How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card
Getting a medical marijuana card is not as easy as it may seem. There are a lot of hoops to jump through and many requirements that must be met before you can even apply for the state-issued card, which will allow you to purchase cannabis from dispensaries in your area. In this blog post we’ll go over all the steps required for getting your medical marijuana card so that you can begin enjoying its benefits immediately.
Marijuana has been used medicinally throughout history, with records indicating that it was used by ancient Chinese emperors more than 5,000 years ago! Despite being illegal in most countries around the world today, there are an estimated two million people who use cannabis medically despite its illegality within their country. For those looking to get a marijuana card, here is a guide to getting started…
1. Research Your Condition
Before you begin the application process, it is important to do some research on your health conditions and how they can be treated with cannabis. Studies have found that marijuana is effective at treating a number of diseases and ailments, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, muscle spasms, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis (MS) and even insomnia. By deciding what your medical issue is going to be before you apply for a card, this will help you determine which type of card would benefit you must – do you need a temporary or annual card? A basic or specific card? Simply googling “medical marijuana treatment [health condition]”, will give you access to an abundance of information from qualified medical professionals who will be able to assist you in making the right choice.
2. Get Yourself Tested By A Doctor
As mentioned above, benefits of marijuana are still being researched further but there are many compelling studies that have already been conducted on its efficacy when it comes to treating several health conditions. However, in most places around the world you will only be eligible for getting a card if you have one of the following qualifying medical conditions: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, MS, damage to the nervous tissue of your spinal cord or an intractable pain syndrome. That said, depending on where you live in some parts of America, they may allow people suffering from even more serious illnesses such as epilepsy to get treatment with cannabis.
Check your local Medical Marijuana Registry to see which conditions are covered in your area. Once you have confirmed what your condition is, it’s time to get yourself tested by a doctor so that you can prove to the state that there is proof of your illness. The doctor should be able to confirm this after conducting an examination and review past medical records. Your doctor may refer you to an affiliated specialist for further testing if required, but these tests will usually include checking your visual acuity (how well you see) and examining the pressure inside of your eyeball with some special equipment called tonometry. If you suffer from other serious conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia or depression, it may be worthwhile seeing these could qualify as legitimate reasons for your illness. In the United States, not all states have the same process. In Maryland, you’ll need to first create an account at the state’s cannabis commision and then undergo your physician’s evaluation. Next, the doctor will notify the commision after which you can print your temporary Maryland medical marijuana card.
Even if you don’t have one of the conditions that makes you eligible for a medical marijuana card, some people do benefit from using cannabis on its own as a way to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. If this is a reason why you wish to consider getting a card or want to learn more about what your options are, it may be advisable to use an online resource such as WebMD ‘s Symptom Checker which can help determine exactly what kind of treatment would work best for you.
3. Figure Out How Often You Need Access
As mentioned before, there are two different types of Medical Marijuana Cards being issued by states – annual and temporary cards. Annual Medical Marijuana Cards usually come with longer validity periods and allow patients to have access to marijuana plants and cannabis-infused products for a full year after the card has been issued. Medical Medical Marijuana Cards, on the other hand, usually last for as long as your treatment is necessary (which can be anywhere between three months and one year).
As such, if you only wish to use cannabis for a specific amount of time or at regular intervals then you will need an annual Medical Marijuana Card. However, those who need ongoing access should opt for a temporary Medical Marijuana Card so that they do not have to go through the application process again in future years.
4. Apply for your Medical Marijuana Card online
Once you feel ready and understand what type of card would suit your needs best, you can begin the Medical Marijuana Card application process. Medical marijuana applications for a Medical Card or Medical Marijuana Card are often relatively short and easy to complete which makes them a much more attractive option than going through other even longer medical treatment processes. Regardless, you should take your time and read each of the questions very carefully as they will have a bearing on whether your application succeeds or not.
5. Apply in person
Once you have submitted an online Medical Marijuana application, it is important that you follow up with the state’s licensing agency (or another designated office) by submitting your Medical Grade Cannabis ID card in person so that they can verify some additional information relating to your identity – this will include collecting some proofs of residency such as utility bills and your driver’s license or passport. For Medical Marijuana Card holders (you can apply for a medical marijuana card from 420id right now), the Medical Marijuana Registry office will be your final destination when they receive your Medical Grade Cannabis ID card after verifying all of the information in person before giving you a Medical Marijuana Card.
6. A Medical Grade Cannabis License in hand
Once you have submitted a successful medical grade cannabis application, you should expect to wait for about a week before receiving your Medical Marijuana Card from the licensing agency responsible for issuing them – this includes being notified by mail so make sure that you have provided an accurate address with your request. And if you are getting a temporary Medical Marijuana Card, be aware that it could take anywhere between three and twelve months to process depending on how long your condition is expected to last. Medical Marijuana Card holders should read additional information from the Medical Marijuana Registry office to understand their rights and responsibilities as a Medical Grade Cannabis License holder.
7. Medical Marijuana Patients Have Access To More Health Care Options
If you are a Medical Marijuana Card holder, you will have an additional level of protection over anyone else who uses medical cannabis at home or on the street. This is because the state-issued Medical Grade Cannabis ID card is your proof that you are part of a Medical Grade Cannabis Patient Group. In addition, since they can prove that they use medical marijuana with a Medical Marijuana Card this means that they cannot be prosecuted under federal law or arrested by most local police for possessing or using cannabis – even if it is for a Medical Marijuana Card holder. Medical Grade Cannabis Medical Marijuana Cardholders often have access to a whole range of other services as well as protection from the law such as Medical Grade Cannabis Social Clubs where they can purchase Medical Grade Cannabis products and use them without having to worry about breaking any laws.