, and smoking cannabis is legal anywhere that cigarettes are legal.&nbsp;
The new law does allow communities to ban or restrict <a href="https://www.leafythings.com/weed-delivery/on/toronto">smoking cannabis </a>in public places, so it&rsquo;s important to check with your local municipalities to see what laws govern you specifically.&nbsp;
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Cannabis rhode island" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/8b4f85224bb2a5fc679baf19963e9e45.jpg" alt="Cannabis legal rhode island" width="774" height="565" />
<h2>Where Can I Purchase Cannabis In Rhode Island?</h2>
As of December 1st, 2022, it has been legal to purchase recreational cannabis from dispensaries. In the coming years and months, more dispensaries will become available with products for communities throughout the State. A new cannabis control commission will regulate the cannabis industry in RI, and this CCC will create new rules and regulations to help review and approve all retail license applications for dispensaries.&nbsp;
The 2022 bill prevents industry consolidation by prohibiting anyone from owning more than one cannabis dispensary business license. Individuals can invest in more than one licensee. Currently, there are 33 initial retail dispensaries in the state, and after medical cannabis dispensaries are granted initial recreational priority, other dispensaries will continue to open up.
A portion of the taxes collected through the new cannabis tax laws will be reinvested into communities that have been disproportionately harmed by weed prohibition.
<h2>Cannabis and the Workplace in Rhode Island</h2>
There are a couple of caveats that come with Rhode Island&rsquo;s legalization of cannabis. First, employers aren&rsquo;t required to accommodate either the use or possessions of cannabis. If your employer has laws about cannabis that govern your workplace, it&rsquo;s important to follow them or face the threat of firing. The state law says that your employer can regulate the use or influence of cannabis in any workplace or workplace location, even a place where an employee is &ldquo;performing work&rdquo; such as an off-site location or remote work. Employers can refuse hire, discipline, or even terminate the jobs of any employee based on them violating the drug policy. To protect the employee, employers are prohibited from taking disciplinary action against any employee for recreational cannabis use outside of the workplace.
If an employee holds an occupation that&rsquo;s considered hazardous, dangerous, or essential to public health and safety, the employer may implement policies that prohibit or reduce the consumption of cannabis within 24 hours of a scheduled shift. This might include aircraft operation, heavy equipment operation, commercial vehicle driving, public transportation, first responders, anyone that uses explosives, and emergency or medical staff.
<h2>Can You Smoke Cannabis In Public In Rhode Island?</h2>
Cannabis use is currently illegal in any place where cigarette smoking is still illegal. If it&rsquo;s legal to smoke cigarettes on the main street of your town, you should be able to smoke cannabis as well. While these laws could change, and communities currently have the power to self-regulate their own laws and statutes, it is up to your local government about whether or not you can smoke or vape in public.&nbsp;
<h2>Can You Grow Cannabis Plants In Rhode Island?</h2>
The law enables any adult 21 years or older to grow up to 3 plants in their private residence, and you may have up to 3 dried plants. Legal adults can possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their private residence, but still only up to 1 ounce on their person in public.
<h2>Have Cannabis Possessions Laws Changed In Rhode Island?</h2>
It&rsquo;s legal to have up to 1 ounce of cannabis on your person at any time if you are age 21 years or older. Possession of between 1 ounce and 2 ounces is considered a civil violation, similar to a parking ticket.
Anyone who has a cannabis possession charge can request that their expunged charges be expedited through the courts with the costs waived. RI courts also have until July 1, 2024, to provide automatic expungements to anyone eligible.&nbsp;
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Cannabis Possesion Rhode Island" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/4ec609ec9c7db519a1d0b7efbe71f647.jpg" alt="Have Cannabis Possessions Laws Changed In Rhode Island?" width="800" height="533" />
Under this new legislation, any previous civil violations or misdemeanors for conviction of possession of cannabis should be automatically decriminalized and erased from court record systems.
<h2>Driving With Cannabis In Rhode Island: What You Need To Know</h2>
It&rsquo;s illegal to use cannabis in any vehicle in Rhode Island, and this goes for both driver and passenger. It&rsquo;s illegal to drive under the influence, and this includes smoking weed. If pulled over while using cannabis you could be charged with an OUI.
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>Can I Travel Outside Rhode Island With Cannabis?</h3>
It&rsquo;s illegal to cross State lines while possessing any cannabis products, whether medical or recreational. This means you cannot leave RI or approach the border with any cannabis in your possessions.
<h3>Can I Order Cannabis Online?</h3>
Many cannabis dispensaries have products that you can order online, where the in-store pickup is available. Many dispensaries also have in-store kiosks and online promotions.
<h3>Are Minors Allowed In Cannabis Dispensaries?</h3>
Only if they are a registered medical patient with a caregiver.
<h3>Will My City Get A Recreational Dispensary?</h3>
There is currently a cap on the statewide dispensaries approved, and there can&rsquo;t be a store in every community unless the State changes that cap. There are no specific proposed locations for future cannabis stores, and your community must vote in favor of a business owner to propose to open a shop in your city.
<h3>Do Employers Have To Accommodate Medical Cannabis In The Workplace?</h3>
No. Even with a medical card, your employer isn&rsquo;t required to accommodate medicinal cannabis use.

If you live in Rhode Island, you may have some questions about cannabis and its recent legality. Can you purchase cannabis at a dispensary?

