Pennsylvania has a MMJ program, but it is a money grab, like everywhere. The application process carries a hefty "Deposit" of a few hundred thousand, and only "approved" companies can sell. The product comes packaged so that the contents are not visible, nor are you permitted to see it prior to purchase. From my understanding, some of the $20-30/gram buds are bone dry, full of stems, and includes a few seeds on occasion. The Dr I went to required a few hundred dollars cash, and asked me about my issues, which includes kidney failure, neuropathic pain, autoimmune issues, etc. He told me that I didn't have the right kind of pain, but I should keep coming back and develop a relationship and things might change in the future. I wasn't looking for a date or a relatio9nship... I'm married and my wife is all of the relationship that I need. No personal growing is allowed, medical cards need renewed annually, and I thin there is a month wait between your current card expiring and a new one to be issued (for a nominal fee of $50). In summary, you pay a few hundred to get your MMJ card, pay $50/year for renewals, and the flowers are up to $500 or more per Oz, although I don't think you can buy more than a eighth or a quarter at a time. The crazy thing is that I don't think the program is taxed, other than regular sales tax and the initial growers and dispensary fees. Since it isn't for the general public, only medical use, they seem exempt from most of the oversight issues and exist on a unique level. Pennsylvania could make a shitload of tax revenue, but seem unwilling or unable to squeeze more money out of it. I don't know where all of the massive amounts of cash are going, but they aren't filling the tax coffers. Somebody is getting filthy rich from the state run monopoly. Follow the money and it usually ends up in a politician's account somehow/some way.
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