Since California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, the MMJ market has gone from strength to strength. We long since passed the tipping point where more than half of American states have legalized the substance for medicinal use. Indeed, more than three-quarters of states enable patients to apply for an MMJ card.
If you’re not already one of the millions of people with an MMJ card but are considering applying, this article is for you. It highlights some important information, such as qualifying medical conditions, the application process, what you’re entitled to with an MMJ card, and more. Let’s begin.
It’s fair to say that not every medical marijuana program is created the same! There are different application processes, fees, purchasing and possession limits, and so on. Even the validity of the MMJ card can vary! So, please ensure you look into the medical marijuana rules in your state before applying.
That way, you’ll find out whether it’s a long, drawn-out process or straightforward. A service like mmjcardonline.com unquestionably falls into the latter category! It enables you to book an appointment with a licensed physician from the comfort of your home in states that allow online consultations. Since most states let you complete the application online, you could, in practice, get your MMJ card without leaving the house!
In practically every state with a program, you must have a qualifying medical condition to be eligible for an MMJ card. Once again, these conditions vary from one state to the next. Possible qualifying conditions include cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis.
Other eligibility criteria include being at least 18 years old (the age limit can be higher, although most states also allow minors to apply with parent/legal guardian consent) and being a state resident. You will need to provide proof of residency and proof of age on your application form.
A major part of the application process involves speaking to a physician. These consultations tend to take a little longer than 10 minutes and involve discussing your prospective use of marijuana for your medical condition with the physician. If they approve you, they will write a recommendation, which you need to complete your MMJ card application.
Incidentally, when it is time for MMJ card renewal, you will generally need to return to the doctor for a new appointment and fresh certification.
The complexity of the application process, unfortunately, varies from one jurisdiction to the next. Typically, though, you can complete it online and send it to the state’s MMJ card program. If you intend to add a caregiver, you’ll need them to complete a separate form in most cases, and that individual will need to submit to a background check. Pay the application fee and wait for the relevant state department to approve it.
If you make a mistake in the application, the department will send it back for correction. Otherwise, you’ll receive a message saying your application was approved. You’ll either get an MMJ card in the mail or else you’ll receive a digital version. Some states give you a temporary card you can use until you get the primary one.
At this point, you’re free to visit a licensed dispensary. Once again, please note the legal limits for marijuana in your state. For instance, in Arkansas, you can buy a maximum of 2.5 ounces with your MMJ card every 14 days. In Hawaii, MMJ patients can possess up to 4 ounces at a time.
Certain states allow you to cultivate a handful of marijuana plants at home, while others strictly prohibit the practice. As this data from the FBI, published in Forbes, shows, a huge number of people are still arrested for marijuana possession each year. If you exceed your state’s limits, you will join them whether you have an MMJ card or not!
Getting an MMJ card is a process that’s different from one state to the next. If you’re interested in earning the legal protection associated with the card, learn and understand the regulations, application requirements, allowances, and more associated with medical marijuana in your state. By doing so, you can safely join the growing legion of MMJ cardholders deriving the benefits of the cannabis plant.