Missourians can possess cannabis after a law legalizing recreational marijuana took effect this week.

But even though adults can legally use marijuana, dispensary operators say some marijuana users may choose to keep their medical cards, which will allow them to take advantage of lower taxes and other benefits over customers who use marijuana recreationally.

Missourians voted in November to legalize recreational marijuana, and on Thursday it became legal to possess in the state. But Missouri customers will not be able to buy it in Missouri businesses until later this winter, regulators said.

Medical marijuana has been legal in Missouri since 2018. There are more than 200,000 people in the state with an active medical marijuana license.

According to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, medical card holders will still be able to benefit from lower tax rates than recreational users when they buy marijuana. Recreational marijuana will be taxed at 6%, with municipalities allowed to increase that percentage. Medical users will continue to pay a 4% tax on their purchase.

Medical users or their caregivers also can possess six ounces of marijuana in a 30-day period. That’s twice the amount allowed to recreational users.