Rhode Island Joins the Movement - Cannabis Legalization 2023

<h1>The Total Guide To Cannabis Legalization In Virginia</h1>
If you live in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you might have some questions about cannabis legalization. Can I buy weed anywhere? Where am I allowed to smoke? How legal is cannabis consumption, and are there any additional details I should know?
As of July 1st, 2021, anyone age 21 and older can have up to 1 ounce of cannabis per person, and can legally grow up to 3 cannabis plants in their homes. While cannabis has been legal since 2021, anyone in Virginia hoping to have the convenience of a dispensary at their fingertips must still wait until at least 2024.
The process of cannabis legalization in Virginia has been a long road, and is part and parcel with the decriminalization of cannabis throughout the state. While some cannabis possessions are currently legal, there are still some things that Virginians need to know. Our guide fully fleshes out every gritty detail about cannabis legalization in Virginia.
<h2>Cannabis Legalization In Virginia: General Considerations</h2>
Cannabis has been legal in the Commonwealth of Virginia since July 2021, but what does this really mean? While adults 21 years and older can possess cannabis without worrying about breaking the law, there are some restrictions on cannabis use. It&rsquo;s legal to share up to 1 ounce of cannabis between legal adults, but possessing between 4 ounces and 1 pound of cannabis is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor by the State.&nbsp;
Cannabis use is prohibited while driving an automobile, or while being a passenger. Possession of cannabis on any school grounds is also illegal. You also cannot consume cannabis in any public place.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Adult use&rdquo; cannabis is the use of cannabis for recreational purposes by a legal adult. Per Virginia laws, any adult may partake in cannabis in the privacy of their own home or any non-public social gathering (where permitted). Recreational public consumption is still illegal according to Virginia law.
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Cannabis Legalization In Virginia:" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/ada78142b81223da10b005db6b9eeab1.jpg" alt="Cannabis Legalization In Virginia: General Considerations" width="773" height="580" />
<h3>How Long Will It Be Until Virginia Reaches Full Recreational Legalization?</h3>
While you might not be able to purchase recreational cannabis from a dispensary until 2024, &ldquo;full legalization&rdquo; of both recreational and medical cannabis is on the way. Virginia is one of many current US states that practice full legalization and will make cannabis even more accessible in the future.&nbsp;
<h2>Medicinal Cannabis Use In Virginia</h2>
Cannabis has been prescribed for a number of medical issues including anxiety disorders, insomnia, nausea, eating disorders, epilepsy, autism, MS, digestive disorders, and more. Under Virginia&rsquo;s laws, medical cannabis can be used for any condition overseen by a registered practitioner for adults aged 18 and older. Anyone under the age of 21 must have their cannabis use supervised by a legal parent or guardian.
<h3>How Do I Get A Medical Cannabis Card In Virginia?</h3>
Anyone with a medical condition that requires it can get a medicinal cannabis card in the Commonwealth. As of July 2022, patients no longer have to have an active patient registration from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Anyone who wishes to obtain a physical cannabis card must still complete the application.&nbsp;
The Department of Health Professions: Board of Pharmacy&rsquo;s main website can provide more information about medicinal cannabis cards and physical medical cards.
<h3>Can Any Adult Sell Medical Cannabis In Virginia?</h3>
It is a felony in Virginia to grow, sell, or possess a &ldquo;substantial&rdquo; amount of cannabis if you intend to distribute it. Cannabis possession penalties vary based on the amount of the drug in your possession&mdash;adults over 21 are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis at a time, and anything about 4 ounces is considered a felony.
If you are cultivating cannabis for personal use, you can grow up to 4 plants in your residence. Any adult over 21 can grow cannabis and be exempt from distribution charges or penalties.
Penalties for distributing cannabis or possessing a large amount with intent to distribute can be a fine of $2,500 or up to a year in jail, and as much as between 5 and 30 years in prison depending on the felony Class.
<h3>What Is Still Considered Illegal Cannabis Possession?</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Public consumption of cannabis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Possession and cannabis use of any individual under the age of 21.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Possession on school premises or school buses.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Using cannabis as a driver or passenger.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sharing or soliciting cannabis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Purchasing or selling cannabis outside of medicinal use.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Commercial gifting, public giveaways, cannabis gifts, etc.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Can You Purchase Cannabis Recreationally In Virginia?</h2>
While there are a number of bills currently in the General Assembly, it is still iffy whether recreational sales will start in 2024 or 2025. Retail stores have a somewhat hazy future in Virginia as politicians argue over who should be allowed to sell recreational cannabis and when. It&rsquo;s possible that Virginians could be able to purchase recreational cannabis from medical cannabis providers as early as January 1st, 2024.
You cannot buy or sell cannabis recreationally, even with a medical card. Medical providers may have to pay a fee and enter into franchise agreements in order to open storefronts in January 2024. The State is currently working on the way to make the product safe, regulated, and properly taxed.&nbsp;
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Can You Purchase Cannabis in Virginia?" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/2540c5e966492fcadea89c658fd06c7b.jpg" alt="Can You Purchase Cannabis Recreationally In Virginia?" width="874" height="582" />
<h3>Cannabis Decriminalization</h3>
Cannabis has been legal in Virginia since July 2021. Advocacy groups have noted that people are still serving jail time for cannabis-related ofenses, and will remain behind bars even after full legalization and recreational dispensary use in 2024. The new laws lessen the penalties for any cannabis-related felonies, such as being fined $25 for the possession of more than an ounce of cannabis.&nbsp;
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>Is Driving Under The Influence Illegal?</h3>
Driving under the influence of cannabis or cannabis products is illegal, both as a driver and a passenger. Drivers and passengers cannot consume or have open containers of cannabis while driving in the state of Virginia (while the vehicle is in motion). It&rsquo;s important to ensure that while transporting cannabis, all containers are properly sealed and out of reach of the driver or passenger.
<h3>Can Adults Share Cannabis In Virginia?</h3>
Adults aged 21 and older can legally share up to 1 ounce of cannabis in private residences and non-public spaces. Exchanging or gifting cannabis for any reason is still illegal.
<h3>What Do I Need To Know About Growing Cannabis In Virginia?</h3>
Cannabis plants must be tagged with the name of the grower as well as a state ID and driver&rsquo;s license. Any plants grown at home should not be visible from a public area. Cannabis plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors, barring laws and rules around rental homes. Cannabis cultivation is allowed only in the grower&rsquo;s primary residence.
<h3>Where Can I Legally Buy Cannabis In Virginia?</h3>
Non-medical cannabis cannot currently be purchased from medical dispensaries, and legal cannabis can only be purchased from medical dispensaries for patients. You must be a registered patient under Virginia&rsquo;s medical cannabis program.
<h3>Can My Job Fire Me For Testing Positive?</h3>
There are currently not many protections under Virginia law for those who test positive for cannabis use. The only protections available are for medical patients with valid certification and registration. The State currently has no employment protections for adults using cannabis, and it is important to check your company's regulations on cannabis usage. Testing positive can carry a penalty up to and including termination.

