{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/dispensaries/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3914-markdown","title":"The 5 Best Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Louisiana","slug":"the-5-best-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-louisiana","content":"The medical marijuana industry continues to grow as [legalization expands throughout the United States](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-in-america-a-state-by-state-guide). As of February 2022, [37 states have legalized medical cannabis consumption](https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx), and it is likely more will soon. Legalization opens up new business opportunities in cannabis products, dispensaries, and ancillary activities. Medical marijuana dispensaries play a crucial role in the cannabis industry and your personal cannabis experience. \n\nBelow we’ll review our top choices for legal dispensaries in Louisiana. \n\n\n\n### What is a Marijuana Dispensary?\n\nA marijuana dispensary is a store you go to purchase **cannabis legally**. Most operate a storefront like a retail store or pharmacy, with additional security and regulations. Legal dispensaries may be classified as [recreational or medical](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-difference-between-medical-and-recreational-cannabis), but in Louisiana, you’ll **only find medical dispensaries**. To shop at a medical dispensary, you need a license that shows you meet the state’s qualifications to purchase medical cannabis there legally. \n\n\n\n### What Makes a Good Medical Marijuana Dispensary\n\nThere are a few [things to look out for when choosing your dispensary](https://hellomd.com/articles/choosing-a-cannabis-dispensary-or-delivery-service). While you want to select a cannabis dispensary that feels comfortable for you, we suggest finding a clean, professional atmosphere with friendly, and [knowledgeable staff](https://hellomd.com/articles/finding-a-good-bud-tender) that can answer all your questions. The best dispensaries will carry a [wide variety of products](https://hellomd.com/articles/7-different-ways-to-consume-weed) with some consistency so you can repurchase what you liked. Many also offer special deals and discounts **for veterans**, so you may want to explore a few options. \n\n\n\n### The Louisiana State Medical Program\n\nLouisiana became [the first Deep South state to dispense medical marijuana in 2019](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/louisiana-launching-medical-marijuana-after-years-of-waiting). Patients in Louisiana must be diagnosed with a [qualifying medical condition]( https://norml.org/laws/medical-laws/louisiana-medical-marijuana-law/) by their doctor to obtain a license to purchase medical cannabis. The list of conditions to qualify for a medical marijuana license in Louisiana expanded in 2020. On January 1, 2022, the [smokeable flower form of cannabis became legal](https://www.mpp.org/states/louisiana/) and is now available in select dispensaries. \n\nIn Louisiana, it is legal to obtain your [medical marijuana certification](https://hellomd.com/get-started/louisiana) via Telehealth services like [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). With HelloMD, you can meet with a doctor, ask questions, and receive expert cannabis advice **online**. If you meet the state’s qualifications, then you’ll be able to register for your medical marijuana card quickly and easily. You only pay if you’re approved!\n\nOnce you receive your medical marijuana license, there are nine different medical marijuana dispensaries to choose from in Louisiana.\n\n### Top 5 Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Louisiana \n\nHere is our list of the top five medical marijuana dispensaries in Louisiana. \n\n\n\n### H & W Drug Store Dispensary\n\n[H&W Drug Store Dispensary](https://hwdispensary.com/) is located in New Orleans, making it one of the busiest dispensaries that sees the most patients. The locally owned H&W Drug Store pharmacy was established in1963, and the medical marijuana dispensary location opened in 2017. Patients appreciate the friendly staff, quality products, and the fact that they deliver. They sell many flower strains, but you might want to call before you go because they can sell out quickly. \n\n\n\n### Green Leaf Dispensary\n\nLocated in Houma, [Green Leaf Dispensary](https://greenleaf-dispensary.com/) is [well-reviewed](https://www.google.com/search?q=greenleaf+dispensary+louisiana&oq=green+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59l2j35i39j46i67i175i199j69i60l3.4090j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x8621107683552df5:0x3fc0d9f121816b99,1,,,) for its friendly and knowledgeable staff. A focus on quality, compliance, and patient care makes them stand out, along with a wide variety of products that includes cannabis flower, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and vapes.\n\n\n\n### The Medicine Cabinet Pharmacy \n\n[The Medicine Cabinet Pharmacy](https://themedicinecabinetla.com/) in Alexandria serves medical marijuana patients in Central Louisiana. Patients appreciate the comfortable atmosphere, and the staff has received [highly-rated reviews from customers](https://www.google.com/search?q=the+medicine+cabinet+pharmacy+louisiana&oq=the+medicine+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59j0i20i263i512j0i433i512j0i131i433i512j69i60l3.2622j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x86254b4152b7498d:0xf017048a545f3e6d,1,,,) for their expert advice and patient-focused care. The Medicine Cabinet carries cannabis flower, tinctures, vapes, and edibles.\nSome people make an effort to drive here for the prices as they have discount points for regular customers.\n\n\n\n### Hope Pharmacy \n\n[Hope Pharmacy](https://hoperxla.com/) in Shreveport serves medical marijuana patients in northwest Louisiana. It was opened by local pharmacists Douglas and Jennifer Boudreaux, and [patients appreciate their pharmacist staff’s experience and knowledge, and the quality products they carry](https://www.google.com/search?q=hope+pharmacy+louisiana&oq=hope+phar&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59j0i67i131i433i457j0i402j46i175i199i512j69i60l3.2699j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x8636cdbba2e25cd1:0xc3aa3f8228f8cdac,1,,,). At Hope Pharmacy, you can buy cannabis flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, and even Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). \n\n\n\n### The Apothecary Shoppe\n\nLocated in Lafayette, [The Apothecary Shoppe](https://theapothecaryshoppe.net/) serves the Acadian region of Louisiana. [Patients find that the pharmacists are well-informed and thorough and the staff is friendly and accommodating](https://www.google.com/search?q=the+apothecary+shoppe+louisiana&oq=the+apo&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59j46i433i512j0i433i512l2j69i61j69i60l2.3128j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x86249f83d522e23f:0x4742825d7bb621cc,1,,,). They **offer a 10% discount for veterans**, and their products include cannabis flower, vapes, and tinctures.\n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/louisiana) provides online certifications for medical marijuana cards via Telehealth appointments. Meet with a licensed practitioner online - it's fast, easy, and private. You only pay if you're approved.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/ee604/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.png","srcSet":"/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/69585/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.png 200w,\n/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/497c6/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.png 400w,\n/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/ee604/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.png 800w,\n/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/f3583/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/58556/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/61e93/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.webp 200w,\n/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/1f5c5/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.webp 400w,\n/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/58556/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.webp 800w,\n/static/489d8dbe605450c859c81bc884f81024/99238/7be3fba55a5aae823d233495bca96f3c.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3912-markdown","title":"The Best Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Illinois","slug":"the-best-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-illinois","content":"Those in the state of Illinois can rejoice as cannabis is now legal for both medical and recreational use. At the start of January, 2020 Illinois became the eleventh state to legalize recreational marijuana. \n\nWith a new set of laws, aspiring legal cannabis users in Illinois are now entering a new world - one where a dispensary pops up on every block and products line the shelves. This can cloud where the best spots are to pick up your marijuana. \n\n\n\n### What is a dispensary?\n\nThe term “dispensary” refers to a [legally operated business that sells cannabis](https://www2.illinois.gov/cannabis/Locations/Pages/default.aspx) to either medically licensed individuals, or adults over the age of 21. Dispensaries come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from small mom-and-pop shops to massive retail stores. \n\nDepending on where you live, dispensaries may offer additional services such as delivery, online ordering, or curbside pickup. Check with local laws for confirmation. \n\n\n\n### What Makes a Good Marijuana Dispensary?\n\nEvery dispensary boasts that they have the best weed. But the best dispensaries don’t focus on high-THC products or pushing high prices on new customers. The best dispensaries have a knowledgeable staff that asks you questions and works with customers to find the perfect weed products for them. \n\nGood dispensaries will also have good websites. They should give a solid overview of their brand and mission, as well as a catalog of product offerings. It should be easy to find their retail front too. \n\n\n\n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois\n\nFor those seeking lower prices, and medical relief from marijuana, make sure to apply for and receive a [medical marijuana card](https://hellomd.com/get-started/illinois/). \n\nThe easiest way to secure your medical marijuana card in Illinois is to [register through HelloMD](https://illinois.hellomd.com/start). It takes less than five minutes and ensures that the process will be quick and easy to obtain your card. \nAll you need to do is create a login, give some basic information and book a consultation!\n\n### Top Cannabis Dispensaries in Illinois\n\nBelow we list our top 5 picks for the best dispensaries in Illinois.