Requirements to Buy Cannabis in Store
Licensed cannabis stores in the US check age before you enter the sales floor. Most check again at the register. No valid ID means no sale. Stores can refuse service for any reason.
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Age
- Adult-use: 21 and older in every state with legal retail sales.
- Medical: 18 and older in most states. Patients under 18 need a caregiver in the states that allow it.
ID that works
- State driver's license or state ID card, unexpired.
- US passport or passport card.
- Military ID.
- Foreign passport for visitors.
Many stores reject expired IDs, paper temporary IDs, and photocopies. Rules on vertical licenses differ by state and by store. Call before you drive if your ID is temporary.
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Medical patients
Bring the state medical cannabis card plus photo ID. Some states accept a physician certification in place of a card. A few states accept out-of-state medical cards. Store staff can confirm what your state allows.
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Payment
Cannabis is illegal under federal law, so most credit card networks block dispensary transactions. Bring cash. Some stores take debit through cashless ATM systems, with fees between $2 and $5. On-site ATMs charge similar fees. Orders at an adult-use store run $40 to $80.
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Purchase limits
Limits are set by state law and apply per person, per day.
- Colorado: 1 oz flower, 8 g concentrate, 800 mg THC in edibles.
- California: 28.5 g flower, 8 g concentrate.
- Washington: 1 oz flower, 7 g concentrate, 16 oz solid edible.
State traceability systems record each sale. Splitting an order across stores in one day can put you over the legal cap.
Transport rules
Your purchase has to stay in the state where you bought it. Carrying cannabis across state lines is a federal offense, even between two states with legal markets. TSA is a federal agency, so cannabis is not allowed in carry-on or checked bags at airports. Possession is also illegal on federal land, including national parks.
Common pitfalls
- Expired or temporary ID at the door.
- No cash on hand.
- Buying for a person under 21. That is a crime in every legal state.
- Assuming limits reset at the next store.
- Driving after consuming. DUI laws cover cannabis.
Checklist
- Government photo ID, unexpired.
- Medical card if you buy medical.
- Cash.
- Your state daily limit.
- A ride if you plan to consume.