In recent times, there has been a substantial rise in the popularity of medical marijuana ever since it has proven beneficial in treating certain conditions. Because of this, the growing cannabis industry is now a strong competitor for pharmaceutical companies.
Various people now rely on medical marijuana to treat their chronic pain. Scientific evidence plays a primary role in making the health benefits of cannabis well-known among the masses leading to its prevalent use as an alternative medicine.
Although the legality of medical marijuana (MMJ) is still in the gray area in a few states, most states of the US allow the possession and usage of marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes. This article covers everything you need to know about medical marijuana if you live in a state where its use is legal.
What Is Medical Marijuana?
In the last few decades, scientists have conducted a lot of research in trying to unearth the properties of marijuana. As a result of this research, scientists concluded that marijuana shows promise as a treatment for many medical conditions. For example, researchers have observed the benefits of marijuana in cancer patients.
Marijuana-derived medicines are legal in many places in the US, Canada, and Europe. These medications are available in multiple forms like sprays, tinctures, edibles, pills, etc.
Nevertheless, the legality of cannabis products is conditional and requires the THC content to be less than 0.3%. Exceeding this limit will make the product illegal for selling and use.
One of the most typical uses of medical marijuana (MMJ) is for chronic pain relief. Although it may not be as strong as some post-op painkillers, it has proven to be an effective alternative to ibuprofen.
What Conditions Are Approved for Marijuana Use?
There are very strict laws for the use of medical marijuana. Therefore, authorities have approved only a handful of medical conditions for its use. These include:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Open and close-angle glaucoma
- Crohn’s disease (Inflammatory bowel disease)
- Chronic pain
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Anorexia
- Migraine
- Parkinson’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Anorexia
Only licensed physicians are allowed to prescribe medical marijuana. This typically occurs when they feel that a patient’s health is negatively impacting the quality of their life because they are unable to perform their daily activities or their overall health is at risk.
How to Get an MMJ Card?
To begin with, you will need to have a conversation with your physician about your medical health condition. Your physician holds the authority to decide if you need marijuana-based medicine intervention.
Next, your physician will have a detailed discussion with you about the procedure of this treatment, the positive effects, along with the side effects. Once your physician has approved, you will be able to proceed further with this process.
The length of the procedure varies in each state, but the first step is to sign up at the medical marijuana registry of your state; you can do so at MMJ Card Online. Next, you will be required to submit proof that your physician has approved the need for medical marijuana based on your health status.
To register for an MMJ card, you will have to make an online account to submit your application along with your physician’s medical approval letter. Additionally, creating an online account saves your personal information. Therefore, you will not have to re-enter your information in the future.
If you apply along with a caregiver, you will have to ask your caregiver to add their credentials to your online account.
Finally, you will have to pay a specific amount as your medical marijuana card fee. You may make the payment online. Once you receive your MMJ card you will be legally allowed to buy medical marijuana.
Where Can You Get Medical Marijuana?
Once you possess a medical marijuana card, you have the state’s legal approval to buy marijuana from dispensaries. Correspondingly, a medical marijuana card allows you to buy marijuana products with a THC concentration of less than 0.3% or buy marijuana medicines in bulk.
In a few instances, the state allows medical marijuana cardholders to grow marijuana plants in their household for personal use. Otherwise, medical marijuana cardholders can buy marijuana in the following forms:
- Pills
- Oils
- Sprays
- Oral solution
- Topical cream
- Dried-out leaves for smoking
Closing Remarks
While scientists are gradually unearthing the full extent of marijuana’s medical benefits, only a handful of states deem its use as legal. Therefore, to consume marijuana legally, it is crucial to get a medical marijuana card.
You must also take into consideration that buying more marijuana than what is prescribed by your physician can make you prone to health risks.
Appropriate use of marijuana-based medicines can effectively treat your medical health condition and can improve the quality of your life.
