The Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card in a Recreational State Like Connecticut

‘Recreational Weed’ in CT

Connecticut legalized recreational marijuana on July 1. 2021. As a result, adults aged 21 and above could lawfully buy, possess, and use cannabis in the state. However, it was not until January 10, 2023, that retail sales of recreational weed commenced. Currently, nine (9) dispensaries sell recreational weed in CT.

So, what does the legalization of recreational marijuana mean for residents of Connecticut?

• Only adults aged 21 and older can buy recreational cannabis.
• Recreational consumers can only purchase a quarter ounce of cannabis per transaction from dispensaries.
• They can possess a maximum of 1.5 oz of marijuana on their person and 5 oz in a locked glove box.
• And adults can grow up to six (6) marijuana plants at home with a 12-plant limit cap per household.

Medical vs. Recreational Marijuana in Connecticut

Here are the main differences between medical and recreational marijuana in Connecticut:

• Medical cannabis requires registration the state program, while recreational use does not.

• Only individuals over 21 can access recreational weed. Medicinal cannabis is available to minors under 18 and adults 18+ with a qualifying condition.

• Medical card holders can get up to 5 ounces per month. Meanwhile, recreational users can only buy ¼ ounces per transaction from dispensaries.
  

• Medical card holders can possess up to 5 ounces of cannabis on their person. Conversely, recreational users can only have 1.5 ounces of cannabis.
  

• Both medical and recreational users can possess at most 5 ounces of marijuana in their homes or locked glove boxes.

• Medical marijuana is only subject to a 6.35% sales tax while recreational weed is subject to the sales tax and additional CT marijuana taxes.

• Financial help is available for medical marijuana but not for recreational.

• There are no restrictions on product types or cannabis potency for medical marijuana. Recreational cannabis has limitations.

Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut

Are you considering using medical marijuana to manage your health? Then, getting a medical card in Connecticut is the best way to go. With a CT medical marijuana card, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits that recreational users in the state won’t have. For instance,

1. The Price Difference Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis

You can save a lot of money on marijuana purchases with your CT medical card. There is a significant price difference between medical and recreational marijuana in Connecticut. And it mainly comes down to taxes.

Medical marijuana is only subject to a 6.35% standard Connecticut state sales tax. However, recreational consumers may spend an extra 16.25% in taxes. Recreational weed is subject to a 6.35% sales tax, a 3% municipal tax, and a 10-15% CT recreational marijuana tax based on the THC level of the product. As a result, medical marijuana patients could save around $16.25 for every $100 they spend on marijuana, compared to recreational buyers. While it may seem small, this amount adds up over time.

Additionally, medical marijuana is generally cheaper than recreational cannabis. And dispensaries often give special promotions to medical card holders. And this widens the gap between the price of medical and recreational cannabis even further. So, if you want to save cash or get more marijuana for your money, a CT med card is the way to go!

2. Medical vs. Recreational Potency

There is a clear difference in the potency of medical and recreational cannabis in Connecticut. 

Connecticut THC laws have no restrictions on the level of THC medical marijuana products can contain. However, the laws limit the level of THC for recreational cannabis offerings. As a result, medical marijuana is often stronger than recreational.

For instance, recreational cannabis flower can only have up to 30% THC. Meanwhile, other cannabis products, such as concentrates and edibles, can have a 60% THC limit.

And it’s not just about strength; medical patients also have access to a wider variety of products. For example, 

• capsules, 
• pills, 
• sublingual, 
• and suppositories. 

It is worth noting that non of these options are available to recreational users. 

Stronger and more potent cannabis can make all the difference for patients with serious health issues. And with a selection of forms of marijuana to choose from, it gets easier to find a treatment that works for you. So, if you need medication that delivers, medical marijuana might be your best bet.