If you live in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you might have some questions about cannabis legalization. Can I buy weed anywhere? Where am I allowed to smoke? How legal is cannabis consumption, and are there any additional details I should know?

Virginia Goes Green - Historic Cannabis Legalization Laws 2023

New York City legalized recreational cannabis use in the spring of 2021, and since then, stores and dispensaries have popped up all over. Even with the wave of new dispensaries, how do you know what weed is legal or where to buy it from an officially licensed store? Can you grow weed in your own home? Is there a difference between the legalities of medical and recreational marijuana?
As of 2023, the path toward NYC cannabis legalization and its effects have become much clearer. While there are still many steps that must be taken, NYC is determined to have the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive weed industry in the world. Nearly two years after recreational cannabis was legalized in NYC, people are finally understanding the basics&mdash;and all precious cannabis-related criminal records in New York have been expunged. In November of 2022, the city and state finally doled out official dispensary licenses, making your favorite corner store legal. But even with the change of laws, are you safe from being stopped for smoking weed? Can cannabis be sold by anyone?
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Cannabis Jar" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/5be20fd39f96f69a6d0e7b7fceabc23e.png" alt=" Can cannabis be sold by anyone?" width="614" height="410" />
<h2>New York City and Cannabis: The Legalities</h2>
In the state of New York, anyone 21 and older can buy, sell, consume, and grow cannabis legally. There are some limits to recreational weed, however, but overall the legalization of recreational cannabis has made it a safer experience for everyone. Decriminalization creates a predictable experience, safer sales, better environments, and higher-quality products.&nbsp;
The legalization of recreational cannabis has also created an influx of new jobs in New York City. There is a surplus of tax revenue and job revenue gleaned from recreational cannabis sales, which the city can use for things like infrastructure and education. Experts note that growers and farmers now have a primary source of income&mdash;growing cannabis can be an incredibly lucrative venture.
<h2>Is It Legal To Smoke Cannabis Anywhere In NYC?</h2>
Per New York City laws, any adult may smoke/vape cannabis wherever smoking tobacco is also allowed. This means that public spaces, workplaces, restaurants, and bars are smoke-free, so it&rsquo;s a good idea to smoke or vape outside. Also in NYC, smoking recreational weed inside of autombiles is not legal, and outdoor dining areas in restaurants are off-limits as well.
As legal cannabis sales start, cities and towns across New York state are allowed to set up &ldquo;consumption areas&rdquo; where people can use cannabis at will. As of yet, it&rsquo;s unclear if these consumption areas require specific issue permits or not, but many of these recreational laws will be up under the jurisdiction of these cities and towns.
<h2>Can I Carry As Much Weed As I Want?</h2>
Anyone under 21 cannot possess, sell, or consume cannabis. Anyone older than 21 is allowed to carry up to three ounces of cannabis on their person, and 24 grams of concentrate. This means you can go to and from the local dispensary without worrying about the legalities of being stopped on the street.&nbsp;
Recreational cannabis stores are allowed to officially open in New York as of 2023, but not everyone has a license as of yet. Local dispensaries, which are places where weed can be bought legally, are expected to open in the beginning months of 2023.
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Cannabis Blunt leafy" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/d8e593d3a53cc67287144a848c2da030.png" alt="Recreational cannabis stores" width="647" height="428" />
<h3>Do I Need A Card?</h3>
Anyone 21 years of age or older can purchase recreational cannabis from a dispensary without a medical card. This makes it much easier for the citizens of New York to buy and consume cannabis.
<h3>What About Edibles?</h3>
Edibles are also legal in New York and follow the same rules and guidelines as other recreational cannabis.
<h2>Dispensaries: What You Need To Know</h2>
<h3>When Will My Local Dispensary Open?</h3>
You will have to consult with your local dispensary to figure out when it&rsquo;s going to open, as dates are subject to change. Official licenses have been going out since the beginning of 2023, and many new stores and shops will be open by the spring of 2023.
<h3>Is My Local Dispensary Legally Operating?</h3>
Per city laws, legal dispensaries will have a visible Dispensary Verification Tool posted in the store windows for consumers to see. It&rsquo;s essentially a QR code that can be examined. You might notice some of the dispensaries and shops you visit will shut down in the next six months, especially if they&rsquo;ve been operating illegally. NYC will see about 150 licenses distributed in 2023, against 900 applications.
<h3>How Do I Find A Dispensary?</h3>
In the coming months, there will be aggressive ad campaigns and a city map showing people where to locate legal cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="leafy dispensary" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/11288353a5e512d9f99b65c0380de0b8.png" alt="How do I find a dispensary" width="716" height="476" />
<h2>Recreational Cannabis Products</h2>
There are many different things to look for in a cannabis product, and if you&rsquo;re purchasing cannabis for the first time you might want to be aware of a few things. Products sold in legal dispensaries are going to be of the highest quality and scrutinized for personal use before they ever reach you.
<h3>What Do I Look For In A Cannabis Product?</h3>
Legalized cannabis is a controlled substance, meaning that it goes through a rigorous series of checks before it reaches the consumer. Authentic brands are tested before the dispensary acquires them, but the best way to keep yourself safe with any cannabis product is to seek out information. The more information available for any given product, the better. Consumers should be able to curate their own recreational cannabis experience without worrying about the safety of a product, and legal brands have to meet a bar that illicit sellers don&rsquo;t need to care about.
<h3>What Makes Legal Cannabis Stand Out?</h3>
Legal cannabis products in NYC will feature a universal symbol that differentiates them from illegal items. In 2023, NYC will release an education campaign explaining the benefits of purchasing legal cannabis called Why Buy Legal New York. By following this campaign and its guidelines, first-time cannabis users can be sure that the products they purchase are the real deal. Just like the QR code in the windows of legal dispensaries, products will also feature a QR code that can be scanned for information.&nbsp;
<h3>Is It Easy To Open A Dispensary In NYC?</h3>
First, a recreational dispensary in NYC must obtain a CUARD by paying a $2,000 fee. Applicants must meet qualifying business criteria or nonprofit criteria. After application, the state decides if the business meets the standards of a dispensary, and chooses whether or not to award a license. While there are 150 CUARD permits going out between 2022 and 2023, the new year will see greater industry growth.
<h3>Can I Get Involved In The Industry?</h3>
NYC&rsquo;s newly-regulated cannabis industry creates jobs at both the retail and production level. Farmers can grow cannabis, tech and industry folks can find new ways to enter the industry, and many other job creators will support the cannabis industry as it&rsquo;s being built from the inside and out. If you&rsquo;re looking for a job in the cannabis industry in NYC, now is the time.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