\n\n\n\n### Curaleaf\n\nWith 10 locations across Illinois, [Curaleaf](https://curaleaf.com/dispensary/illinois) is always consistent. They are focused on high-quality cannabis cultivation and product creation. Providing customers with a stellar experience on every visit. \n\n\n\n### Beyond/Hello\n\n[Beyond/Hello](https://beyond-hello.com/illinois-dispensaries/sauget/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=sauget) has 4 locations in Illinois that each offer a wide variety of cannabis products - both medically and recreationally. \n\n\n\n### Sunnyside\n\n[Sunnyside](https://www.sunnyside.shop/locations) has dispensaries all around Illinois. Their mission is to shed light on the often confusing world of cannabis. Because they believe that marijuana holds the potential to not only help relieve chronic medical issues, but also be a part of one’s everyday wellness routine. \n\n\n\n### Columbia Care\n\nWith 2 locations in Illinois, [Columbia Care](https://col-care.com/location/chicago/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb-website-chicago&utm_content=website_button) is one of the largest and most experienced multi-state operators in the medical cannabis industry, with licenses in 15 jurisdictions in the US and the EU. Columbia Care is a patient-centered organization setting the standard for compassion, professionalism, quality, caring and innovation, working in collaboration with some of the most renowned and innovative teaching hospitals and medical centers in the world.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/ee604/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.png","srcSet":"/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/69585/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.png 200w,\n/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/497c6/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.png 400w,\n/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/ee604/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.png 800w,\n/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/f3583/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/58556/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/61e93/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.webp 200w,\n/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/1f5c5/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.webp 400w,\n/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/58556/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.webp 800w,\n/static/d0aa94278abf1498c38af2ccb438f78a/99238/2a7e92c5fb132a994ada1c20b682f312.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3865-markdown","title":"The Best Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in New York City","slug":"the-best-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-new-york-city","content":"The cannabis sector is experiencing accelerated growth in both the US and Canada. Between rapid product innovation and changing government regulations, understanding the current environment can be difficult for the average person, whether a patient, recreational consumer, or employed in the industry. \n\nBelow we highlight our pick for the best legal dispensaries in New York City.\n\n\n\n### What is a Dispensary?\n\nThe definition of a dispensary from [Cambridge Dictionary](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dispensary) is \"a place where medicines are prepared and given out\". The term marijuana dispensary typically refers to a legal store where patients can access medical marijuana or cannabis. \n\n\n\nThese establishments can also be called compassion clubs or just retail shops. Depending on where you live, dispensaries can sell cannabis to either medical or recreational consumers of legal age. Cannabis dispensaries can be found online and can have storefronts. Depending on the state you live in, some dispensaries or online retailers will deliver cannabis to your door.\n\n### What Makes a Good Medical Marijuana Dispensary? \n\n\n\nCharacteristics of a good medical marijuana dispensary include:\n\n- A comfortable environment for customers, with high security and discretion\n- Well-trained staff of pharmacists or bud-tenders, who are friendly and approachable\n- A wide variety of high-quality products at competitive prices\n\n### The New York State Medical Marijuana Program\n\n\n\nPatients in New York State have had legal access to medical cannabis [since 2014](https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/marijuana.page). According to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_New_York), the initial legislation awarded five contracts to private marijuana growers who would each be allowed to operate four dispensaries, which is why there are so few storefronts. \n\nWith a [medical or weed card](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york), patients can purchase medical marijuana products from legal dispensaries and can also grow 6 plants at home. Find out [how to get your legal weed card in the State of New York](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-get-your-legal-weed-card-in-the-state-of-new-york). \n\n\n\nIn New York, [Telehealth for medical marijuana certification](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york) is legal. With [HelloMD, you can see a doctor online](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york), discuss your health concerns, and get expert cannabis advice for a nominal fee. Assuming your conditions map to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana certification in the state of New York, you will be approved for a medical marijuana card. It's easy, fast and discreet. \n\nOnce you have your medical card, you can purchase cannabis legally within a New York dispensary. In the state of New York, all dispensaries have at least one pharmacist on-site, so you will always have access to expert cannabis advice.\n\n### Top 5 Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in New York City\n\nBelow we list our top 5 picks for the best medical marijuana dispensaries in New York City.\n\n### Verilife\n\n\n\nFocused on patient care, [Verilife](https://www.verilife.com/ny) dispensaries offer a great selection of products, a rewards program and a price match guarantee. With 4 stores across the state, including a location in The Bronx, NY.\n\n### Etain Health\n\n\n\nFamily-owned and operated [Etain Health](https://etainhealth.com) has a wide variety of product formats for patients with 4 locations in the state of New York, including one in the heart of Manhattan.\n\n### The Botanist\n\n\n\n[The Botanist](https://www.shopbotanist.com) has an elegant and sophisticated-looking website, a strong but basic product offering and has 4 shops open in New York, with one located in Queens, NY.\n\n### MedMen\n\n\n\nA retailer that has a strong brand following, [MedMen](https://www.medmen.com), also offers a consumer rewards program. With 4 storefront open in New York State currently, featuring their shop on Fifth Avenue (Bryant Park), NY.\n\n### The Sunnyside\n\n\n\nThe [Sunnyside](https://www.sunnyside.shop) website focuses on cannabis education, features a huge selection of medical marijuana products and has 4 dispensaries open in New York State, including the location in Brooklyn, NY.\n\nAs recently as 2021, New York State legalized recreational cannabis use for adult consumers. However, [some municipalities](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisroberts/2021/12/30/new-york-is-already-doing-marijuana-legalization-wrong/?sh=2b992a73f9f8) will likely of this legislation. No licenses for recreational-use cannabis stores have been given out yet and aren’t expected to be anytime soon, as the city discusses in [their latest article](https://www.thecity.nyc/2021/12/21/22848537/waiting-to-inhale-legal-weed-shops-may-not-hit-nyc-in-2022) on the subject. \n\n\n\nAny storefront selling cannabis with [no medical card required](https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-nyc-recreational-cannabis-club-photos-2021-10) is illegal at this time.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n\n\n ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/14b42/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/f836f/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 200w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/2244e/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 400w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/14b42/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 800w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/47498/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/0e329/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 1600w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/3715c/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 4164w","srcWebp":"/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/58556/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/61e93/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 200w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/1f5c5/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 400w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/58556/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 800w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/99238/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 1200w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/7c22d/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 1600w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/96651/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 4164w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3750-markdown","title":"Illinois Weed Map — Your Guide To Getting Safe & Legal Weed","slug":"illinois-weed-map-your-guide-to-getting-safe-and-legal-weed","content":"### Weed is Legal in Illinois\nWhether you are a recreational user of weed in Illinois or a medical marijuana user, the Prairie State has your back — at least mostly. While you can still break the law for possession or not following the rules, you can get legal, quality-controlled safe weed from authorized dispensaries.\n\nAfter allowing medical marijuana sales for more than five years, [Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis](https://www.covasoftware.com/us-dispensary-licensing-laws/illinois) on June 25, 2019. And it was the first state to do so through legislation rather than a ballot initiative. Under the state’s [Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act](https://ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/10100HB1438sam002.htm), recreational cannabis sales to adults aged 21 and older officially began on January 1, 2020.\n\nThe new law initially allowed 55 medical marijuana dispensaries, legal in the state since 2014, to apply for adult-use retail licenses, which would permit them to sell recreational cannabis from their medical dispensary locations.\n\nTo buy safe and legal weed in Illinois, here’s what you need to know.\n\n### History of Legal Weed Sales in Illinois\n\n\n\nAfter outlawing recreational cannabis use in 1939, the state took the first step towards the legal acceptance with the Cannabis Control Act of 1978. While technically legalizing medical cannabis use no official regulations were ever put in place.\n\nIn 2013, Illinois passed its first medical cannabis law with teeth when Gov. Pat Quinn signed the [Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act](http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3503&ChapterID=35), legalizing the cultivation, sale, and use of medical marijuana in the state. Dispensaries started making their first sales to qualified patients in November 2015. \n\nWhen recreational weed was officially legalized in 2020, the landmark laws also triggered the expungement of hundreds of thousands of records of cannabis possession under 30 grams prior to legalization.\n\n### Who Can Buy Weed in Illinois Now?\n\nIf you're 21 or older and a legal resident of Illinois, [you can buy](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-are-the-weed-dispensary-rules-for-illinois) recreational cannabis from any of the adult-use dispensaries. You are allowed to buy up to 30 grams of weed (about half the amount a medical patient may purchase), five grams of concentrate, and edibles with up to 500 mg of THC. An Illinois visitor may possess up to half these amounts.