Regardless of the legalization of medicinal marijuana in Florida, the black market for cannabis will likely persist. California is the largest legal marijuana market in the world; however, illegal operations continue to thrive within the state’s boundaries.

You have the option to purchase your medical marijuana from a Florida dispensary or a local dealer, even if you have a medical marijuana card from the state. It’s imperative that you understand why purchasing your medicine at a dispensary is the best option. There are many reasons why buying from a dispensary is the right choice, and breaking the law isn’t one of them.

Recreational marijuana is still a major legal concern. Dispensaries are legal, licensed businesses that are regulated by the state. They operate under state laws and regulations, which include strict rules on how the marijuana is grown, processed, and sold. Buying from a dealer, on the other hand, is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

In Florida, the possession of small amounts of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor. Possession of 20 grams or less is a first-degree misdemeanor, and punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000. Possession of more than 20 grams is a third-degree felony and can be punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000.

It’s also worth noting that possession with intent to distribute is a serious crime, and it is punishable as a third-degree felony, which can carry a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of $5,000. Additionally, a conviction for possession of marijuana can have other consequences beyond fines and incarceration. For example, it can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, it may make it more difficult to find employment or housing, and it can also make it difficult to qualify for educational financial aid.

Consider your safety & health risk. Dispensaries test their products for purity and potency, ensuring that what you are buying is safe to consume. They usually have their own testing facilities or outsource to third-party labs, which test for the presence of pesticides, mold, and heavy metals. This ensures that the products are free from contaminants and have the right levels of THC and CBD.

We’re fairly certain a street dealer doesn’t have such protocols. Illegal growers have no legal incentive to use safe pesticides and herbicides, they also have no incentive to assure that the product they’re selling is safe for consumption.

Quality assurance. Dispensaries typically offer a wide range of products, including different strains of marijuana with varying levels of THC and CBD, allowing you to find the right one for your medical needs. They also have trained staff who can provide you with information and advice about the different products they have available, as well as the proper dosage and usage.

Reasonable accessibility. Dispensaries are more easily accessible than dealers, as they are located in specific areas and have set hours of operation. They also have online ordering and delivery options available to make it even more convenient for patients.

Professionalism & expert advice. Dispensaries have trained staff who can provide you with information and advice about the different products they have available, as well as the proper dosage and usage. They also keep records of their sales, which can be beneficial for patients in tracking their purchases and usage.

Accurate record keeping. Dispensaries are required to keep records of their sales and inventory, which can be beneficial for patients in tracking their purchases and usage. This can help patients to keep track of the amount they have purchased, the strains and the date of purchase. Also, dispensaries report their sales and inventory to the state authorities, which helps to ensure that the products are not being sold to people who are not authorized to use them.

Another strong point to consider is that buying from a dispensary can help keep money in the local economy. Dispensaries are locally owned and operated businesses, and they pay taxes and fees to the state and local governments. This revenue can be used to fund various public services, such as schools and infrastructure projects. Additionally, dispensaries provide jobs to local residents, which can help to stimulate economic growth in the community.

On the other hand, buying from a dealer may not contribute as much to the local economy. Dealers may not be paying taxes or fees, and they may not be providing jobs to local residents. Moreover, they may not be sourcing their products from local growers, which means that the money spent on marijuana may be going to out-of-state or even out-of-country suppliers.