New York City legalized recreational cannabis use in the spring of 2021, and since then stores and dispensaries have popped up all over.

The Complete Guide To NYC Cannabis Legalization

Cannabis pens are a convenient, popular, and modern way to enjoy weed and attain your preferred high wherever you go. Vape pens are light, pocket-sized, and extremely portable. It&rsquo;s easy to throw a weed pen in your pocket, bag, or purse and take a hit when you need it. There&rsquo;s also a huge array of weed pens available on the market right now, which means that finding the perfect pen for you might be more overwhelming a task than you think.
Thankfully, we&rsquo;ve put together this guide where we break down the different types, provide some necessary feedback, and compare the similarities and differences between them. There are many things to consider when choosing the best weed pen, and there&rsquo;s more than just weed strain and flavor.&nbsp;
<h2>What Are Weed Pens?</h2>
Weed pens or vape pens are a omni-useful term for this series of devices that vaporizes cannabis so that it can be instantly inhaled. People and companies refer to these devices as &ldquo;pens&rdquo; because of the size and shape of their design: they&rsquo;re compact, cylindrical, and slender like writing pens.&nbsp;
Many weed pens have similar components. The weed pen breakdown includes a battery, a mouthpiece, a power button or inhaling button, and sometimes a temperature control or LCD screen to indicate settings such as battery life and heat settings.&nbsp;
Vape pens contain a battery and cannabis oil cartridge. Some vape pens are reusable, while many are disposable and feature a sealed body with a battery and cartridge that are supposed to be thrown away once used. You can purchase cartridges and batteries for the reusable models, depending on the laws of your state. It&rsquo;s also important to always read the label and stay aware of what you&rsquo;re getting into with vape pens&mdash;some weed pens contain unsafe ingredients, and you should only purchase weed pens from licensed dispensaries and online retailers that can guarantee the safety of their devices and oils.
<img src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/abede90bd47570800e1f9c10e7852771.png" width="681" height="452" />
<h3>Dab Pens</h3>
There are also dab pens, sometimes called wax pens, which are used to consume dabs. They&rsquo;re more or less the same in design but might require a little more knowledge to use compared to a weed pen. Cannabis concentrates are more intense than cannabis oil cartridges, and typically you must place weed concentrate or cannabis wax into a chamber in the device before you consume it. Dab pens do require more work, but allow you to inhale many cannabis concentrates such as shatter, wax, or budder.&nbsp;
Dab pens are traditionally safer and more portable than dab rigs since they don&rsquo;t require a blowtorch, complicated devices, or glassware. You should also be aware that dab pens are much hotter than traditional weed pens, and require more upkeep to keep them functioning. If you&rsquo;re new to smoking cannabis, or you don&rsquo;t have experience with dab pens, you should be aware of their pros and cons before use.
<h3>Flower Vape Pens</h3>
Different from weed pens and dab pens, flower vape pens allow you to vaporize whatever cannabis flower you want. They&rsquo;re slightly larger and wider than a disposable vape, but flower vaporizers contain the same components as a vape pen and don&rsquo;t require you to pack a bowl or roll a joint. Similar to the dab pen, flower pens require consistent maintenance and cleaning to keep them working well since they use raw cannabis ingredients.
<h2>Finding The Best Weed Pen For You</h2>
Weed pens all share many things in common, such as design, function, and components. All of them are portable and convenient and are battery operated so that you don&rsquo;t have to fuss with things while using them. They&rsquo;re extremely handy and the choice for many modern cannabis users because of their portability.&nbsp;
When selecting the best weed pen, you should consider your recreational or medical needs and what you&rsquo;re ultimately looking for in a vaping experience. The main differences really come down to cannabis material, overall maintenance, and cost.&nbsp;
All vape pen types come in various flavor options. Popular choices can be used right out of the box&mdash;typically you can just go to the store, purchase your weed pen, and use it immediately. The reusable types have cartridges and batteries that are typically universal, and you can choose weed based on style, price, strain, and cannabinoid. Disposable pens can be the most affordable weed option for many people and don&rsquo;t contain any of the mess of bongs or joints. Many cannabis users hoping for a more discreet high will go with the vape pen option.
While flower pens and dab pens might be slightly more challenging to use, they also add some flexibility to your vaping session. Dab pens and flower pens, as well as reusable pens, let you load your cannabis or concentrates right into the heating chamber. You can set your temperature and you&rsquo;re ready to go. Since flower pens follow the same basic function, changing out the cannabis of your choice is easy and simple. All vape pens also have additional options and quality based on the price point&mdash;if you go with the more expensive option, you can find a vaporizer device that can last for years. No matter what, you should always go with a brand you trust and a cannabis strain that you know.
<img src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/aa203e0d232eed02b59b1c3447f0d6d0.png" width="739" height="488" />
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>Are Weed Pens Expensive?</h3>
The average cost of weed pens can vary anywhere between $15 to $100 depending on model and quality. There are many factors that can affect costs, such as design, battery size, and cannabis material. Dab pens and flower pens can be more expensive, sometimes selling between $150 and $200, but that&rsquo;s because these are higher-quality devices designed to last through repeated uses.
<h3>Is Vaping Healthier Than Smoking?</h3>
There are pros and cons to vaping and smoking, especially when health is a concern, but the ultimate choice comes down to your needs and medical conditions. Vaping and smoking produce similar highs, but both can transfer harmful toxins due to inhalation. Any time cannabis material is vaporized, there is a chance that you can inhale ingredients that are not good for you&mdash;this is especially true for lower-quality products. While vaping results in less coughing than burning flower, there is no definitive evidence to say that vaporizing cannabis is that much safer than smoking it.&nbsp;
<h3>Should I Buy Reusable Pens? How Long Does The Battery Last?</h3>
Dab pens typically last a few days, and the battery should last long enough to fulfill the life of the cannabis cartridge. While the battery lifespan depends on your consumption rate and battery size, it can also depend on the quality of the pen materials such as the heating coil.
<h3>Do I Have To Turn Off My Weed Pen?</h3>
Most weed and vape pens have an on/off switch, but the disposable models typically have single-button use. You should remove your battery and cartridge from your reusable pens when not in use to extend the life of the device.
&nbsp;

Cannabis pens are a convenient, popular, and modern way to enjoy weed and attain your preferred high wherever you go

What Types Of Weed Pens Are There?