\n\nIf you don’t want to or can’t go into a dispensary, many have online ordering and curbside pickup, so you don't have to wait in long lines. Check dispensary websites for regulations and policies. If you go to a dispensary, remember to bring your ID to prove you are 21 or older, and also bring cash, because credit cards are not currently accepted. \n\nAs far as medical cannabis in Illinois, registered patients and caregivers may purchase up to 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of usable cannabis per 14-day period from an authorized dispensary. At one time you had to specify which dispensary you buy from, to prevent people from going to different dispensaries and buying more weed than legally allowed, but now you can buy from any legal dispensary.\n\nTo be eligible to buy legal medical cannabis, you need to a licensed medical professional to certify you have a [debilitating condition](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/debilitating-conditions). You can book your appointment with a licensed pro in person or through an online platform, such as [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/). If you are under 18, you will need a caregiver to sign up with you in order to gbuy the medical cannabis for you. Adults can also assign a caregiver to purchase legal cannabis products for them. \n\nThe Illinois Department of Public Health oversees the state's [Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program](https://medicalcannabispatients.illinois.gov/). Prospective patients can apply online or print an application and mail it. \n\n### Other Relevant Cannabis Rules in Illinois\n\nYou are [allowed to smoke weed](https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/cannabis-or-marijuana-laws-and-penalties-basics) in your home, if you own it. If you rent, you need to ask for your landlord’s OK.\n\nYou can also smoke in tobacco retailers and weed dispensaries that permit it. You cannot smoke in bars or restaurants, as well as:\n\n- Public places \n- Motor vehicles\n- Near anyone under the age of 21\n- On school grounds\n- Anyplace where smoking is prohibited\n\nYou can keep weed in your car as long as it is in a secured, sealed container and not accessible to you while the car is moving. You shouldn’t cross state lines with weed in your car.\n\n### Where Can I Buy Weed in Illinois?\n\nYou cannot buy from an individual in Illinois, only from a [state-approved dispensary](https://news.wttw.com/marijuana-map). Some may sell both medical and recreational weed, while others may just focus on one.\n\nBuying from an authorized dispensary gives users a certain level of protection and peace of mind. All cannabis and cannabis-infused products are tested in a state-approved lab for cannabinoid profiles, pesticides, microbiological contaminants, mycotoxins, and residual solvents.\n\nHere are some of the dispensaries worth checking out:\n\n### Verilife\n\n\n\n[Verilife](https://www.verilife.com/) does both medical marijuana and recreational sales through its dispensaries in Arlington Heights, Galena, North Aurora, Ottawa, Chicago (River North), Romeoville, Rosemont, and Schaumburg. It has a good selection of on-trend brands and products, and provides fast, free delivery.\n\n### Mission Dispensary\nCovering the southside of Chicago and south of the city in Calumet City, [Mission Dispensary](https://missiondispensaries.com/) has two Illinois outlets covering both sides of the medical/recreation street with good service, selection and discounts.\n\n### Herbal Remedies\nThe Veteran- and women-owned [Herbal Remedies](https://herbalremediesil.com/) offers both medical and adult use dispensaries in Quincy. Its knowledgeable staff has first-hand experience in consulting with patients and knowledge in many different strains of cannabis and the different methods of consuming. \n\n### Trinity Compassionate Care Centers\nServing Peoria’s cannabis community, [Trinity Compassionate Care Centers](https://www.trinitymmj.com/) have one rec/med dispensary and another rec-only option. The dispensaries offer premium quality cannabis products with a “concierge-level of service.” \n\n### Get Your Medical Card in Illinois\n\nSince 2015 HelloMD has helped more than 100,000 patients connect with a practitioner and get the sound advice they need from the comfort and privacy of their homes.\n\nWe can help you get your [Illinois medical cannabis certifications](https://illinois.hellomd.com/start) online for only $129, saving up to 30% in taxes. It’s as simple as 1-2-3: Register online. Schedule a time to meet with a practitioner through your computer or smartphone. And get advice and certification from the practitioner.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/14b42/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/f836f/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.jpg 200w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/2244e/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.jpg 400w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/14b42/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.jpg 800w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/47498/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/0e329/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.jpg 1600w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/93e4c/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.jpg 7040w","srcWebp":"/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/58556/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/61e93/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.webp 200w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/1f5c5/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.webp 400w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/58556/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.webp 800w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/99238/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.webp 1200w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/7c22d/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.webp 1600w,\n/static/128db29bd8d8cdaa24333aaf7fca5f78/5b211/1fba92d6f06edc8dd58548b903b20fe7.webp 7040w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3740-markdown","title":"Pennsylvania Weed Map - Guide To Getting Safe & Legal Weed","slug":"pennsylvania-weed-map-guide-to-getting-safe-and-legal-weed","content":"### Getting Legal Weed in Pennsylvania\n\nWhile Pennsylvania legislation passing Adult-Use cannabis is a [complicated prospect](https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/02/25/marijuana-has-been-legalized-many-states-why-pa-hasnt-joined-them/4513018001/) and most likely years off in the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is embracing medical cannabis wholeheartedly. Well, almost. Marijuana edibles in Pennsylvania, (in case you’re late to the party), are NOT on the menu. \n\nUnderstandable. Billowing out of Colorado, (the Wild West for recreational legalization in the U.S. in 2014) were [tales of trouble](https://www.wsj.com/articles/colorado-grapples-with-risks-from-edible-marijuana-1399675707) involving mindless consumption of legal, powerful, weed-food, almost as soon as it became available to the stoked, if inexperienced, Centennial State. For most of the other 49 states, Colorado’s legalization became a cautionary tale for [how NOT to do legalized marijuana](https://www.wsj.com/articles/colorado-grapples-with-risks-from-edible-marijuana-1399675707). Meanwhile the rest of the country pondered the question: How much weed is too much weed?\n\n### An Edible Weed Disaster\nHeck, even though she [caught crap](https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/mbvd/twitter-reacts-hilariously-to-new-york-times-maureen-dowd) from razzing stoners, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd and her [personal weed horror story](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/04/opinion/dowd-dont-harsh-our-mellow-dude.html) can be credited — at least in part — with highlighting the need for (cannabis dosing guidelines)[https://hellomd.com/articles/dosing-cannabis-edibles-safely]. \n\nDispensaries and across the country started adopting [dosing charts](https://leafly-cms-production.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/21142924/DosageChart-v2-FB-1200x628%401x.jpg) and catchphrases. \n\nIn response to Dowd’s experience (and finger-pointing), Colorado wagged back and launched its [Consume Responsibly](https://www.cnn.com/2014/09/17/us/colorado-marijuana-edibles-billboard-maureen-dowd/index.html) “Start Low and Go Slow” campaign, with billboards paying homage to Dowd’s terrifying trip. (Lesson One: Don’t mix edibles with alcohol. And especially not Chardonnay. *Shudder.)\n\n### Pharmacists at Dispensaries in Pennsylvania\n\nBut we’re an older and wiser cannabis culture now, aren’t we? And Pennsylvania’s one of a handful of enviable states that require pharmacists onsite at dispensaries to educate staff and patients, and help guide new users in their choices. \n\nIf ever there was a perfect setup to safely launch marijuana edibles, Pennsylvania’s got it going on. Meanwhile, so long as Pennsylvania remains restrictive in its weed legalization and sticks to its guns with its no-edible policy, it will support, as prohibition always does, the [continued acceleration of the traditional market](https://www.abc27.com/news/local/lebanon/pa-state-police-seize-500000-worth-of-thc-edibles-during-traffic-stop-in-lebanon/). \n\nBesides, there’s a certain rite-of-passage/live-and-learn aspect to educating oneself on how to properly dose edibles. You overmedicate. You live through it (which you always do, cannabis in itself is NOT lethal, though it can be quite uncomfortable), and you learn. Boy do you learn. You learn fast. \n\n### Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania\n\nMeanwhile, you can get just about anything else as a medical cannabis patient in Pennsylvania. You can meet virtually with a Licensed Professional through [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/), or in person with a [Medical Marijuana-Approved Practitioners](https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Programs/Medical%20Marijuana/DOH%20Approved%20Practitioners.pdf) and sign up for [Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-get-a-pennsylvania-weed-card/).\n\n### Our List of Pennsylvania Dispensaries\n\nDispensaries are open all over the state, with pharmacists on staff to guide you. Be sure to call ahead and see if you need an appointment. Here are just a few of your choices:\n\n[Keystone Shops](https://keystoneshops.com/) are open in Devon, Philadelphia, King of Prussia.\n\nWestern PA’s [Rise Dispensary](https://risecannabis.com/dispensaries/pennsylvania/monroeville/) has a great blog on their website. They’re in Monroeville. \n\n[Verilife](https://www.verilife.com/pa) has four dispensaries in Chester, Philly, Williamsport and Shamokin, with several more opening soon.\n\n[Beyond / Hello](https://beyond-hello.com/pennsylvania-dispensaries/bethlehem/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=bethlehem) has over a dozen locations and a rewards program with points that can be accumulated and used at any location.\n\n[Columbia Care](https://col-care.com/) has Allentown, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton locations.\n\n[Cure Pennsylvania](https://curepenn.com/) dispensaries are in Philadelphia, Lancaster and Phoenixville. Check out their [educational podcast](https://curepenn.com/podcast/), too, hosted by patient consultant/assistant manager Noah.