Why Should I Purchase Cannabis Legally vs. From My Dealer?

The commercial cannabis market is booming, and everyone wants a piece of the pie. Twenty-three states have legalized recreational cannabis for their adult residents, and there are more on the way. Cannabis has been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes for centuries, but everyone hasn’t always supported it.

As the different forms of cannabis consumption have expanded over the years, so has the way that consumers approach cannabis. With the legalization of recreational and medicinal cannabis in many parts of the world, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the benefits of purchasing from the legal market far outweigh the risks associated with buying from your neighborhood dealer. There’s no longer a reason to have to look over your shoulder and be scared when you’re purchasing cannabis. In this blog, we’ll explore the compelling reasons for cannabis consumers to consider making the switch from the illicit market to supporting legal and state-licensed cannabis establishments. We’ll touch upon topics such as safety, tax revenue, and the positive impact on communities while addressing concerns like fentanyl-laced weed. So, let’s explore why buying weed online from a delivery service or licensed dispensaries may be a better choice. 

Safety First

When it comes to purchasing cannabis, safety should be your top priority. The illicit market has long been plagued by concerns over product quality, inconsistent potency, dangerous buying situations, and additives, such as fentanyl-laced weed. Buying from a reputable source, whether online through a state-approved delivery service or at a licensed dispensary, ensures that you should be consuming a product that meets strict quality and safety standards.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has been found in some illegal cannabis products, often leading to severe health risks or even fatalities. In contrast, legal cannabis is rigorously tested for contaminants and potency, minimizing these life-threatening risks. Knowing that your cannabis has passed stringent quality checks gives you peace of mind and lets you enjoy your experience without worrying about what you’re putting into your body.

There may be risks associated with buying from an illegal dealer, such as fentanyl-laced weed or inconsistent product quality, which are not worth taking. By opting for legal cannabis, you could have a safer, more satisfying, and ethically responsible cannabis experience. So, whether you’re in New York or any other region with legal cannabis, take the step to elevate your cannabis journey and embrace the many advantages of the legal market.

Tax Revenue Benefits All

What may be the most universal benefit to switching to the legal market is the positive impact on public finances. When you buy legal weed, you contribute to your local and state tax revenues. These funds can be allocated to various public services, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. In other words, your cannabis purchase not only benefits you but also your entire community.

Take the case of New York, where recreational cannabis was legalized recently. The tax revenue generated from legal weed sales in the state is expected to reach billions of dollars. A portion of this money may be used to reinvest in communities disproportionately affected by the War on Cannabis and could help create a more equitable and just society.

Consistency and Quality

The legal market may offer cannabis consumers a level of consistency and quality that’s simply unmatched by the illicit market. Licensed producers adhere to strict regulations and quality control standards, ensuring that you receive a product that is not only safe but also of high quality. Many states use a seed-to-sale tracking system so that you can research which operators have produced, packaged, and distributed your cannabis product. Whether you’re a medicinal consumer seeking specific strains for symptom relief or a recreational consumer looking for a delightful experience, legal cannabis products are designed to cater to your needs and your desired effect – it is important to choose the right cannabis flower or product. 

In the past, buying from your dealer might have meant taking potluck when it came to product quality and consistency. Legal dispensaries provide a vast selection of products with detailed information about strains, THC/CBD content, and terpene profiles, helping you make an informed choice. Products purchased from a licensed establishment are also accurate in terms of weight. 

Cannabis products purchased from licensed dispensaries and delivery services have undergone strict testing for contaminants like pesticides, fungus, and potentially harmful chemicals. 

Positive Community Impact

Legalizing cannabis has a broader social impact that extends beyond tax revenue. It can lead to reduced crime rates, as a legal market eliminates the need for black-market transactions. Law enforcement can focus on more pressing issues, making communities safer for everyone.

Moreover, legalizing cannabis can create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote social equity. In some cases, legal cannabis programs prioritize the inclusion of individuals from communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. These efforts foster a more equitable society and reduce the harms associated with prohibition.

A Wider Range of Options

Legal dispensaries and delivery services offer an impressive variety of cannabis products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, topicals, and more. This diversity allows you to explore and experiment with different consumption methods and strains, tailoring your experience to your specific preferences and needs.

Not to mention, legal weed products often come with clear labeling and detailed information about the product’s effects so that you can make informed choices. With the illicit market, you might be limited to whatever your dealer has on hand, with little control over the quality, strain, or product type.

The Convenience of Buying Weed Online

The emergence of legal online cannabis marketplaces has revolutionized the way people purchase cannabis. Buying weed online is not only convenient but also discreet. You can browse through a wide range of products, read reviews, and make your selections from the comfort of your own home. The products are delivered to your doorstep, saving you time and effort.

Online platforms often provide valuable information about each product, enabling you to make well-informed decisions. The convenience of online shopping makes the legal market even more attractive, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

With almost half the U.S. supporting state-run cannabis retail operations and delivery services, it remains illegal at the federal level, but there is encouraging news for the industry. Federal cannabis reform efforts like the H.R. 3616 bill decriminalizes cannabis, which means there are no more steep federal criminal penalties for cannabis-related felonies. 

Proposed Federal Excise Tax

The H.R.3617 bill imposes an excise tax on cannabis products and an occupational tax on cannabis production facilities and export warehouses. The bill also provides Small Business Administration loans and services to cannabis-related legitimate businesses and entities. 

Through the passing of this bill, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is required to publish regular cannabis data, including demographic information on cannabis business owners and employees. It directs organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Department of Education to study the impact of state legislation in the workplace at public schools.

Making the switch from the illicit cannabis market to the legal one is a wise choice for consumers who value safety, quality, and community well-being. The benefits are clear: you’ll enjoy peace of mind, support your local economy through tax revenue, access high-quality products, and contribute to positive social change. Buying cannabis illegally undercuts legitimate growers and licensed operators. 

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Please consume cannabis responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations.