What to Know Before Getting a Medical Marijuana Card

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Cannabis often has stigma surrounding it, making people hesitant to use medical marijuana. Some people might have grown up when its use was heavily discouraged, and others may remember the War on Drugs. However, things have changed today, and more patients are considering using medical marijuana in states where it’s legal. Fortunately, the majority of states – including Georgia – have legalized it for medicinal purposes, so getting a medical marijuana card online is the safest way to have access to your medication.

What Exactly is a Card?

More than half of the states have medical marijuana programs, and some of those areas also allow recreational use. Some programs are similar, but certain areas might have more lenient regulations. Medical marijuana cards are identification cards issued by the state, showing you had an evaluation that qualified you to use medical cannabis. Once you have a card, you are legally able to buy dispensary products for the condition. Others who do not have valid cards might not be able to enter medical marijuana dispensaries. 

Qualifying conditions depend on your state. For example, many states with medical marijuana programs give cards to patients with severe medical conditions such as terminal illnesses. Some states have lists of qualifying conditions. Still, even if you do not have one on the list, you might be able to get a card. Many areas let doctors decide if someone could benefit from cannabis. 

If you are wondering how to get a medical marijuana card in Ohio, it’s often not difficult to get it. You can apply for your card online in just 15 minutes, and the process is fast and easy. You’ll only pay if you are approved, and you don’t need to make an appointment. But no matter where you live, you’ll need to show proof of residency. That could include a driver’s license or another form of state-issued ID. Once you get the card, you can only use it in the state where you live. If you are traveling, it is best to check the regulations in the area you’re visiting.

Recreational vs. Medical

The state’s regulations determine whether medical cannabis is cheaper than recreational. However, patients often find medical cannabis is less expensive since there are usually not as much taxes on it. You also need to look at the product’s quality. Medical dispensaries test the herb for impurities, unlike what you can find on the illegal market. Suppose your state has not yet legalized recreationally and you want to use it for a chronic condition. In that case, it’s best to get a card. That way, you might not have to rely as much on potentially addicting opioid medications. Purchasing your product from a dispensary is the best option since you’ll know the strain and THC content you are getting. They might be better suited to treating medical conditions. 

Don’t Forget to Renew

Many people believe that after they have gotten their medical card, they don’t have to worry about getting another one for a long time. But that is not true. Many states require you to renew it once a year, so you’ll need to apply for it again. Don’t wait until the card is about to expire before renewing it. Otherwise, you risk losing the advantages of having it.