What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a type of herb popularly known as marijuana to some people. It is also known as pot or weed to some, and it is usually used for medical or for relaxation purposes. Many states in the United States of America have legalized marijuana for both recreational and medical use. States that have legalized it have put regulations in place to ensure that the drug is not abused.
Is Cannabis Legal In Pennsylvania
The use of cannabis seeds in Pennsylvania for recreational purposes is illegal as of now. In 2016, a bill was passed by the state’s legislative arm legalizing the drug for medicinal reasons.
Though illegal for recreational purposes and use, possessing small amounts of the drug in some cities in the state has been decriminalized.
Laws on Cannabis Usage in Pennsylvania
It is currently illegal to grow, possess, dispense, produce, or sell cannabis in Pennsylvania unless the state you are licensed to use or get it for medical reasons.
According to the state’s legal system, registered patients are allowed to use marijuana following an approved and qualifying physician prescription for the treatment of a medical condition that it is qualified to treat.
Children or minors under the legal medical age are also allowed to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, they must be given by their caregivers, who must be registered with the state medical marijuana program.
Even for medical use, marijuana cannot be smoked. Patients who are registered for the possession and consumption of the drug can keep a supply that can last up to 90 days and can consume through vaporization.
Laws On Buying and Selling Of Cannabis In Pennsylvania
The only legal parties recognized by the state to sell marijuana are state-licensed dispensaries. These hospitals or pharmacies have to pay for a $5000 license to be able to sell marijuana.
Patients who are older than the age of 21 are allowed to buy their supply after presenting their state medical marijuana identification cards and their state-issued identification card depending on the nature of their illness.
A dispensary that runs home delivery for medical cannabis is required to pay for a yearly $50 permit.
In Pennsylvania, cannabis is allowed to be sold in the form of pills, extracts, liquids, gels, ointments, creams, and flowers. Oils containing cannabis have to have at most 0.3% THC, those that have more or harsher concentrates are not legal.
Cultivating cannabis in Pennsylvania
You cannot legally cultivate cannabis seeds in Pennsylvania. The state does not allow for recreational or commercial use of the plant. Medically also, patients are not allowed to grow the plants but have to pick up their prescriptions from places that have been accredited to grow and sell.
Penalties For Using Marijuana Illegally In Pennsylvania
Violating a marijuana law in the state makes one liable to a criminal penalty such as jail time, the payment of a fine, and the seizing of one’s properties for a period of time. That’s why the Herbies head shop advises that you consider applicable laws in your area before setting out on a cannabis field.
Marijuana Related Crimes In Pennsylvania
Putting in mind that the possession of marijuana for recreational use is illegal and will attract a charge,
Having in possession a quantity less than 30 grams of the plant’s bud is punishable by jail time for 30 days and or paying a fine of $500.
The carrying of more than 30 grams of the drug will lead to one being charged and sentenced to jail for between 6-12 months with a fine of $5000 as a first-time offender, but subsequently, they can be sentenced to jail for between 18 and 36 months not more than and required to pay a fine of no more than $25000.
Distributing Marijuana is illegal and one can be sentenced to jail for between 30 days and 4 years with a fine of between $500 and $15000 depending on the amount and location of the proposed distribution.
Growing Marijuana personally attracts a jail term punishment of between 2.5 and 5 years with a fine of $15000.
Conclusion
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to use, grow, sell and buy marijuana for purposes that are not medical. Patients who have been diagnosed with medical conditions that need treatment through the use of the drug can use cannabis only if they are registered with the state, Minors are also allowed to use cannabis through the help of their caregiver.
The use of cannabis for any other reason is illegal and is punishable by the state. Cannabis can also not be consumed by smoking even for medical reasons as it is illegal and can attract criminal charges.