How to become a medical marijuana patient

Medical cannabis helps to alleviate pain and symptoms from serious and chronic illnesses that cause much suffering. Many people gladly try medical marijuana for a variety of conditions, mostly because they have tried conventional medicine and have not found relief for their symptoms. Medical marijuana isn’t legal everywhere. It’s currently legal in all of Canada and in 23 states and Washington, D.C. in the U.S.

Conditions such as AIDS, anxiety, arthritis, cancer, epilepsy, sleeping disorders, glaucoma, Lyme’s disease, multiple sclerosis and more may qualify one for a medical marijuana card. Anyone suffering from these conditions can see a health care professional, who will write a recommendation for medical marijuana for them stating that the patient concerned will benefit from therapeutic treatment using medical marijuana.

A recommendation is not a prescription. Because cannabis is illegal at federal level, doctors are not allowed to prescribe it. But once you have obtained a medical marijuana recommendation that complies with state laws, you may buy marijuana from a dispensary or supplier and then you are allowed to buy, possess, ingest, transport and grow cannabis up to certain limits, depending on your state. You are then also entitled to apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card.

Steps to take to get a medical marijuana card

Firstly, you will need to provide proof of residence, which can be proven easily by producing your valid driver’s licence.

Secondly, find out if your condition is listed as eligible for access to medical marijuana.

Thirdly, find a doctor to sign your forms. If for some reason you find it difficult to find a doctor who will do this, there are medical marijuana clinics and doctors who specifically work with patients looking for a cannabis prescription.

Be aware that there are fees incurred with obtaining a medical marijuana card, typically there are fees incurred by both the county and the state. Some states will charge a reduced fee to patients if they receive Medicaid benefits, Social Security Disability, or other supplemental income or are part of other state-aid programs. Full fees can range from $100 to $250.

Sources:

http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/resources/beginners-guide

http://www.medicinalmarijuanaassociation.com/medical-marijuana-blog/3-requirements-you-need-to-get-a-medical-marijuana-card