When it comes to enjoying cannabis, the sky&rsquo;s the limit. Smoking, vaping, edibles, and more&mdash;there are many different ways to reach your ideal high. You may have heard people pass around the words blunt, joint, and spliff before, but what&rsquo;s the real difference between these different types of cannabis consumption? Why are joints so popular, and are blunts really so different?
Joints remain a very popular way to consume weed because they&rsquo;re small, portable, and easy to share with friends. While rolling is a skill that many cannabis consumers might eventually learn, novices can avoid the trouble by purchasing pre-rolled joints from their favorite dispensary or online retailer.
There are many different ways to roll weed, and that&rsquo;s where blunts and spliffs come in. While they have their nuances, all of them are different ways to consume cannabis. What differentiates blunts, joints, and spliffs is how much cannabis and tobacco they have in them, and what material is used to roll them with.
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="Weed Blunt" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/1271001d269767f4ec17fead5775566c.png" alt="blunt" width="674" height="450" />
<h2>Blunt, Joint, Spliff: What&rsquo;s The Difference?</h2>
 Okay, but what&rsquo;s the actual difference between them? Joints and spliffs are rolled with rolling papers. Joints are filled with weed, and spliffs are a mix of tobacco and weed. Blunts aren&rsquo;t rolled with rolling papers but instead are rolled using wraps made of tobacco. While the wrap is made with tobacco, the filling of a blunt is typically just weed. What To Know About Joints
Joints are iconic. Even if you haven&rsquo;t smoked cannabis before, there&rsquo;s no doubt you&rsquo;re aware of joints. You&rsquo;ve seen friends pass them around or have watched television shows and films where characters take a hit. Joints are small, portable, and easy to use&mdash;you can take them wherever you need them and get the high you crave.
Joints are cannabis rolled up with thin rolling paper. Papers are traditionally white but novelty papers come in all sorts of colors and flavors. You can also find rolling papers in different sizes.
Rolling paper sizes can include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 &frac14;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 &frac12;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wide</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">King</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thin</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ultra Thin</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Double Wide</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">King Slim</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Specialty</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flavored</li>
</ul>
<img class="img-fluid rounded" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/0430a87853dc0b14bdae1bd431a679ed.png" alt="roll" width="669" height="440" />
Joint customization doesn&rsquo;t end there. Rolling papers can come in a variety of flavors from fruity to decadent, such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookies &amp; cream, and more. There are many different variants and styles so that you can find the right joint for you.
When joints are rolled they have a crutch&mdash;a filter&mdash;at the drawing end, allowing you to smoke the joint without burning your fingertips. Joints have been around for a long time and they have a very rich history within the cannabis industry.
<h2>What To Know About Spliffs</h2>
Like a joint, a spliff is made with rolling paper. The filling is a mixture of tobacco and cannabis, offering the joys of nicotine alongside the high of cannabis. While spliffs have more tobacco than a blunt, they&rsquo;re also energetic because of the buzzy side effects of tobacco. Spliffs also have crutches like joints do, to keep you from burning your fingertips.
Spliffs are attractive because you can adjust the cannabis/tobacco ratio to suit your preference. Whether you want a little tobacco or a lot, you can find something that works for you. Many people enjoy their high this way and find that this balance can be optimal for many reasons.
<h2>What To Know About Blunts</h2>
Blunts are differentiated from joints and spliffs because they are cannabis rolled inside a blunt wrap or a cigar. The wraps themselves are made from tobacco, adding a small energetic buzz to your high. Since blunts don&rsquo;t have tobacco in the actual mixture, they can add just enough nicotine to bring a little something without becoming overwhelming. They&rsquo;re also bigger than joints and spliffs, traditionally, and they last longer.
Blunt wraps are sold at many corner stores, and they can come flavored. Many people also can use an empty cigar to make a blunt by re-using the wrapping. Cigarillos are a popular method for making blunts.
<h2>What Is The Difference Between Rolling Papers And Wrappers?</h2>