\n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/ee604/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png","srcSet":"/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/69585/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 200w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/497c6/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 400w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/ee604/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 800w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/f3583/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 1200w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/5707d/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 1600w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/d7e9e/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 2784w","srcWebp":"/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/58556/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/61e93/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 200w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/1f5c5/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 400w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/58556/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 800w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/99238/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 1200w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/7c22d/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 1600w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/d40b7/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 2784w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2748-markdown","title":"Talking Equity in Cannabis With Christine De La Rosa","slug":"talking-equity-in-cannabis-with-christine-de-la-rosa","content":"Cannabis reform and legalization has been—and continues to be—a hard-fought battle. No one knows this better than the people who have unjustly had to bear the brunt of the drug war, namely people of color. Most of us in the cannabis space are aware that people of color have been unfairly targeted for prosecution on cannabis charges. Many of us have repeated this as a reason to support legalization, to end these arrests and create legal opportunities for all. \n\nBut as more states allow cannabis businesses to operate legally, and opportunities to enter into this new legal space seem plentiful, we need to ask whether the current system is actually helping to repair the damage. Is the legal marijuana industry offering opportunities to marginalized groups like people of color, women and LQBTQ folk? Or is this system just offering another avenue for the already rich to get richer?\n\nIn the chorus of triumphant cannabis business owners, finding themselves on the other side of the fight to pass cannabis laws, get licenses and become legitimized, is [Christine De La Rosa, \nprincipal and executive officer of The People’s Dispensary](https://pitchengine.com/peoplesdispensary) in Oakland, CA. She’s one of a small handful asking what her company can do to help bring more equity to the cannabis space. \n\nWe sat down with Christine to hear her views on cannabis, equity and what we can do to help keep this conversation and movement go forward. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What first brought you into the cannabis space? \n\n**Christine De La Rosa:** On Thanksgiving Day in 2010, I almost died. I had a double pulmonary embolism in my lungs. I'd been sick for about three years prior to that, but nobody could diagnose me. And so, when this event happened, they diagnosed me with acute system lupus.\n\nThey put me on a lot of medications including steroids, opioids, other medications that really didn't do anything for lupus, but they were trying everything. In 2012, I almost died again. My heart was filled up with a lot of fluid, and it was crushing my heart.\n\nAt that point, they put me on five different opioids. I was on: Oxycontin, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, fentanyl patches, tramadol, Lyrica and gabapentin. I was on about 11 different medications. And then when those didn't really seem to be working, they kept me on them, but then they added a monthly infusion that was called a Benlysta. It was about $14,000 for one treatment a month.\n\nThen one day, I realized I was taking 11 pills a day, and I was like, \"Wow, I'm 45. I'm taking 11 pills for the illness that I have. None of them seem to work really well. If I get to live to 65, what will my pill bottle look like?\"\n\nI made a decision at that point that I was going to try to find holistic methods and started doing a lot of research. I just sat there looking at stuff. And I kept coming across cannabis and CBD (cannabidiol). \n\nSo, I started taking massive amounts of CBD every day, and by the seventh day I woke up for the first time without any pain. I jumped out of bed, and I started walking immediately. I didn't have to stop and check my feet and make sure. I started crying, because I was thinking, \"Wow, I could have been like this for seven years prior, when they diagnosed me.\" So, I just started using CBD, and I started to decrease the 11 pills until I was on no pills. \n\nRELATED: [WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT CANNABIDIOL, OR CBD?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8dafa0f24d1300077ccb59/whats-so-great-about-cannabidiol-or-cbd)\n\n### What’s the mission of The People’s Dispensary? \n\n**CD:** The mission of the People's Dispensary has always been to embody, embrace and encourage equity in cannabis. It doesn't seem brand new because everybody right now is talking about equity and cannabis. Every city is talking about equity in cannabis. Every newspaper, every major cannabis magazine is talking about equity in cannabis. Except actually what they're talking about is entrepreneurship in cannabis and not equity. \n\nEquity means that I, as an owner of a business or an investor in a business, was able to do what anybody else is able to do to get equity. So that means I should be able to invest in a cannabis company. I should be able to get funding for cannabis companies. That's what equity actually means. \n\nI think Oakland did a great job in starting the conversation, and they did the best they could. But they don't have equity here. They give out all of these equity licenses to whoever bought one. But I can tell you half of those people aren’t running cannabis businesses because they didn't have the funding, or they got funding, but were screwed over by their incubator. \n\nGiving somebody a license, it's actually not equity, it's entrepreneurship. Equity means that you should have equity from the cannabis market. \n\n### How are you working to improve equity in the cannabis space? \n\n**CD:** We have a three-tiered equity program for The People’s Dispensary. \n\nFirst, we allow non-accredited investors to invest in our company. Right now, the cannabis industry is incredibly white and male. But the reason is because they're accredited investors.\n\nTo be an accredited investor, you have to have made $200,000 two years prior to your investment, the year of your investment, and have a reasonable expectation that you're going to do so the year after your investment. Or you can have $1 million in liquid cash that doesn't include your primary residence. These are the people who are allowed to invest into companies. \n\nWell, when we were putting up our raise together, I realized there was going to be nobody in my family or the other founders’ family or people in our community that would qualify as an accredited investor. How do we bring generational wealth to communities of color, women and the formerly incarcerated in ways in which they don't have to try to get a license, try to find some funding, quit their day job and hope that their company is successful in five years? \n\nSo, we figured out how can we get non-accredited investments, where people can invest as little as $1,000 or up to $50,000. We just finished our first non-accredited raise for Oakland, and we have 71 small investors, and they raised almost half a million dollars.\n\nWe want people to be able to invest and go about their day, continue with their jobs or whatever they're doing and then in three years hopefully it will be as successful as we predicted. And we'll be able to pay them out, so they can create generational wealth for their families.\n\n### Wow. That’s a powerful plan. You said it was just one part? What are some of the other ways you’re working towards equity? \n\n**CD:** The second tier of the equity program gives back to employees. In Oakland, it's really hard to find housing that's affordable. So, we decided that part of the benefit packages for our employees is that they will receive a housing stipend. That way we can have people live in the community in which they work. \n\nBut we're also opening up in Fresno, which doesn’t have a housing problem. Their problem is different. They can't get down payments for a home. So, we would do something that helped with that. So, each community that we're building in has a different housing need. And so, the housing plan for the employees would match the community.\n\nThe third tier is giving back to the community. A lot of the applications that we've seen in the city of Oakland ask, \"How are you going to beautify Oakland?\" I think that that's a really great thing, but my feeling is that in a $44 billion industry, we should do more than plant flowers.\n\nSo, we created a rapid response impact fund and every one of our accredited investors, so anybody that's invested $50,000 or more has to invest 10–20% into the impact fund of the community where the dispensary sits. And the dispensary will match those funds. \n\nEvery city can decide how to use this fund differently. So, for instance, here in Oakland, we picked a board of people that’s working on three of the biggest problems we've seen in Oakland:\n\n* The sex trafficking of young girls\n* LGBTQ homelessness\n* Homelessness in general \n\nBut in Fresno they have a lot of gang violence. So, their impact fund is going to focus on gang violence.\n\nIt’s going to be a blended fund, so that we can do both grants for people who need it for things like buying blankets for the homeless when the temperature drops too low. But also to have people that have an equity license to come and get a loan from the impact fund of that community. So, we can help in creating their businesses. \n\n### That’s wonderful. Do you have any examples of businesses that you’re helping through this fund that you can tell us about? \n\n**CD:** We had a group of three young former gang members. They came to me and said, \"We're in Fresno. We’re builders, and we want to rebuild grow houses. But we've been doing it illegally, and now we want to be legit.