If you have been considering trying medical marijuana, you need to read this guide. This guide covers everything you need to know about medical marijuana cards!
Often when people first consider trying medical marijuana they have a lot of questions. Questions such as 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. We will also touch base on the benefits of obtaining one.
What Is a Medical Marijuana Card and How Do You Get One?
Medical marijuana cards aka cannabis cards or MMIDs are an identification card which allows patients to obtain medical marijuana from dispensaries. Medical marijuana can treat a variety of different ailments and conditions. A medical marijuana card may also allow you to cultivate your own marijuana plants at home. This, of course, depends upon where you reside.
Medical marijuana cards are issued by the local state authority. Before a patient can obtain one, they must have a signature and documentation recommending that they utilize cannabis from a 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. This is, of course, dependant on your state’s laws. With your medical marijuana card, you’ll be able to visit marijuana dispensaries. You will also be able to 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. That is as long as you are traveling within the state. It’s important that if you are carrying marijuana that you follow the guidelines. This includes carrying 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. There are also restrictions on 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?
More states are moving towards the complete legalization of marijuana. With this shift, many people are left wondering what the benefits of having a medical cannabis card are? If it’s legal, it may seem pointless to obtain 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 and affordability. They can also advise 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 have an MMJ card, you may receive discounts on price. This is because you’re purchasing a medication. Many dispensaries allow concessions for people who are purchasing marijuana with a medical marijuana card. 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 – Many states that allow recreational use of marijuana allow people to grow marijuana for personal use. They are, however, often very restrictive. With a medical marijuana card, you could be able to cultivate a higher amount of plants and possess more marijuana. This is a great way to offset the high costs associated with purchasing marijuana from dispensaries.
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