As you&rsquo;ve learned, rolling papers actually define the smoking experience and change whether or not you enjoy your high. Everything comes down to size, material, and flavor&mdash;you&rsquo;ll want the right material for what you intend to smoke, especially if you&rsquo;re sharing with many people in your circle.
For blunts, the thicknesses can define the smoking experience. Thick papers burn slower than thin, but you might taste the paper more versus thins. King-sized papers are better for smoking in a group, but if you&rsquo;re enjoying a blunt alone you&rsquo;ll only need the smaller 1 &frac14; or 1 &frac12; papers.
Rolling papers and blunt wraps can come flavored, but flavors might not be everyone&rsquo;s cup of tea. Flavored papers can sometimes mess with the natural flavor of the cannabis you&rsquo;re smoking, contrasting with the brand of weed. Some cannabis consumers might be loyalists to certain brands specifically due to the added flavors, and longtime blunt enjoyers may purchase the same papers over and over again.
Some consumers might choose rolling papers entirely based on their function and ease of use. High-quality papers have features such as tear prevention, easy sealing, better handling, and uniform burning. Your joint shouldn&rsquo;t run and it should burn evenly throughout the length of the joint. If you&rsquo;re rolling a joint for the first time you might want to ask one of your seasoned friends for help or look up some popular tips for rolling the best blunt.
<img class="img-fluid rounded" title="The best rolling" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/eb08a621396df1be55775b0ea310a05e.png" alt=" rolling the best blunt" width="673" height="447" />
<h2>Joint, Blunt, Or Spliff: Which One Is For Me?</h2>
<h3>Joints</h3>
There are positives and negatives with any rolling method and style, and it might come down to consumption. If you&rsquo;re wondering whether you should smoke joints, blunts, or spliffs, you just have to ask yourself some simple questions.
Joints have been the cannabis mainstay for decades for many reasons. They&rsquo;re small, portable, easy to smoke, great for sharing, and easy to save for later. They&rsquo;re traditional&mdash;many cannabis consumers won&rsquo;t think twice about sharing a joint with you, and they&rsquo;re a simple way to get high. While you may need some experience to roll a great joint, you can easily buy pre-rolls and consume them alone or with friends.&nbsp;
While joints are great, they aren&rsquo;t discreet&mdash;anyone in your vicinity will be able to tell you&rsquo;re smoking a joint. If you&rsquo;re hoping to smoke in secret, or you want to keep your cannabis consumption on the down low, you might want to choose something different.
<h3>Spliffs</h3>
As stated above, spliffs are similar to joints but they have tobacco added. They carry similar pros and cons, such as being small and portable, and easy to smoke and share, but they also provide a more energetic buzz that many consumers might enjoy. They&rsquo;re slightly more discreet than joints because of the nicotine smell, so you might be able to pass them off as traditional cigarettes depending on the setting.
As with cigarettes, smoking tobacco can be harmful to your health. Tobacco can also alter, mute, or ruin the taste of weed&mdash;if you have a specific strain you love, you might not be able to get the same tasting notes from it in a spliff. They also take the same amount of effort and practice to roll as joints, but pre-rolls are still an option.
<h3>Blunts</h3>
Blunts stand out from joints and blunts for many reasons. Blunts have diehard lovers and haters&mdash;many people only smoke blunts, or save them for special occasions. There are plenty of folks who might pass on a blunt even though they enjoy joints or spliffs; it&rsquo;s important to understand the differences before lighting up.
As with joints and spliffs, blunts are portable, easy to use, perfect for sharing, and discreet (until lit). As with spliffs, blunts have the energetic buzz of tobacco and they come in a variety of flavors and styles. But also with spliffs, the inclusion of tobacco can mute the taste of tobacco, taste bad, or take some experience to roll and use. Also since they contain tobacco they can be bad for your health, so use them at your discretion.
<img src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/99f81438fb1ce047f82fb12abefb1b1f.png" width="655" height="434" />
<h2>Enjoy At Your Discretion</h2>
Whether joints, spliffs, or blunts are popular with your friends can vary by area and region, changing with the times and cannabis culture. Spliffs, for instance, are very popular in parts of Europe where joints are considered to be wasteful or unnecessary. Cannabis users in the Americas prefer joints to spliffs, mostly because of the dominant campaigns against the health effects of tobacco.&nbsp;
While similar, it&rsquo;s essential to know and understand the differences between blunts, joints, and spliffs to enjoy them at your leisure. An informed cannabis enjoyer can make better purchasing decisions.

