A state-issued ID called a medical marijuana card enables patients to purchase and possess marijuana for medical purposes. This card can help treat symptoms of various conditions such as AIDS, anorexia, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, migraine, seizures, and glaucoma.
If you suffer from one of these qualifying conditions, you should consider getting a medical marijuana card. There are many perks to being a cardholder, including accurate dosage/labeling and savings on purchase prices.
It’s Convenient
Whether or not marijuana has been legalized for recreational use in your state, getting a medical marijuana card in Maryland is still a good idea. The benefits of a medical card include access to more potent cannabis, higher possession and purchase limits, and savings on excise taxes at dispensaries. Plus, having a medical card may help to protect you from employment-related issues if you get fired for using marijuana.
Medical marijuana can treat many conditions, including chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, glaucoma, symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and fibromyalgia. It also has a proven track record of alleviating the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In addition to the above, a medical marijuana card can save you money at dispensaries because it exempts you from paying the high retail tax on recreational weed. Medical dispensaries also tend to have faster service, as they cater exclusively to medical patients. Plus, many doctors offer telemedicine appointments, which make it convenient and easy to see a doctor for your medical marijuana evaluation.
It’s Legal
The popularity of marijuana use is rising, leading many states to legalize it for medicinal purposes. Marijuana is a safe and effective means of pain relief and has also been found to help with conditions like anxiety and insomnia.
Unlike traditional pain medications, cannabis has no addictive properties and is less likely to cause side effects. It can even treat chronic illnesses like PTSD, fibromyalgia, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Medical marijuana is available in various forms, including edibles, tinctures, and extracts. The process of getting a medical marijuana card varies by state, but most require that you first have a physician’s recommendation. All registered medical practitioners can certify patients for medicinal marijuana. Then, you must register with your state’s medical marijuana program and obtain a patient ID number. Most of the time, you can do this online. This makes the entire process much easier and more convenient. It also allows you to manage your annual renewal and medical records online.
It’s Effective
Marijuana is reported to help ease pain, control nausea and vomiting associated with AIDS and cancer treatments, and lower eye pressure (glaucoma). It has also shown promising results in treating PTSD among veterans returning from combat zones.
Obtaining and using marijuana for medical purposes is not without its downsides. Getting a card doesn’t shield you from drug testing by the Department of Transportation (DOT), for example, and it can cost federal government employees their jobs if they fail a test.
In addition, recreational dispensaries charge a 20% to 30% tax on cannabis purchases made by non-medical users. However, the state’s medical dispensaries waive this fee for those with a valid marijuana card. Medical dispensaries also tend to have shorter lines and patient-dedicated checkouts, saving you hours. The cost savings are also significant, with patients paying a fraction of the retail taxes that recreational users pay. The products you buy at a medical dispensary are also thoroughly lab tested, which ensures their potency. This contrasts homegrown or illicit marijuana, which can be unregulated and inconsistent in potency.
It’s Safe
Marijuana is much safer than opiate painkillers, which can cause addiction and overdose. It also reduces anxiety and helps you sleep. It can boost appetite and control nausea in people with cancer or AIDS, and it can lower pressure inside the eyes for those with glaucoma. It does have some side effects, though, like fast heart rate and high blood pressure. And it can make some people feel paranoid or see things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
Medical marijuana is safer than synthetic versions, sold under many names, and may not have been tested for safety. They can cause dangerous side effects, like rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, and might not appear on drug tests.
Another benefit of a medical marijuana card is the ability to grow your plants. This is possible only if you have a card in a state with legalized growing. You can also save money by purchasing your weed at a medical dispensary instead of a recreational one, with a 7% tax added.
It’s Tax-Free
Even in states that have legalized recreational marijuana, having a medical marijuana card is still the best way to purchase cannabis. Recreational weed is always taxed more heavily than medicinal products. Medical marijuana, however, is exempt from sales taxes in most states. This makes a huge difference in the price of your purchases!
When it comes to medical marijuana, you can rest assured that it undergoes lab testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Many dispensaries keep their top-quality products exclusively for medical patients. If you desire access to premium cannabis strains that contain higher levels of THC and CBD, obtaining a medical marijuana card is crucial.
Ultimately, the benefits of a medical marijuana card are numerous and far-reaching. If you’re suffering from a serious health condition or you want to relax and relieve stress, cannabis is the way to go. So, apply for your medical marijuana card today! It’s the smartest decision you can make. And remember, if you get fired for having a medical marijuana card, some laws protect you from this.