# I was just approved for a Pennsylvania medical cannabis card **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 17, 2021, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537 "2021-11-17T23:20:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/1 "2021-11-17T23:20:00Z")
I should have the card in a week or two. I have no idea what to get but I’m told that a pharmacist at the dispensary will help me. Edit: I just realized that this may be against the board rules. If so just delete it. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/2 "2021-11-17T23:34:39Z")
It is allowed. **Modhat** : As all of this is a new area of discussion for the SDMB, I just want to remind everyone … - We encourage people to abide by local law, which varies widely. Please do not post suggestions or advice on how to evade local law. - We will check in on such threads occasionally, and step in if we see someone suggesting ways to get around the law. Please don’t do this. sorry for the interruption ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/3 "2021-11-17T23:38:06Z")
The first time I went into a dispensary, after California made recreational use legal (I’ve never had a medical card), I was blown away by the variety and choices: vapes, tinctures, edibles, foliage, indica vs sativa, pre-rolls… But I was pleasantly surprised by how downright helpful friendly courteous & kind the folks behind the counter were. So if your local dispensary is anything like mine, just tell them what you’re looking for and they’ll help. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/4 "2021-11-17T23:41:23Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > I have no idea what to get High. You want to get high. Joke aside, a pharmacist is probably not my first choice of who to talk to about cannabis. If you are totally new to cannabis I would recommend visiting [Leafly.com](http://Leafly.com). They have good information for the uninitiated, and information on so many different strains. With that, at the very least you would be able to look up some information on the strains available to you, to help you make a choice. Personally, I do not like the way many indica strains make me drowsy so I tend to lean towards sativa or hybrid strains. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/5 "2021-11-17T23:43:03Z")
I think I’ll want some kind of tincture or tea. I’m not sure that my remaining bowel can absorb edibles properly and I had several bouts of pneumonia while I was in the hospital so I don’t want to be breathing stuff into my lungs. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/6 "2021-11-17T23:43:18Z")
(Pharmacist here) If they are working at the dispensary, they are able to help. This kind of thing is not legal where I live, although I could go across the river and it would. David, I sure hope this works for you! While cannabis is not a cure-all, it does work wonders for many people, when used appropriately. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/7 "2021-11-17T23:46:53Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > Personally, I do not like the way many indica strains make me drowsy so I tend to lean towards sativa or hybrid strains. I certainly don’t want something that makes me any more drowsy! ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/8 "2021-11-17T23:47:43Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > David, I sure hope this works for you! Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/9 "2021-11-17T23:47:47Z")
I sort of feel like it’s worth saying … If you’re either new to this or haven’t ~~partaken~~ partook in years … start low and go slow. When our state legalized it, I wanted to relive the old days and gave it a try. In short, that’s about a weekend I utterly can’t remember 😉 To your health ! ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/10 "2021-11-17T23:48:57Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > If you’re either new to this or haven’t partaken in years … start low and go slow Yes. I’ve been warned about this. The strains are stronger now. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/11 "2021-11-17T23:53:53Z")
However, if you get edibles at a legal facility, it should be standardized WRT the THC or CBD content. That’s what the pharmacist and other staff are there for, to advise you on what is appropriate. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/12 "2021-11-17T23:57:11Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > I think I’ll want some kind of tincture or tea. I’m not sure that my remaining bowel can absorb edibles properly I’m thinking that an edible in the form of a hard candy or gummy might work well for you. Those types of items are pretty common and generally not expensive. A dispensary might even throw in something like that with a first, or big enough purchase. I’d give a thought to trying something in that form if you don’t want to smoke or eat too much. I have switched over to concentrates since COVID. Smoking less during a global, respiratory pandemic seemed like a good idea. On the plus side, the flavour in a well made concentrate is unbelievable. ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/13 "2021-11-17T23:58:51Z")
I think the usual term for dispensary employees is “budtender”. They are certainly highly knowledgeable and eager to provide advice about cannabis, but they are not pharmacists, nor is their training or licensure regulated in any way (in any State that I know of). ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/14 "2021-11-18T00:27:02Z")
One thing you cannot get is a license to conceal carry a weapon since its against federal law. Not that you would need one if you are high and happy. 😀 Edibles, you will want edibles. Carmel chews are good, so I hear. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/15 "2021-11-18T00:37:32Z")
I have zero need and zero desire to even own a firearm. ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/16 "2021-11-18T01:22:11Z")
> [@Thing.Fish](#): > > They are certainly highly knowledgeable The ones at my dispensary are just plain high. Every time I visit, they tell me something different. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/17 "2021-11-18T01:25:11Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > I certainly don’t want something that makes me any more drowsy! It’s worth a little experimentation. Most sativa strains make me jittery and stressed, and most indica strains don’t make me sleepy. I think individual experiences vary widely. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/18 "2021-11-18T01:31:26Z")
Some may be. Here’s a story from 2018, about a Pennsylvania dispensary. > **[January 2023](https://www.pharmacist.com/publications/pharmacy-today/january-2023/article/S1042-0991(17)31966-7/fulltext)** > > APhA is the leading advocate for the pharmacy profession and a driving force in creating opportunities for pharmacists to play a key role in integrated patient care, and ensuring the profession is recognized as essential in optimal medication use. And another from 2019. > **[Why Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Are Hiring Pharmacists](https://www.wesa.fm/science-health-tech/2019-12-16/why-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-are-hiring-pharmacists)** > > Markita Wilburn says cannabis got her through pharmacy school.“I was away at school, no family, no friends, in a doctoral program … It was a trying… ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/19 "2021-11-18T01:53:49Z")
The doctor told me that the dispensary would have a pharmacist. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537/20 "2021-11-18T02:35:57Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > I have switched over to concentrates since COVID. Smoking less during a global, respiratory pandemic seemed like a good idea. On the plus side, the flavour in a well made concentrate is unbelievable. Plus they don’t have a weed smell. And they are far more potent - good flower is about 15-20% THC. A cartridge will be anywhere from 70-80%. I highly recommend. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-just-approved-for-a-pennsylvania-medical-cannabis-card/954537.md?page=2)