3. Greater Possession & Buying Limits: CT MMJ Allotment

A CT medical card allows you to possess more marijuana than recreational users. And it also gives you a larger per-transaction limit on cannabis products. You can buy as much MMJ as you like from CT dispensaries, just as long as you don’t exceed your 5-ounce monthly cap. Meanwhile, adult-use cannabis consumers can only buy up to 1/4 ounce per transaction.

With a medical card, you can possess up to 5 ounces of marijuana on your person, rather than the 1.5-ounce limit for recreational users. Still, recreational users can lawfully have 5 ounces of weed in a locked glove box or their homes.

These larger cannabis allotments are particularly helpful for patients who need more cannabis for symptom relief. Additionally, it eliminates the need for frequent refills.

4. Further Legal Protections

Medical marijuana users in Connecticut may have some legal advantages over recreational users.

As a medical marijuana patient in Connecticut, you may be eligible for protection against discrimination in various areas of life, such as employment, housing, and education. These protections hinge on your status as a patient, and your responsible use of medical marijuana outside of work hours.

However, these protections may not apply in certain situations. For instance, 

• if it  impairs the employer’s ability to follow federal law or funding requirements. 
• If you use cannabis during work hours.
• And if your cannabis consumption poses a safety risk to yourself or others in the workplace.

5. Cushion from Cannabis Shortages

Since there is demand from both recreational and medical users, dispensaries sometimes experience product shortages. But with your medical marijuana card, you do not have to worry about being unable to stock up on your medicine. Why?

Connecticut medical marijuana laws require dispensaries to have a preservation plan that ensures a steady supply of MMJ for its medical patients. As a result, you have the confidence that you’ll never run out of medication, no matter what–even in a shortage.

6. Preferential Treatment at Connecticut Dispensaries

Weed dispensaries in CT usually go the extra mile for their medical marijuana users. These dispensaries offer unique perks to make the medical marijuana experience convenient for cardholders.

Here is a list of benefits you may enjoy from Connecticut dispensaries as a medical user:

• Special shopping hours for cardholders only.
• 24/7 pre-orders for cannabis patients.
• Reserved parking spots for medical cannabis users.
• Separate lines for ordering and check-out.
• Exclusive product inventory.
• Designated curbside pick-up spots for medical patients.
• Home delivery for medical marijuana cardholders.

7. Legal Age for Marijuana: No Age Limits

Recreational marijuana use is only legal for those 21 and older in Connecticut. However, there is no age limit for medical marijuana. 

You can get a medical marijuana card regardless of age, provided a licensed physician certifies you for MMJ. Minors or patients under 18 can also qualify for medical marijuana. Still, the minor’s parent or legal guardian must consent to the cannabis treatment and serve as a caregiver.

The absence of an age limit for medical cannabis means that those suffering from debilitating illnesses do not have to wait until they are 21 to access medication that could help them.

Conclusion

So, you’re considering getting a medical marijuana card in a recreational state like Connecticut? 

Here’s a summary of the benefits:

• Cheaper marijuana
• More potent cannabis
• More forms of marijuana products
• Greater possession limits
• Special treatment in CT dispensaries
• Enhanced legal protections

And importantly, you will have a licensed cannabis doctor dedicated to helping you get the most from your cannabis treatment.

Indeed, recreational marijuana does have its place. But the benefits of a medical marijuana card are too good to ignore, especially if you need cannabis for your health. So, don’t hesitate! Get your CT medical card today; it only takes 15 minutes.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in CT – The Cheap & Quick Way

Seeing all the benefits that come with a Connecticut medical marijuana card, what does it take to get one?

• You must be a resident of Connecticut.
• A licensed medical marijuana doctor must certify that you have one of the qualifying conditions for a medical card in CT.
• Importantly, you cannot be an inmate confined in a correctional institution or under the supervision of the CT Department of Corrections.

Quick Med Cards makes it easy to talk to a doctor about medical cannabis. All our medical marijuana doctors have a wealth of experience in cannabis therapy.

Questions about the Medical Marijuana Card Benefits in CT

Do you still have questions on the benefits of a Connecticut medical marijuana card? Find the answers below.