Medical marijuana helps a lot of people who suffer from chronic pain or other illnesses. Despite the fact that it is illegal to use marijuana on a federal level, 29 states and Washington, D.C., officially permit medicinal marijuana usage for those with certain medical conditions.
The cannabis sativa plant’s derivatives are known as “medicinal cannabis.” Its two active cannabinoids are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While CBD has many advantages, it won’t get you high. THC is what causes the intoxication or “high” that marijuana is known for.
Herein are the things you need to know about obtaining a medical marijuana card if your state permits its use for specific conditions.
Marijuana as a Medicine
Medical marijuana is nothing new, as decades of research have been done to determine how it can be utilized to treat various conditions. When it comes to treating nausea and appetite in cancer patients, THC specifically has shown several advantages. The United States, Europe, and Canada are only some of the countries that have legalized marijuana-based medicines.
THC-containing tablets, sprays, and liquids fall under this category. Researchers agree that these medications are more effective for treating medical conditions than the entire marijuana plant. This is due to the fact that before marijuana can be used to create medication, it needs to be purified.
Pain treatment is marijuana’s primary medical use. Despite the fact that medical marijuana is not strong enough to take the place of medications that are recommended after surgery, it has been shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain, especially pain that is age-related.
As an alternative to ibuprofen or paracetamol, medical marijuana is less addictive than opioids.
Conditions for Qualifying:
States have different rules regarding medical marijuana, including what diseases can be treated with it. Usually, states that permit Medical cannabis card use allow it to be used to treat:
- HIV and AIDS
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Parkinson’s disease
- Anorexia
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
If you experience constant symptoms that affect the quality of your life, your primary care physician may recommend trying medical marijuana, depending on the laws in your state. This includes symptoms that make it difficult for you to do your everyday business or risk your mental and physical health.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card
- Speak with your primary care physician as the first step to getting a medicinal marijuana card. You can discuss any possible risks or side effects with your doctor, who will decide whether your condition requires the use of medicinal marijuana. You can continue with the procedure once your doctor gives his or her consent.
- While each state’s procedure is different, most of them require you to register with the state’s medical marijuana registry, which you can probably do online. You will be required to show documentation showing your doctor approved the use of medicinal marijuana to treat your symptoms as part of the registration procedure.
- Your state may ask you to make an online account if you want to complete your registration so that you can submit your application and a doctor’s clearance. Making an account also saves your data in case you ever need to renew your medical marijuana card.
- Your medicinal marijuana card will probably require payment. Although the cost varies by state, you should be allowed to pay online. After receiving your card, you can purchase medical marijuana.
