United States Cannabis Laws
In the United States, the possession and distribution of cannabis are currently prohibited at the federal level. This is a unique issue for U.S. businesses in the legalized cannabis industry. However, several states now permit cannabis’ legal use for various purposes. You can find detailed information on US cannabis laws by visiting each state’s specific page.
Keep in mind that some jurisdictions permit cannabis for medical use only. Others allow consumption for both recreation and medical purposes. Some states have a medical marijuana program through which people can register. Depending on the jurisdiction, therapeutic use may be permitted for only qualified patients with certain medical and mental health conditions. These can include chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, intractable spasticity, etc.
States that offer legal protection for cannabis also have laws governing its cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution. Their laws cover cannabis businesses’ establishment, plus various other operational aspects:
- Regulatory agencies in each state
- Licensing requirements
- Taxation on cannabis products
- Registration processes for medical marijuana users
- Tracking and Traceability of cannabis
Canadian Cannabis Laws
Canada completely legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults in October 2018. This naturally opened opportunities for entrepreneurs: Sales continue to grow, with $3.25 billion in revenues during 2020. New regulations were introduced with its legalization. For instance, retailers must comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements along with advertising restrictions at national and provincial levels.
Additionally, every province has specific rules on the production, sale, and consumption of cannabis products. They govern issues such as licensing, fees, marketing, operating hours, location requirements, and obtaining inventory. For instance, some laws spell out business day operating hours when a retail dispensary can remain open. You can view province-specific information through the links on this page.
Canada still allows access to marijuana beyond legal limits for specific medical purposes. Patients must obtain authorization from a healthcare provider. Provisions of the 2018 Cannabis Act now cover the country’s older medical marijuana program.
Smart Tools for Managing Your Dispensary
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