What Is the Difference Between Buying Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis  

Most cannabis dispensaries offer a wide range of flowers, pre-rolls, topicals, and tinctures. Although these products are available to medicinal and recreational customers, there are a few key differences between medical and recreational purchases. If you’re interested in learning more about buying cannabis, it can be helpful to understand how these two categories differ.

Recreational vs. Medical Weed

There isn’t a difference between recreational and medical weed as far as the quality or THC percentages go, but there is a difference in the taxes you’ll pay, the dosage, and your ability to apply discounts.

For example, in Massachusetts, you can only buy up to 28 grams recreationally but can buy up to 280 grams if you have medical authorization.

Massachusetts charges a 6.25 percent sales tax on recreational cannabis, but there is no standard sales tax on medical cannabis. Additionally, Massachusetts doesn’t allow discounts to be applied to recreational sales, but they can be used for medicinal sales.

Can I buy from a dispensary without a medical card?

Recreational customers over 21 don’t need a medical card to purchase from a dispensary. On the other hand, those between the ages of 18 and 21 need a medical card to buy cannabis.

To get a medical cannabis card in Massachusetts, you’ll first need to obtain a certification from a qualified healthcare provider. Then, you’ll need to complete the registration process for the state’s medical use program. You can complete this registration process online or with a paper registration form and must prove you are a Massachusetts resident.

How to prove you’re a Massachusetts resident for medical use registration

• Utility bill: You’ll need a bill that’s less than 60 days old to prove your residency.
• Motor vehicle registration card
• Tuition bill: The due date must be less than six months old to be valid.
• U.S. marriage certificate: It must be dated within the past six months.
• Property or excise tax bill
• First-class mail from a federal or state agency: It must be less than 60 days old for it to be a valid proof of residency.
• Car insurance policy or bill: It must be less than 60 days old.
• An MA-issued professional license: It must be current to be a valid form of proof.
• Mortgage, lease, or loan: It must be dated within the last six months.

Is medical weed cheaper than recreational?

You’ll pay less for medical weed since you aren’t charged sales tax. Medical customers also enjoy a range of Massachusetts medical dispensary discounts. For example, New England Harvest offers a range of medical programs and discounts strictly for medical customers:

• Daily discounts for medical customers: New England Harvest offers daily discounts of up to 20 percent for medical customers.
• Financial hardship discounts: Those who qualify for financial hardship can receive a 20 percent discount.
• Veteran’s discount: Veterans receive a 20 percent discount on their entire purchase.
• Industry discount: Those working in the Massachusetts cannabis industry qualify for a 20 percent discount.
• Senior discount: If you’re 65 years or older, you qualify for a 20 percent discount.
• New patient discount: First-time medical customers qualify for a 20 percent discount.

In-store educational popups

New England Harvest regularly partners with the Canna-Wise Alternative Medicine Team and MedWell Health and Wellness Centers to provide education on medical cannabis use. Keep an eye on our site for in-store popups where you can learn about the benefits of becoming a medical patient.