Marijuana Dispensaries in Bristol

Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in Bristol?

Yes. There is a cannabis dispensary operating in the City of Bristol. Recreational cannabis sales began statewide in Connecticut on January 10, 2023, and the only cannabis retailer in the city now sells recreational cannabis to adults of legal age.

Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Bristol?

Yes. The only dispensary in Bristol sells medical cannabis to qualified patients.

Can You Buy Cannabis from Online Weed Dispensaries in Bristol?

The dispensary in Bristol offers online services to cannabis buyers. However, with cannabis delivery not offered by the dispensary, you have to visit the location of the store for an in-store pick-up.

Visiting a Dispensary in Bristol

Visiting a dispensary in Bristol can be a novel and thrilling experience, particularly for individuals who are new to the cannabis market. Both patients and adults aged 21 or older can visit the only dispensary in the city as the retail store sells medical and recreational cannabis products. Typically, visitors will be greeted by a security officer who will verify their ID cards or medical marijuana cards before allowing them to enter. Once inside, they will be greeted by a staff that can assist them in navigating the various cannabis products and answer any cannabis questions or concerns they may have.

Visitors will be able to find an extensive selection of cannabis products, including flowers, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. They can also select from various cultivars with varying effects, such as Sativa for an energizing high and Indica for a relaxing feel.

Buyers should be prepared to pay in cash as the store does not allow visitors to pay with credit cards. However, they may be able to use the on-site ATM at the dispensary to withdraw cash.

Bristol Dispensary Laws

Bristol allows cannabis dispensaries to be established within the city pursuant to obtaining a state cannabis business license from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and a Bristol City business permit.

A dispensary may sell recreational cannabis to both Bristol residents and out-of-state residents as long as they have valid government-issued IDs proving they are aged 21 or older. Medical cannabis may only be sold to qualified patients or their caregivers with valid IDs under the Connecticut medical cannabis program. No out-of-state patient may be allowed to buy medical cannabis in the city.

Also, in accordance with state law, cannabis purchases must be tracked by dispensaries to ensure cannabis possession limits are not disregarded. No dispensary in the city may permit the consumption of cannabis on-site.

Recreational Laws in Bristol

Governor Ned Lamont's signing of Senate Bill 1201 into law in 2021 made the recreational use of cannabis legal in Bristol and elsewhere in Connecticut. SB 1201 makes it legal for persons aged 21 or older in Bristol to possess a maximum of 1.5 ounces of cannabis on their person and up to 5 ounces in their homes or in locked containers in their cars' glove boxes or trunks. Adults may share cannabis with other adults of legal age as long as no more than the permitted possession limits are transferred and no promise of payment or exchanges are involved in the transfer.

SB 1201 also made the home cultivation of cannabis legal. However, no more than 6 cannabis plants may be cultivated for personal use, and cannabis cultivation may only be done indoors in enclosed spaces inaccessible to minors and not visible to the public.

Under SB 1201, the following are illegal:

• Driving while under the influence of cannabis
• Using cannabis in public places
• Using cannabis on federal property
• Purchasing cannabis as a minor
• Purchasing cannabis from unlicensed retailers

Medical Cannabis Laws in Bristol

HB 5389 makes medical marijuana legal in Bristol. Although the law initially made medical cannabis legal for persons aged 18 or older, HB 5450 allowed minors to participate in the state’s medical cannabis program administered by the Department of Consumer Protection. HB 5450 also expanded the program by adding new medical conditions that may be treated with medical cannabis. Bristol residents who are not yet 18 are required to designate caregivers to administer medical cannabis on their behalf. A caregiver is an individual who is aged 18 or older and has agreed to be responsible for the well-being of a qualifying patient. Persons convicted of offenses relating to the illegal sale, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances are prohibited from serving as caregivers.

Note that the state medical cannabis law only makes medical cannabis legal for Connecticut residents. Therefore, if you are an out-of-state patient, you cannot purchase medical cannabis in Bristol. Before you may access medical cannabis legally in Bristol, you must obtain a certification to use medical marijuana from a Connecticut-licensed physician with ongoing responsibility for the assessment and treatment of your qualifying condition.

Under the state medical cannabis law, qualified Bristol patients can have a maximum of 5 ounces of medical cannabis per month purchased from Connecticut-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries. However, patients with allotments restricted or expanded by their certifying healthcare practitioners are not impacted by the recent increase in monthly possession allotments. Patients can also grow up to 3 flowering and 3 non-flowering marijuana plants at home. No more than 12 marijuana plants may be cultivated in a household regardless of the number of patients living there.

Medical cannabis use is illegal in motor vehicles, workplaces, or school grounds. You may also face legal consequences if you consume medical cannabis in front of a minor unless the individual is a qualified patient.