\"\n\nAnd so, we gave them a thousand dollars to file the articles of incorporation, get their business license, set up taxes and get a couple of tools they're going to need. And they've already gotten three jobs. \n\nThe thing in the cannabis discussion that we really have to think about is what are we doing in the market to make sure that we're supporting people who have equity licenses that are supporting generational wealth and giving back to communities that had been historically criminalized for cannabis. What are we doing about that? \n\n### Do you have any advice for other companies in the cannabis space that are also hoping to improve the situation on equity? \n\n**CD:** Yes. Forty-four billion dollars. Put your money where your mouth is. That's really the thing. Eighty cents on every dollar spent in cannabis was taken home by the dispensary. I always feel like as a dispensary it's on us. How can we get even $1 billion of that $44 billion into impact funds or some type of funds that directly impact your community in cash money? I think that's important. \n\nPhoto credit (left to right): [Daniel Clanon](https://www.flickr.com/people/divrdan2/) & [The People’s Dispensary](https://www.instagram.com/mytpd/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/d981f5124828bc20fd23bb929184e188/b49f9/b22add42f8b341818b4fd725e64b47be.png","srcSet":"/static/d981f5124828bc20fd23bb929184e188/69585/b22add42f8b341818b4fd725e64b47be.png 200w,\n/static/d981f5124828bc20fd23bb929184e188/497c6/b22add42f8b341818b4fd725e64b47be.png 400w,\n/static/d981f5124828bc20fd23bb929184e188/b49f9/b22add42f8b341818b4fd725e64b47be.png 619w","srcWebp":"/static/d981f5124828bc20fd23bb929184e188/6f1eb/b22add42f8b341818b4fd725e64b47be.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d981f5124828bc20fd23bb929184e188/61e93/b22add42f8b341818b4fd725e64b47be.webp 200w,\n/static/d981f5124828bc20fd23bb929184e188/1f5c5/b22add42f8b341818b4fd725e64b47be.webp 400w,\n/static/d981f5124828bc20fd23bb929184e188/6f1eb/b22add42f8b341818b4fd725e64b47be.webp 619w","sizes":"(max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2282-markdown","title":"What to Expect out of New York’s Medical Marijuana Program","slug":"what-to-expect-out-of-new-yorks-medical-marijuana-program","content":"Despite the wealth of information on the [New York Department of Health’s (DOH) website](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/patients/), folks unfamiliar with the state’s medical marijuana program may still be left wondering what the actual experience of becoming medical marijuana patient is like. We spoke to one of the state’s Registered Organizations (ROs) to learn more about what people can expect during the patient onboarding process.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Learning about the Program\n\nResidents can call their local RO, even if they aren’t certified as patients yet, to get answers to questions about the medical marijuana program. “I get at least a dozen calls a day”, says Warren McReddie, PharmaCannis physician patient outreach specialist for New York. “People ask, ‘How do I go about getting a card, how do I register, how does this all work, it’s new to me?’ so I go over the process.”\n\nThis initial conversation is an opportunity for specialists like Warren to educate people about how simple the patient certification process is. “Usually I first ask if they’ve talk to their physician and how they feel about being registered,” Warren says. “Then I tell them to go on the website and view the step-by-step video.” \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI0fhJS2Ft8`\n\nWarren informs callers that a video chat with HelloMD will put the patient in touch with a certified physician who determines whether the patient has a qualifying condition. “Once they qualify,” he says, “they’ll have the process of getting through the New York Department of Health.” Patients who qualify are issued a certification number and recommendation prescription by HelloMD, kicking off the next step of visiting the DOH website to submit their certification information.\n\n“Once you complete the process, it’s about two weeks until you get a card,” adds Warren. “Then once you get a card, it allows you to come into our dispensaries and purchase the products recommended by the HelloMD doctor.”\n\nAnna Poulin, manager of physician and patient outreach with PharmaCannis, emphasizes that the RO will keep supporting patients along the way, sending email updates to remind you of where you are in the process. “When a patient finishes their phone call and their Skype with HelloMD, we send an email telling them that they’re not done and the next step is to go onto New York DOH online to put in their information,” Anna explains.\n\n“The second email is educational and talks about the dispensary experience,” she adds. “Then as it gets closer to them getting a card, we remind them to make an appointment once they get their card.”\n\n### Consultation & the First Visit to the Dispensary\n\n\n\nOnce a patient’s certified, it’s time to receive a consultation with a patient care representative—a process that’s the same whether conducted in person or over the phone, as Nelson Cuevas, PharmaCannis general manager and head pharmacist explains. \n\n“We do a full patient assessment and intake; we get their medical history. I can access their certification securely and then I review that with them and we go over dosing. At that point, I answer any questions that they may have.” \n\nPatients are encouraged to reach out if they have additional questions after their consultation ends. “We offer them the ability to call us any time with any questions,” says Nelson. “Our patient care representatives are fully trained; they answer most of the questions, and if they can’t, they’re referred back to me and I take care of it.”\n\nThis time with a patient care representative is more than about providing information; it also reassures patients who feel anxious about the unknown. “I’ve had several patients that are intimidated,” says Nelson, “but then we sit down, and we discuss the whole process with them, how safe it is, and we share some success stories which eases their anxiety.”\n\n### After You Leave the Dispensary\n\nDuring their consultation, patients are shown the different forms of administration and learn about dosing. From there, they can purchase their medication. And the support continues long after they’ve gone home and started taking their medicine.\n\n“Once they get their medication, we do follow up calls normally about three days after their initial visit just to make sure that everything is OK,” says Nelson. This is an opportunity for patients to comfortably address questions or concerns.\n\n“We do a second follow-up call about 10 days after that to see if they’re happy with their medication, if they want to come back in, if they need a consultation, and if they want to set up some type of delivery or pre-order.”\n\nPatients new to medical marijuana can rest assured that New York’s program is ready to serve them as quickly and efficiently as possible, and that ROs like PharmaCannis are there to help every step of the way.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/3d7ec/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/f836f/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.jpg 200w,\n/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/2244e/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.jpg 400w,\n/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/3d7ec/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.jpg 693w","srcWebp":"/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/81cc1/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/61e93/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.webp 200w,\n/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/1f5c5/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.webp 400w,\n/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/81cc1/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.webp 693w","sizes":"(max-width: 693px) 100vw, 693px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2368-markdown","title":"Choosing a Cannabis Dispensary or Delivery Service","slug":"choosing-a-cannabis-dispensary-or-delivery-service","content":"So, now that we’ve shown you [how to find cannabis products in your area](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59dfb55474a3a62d1a46cf58/finding-marijuana-products-near-you), you’ve hopefully pulled together a list of dispensaries and delivery services you want to try. Depending on where you live, you might have a lot of options—or very few—to choose from. Whatever the case may be, your next step is to decide which dispensaries to visit. \n\nSelecting a favorite cannabis shop is a very personal matter, and there’s no “best dispensary” that fits everyone. It’s all about finding a place that matches your needs and desires. In this article, part of a series geared towards folks new to cannabis, we’ll walk you through some factors to consider on the hunt for your ideal dispensary. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Medical vs. Recreational Dispensaries\n\nIn some states, there’s a clear distinction between medical and recreational dispensaries. To use a medical dispensary, you’ve got to have a recommendation. The potential benefits of going the medical route is that you may find products more tailored to the health and wellness-focused patient—or even higher-quality products—in medical dispensaries. In some areas, medical patients are also able to obtain a larger amount of cannabis than recreational users can. \n\nIf you live in a state that doesn’t distinguish between these two types of shops, you may still notice that some dispensaries have a more recreational feel in terms of the marketing and product types they carry, while others are clearly designed to appeal to folks interested in improving their health and well-being, with a focus on the medical benefits of cannabis. These dispensaries often have more medicinally marketed product and more information about the potency of the different cannabinoids in their products. \n\n### Finding a Helpful, Experienced Budtender\n\nA knowledgeable budtender, or cannabis consultant, can make a big difference to any cannabis shopping experience. This is especially true for newcomers who often need more advice about how a particular product works and what’s best for their needs. A helpful and knowledgeable staff member is a huge plus to any dispensary or delivery service. If you’re new to cannabis, it’s definitely worth your while to try to find a dispensary that employs experienced, friendly budtenders. \n\nRELATED: [FINDING A GOOD BUDTENDER](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/576dbf00b53375000700004d/finding-a-good-bud-tender)\n\n### A Dispensary’s Culture & Atmosphere \n\nCannabis dispensaries can vary quite a bit. One thing to consider when choosing a dispensary is what kind of culture and atmosphere makes you feel most at home. There are tiny mom-and-pop stores where the owners introduce themselves and answer your questions. Then you’ve got your high-end cannabis boutiques that feel like a luxury jewelry store or swanky speakeasy. Some dispensaries are decorated with graffiti, rap and hip-hop music playing as you browse for products. And others ooze a new-age vibe, offering alternative healing workshops and all-organic products. Think about what type of environment makes you feel most comfortable.\n\n### Variety of Marijuana Options\n\nAnother factor to consider is the variety of marijuana options available. Some dispensaries have small menus with carefully selected items. Others have huge menus with tons of variety. When picking a dispensary, consider what kind of a selection it has and whether the menu has items you’re interested in.