What to Know Before Getting a Medical Marijuana Card
Cannabis is often surrounded by stigma, which makes people reluctant to use medical marijuana. Some people may have grown up when its use was strongly discouraged; others may remember the war on drugs. Today, however, things have changed and more and more patients are considering the use of medical marijuana.
What exactly is a card?
More than half of the states have medical marijuana programs, and some of these areas allow recreational use. Some programs are similar, but more lenient regulations may apply in certain areas. Medical marijuana cards are state-issued IDs that show that you have received a rating that has qualified you for the use of medical cannabis. Once you have a card, you can legally buy pharmacy products for the condition. Others who do not have valid cards may not be able to enter medical marijuana dispensaries.
The eligibility requirements depend on your state. For example, many states with medical marijuana programs give cards to patients with serious medical conditions such as terminal diseases. Some states have lists of qualification requirements. Even if you don't already have one on the list, you might be able to get a card. In many areas, doctors can decide whether someone can benefit from cannabis.
Often times, if you're wondering how to get a medical marijuana card in Ohio, getting it isn't difficult. You can apply for your card online in just 15 minutes and the process is quick and easy. You only pay if you've been approved and don't need to make an appointment. Regardless of where you live, you will need to provide proof of residence. This could include a driver's license or some other form of government issued ID card. Once you get the card, you can only use it in the state you live in. Whenever you travel, your best bet is to check the regulations in the region you are visiting.
Free time vs. medicine
Government regulations determine whether medicinal cannabis is cheaper than recreational use. However, patients often find that medical cannabis is cheaper because there are usually not that many taxes. You also need to check the quality of the product. Medical pharmacies test the herb for contaminants, unlike the illegal market. For example, let's say your state isn't legalized for leisure and you want to use it for a chronic condition. In this case, it is best to get a card. That way, you may not have to rely so much on potentially addicting opioid drugs. Buying your product from a pharmacy is the best option as you will know the exposure and THC level that you will be receiving. They may be better suited to treating medical conditions.
Don't forget to renew
Many people believe that after receiving their health card they no longer have to worry about getting a new one. But that's not true. Many states require you to renew it once a year, so you will need to reapply. Don't wait for the card to expire before renewing it. Otherwise, you risk losing the benefits.