Under the Palliative Use of Marijuana Act (PUMA), no employer in Bristol or Connecticut may refuse to hire a person or may penalize, discharge, or discipline an employee solely on the basis of such individual's or employee's status as a qualifying patient or primary caregiver.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Bristol

You can obtain a medical marijuana card in Bristol if you reside in the city and have a qualifying debilitating medical condition identified under Connecticut law. If you are aged 18 or older, you must obtain a certification to use marijuana from a Connecticut-licensed physician. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian must have two Connecticut-licensed physicians confirm that you will benefit from the palliative use of marijuana and that such use and treatment are in your best interest. One of the physicians must be your primary care provider, while the other physician must be board-certified in an area of medicine involved in the treatment of your condition. This other physician must provide a certification letter confirming that medical marijuana use is in your best interest.

Subsequently, visit the state Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Business Network to create an account. After creating and verifying your account, log in to the registration portal to complete your application. You will need to provide the following:

• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Bristol residency
• A $100 registration fee

Once the Department of Consumer Protection receives the required information for your application, the department will make a determination on your eligibility for a medical marijuana card. If your application is successful, the DCP will send a medical marijuana card to you typically within 5 weeks.

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Bristol?

For homeowners, cannabis use is legal for consumption in private residences. Persons renting their homes must seek permission from their landlords before using cannabis on such units. Cannabis use is also illegal outdoors and in public areas.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Bristol Dispensary

You can buy cannabis at a Bristol dispensary by ordering cannabis online or visiting in person. To find the location of the dispensary, search online using the keyword "Bristol cannabis dispensaries near me." Note that if you order cannabis online, you must visit the address of the dispensary to pick up your order, as the only retail store does not offer cannabis delivery. At the dispensary, you will require a medical marijuana card issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (if you are buying medical cannabis) or a government ID to show you are 21 or older (if you are buying adult-use cannabis).

The Average Price in Bristol

One gram of pre-rolls sells for about $20, while 3.5 grams of cannabis flower sells for about $40.

Most Popular Strains in Bristol

Some popular cannabis strains in Bristol are:

• Harlequin BX4
• Pennywise
• Green Mountain

Can You Smoke in Public in Bristol?

Bristol prohibits the use of cannabis in public places, including parks, beaches, workplaces, and hotels, and within 25 feet of entrances, per SB 1201.

How Much Marijuana Can You Possess at Once in Bristol?

Adults aged 21 or older in Bristol can have 1.5 ounces on their person and 5 ounces in secure containers in the locked compartments of the cars. Medical marijuana patients may have up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis or more if their certifying physicians permit it.

Can I Ship Cannabis in Bristol?

Shipping cannabis across state lines into Bristol is illegal. However, you may move cannabis from another Connecticut address into Bristol as long as you keep it in a locked container in the glove compartment or trunk of your vehicle.

Can I Order Cannabis Online in Bristol?

While you can order cannabis online in the city, you must visit the address of the dispensary to pick up your order.

Are there 24-Hour Dispensaries in Bristol?

There are no 24-hour dispensaries in Bristol.

Can Tourists Use Dispensaries in Bristol?

Visitors may use recreational dispensaries in Bristol but are restricted from purchasing medical marijuana in the city.

Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Bristol?

You need a Connecticut medical marijuana card to use a medical marijuana dispensary and a government-issued ID to buy recreational cannabis.

Best Dispensaries in Bristol

Trulieve is the only dispensary in Bristol.

Do Dispensaries Scan your ID in Bristol?

Per state law, the dispensary in the city scans customers’ IDs.

How Many Dispensaries are in Bristol?

Only one dispensary exists in Bristol.

Can Dispensaries in Bristol Take Credit Cards?

Expect to pay with cash when visiting the only retailer in the city.

How Many Dispensaries Can You Visit in One Day?

You can visit as many Bristol dispensaries as you like in one day. However, only one dispensary is in the city.

Do Dispensaries in Bristol Take Health Insurance?

Medicaid and other health insurance programs and plans do not cover cannabis purchases.

Do Dispensaries in Bristol Track How Much Weed You Buy?

Weed purchases are tracked at the dispensary in the city.

Can You Enter a Dispensary in Bristol at Age 18?

To purchase adult-use cannabis at the dispensary in the city, you must be 21 or older. To buy medical cannabis, you must be 18 or older.

Where Can I Find Bristol Cannabis Regulator’s Contact Information?

The state Department of Consumer Protection regulates cannabis in the City of Bristol. You may contact the department using the information below:

Department of Consumer Protection

450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 901

Hartford, CT 06103-1840

Phone: (860) 713-6100

How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities in Bristol?

You can register a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection using the options available on the Complaint Center page of the DCP. You may also contact the Bristol Police Department by calling (860) 585- 8477 to report an illegal cannabis operation