\n\nYou may not need a lot of variety if the shop has exactly what you’re looking for; and you may not want a lot of variety if you’re already feeling overwhelmed with what’s available. On the other hand, if you’re having a hard time finding products that work well for you, you might want to look for a shop with a lot of options to increase your likelihood of finding something that helps your particular condition or issue. \n\n### Consistency of Cannabis Options\n\nYou may also want to consider the consistency of the menu items at a given dispensary. My favorite dispensary has an incredibly large menu, but what’s more important for me is the consistency in the selections on offer every time I visit. When I find a strain that works well for me, I know I can go back and get more of it later. \n\nOn the other hand, some folks prefer a menu that’s constantly changing to bring in new flavors and options. If you prefer to continually sample new options, a dispensary that has a regularly shifting menu is actually a better choice for you. \n\n### Cannabis Testing Policies \n\nIt’s also important to review the testing policies at your dispensary. Some states—though not all—require that products are tested for mold, pesticides and heavy metals before being sold to the public. In California, for example, mandatory testing wasn’t put into place, leaving dispensaries to decide for themselves what they wanted to test. While this is about to change with [California’s new regulatory structure](http://www.bmcr.ca.gov/laws_regs/mcrsa_lab_isor.pdf), it’s still the case that many dispensaries offer cannabis directly to the public without having their products tested. Look for dispensaries that have test results for their products available for patients to see. \n\n### Marijuana Dispensary Prices & Deals \n\nPrice is always a big factor to consider, as dispensaries can cover a range of pricing and available deals. Many look for dispensaries with low prices, regular discounts or price breaks for buying larger quantities. It’s great to find an amazing deal on high-quality products, but as with most consumables, price and quality can travel together.\n\nIf you want cannabis produced with high safety standards, tested for contaminants or sold in a high-end environment by knowledgeable budtenders, you’ll probably find yourself paying more to cover those costs. You always have to balance cost with your other preferences, but if you can find a high-quality dispensary with lower-than-usual prices, it’s the place to shop. \n\n### Extra Membership Benefits at Dispensaries \n\nSome dispensaries offer additional benefits to membership. I’ve been to cannabis shops that provide a variety of free services to their patients including:\n\n* massage \n* acupuncture \n* yoga\n* sound healing\n* support groups\n* wellness consultations
\n\nNot all dispensaries have these free benefits, but they’re great perks when you find them.
\n\n### Finding Your Best Dispensary Options \n\nWhen choosing a dispensary or delivery service to frequent, you’ll want to mull over a number of different factors. Everyone’s different, so this is more about finding what works for you than finding the best dispensary around. I should also mention that some folks prefer buying cannabis online, and there are a number of places where you can do that, including on [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/products). \n\nBy focusing on these main variables, and matching them against your preferences, you should be able hone in on the best option for your needs. \n\nStay tuned for the next installment of our Cannabis for Newbies series, where we’ll go over ways to make sure you’re selecting safe cannabis. Need a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's 100% online, private and easy.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/57e06f16bdc63dab642990c286acc4eb/2d760/d415459c114ebf8ec8696fe57c96a06a.png","srcSet":"/static/57e06f16bdc63dab642990c286acc4eb/69585/d415459c114ebf8ec8696fe57c96a06a.png 200w,\n/static/57e06f16bdc63dab642990c286acc4eb/497c6/d415459c114ebf8ec8696fe57c96a06a.png 400w,\n/static/57e06f16bdc63dab642990c286acc4eb/2d760/d415459c114ebf8ec8696fe57c96a06a.png 602w","srcWebp":"/static/57e06f16bdc63dab642990c286acc4eb/6eddc/d415459c114ebf8ec8696fe57c96a06a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/57e06f16bdc63dab642990c286acc4eb/61e93/d415459c114ebf8ec8696fe57c96a06a.webp 200w,\n/static/57e06f16bdc63dab642990c286acc4eb/1f5c5/d415459c114ebf8ec8696fe57c96a06a.webp 400w,\n/static/57e06f16bdc63dab642990c286acc4eb/6eddc/d415459c114ebf8ec8696fe57c96a06a.webp 602w","sizes":"(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2331-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Goes from Seed to Final Sale in New York","slug":"how-cannabis-goes-from-seed-to-final-sale-in-new-york","content":"Ever wonder what it takes to get cannabis from a tiny seed to the products that make their way to your local New York dispensary? We spoke to Mike Richards, [PharmaCannis](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-albany/about) wholesale manager, to find out what that journey entails as well as how patients benefit from a program that’s vertically integrated—meaning participating organizations handle the entire process of cultivating, processing and distributing the cannabis that goes to patients in New York.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### A Long Journey for Cannabis in New York\r\n\r\n“Everything starts as a seed, which is planted and cultivated the way that marijuana is usually cultivated and grown,” Mike says. In legal markets such as California, the harvested plant can then make its way to patients as dried flower. In the New York market however, this is only the first step. “We don’t have dried flower here,” he explains, “so everything goes through the extraction process.”\r\n\r\nExtraction isolates the medicinal aspects from the plant. “We do a CO2 supercritical extraction where we remove the cannabinoids,” Mike says, “and then we take that through refining processes to take out the fats, lipids—a lot of the parts of the medicine that don’t really give you medicinal benefit.” The result is pristine concentrated oil, which can then be used in various methods of ingestion.\r\n\r\n“In New York we have vaporizers, so patients are able to vaporize their medication. We have tinctures so that they can take it sublingually, and then we have capsules,” Mike adds. “[Marijuana] gets turned into any of these various forms of administration and products for patients to utilize the cannabinoids as medicine.” \r\n\r\nIt can take eight to 12 months for cannabis to go from a tiny seed to medicine on a dispensary shelf.\r\n\r\n### What’s the Deal with Vertical Integration?\r\n\r\nSome markets allow dispensaries to carry products from different suppliers, using cannabis grown by multiple cultivators and processed separately by individual manufacturers. Mike cites Illinois’ legal market as an example: “Out there, you have 60 dispensary licenses, you have 20 cultivation licenses, and there are people that are dispensing that aren’t processing or cultivating.”\r\n\r\nThe same is true for California—where products from different suppliers can populate the shelves of dispensaries statewide. Not so in New York, which requires that registered organizations (ROs) be vertically integrated.\r\n\r\n“Vertical integration is where a company or organization is able to not only cultivate and process medication,” Mike explains, “but also get it into patients’ hands through a dispensary. So everybody has a cultivation operation, everybody does processing, and everybody’s able to dispense the medication through their own means to patients.”\r\n\r\n### Keeping the Patient in Mind through the Entire Process\r\n\r\nWith a vertically integrated program, ROs are responsible for every step of the seed-to-sale process, making it easier for them to react to the needs of their patients. “The cultivators, the growers, the people that are actually making the medication are in better touch with the patients,” says Mike.\r\n\r\n“When you have somebody that’s not vertically integrated and they’re just dispensing medication, yes, they get the feedback from the patients,” he explains, “but they don’t have that backend cultivation or processing team to relay that information so that processing or cultivation methods can be geared towards the subjective feedback that patients have about the efficacy of the medication.”\r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW TO GET YOUR MEDICAL MERIJUANA CARD IN NEW YORK STATE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/how-to-get-your-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york-state)\r\n\r\nMike’s perspective is informed even further by his personal experience as a medical cannabis patient. “I got into the industry three years ago after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and if it wasn’t for cannabis I wouldn’t be managing my Crohn’s as successfully as I am nowadays,” he reveals. “It’s an important perspective to really keep the patient in mind from the cultivation end of things, and people that aren’t vertically integrated don’t really have that backend network to help support the things they are hearing from patients.”\r\n\r\nPatients also reap the benefits of competition in a vertically integrated program, gaining access to a variety of products offered by multiple ROs as opposed to encountering the same items at multiple dispensaries. “It leads to a more robust market because everybody is producing, everybody is processing,” Mike says. “There are going to be more options for patients, more diversity of products and medication for patients.”\r\n\r\nPatients can also expect to feel the impact of this competition in their wallets. “It’s actually going to lower cost for patients which, in my opinion, is a good thing.” \r\n\r\n### Taking Marijuana to the Next Level \r\n\r\nIf there’s one downside to vertical integration, it’s that ROs don’t have the ability to focus on a single aspect of the seed-to-sale process. “It removes some of the specialization that sometimes you have (with non-vertically integrated markets) because everybody is focused on doing everything,” Mike explains. “When somebody is just focused on cultivation or on processing, by having that specialization, they can do things a little bit differently because they aren’t doing so many things at once.”\r\n\r\nThat said, New York’s recent expansion of the market to bring on five additional ROs—bringing the total to 10—and launch a wholesale program in January paves the way towards a more streamlined program that serves patients by fostering cooperation between organizations. “We have the opportunity to have conversations so that we can collaborate and decide that even though we’re vertically integrated, do we all really need to be growing Blue Dream? Do we all really need to be making a one-to-one capsule?” Mike says.\r\n\r\n“I think we have a unique window to shape the New York market based on the fact that, yes, we’re all vertically integrated, but being in a more collaborative environment—that is going to really be what does the industry best and brings it to the next level.” \r\n\r\nMike is enthusiastic about the changes happening in New York and all of the programs nationwide. “We’ve learned a lot from the other states and the other medical cannabis programs,” he says. “It’s just exciting the way regulations are changing and different programs are setting different standards, whether it’s everybody being vertically integrated, or incorporating an educational component where certain organizations partner with universities. It’s really exciting where the industry is going.”\r\n\r\nMike makes one final point by challenging a longstanding stigma about the people who grow, cultivate and process medical cannabis. “We have scientists who are [working] to get this from a plant format to medicine for our patients. Sometimes people have the stereotype that guys and gals that are growing this medication are up in a field somewhere with dreadlocks listening to Bob Marley,” he explains. “Not to say we don’t have a good time doing what we do because we’re very passionate about providing medication and helping patients. But really … there are professionals doing science to get very scientifically based medication into patients’ hands.”