If you have been considering trying medical marijuana, but don’t know where to start, then you need to read our complete guide on everything you need to know about medical marijuana cards!
Often when people first consider trying medical marijuana they have a lot of questions about what is a medical marijuana card, how do you get one, and what are the benefits? In the following guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about medical marijuana cards and what are the benefits to obtaining one.
What Is a Medical Marijuana Card and How Do You Get One?
Medical marijuana cards, which are also sometimes known as cannabis cards or MMIDs, is an identification card which allows patients to obtain medical marijuana from dispensaries. The medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of different ailments and conditions. Depending on where you live, a medical marijuana card may also allow you to cultivate your own marijuana plants at home for the treatment of your medical condition.
Medical marijuana cards are issued by the local state authority, but before one can be issued to a patient, they must have a signed and documented recommendation by an authorized healthcare professional. Both the doctor and the patient need to agree that marijuana or cannabis would be a beneficial or effective treatment to their condition and be on an approved condition list authorized by the state. Once you have your doctor’s recommendation, you need to apply to the state and pay the appropriate fee.
Each state and jurisdiction will have their own guidelines which may vary depending on the state or territory. As the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana continue across the country, and even around the world, the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card continues to evolve. It’s important to note that even though you may have a medical marijuana card in one state or country, it doesn’t allow you to transport marijuana across state lines or federal borders. If you are visiting or moving to a new state or country, then you may need to follow their guidelines and rules for obtaining a medical marijuana card.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Medical Cannabis Card?
If you follow the correct procedure for obtaining a medical marijuana card in your state, you’ll be able to legally obtain and even cultivate marijuana in your own home, depending on your state’s laws. With your medical marijuana card, you’ll be able to visit marijuana dispensaries and purchase marijuana for the treatment of your condition. Some states allow for online purchasing of marijuana while others only allow in-person purchasing through registered marijuana dispensaries.
Your medical marijuana card will also allow you to carry marijuana around on your person if you are traveling within the state. It’s important that if you are carrying marijuana on your person that you follow the guidelines and carry your medical marijuana card on you at the same time. There will also be purchasing requirements and rules and regulations related to how much cannabis you can buy or cultivate and how you store the cannabis in your residence or while you’re transporting it.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Medical Cannabis Card In a Legal State?
As more states move towards the complete legalization of marijuana, many people are left wondering what are the benefits of having a medical cannabis card in a legal state? If it’s legal to buy and cultivate marijuana in your state, it may not seem like there is much point bothering with a medical marijuana card. You may not feel like there is any benefit to going through with the whole process of visiting a doctor and obtaining a medical marijuana card, but surprisingly there still is.
When you get a medical marijuana card, you’re dealing with a health care professional that will be able to guide you through using marijuana. They’ll be able to speak with you about recommended dosages, affordability, and if there are any pros or cons to switching from your current medication to cannabis. They will also be able to advise you if there are any conflicts between the current medication which you’re on and the marijuana you intend on taking. While the help and advice of budtenders at dispensaries is very useful, it doesn’t hurt to speak with your healthcare professional.
Benefits of Having a Medical Cannabis Card In a Legal State
• Lower Taxes and Costs – When you are purchasing medical marijuana with a medical marijuana card, you may be entitled to receive discounts on price because you’re purchasing a medication. Many dispensaries allow concessions for people who are purchasing marijuana with a medical marijuana card compared to recreational users. An example of this is in Colorado where patients avoid the 10% retail tax and 15% excise tax placed on recreational marijuana.
• Higher Strength Marijuana – Your medical marijuana card may entitle you to access higher strength marijuana compared to recreational cannabis. An example of this is in California where recreational dispensaries are limited to 1,000 mg of cannabinoids per package. Medical dispensaries are almost double this.
• Lower Age Limits – If you are under 21, then you’re going to be refused recreational marijuana across the United States. Some medical marijuana cards allow patients under 21 to access medical marijuana for their conditions.
• Cultivate More Marijuana – While many states that allow recreational use of marijuana allow people to grow marijuana for personal use, they’re often very limited to how much they can grow and possess. With a medical marijuana card, you could be able to not only cultivate a higher amount of plants but also possess more marijuana. This is a great way to offset the high costs associated with purchasing marijuana from dispensaries.
If you have any questions about medical marijuana cards or would like to talk about your experiences with a medical marijuana card, then please don’t hesitate to comment below. We love to hear your feedback and interact with our readers. If you enjoyed the article, then please share it via the share buttons or on your social media.