When it comes to enjoying cannabis, the sky’s the limit. Smoking, vaping, edibles, and more—there are many different ways to reach your ideal high.

Blunt, Joint, Spliff: What’s The Difference?

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It was an exciting day for our friends across the border in New York City as two of the first legal cannabis shops opened on December 29th, 2022.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Cannabis was legal for medicinal purposes under the New York law in 2016, and recreational use was legalized in 2021. However, recreational cannabis was not sold legally in New York City. Instead, citizens would have to travel to purchase their cannabis legally from neighbouring states.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;New York now has awarded 36 out of 175 licenses allowing citizens to own and operate these legal storefronts with plans to open in 2023. However, two storefronts have made everyone&rsquo;s 2022 much more lit by serving as the first legal cannabis shops in New York City. Housing Works and The Doe Fund are officially open in Greenwich Village, Manhattan.&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Leafythings congratulates and wishes much success to Housing Works and The Doe Fund, as well as a congratulations to the state of New York. We look forward to seeing what 2023 has in store for New York and the rest of The United States.
&nbsp;
<img class="img-fluid rounded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/4da29747b87257f2ec590305b830ab07.jpg?1672678240946" width="300" height="200" />
<img class="img-fluid rounded" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/1bc95157627d7172e0246f2593fec8b2.png?1672678693099" width="300" height="200" />
&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The first two legal cannabis dispensaries opened up in New York City.

New York City opens their first recreational marijuana dispensaries

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<a href="https://www.leafythings.com/weed-delivery/on/north-york/gas-packs">Gas Packs</a> is a Toronto-based online dispensary offering local delivery focusing on craft/connoisseur quality flower. Gas Packs was born from a desire to bridge the gap between the legacy market and the modern consumer. Gas Packs strives to offer the highest quality, most potent cannabis products without all the gimmicks.
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<a href="https://www.leafythings.com/brands/euphoria-extractions">Euphoria Extractions</a> was created upon the belief that everybody should have the option of mind-opening freedom, spiritual exploration and self-healing. Euphoria Extractions came into existence to enjoy the products they wanted most, but they could not find reasonable access to acquire them. Euphoria Extractions had decided to share their joys with their fellow Canadians to allow everybody age 19+ to obtain the happiness, spiritual, and medicinal fulfillments they need, or desire, all produced with the highest quality materials, making Euphoria Extractions a brand you can trust.
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2022 Holidaze Gift Guide

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Rick Simpson Oil Guide

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Complete Edible Dosage Guide