\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [@exxteban](https://unsplash.com/@exxteban)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEAv/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABW+LMzWID/8QAGhAAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAxMREv/aAAgBAQABBQKunkRFVPM0CroUOoM//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAR/9oACAECAQE/AcWxv//EABsQAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAhARITEy/9oACAEBAAY/AnB2l1FBHMf/xAAdEAEAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMUFRYXGh/9oACAEBAAE/IalKxhGKitsw6z5jVivycqJW5vIX6n//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEHQP/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAR/9oACAEDAQE/EBC2/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARARIf/aAAgBAgEBPxA3an//xAAdEAEBAAICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAhMUFRYYGx/9oACAEBAAE/EN15nWXzOsNbLtet6nz9xpSuVQLkRFYDB6xK0wTY9k+84aHrpbn/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/14b42/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/f836f/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 200w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/2244e/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 400w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/14b42/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 800w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/47498/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/a3c2c/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 1397w","srcWebp":"/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/58556/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/61e93/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 200w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/1f5c5/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 400w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/58556/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 800w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/99238/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 1200w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/1defc/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 1397w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2433-markdown","title":"Finding Marijuana Products Near You","slug":"finding-marijuana-products-near-you","content":"If you’ve just received your recommendation to use cannabis, you’re probably ready to start trying it out. But where to begin? Many patients feel a bit confused about how to even find cannabis products in their area. In this article, part of a series geared towards folks new to cannabis, I’ll share some great resources that can help make your medical marijuana search quick, easy and successful. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Finding Cannabis with HelloMD’s Product Search\n\nOne easy way to find products is to use HelloMD’s product search. You can browse through the options, hone in on different product types using the search filters, or look for something specific by typing in exactly what you’re looking for. \n\nAnother thing that’s helpful about HelloMD’s product database is that it includes descriptions that tell you a little more about the products with details like:\n\n* what conditions it’s recommended for\n* whether it’s psychoactive, and\n* how much CBD or THC the product contains\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZPe2t9g6zL/` \n
\n### Searching for Local Cannabis Dispensaries \n\nOne great way to look for local marijuana dispensaries in your area is by conducting an online search, typing in your town’s name along with “cannabis” or “dispensary” via Google or another search engine. Sometimes dispensaries have a web presence of their own and may even have a menu of their products available to view. \n\n### Exploring Marijuana Delivery Services \n\nSome folks prefer to avoid the dispensary altogether and opt for delivery services instead. What’s great about delivery is you don’t have to leave your home—you just place your order and the cannabis you ordered comes to you. This can be especially helpful for patients with mobility issues, who find it difficult to make trips out of the house. And for those who have busy lives, having one less errand to take care of is always a plus. \n\nYou can find delivery services online in the same way you can find dispensaries. Since delivery services are smaller and sometimes homegrown, patients can find that it takes a little more work to find a delivery service that maintains the quality they’re looking for. Luckily, there are some great companies to choose from. \n\n### Meeting Up with Cannabis Patients\n\nAnother option for finding local cannabis is to look for patient-to-patient resources. Depending on the law in your area, you may be able to trade marijuana with other cannabis patients. There are websites that facilitate these kinds of trades by allowing individual marijuana patients to list products they have available for trade or purchase. The people listing here are often patients who cultivate their own medicine and have more than they can use themselves. \n\nWhile these message boards are often a great place to find cannabis in bulk—and have deals that you couldn’t get in the dispensary, it’s important to take a cautious approach. There’s no quality control when you purchase from someone you just met online, and the last thing you want is to spend money on bulk marijuana only to discover it’s contaminated with mold or pesticides. While patient-to-patient meet-ups can work well for experienced cannabis users who know what they’re looking for, this might not be the best avenue to choose if you’re new to cannabis. \n\n### Getting Advice about Cannabis Products \n\nCannabis products come in many shapes and sizes, and most medical marijuana patients—86% according to our 2016 Medical Marijuana Patient Survey—agree that different strains create different feelings and effects. We’ve found that the majority of patients settle into two to three products that they use regularly.\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BXMhtu1AmlQ/` \n
\nOf course, many patients wonder what types of cannabis works best for them. This is an important question, and one that I’ll go into more detail about later on in this series for cannabis newbies. That said, you can get started on your quest for the product that best suits your needs by seeking out advice from those with more experience. \n\nYour recommending physician is a great place to start and may have specific parameters for you, such as types of cannabis or ways to use cannabis that might be particularly helpful for your condition. HelloMD’s doctors as well as its [Q&A feature](https://www.hellomd.com/) are a great resource for these kinds of questions.\n\nBudtenders, or cannabis consultants, can also be very helpful with the advice they give, and some may be able to direct you to products that are a good match for your needs. However, this can really depend on the individual budtender. Some are exceptionally knowledgeable and able to go into depth about the different products’ effects, while others are really just trained to be sales clerks and can’t really help steer you in the right direction. If you’re just starting out, it can be worth your while to try a few dispensaries in order to find your go-to budtender or cannabis consultant. \n\n### Choosing the Best Dispensary for You\n\nThere are so many ways to find marijuana products near you. You just need to know where to look and what to look for. In the next installment of our Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll delve further into this topic and talk about how to pick the right dispensary for your needs. Now that you know how to find all the dispensaries in your area, we’ll show you how to choose a good dispensary out of the bunch.\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/ee604/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.png","srcSet":"/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/69585/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.png 200w,\n/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/497c6/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.png 400w,\n/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/ee604/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.png 800w,\n/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/f3583/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.png 1200w,\n/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/756c3/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.png 1396w","srcWebp":"/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/58556/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/61e93/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.webp 200w,\n/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/1f5c5/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.webp 400w,\n/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/58556/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.webp 800w,\n/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/99238/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.webp 1200w,\n/static/c2fdabdcef961c237e417b0d1a3e61af/dda91/5ca33b96fb38cab8837058b23496441c.webp 1396w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2260-markdown","title":"New Yorkers Rejoice - Medical Marijuana Now Delivered to Your Door","slug":"new-yorkers-rejoice-medical-marijuana-now-delivered-to-your-door","content":"New York City is a town that’s always embraced delivery. Neighborhood markets and local pizza joints were bringing goods to customers’ front doors well before the smartphone was invented. These days, New Yorkers can have anything from razors to fresh ingredients for dinner delivered within a few minutes or days of placing an order.\n\nAnd so, it should probably come as no surprise that qualified patients in New York will now be able to count medical marijuana as yet another item they can have delivered right to their door.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Delivery Service\n\n**Delivery serves patients who aren’t geographically close to a dispensary.**\n\nNew York is home to a population of 20 million people, but there are only 20 dispensaries in the entire state. As [Jeremy Unruh, General Counsel at PharmaCannis](https://www.hellomd.com/people/jeremyu) explains, “Even when they double that number of dispensaries, that’s only 40 dispensaries for 20 million people, so delivery is a large piece of the puzzle for patients.” \n\nRELATED: [HOW TO GET YOUR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD IN NEW YORK STATE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59683dbc1ebad11ae965b491/how-to-get-your-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york-state)\n\nProviders like PharmaCannis, whose dispensaries are located in Amherst, Liverpool, Albany and the Bronx, want to be able to serve patients no matter where they live, and this is now possible with delivery. “We’ve done a soft rollout of our delivery system in the Bronx,” Jeremy continues, “and we’re looking forward to rolling that out to our other dispensaries in a matter of weeks.”\n\n**Delivery offers convenience to patients unable to visit a dispensary.