Marijuana lovers, let’s address one pressing question: Do dispensaries share information with the government in Colorado?
It’s been some time since medical and recreational marijuana legalization in Colorado. However, some Colorado residents who are marijuana customers report that the stores scan their IDs before completing the purchase.
What does it mean when recreational marijuana stores scan government-issued identification before any marijuana purchases? Of course, the main concern might be ascertaining the consumer’s age. However, many customers are worried that marijuana legalization under federal law might not be so clear-cut.
One of the main worries is that the medical marijuana stores or recreational marijuana stores are handing over information to the government. Many people may hesitate to disclose their personal information due to privacy issues.
Do Dispensaries Share Information with the government Colorado?
So, do Colorado dispensaries share information with the government? The good news is that under Colorado and state laws, there is no federal government requirement for dispensaries to ask for customer information other than the consumer’s age. The government-issued identification should be enough for that purpose.
According to the marijuana laws in Colorado, the requirements are similar to that of a retail store. They only apply to the financial transaction conducted. But it’s not likely that the store will record personal information or store it.
Different Kinds of Marijuana Use
The kind of information you give to marijuana dispensaries will also depend on the kind you’re buying. Let’s first find out more about it.
Medical Marijuana
With medical marijuana, one needs a medical marijuana identification card. They might also get a note with their physician’s recommendation and dosage amount. Again, this is personal information that one may not feel comfortable giving to stores.
No Absolute Prohibition
While there isn’t a requirement in marijuana laws for dispensaries to collect customer information, there is no prohibition. Your local retail marijuana store could have a different customer privacy policy than the other recreational marijuana stores.
You may notice that certain marijuana stores may require their customers’ contact information and name if the financial transaction is by credit card. Other marijuana stores may have a digital device for optional data collection, such as an email address or phone number. However, it’s still not always possible to use credit cards for purchasing marijuana because some networks of credit cards have set limitations on the usage of cards.
The aims of such data collection might include:
- Rewards programs information
- Seed to sale tracking
- Newsletter distribution
Most marijuana stores are aware that their customers want privacy. Therefore, they’re open about their policies. Then again, undiscerning management might enter your information into their database without even asking.
How to ensure your privacy
The safest way to go here is to ask about the policy before giving any form of ID. If you don’t agree with their policies, you can try other dispensaries for marijuana. For more options, you can check out marijuana businesses online.
Cameras in Colorado Marijuana Stores
Beware! The state of Colorado’s marijuana laws requires cameras to record transactions at recreational marijuana stores. This might be a bit problematic, as the cameras have to be at the entrances, exits, and cash registers. The question, ‘do dispensaries share information with the government of Colorado?’ might pale in comparison with this mandate.
What is the camera footage for?
Perhaps, the main aim of these cameras is to ensure that marijuana stores follow the legal possession limit rules. Recreational marijuana businesses must store the camera footage for at least 40 days; during this time, agents from the marijuana enforcement division can ask to inspect them at any point.
The Purpose of ID Scanners
Most marijuana stores only scan IDs when finishing up the financial transactions for marijuana products. The information typically acquired this way is just your age. This is important in the marijuana market and cannabis industry.
Will all marijuana stores scan IDs?
No, not all marijuana stores use a scanner to check IDs. However, some stores will do this regardless of what the marijuana laws are in their state.
Self-protection
Any stores that retail marijuana will want to cover their backs in case of any crackdown from the law. If they are caught dispensing marijuana to anyone underage, there will be trouble for them and the would-be customer.
Accepting credit or debit cards
You should stay alert if you’re paying by card instead of cash. Any marijuana store that accepts this will probably collect more information about you than other places. The advent of a new app can also prove to be beneficial.
A Limit for Consumption
In Colorado, the purchase of marijuana products can contain up to 800 THC milligrams for a single transaction.
This doesn’t mean that you can make several purchases in a day. The law counts all the sales to a specific customer within one business day as a single transaction. The dispensaries have policies and systems that ensure they don’t sell above the maximum amount to one customer daily.
The obvious loophole
Of course, there’s always the option of going to another store to continue your marijuana product purchases. Again, the suspicion of government observation and tracking arises. However, observing every individual regarding marijuana use will require staffing and effort.
The Advertising Factor
Our purchases aren’t that private. The apps on our phone require access to our phone’s mic, photos, contacts, and much more. We give our email address and contact number every time we place an order for anything online.
Marijuana purchases, whether from medical or recreational stores or federal land, aren’t that different. If a store takes your info, it’s probably because they want you to return as a repeat customer. This includes sending advertisements to your inbox. Discount offers to get the business going, and so on.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re thinking of getting recreational or medical marijuana, always ask about the policy of the retail store you’re using. Before signing up for yet another newsletter, pause and consider whether the result is worth it. You can also research the company in question for their data securing policy if any.
A person’s data is in their control. When and how they decide to share it is their choice. But it’s common sense to know the possible results and risks. Some people might still be suspicious and ask, ‘do dispensaries share information with the government in Colorado?’ This may not be so. But we have to be careful regardless.
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