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Travis Petersen, also known as The Nomad Chef, is a Canadian-based chef from Vancouver, specializing in cannabis-infused meals ranging from bison ribeyes to cannolis. Travis Petersen takes cannabis-infused cooking to a whole new level.&nbsp;
Leafythings had the pleasure of attending The Nomad Chef&rsquo;s pop-up dinner at the High Garden restaurant in New York. We arrived early and were welcomed by live music, greenery, and beautiful flowers everywhere. We began connecting with the other members of the dinner party. There were&nbsp; 42 people from all across the states, from Denver to Washington, with different levels of experience (or no experience) with cannabis consumption. We were all asked by the Chef&rsquo;s assistants about our tolerance for consuming cannabis on a scale from 1-5. A couple from Denver said 5-out-of-5, whereas a lady from Washington said 1-out-of-5 as it was her first experience.
As the evening rolled on, food was being served. The best part was the duck. It was deliciously seasoned and infused! While we were waiting for the next entrees, we were encouraged to smoke a joint and engage in conversation, which we all of course did. The night ended with delicious infused ice cream and another joint. This was an experience that we will never forget.
Once the dinner was complete, Leafythings had the honour of interviewing Travis about his journey, the release of his new cookbook, and his experience hosting a pop-up dinner at the High Garden restaurant in New York.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s how the interview went:&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>
<h1> How does working with a brand like Leafythings align with your mission and infused culinary dining?&nbsp;</h1>
</li>
</ol>
My mission is to have culinary cannabis seen as a Canadian Cuisine, so getting to work with a brand like Leafythings, you know, being a Canadian-born company. I think we have a lot of the same values, the same beliefs when it comes to cannabis and its accessibility. And you know how it can be used, you know, kind of everyday life. That's beyond faux pas, preconceived notions of what people who use cannabis are.
&nbsp;
<ol start="2">
<li> What prompted you to start cooking with Cannabis?</li>
</ol>
I was always a cannabis user, and in 2018, Chef Chris Sole, also known as The Herbal Chef, came to Canada and made a pop-up dinner for about six-seven months before legalization and was put on the front page of the paper, seeing that just kind of inspired me because I felt, you know, a Canadian should have been doing that first in Canada and, you know, seeing him do it, six months before legalization and getting the notoriety through the press and the public and seeing how accepted it was. So I decided I would do one too. I didn't want to be called the Cannabis Chef. It was only going to be one or two dinners, to begin with, but very quickly, I realized, you know, I found my calling and what I was meant to be doing.
&nbsp;<img class="img-fluid rounded" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/e29f9a96ad45efb8221899a6cacc3c37.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" />
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h1> Where would you like to see the infused dining experience go?</h1>
</li>
</ol>
I'd like to see it go overseas into Europe and Asia. As conceptions around cannabis and the culture around cannabis is continuing to change to become more accepted. I would hope we will be able to bring this to more places, eventually, and seeing this within restaurants and having tourism really take advantage of the opportunities cannabis could offer.
&nbsp;
<ol start="4">
<li>
<h1> What separates your cookbook from other books related to infused cooking?</h1>
</li>
</ol>
More specifically, my book focused on someone who really wanted to take this seriously or who really wanted to do it safely. This got a very culinary, first approach to it, building some best practices and fundamentals to ensure that you're taking the proper steps and using the right equipment. You know, making sure that you understand all the details of your cannabis. Regarding what the THC and CBD percentages are, what the terpene profiles are. Having all that information at your fingertips can set you up to succeed.
&nbsp;<img class="img-fluid rounded" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/8f657312d58143a81cac5891280aec9e.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" />
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h1> Leafythings is super excited to participate in your Las Vegas event for MJ BIZ Con next month. So what can people expect from that experience?</h1>
</li>
</ol>
Yeah, I'm super excited for MJ Biz and what we've got going on in Vegas. We're going to be hosting in the Palms Penthouse. We&rsquo;ll be having breakfast in the morning around lunchtime for about 4 hours. We&rsquo;ll have a laid-back atmosphere, where we serve up fresh pizzas and our take on Chinese take-out food. So, it's not a seated plated lunch but more of an opportunity to come back, consume some cannabis, eat good food, play pool, and just enjoy yourself. Then that night, we'll be doing a nomadic night's dinner. And what's really exciting in Vegas is we've got a dab bar set up by City Trees, a cannabis company based out of Nevada, and we're going to have a magician come in. So before the dinner, we've got a 30-minute magic show and dab bar for our guests to sit and enjoy, get their imaginations running wild, and then bring them in for dinner.
<img class="img-fluid rounded" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/0e79a9f14de490f52d897f6e3f55a415.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" /> &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<img class="img-fluid rounded" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/85c3f236f8e957954240d9bd556c1a0b.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" />
<ol start="6">
<li>
<h1> Do you have any funny or interesting stories about an experience at one of the dinners that you can share?</h1>
</li>
</ol>
Yeah, I still think, you know, I didn't want to be called a Cannabis Chef because when I started doing this, I was buying into many preconceived notions; I thought this would be something for young people, 20-year-old males. It would be a bit of a fad because cannabis is becoming legal, so it had this sort of new look at it, but you know, one of the first groups that I had, there was a wide range of different demographics from ethnicities, age, and gender. People from all walks of life sat at a table together, having nothing in common except this plant, which opened up conversations. It was a really inspiring moment because it was my aha moment, like, yeah, this is what I wanted to do.
&nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7. And the last question, what's in store for you in 2023?
Oh man, 2023 will be a big year for The Nomad Chef. Outside of travelling all over the US and hosting these dinners. My goal is to get a certification program up online so people can come and take a course and get safety responsibilities and knowledge around cooking with cannabis so they can feel confident and find ways to incorporate it themselves.
&nbsp;
<img class="img-fluid rounded" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/849b3506f353a937e8998a6da607f2bc.jpg?1668096776596" width="400" /> <img class="img-fluid rounded" src="https://dz8osaahf9pd7.cloudfront.net/storage/images/blog/articles/12635b88a238190d87395bad696b28b5.jpg?1668096793933" width="400" />

Leafythings sits down with Travis Petersen, also known as 'The Nomad Chef', a Canadian-based chef who specializes in cannabis-infused meals.