**\n\nIf the emergence of on-demand delivery tells us one thing, it’s that people want convenience. For patients balancing family life with a 40-hour work week or others who are too sick to drive or navigate public transportation, getting to a dispensary can be challenging. By offering a delivery service, dispensaries like PharmaCannis can more easily accommodate patients’ particular circumstances. \n\n“It’s very much an on-demand delivery service,” Jeremy says, “meaning you call and talk to one of our pharmacists, schedule your delivery, then we send it out and a courier brings it to wherever you want the delivery to go.” \n\nNow patients can enjoy the ease of having their medicine delivered to them during times and to a location that suits them. That said, the convenience goes beyond just delivery—patients can also choose how to pay. “We love the cashless transactions,” says Jeremy. “But a patient can manage payment for that transaction when she or he contacts the dispensary to arrange the delivery.” \n\n### PharmaCannis’ Delivery Service Coming Soon\n\n\nTinctures are one of the products that may be delivered from a licensed NY dispensary. \n\nIn the coming weeks, patients will have a much easier time getting their medicine, thanks to more options for delivery. No doubt this benefit will likely help expand New York’s medical marijuana program as news travels about the added convenience. Pilot programs like the one launched by PharmaCannis in the Bronx are opportunities to tighten the delivery process in preparation for serving greater numbers of people in various locations. \n\n“Our goal is to expand the delivery schedule profile so that it’s functionally on-demand,” Jeremy explains. “But it’s going to take a little bit of time to get there.” \n\nWhile patients shouldn’t initially expect their medicine to be delivered in the same amount of time it takes to request an Uber, plans are for the program to adapt and scale quickly. “We need a day or two heads’ up for delivery at this juncture,” says Jeremy. “But that will evolve over time.”\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/14b42/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/f836f/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 200w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/2244e/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 400w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/14b42/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 800w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/47498/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/54ac5/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/58556/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/61e93/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 200w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/1f5c5/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 400w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/58556/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 800w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/99238/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 1200w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/5e0b8/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2358-markdown","title":"PharmaCannis: The Future of Cannabis in New York","slug":"pharmacannis-the-future-of-cannabis-in-new-york","content":"### New York Expands the Cannabis Market\n\nFinally! Good news for New York cannabis patients.\nAccess to critical cannabis therapies is increasing before our eyes due to an expanding list of qualifying conditions and new medical dispensaries opening up across the state. \n\n[PharmaCannis](https://hellomd.com/brands/5ade6948531eba0006265736), a New York and Illinois-based dispensary group, is a shining example of the eastern US cannabis scene, complete with state-of-the-art production facilities, professionals from the pharmaceutical industry, and an eye towards making cannabis a part of the future of healthcare. With eight dispensaries and three cultivation centers across New York and Illinois, PharmaCannis is fast taking the lead in showing the world how cannabinoid-based therapies are a part of healthcare.\n\n### Cannabis in the Eastern United States\n\nState-specific regulations have a major impact on the direction of cannabis companies and their offerings. The license application process in eastern states is intense; licenses are few and far between. In 2015, PharmaCannis received one of only five licenses awarded in New York State. \n\nOne of the major differences in the eastern market is the requirement for vertical integration. Each medical cannabis provider has each stage of the business from seed to sale. This includes the cannabis grow and processing facilities, and the dispensaries, that are instrumental in the treatment of patients. Because Pharmacannis has built its business within the stricter regulations of the eastern United States, the company’s approach promises a clean, safe, and medicinal environment. \n\nWorking to sign up patients and doctors is the next major step for the cannabis industry. Just last week, [HelloMD launched in New York](https://www.hellomd.com/new-york), providing a brand new channel for New Yorkers to obtain a medical marijuana recommendation from a physician or other qualified healthcare practitioner. New York’s list of qualifying conditions recently expanded to include chronic pain, which can increase the number of potential patients. PTSD will potentially be added next, continuing to drive growth in the market. \n\n### Educating and Treating Patients\n\nOne remaining challenge is educating physicians and patients who are not aware of how cannabinoid-based therapies may be used in the healing process. PharmaCannis tackles this problem by offering education for both patients and doctors while providing the highest quality care. Patients have access to guidelines on how to use medical cannabis, while physicians are offered a “Clinical Cannabinoid Medicine Curriculum,” and continuing education courses.\n\n \nThe interior of a PharmaCannis dispensary.\n\nEach PharmaCannis dispensary in New York is managed by a licensed pharmacist, and all Patient Care Representatives go through a rigorous two-day training when hired. \n“We distinguish ourselves on a personal, one-to-one healthcare consultation model, where a patient has the ability, if desired, to spend time individually and privately with a pharmacist or patient care representative at the dispensary,” says [Jeremy Unruh](https://www.hellomd.com/people/jeremyu), General Counsel of PharmaCannis.\n\nNew patients might expect the opportunity to have an extended 30-45 minute consultation on a first visit. Medical cannabis products resemble a prescription one might receive at a pharmacy or physician’s office. “Our patients benefit from quality-control tested, accurately labeled products in tamper-evident, child-resistant packaging. These are the consumer protections that PharmaCannis patients are able to take for granted,” says Unruh. Follow-up outreach and compassion care are the final steps of the process, to ensure patients get what they need and help them stay educated on what is available.\n\n### Pharmaceutical Expertise\n\n“The driving goal at PharmaCannis is to be the national leader in driving medical marijuana to take its place, whatever that may be, in healthcare” says CEO Teddy Scott. PharmaCannis brings together experts from the medical, pharmaceutical, and cannabis fields into its facilities, blending the art and science of growing cannabis with the precise manufacturing processes of the pharmaceutical world. \n\nAmong the senior staff are cultivation manager Brendon Hershey, who used to work for DuPont Pioneer, a major national agricultural products producer seed producer, and Louis Mejias, a Big Pharma scientist who is responsible for PharmaCannis’ extraction process. “I transitioned my career into medical cannabis because I believe in the science. It’s a natural product made from a natural process in a highly secure and regulated way,” Mejias is on record telling the New York Post.\n\n \nPharmaCannis cultivates their own plants.\n\nAt present, New York’s medical cannabis program only allows medical cannabis to be administered in the form of a tincture, oil, or pill. PharmaCannis currently offers tinctures and vape cartridges, with plans to introduce tablets and capsules soon. Consistent dosage is a key issue across all of medical cannabis, and PharmaCannis ensures this with a tightly-controlled extraction process that mirrors a pharmaceutical lab.\n \n\nPharmaCannis has over 250,000 square feet of processing and production space.\n\n“We honor the culture that has come before us in the cannabis world, but we also recognize that it takes an additional level of sophistication to provide consistent patient outcomes,” says Unruh. According to the New York Post: “The entire facility runs like a lab operated by scientists like Mejias who have decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.”\n\n### State-of-the-Art Facilities\n\nPharmacannis has over 250,000 square feet of processing and production space. The magnitude of the production capacity, advanced technology used, and level of professionalism show a side of cannabis that many have never seen. \nGiving tours of the production facility is Unruh’s favorite part of the job because “Nobody, and I mean nobody, leaves a PharmaCannis cultivation and processing center thinking the same way about the cannabis industry as when they entered.” \n\n\nPharmaCannis labs are similar to those within a pharmaceutical company.\n\nCurrently, Pharmacannis has major capacity moving forward: “We can easily handle all the patients in New York state right now and for the foreseeable future,” says Unruh. \nPharmacannis appears to be well on their way to reaching their goal of being a leader of medical cannabis in healthcare, and ready to face any challenges that lie ahead. Unruh looks towards the future,“We’ve come a long way, but we’re just getting started.”\n\n### View PharmaCannis New York Locations\n\n[PharmaCannis Montgomery, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis)\n\n [PharmaCannis Liverpool, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-liverpool)\n\n[PharmaCannis Amherst, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-amherst)\n\n[PharmaCannis Albany, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-albany)\n\n[PharmaCannis Bronx, NY](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-bronx)\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/14b42/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/f836f/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 200w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/2244e/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 400w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/14b42/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 800w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/47498/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/54ac5/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/58556/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/61e93/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 200w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/1f5c5/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 400w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/58556/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 800w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/99238/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 1200w,\n/static/42ab06e69a31dfbcf67707e647a97ef9/5e0b8/0012c9d177977fc202a7457453066f9d.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5195,"name":"Dispensaries","slug":"dispensaries","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}