A medical marijuana card enables you to possess, grow, and obtain marijuana for medical purposes. Your state will issue this ID card upon verification of a doctor’s recommendation. The obvious benefit of a medical marijuana card is that it provides easier access to a substance that may provide relief for your medical condition. If you’ve been wondering if applying and paying for this card is worth it, then you’ll want to know what other benefits you stand to gain.
You’ll Have Legal Protection
The federal government continues to list marijuana as an illegal narcotic, and state regulations on marijuana use are constantly changing. Possessing, growing, and purchasing marijuana in illegal amounts can result in steep fines, jail time, and the loss of housing and employment. Whether or not you are using it to treat a health condition, possession of marijuana can get you in big trouble if you don’t have a state-issued medical marijuana card. Legal protection is buy one of the many useful cannabis card benefits available to anyone with a state issued card, and can make a big difference depending on the state where you buy medical marijuana products.
You Can Purchase, Posses, and Grow Larger Amounts
Having a medical marijuana card allows you to have a certain amount of marijuana and THC products in your possession, depending on your state regulations. For example, currently in Massachusetts, cardholders can possess 10 ounces or approximately a two-month supply. A medical marijuana card in Arizona allows cardholders to obtain 2.5 ounces every 14 days.
Depending on your state regulations, you may be able to negotiate if your condition requires the use of more than that amount.
In some states it is only legal for medical marijuana cardholders to grow their own. In other states, cardholders may be able to grow more than recreational cultivators, according to state regulations.
You Can Buy High-Quality, High-Potency Cannabis
With a medical marijuana card, you can purchase professionally grown cannabis from medical dispensaries accessible only to cardholders. These products are third-party lab tested for purity and potency. This not only means a higher-quality product but also increased safety, as marijuana from medical dispensaries will have been tested for dangerous levels of substances such as heavy metals and pesticides.
Medical marijuana cardholders can also purchase products in higher doses than recreational users. This is important for conditions which may require larger amounts to gain relief.
You Can Save Money
With a medical marijuana card you’ll also be able to get higher-quality, higher-potency products at a lower cost. In states where recreational marijuana use is legal, products are heavily taxed by as much as 37%. However, with a medical marijuana card you will have a lower tax rate or even exemption. You can also write off medical marijuana on your state taxes. Over time, you can save thousands of dollars with a card.
You Can Access Cannabis at a Younger Age
In most states, the use of recreational cannabis is only legal for adults over 21 years of age. But there are many people below this age who need medical marijuana for conditions like cancer and epilepsy. A medical marijuana card enables patients to access cannabis at age 18. In some cases, children younger than 18 may have access through a caregiver.
You Can Get What You Need Delivered to Your Home
Home-delivery of medical marijuana is authorized in many states. With a medical marijuana card, you can easily get what you need without leaving home. For people who are unable to get to a dispensary or too sick to do so, this is a significant benefit.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card
If you’re ready to get started and get your medical marijuana card, your first step is to make sure you meet the qualifications. Although it varies from state to state, only certain conditions qualify for the use of medical marijuana. These include:
- Cancer
- HIV and AIDS
- Glaucoma
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Parkinson’s disease
- Anorexia
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraine
If your primary care provider determines that the use of medical marijuana will benefit your condition, they will provide approval. You can then submit your application online, with the requisite paperwork and proof of your doctor’s approval. Once your application is accepted, you’ll need to pay the fee, which varies by state.
If you are unable or don’t want to take on the process of securing your card, you can ask a caregiver or a service located in your state to file your application for you.
