The Legality of Weed in Pennsylvania: Possession, Reciprocity, and More.

In Pennsylvania, medical marijuana is legal. However, recreational marijuana is still illegal. But wait, is it really this simple? Unfortunately not. You must know medical marijuana laws, possession limits, and reciprocity to avoid legal troubles.

Key Notes:

• Which Law Allows You to Possess Marijuana in Pennsylvania?
• What is The Legal Status of Recreational Marijuana in Pennsylvania in 2023?
• What medical conditions allow me to use medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?
• How much medical marijuana can I Purchase in Pennsylvania?
• What is and isn’t allowed under Pennsylvania’s marijuana laws?
• Can I grow my own marijuana at home in Pennsylvania?
• Is there any marijuana law related to Minor patients?
• Can you legally fly out of Pennsylvania International with medical marijuana?
• Can I use my PA medical marijuana card in other states?
• Are marijuana edibles legal in Pennsylvania?

Which Law Allows You to Possess Marijuana in Pennsylvania?

On April 17, 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3 to legalize the medical use of marijuana within the state boundaries. The bill allowed the patient with licensed doctor approval to use marijuana for treating various qualifying medical conditions.

Senate Bill 3 made the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) head in charge and allowed the department to handle the medical marijuana program.

When marijuana was legalized for medical purposes, the Pennsylvania government imposed a 5% tax on the sale of marijuana between the grower, dispensaries, and the possessor. Note that growing marijuana meaning home cultivation rule was not passed.

What is The Legal Status of Recreational Marijuana in Pennsylvania in 2023?

Still, in March 2023, marijuana for recreational use is illegal in Pennsylvania. However, few cities in Pennsylvania have decriminalized the possession of marijuana. Cities like Pittsburgh, State College, York, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg have decriminalized possession of marijuana up to 30g. Still, other cities may have lower possession, so you must know the rules.

What medical conditions allow me to use medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?

• AIDS/HIV
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Cancer
• Coeliac Disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Colitis
• Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
• Damage your Spinal cord
• Dyskinetic and Spastic Movement Disorder
• Epilepsy
• Huntington’s Disease
• Glaucoma
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Intractable Seizures
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neurodegenerative Disease
• Neuropathic Pain
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Opioid Use Disorder
• Post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Severe chronic/intractable pain
• Terminal illness
• Sickle cell anemia
• Tourette’s Syndrome

Once you qualify for these health conditions, you can apply for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania. Here is A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Your Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card.

How Much medical Marijuana can I Purchase in Pennsylvania?

If you are a registered medical marijuana patient in Pennsylvania, you can purchase up to 30 days of supply. Without the registration, no one can buy marijuana from the dispensary or anywhere else.

What is and isn’t allowed under Pennsylvania’s marijuana laws?

Allowed:

• The only legal way to purchase cannabis in Pennsylvania is by having a medical marijuana card and showing it in the dispensary or pharmacy that sells cannabis.
• The safe place to consume marijuana is at your own home. If you are a tenant, then permission from the landlord is needed.
• You can possess or purchase marijuana only within the limits set by the DOH.

Not Allowed:

• Medical marijuana should not be consumed near schools, parks, or hospitals where children can easily see it.
• Consuming marijuana on any building or land owned by the federal government is prohibited.
• You can not smoke marijuana in public places.

Can I grow my own Marijuana at Home in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania does not allow to growing of marijuana currently. Even if someone has a medical marijuana card, they cannot grow medical marijuana plants in Pennsylvania.

Is There any Marijuana Law Related to Minor Patients?

According to the state medical marijuana law, minor patients can access medical marijuana with the help of a caregiver. The caregiver must be at least 21 years old. A caregiver can serve five patients at a time.
On behalf of the minor patient, a caregiver can purchase marijuana from the dispensary and possess and transport it to the patient. Minor patients are not allowed to purchase marijuana, even for medical use.

Can you legally Fly out of Pennsylvania International With Medical Marijuana?

No, you can not cross state boundaries with marijuana. Pennsylvania allowed medical use of marijuana, but it is still illegal at the federal level. Even with a medical marijuana card, you should not attempt to transport marijuana across state lines. If you are caught with marijuana outside the state, you could face federal charges.

Can I Legally use my PA Medical Marijuana card in Other States?

Pennsylvania has no reciprocity laws with the other states, so only Pennsylvania residents can apply for medical marijuana cards. Only Pennsylvania residents with MMJ cards can buy medical marijuana from the dispensary.

Are marijuana edibles legal in Pennsylvania?

Edibles are legal in Pennsylvania in the following forms:

• Oils
• Pills
• Tinctures
• Liquids
• Topical form
• Vaporization