Getting a medical marijuana card can have many advantages. The process typically takes place on a secure telemedicine platform.
During the consultation, physicians help patients determine whether cannabis is the correct medicine for their symptoms. They also help them to decide on the starting dosage.
A medical card can save you money on weed throughout the year, allowing you to buy larger quantities than recreational users.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant benefits of getting a medical marijuana card is saving money. Recreational weed is heavily taxed, but medical weed is exempt from those taxes. Depending on the state, recreational weed can cost up to 37% more than medical weed. In addition to the lower prices, a medical marijuana card gives you access to discounts and exclusive patient incentives.
Having medical marijuana in Virginia is also beneficial when traveling. Many states do not allow recreational marijuana to be brought across state lines, so having a medical marijuana card will give you peace of mind if you find yourself without any weed in your home state. Similarly, some employers have strict drug policies that require employees to pass a random drug screening, and having a medical marijuana card will save you the hassle of having to go through the process of taking a urine test and/or blood test.
Getting a medical marijuana card can also help you avoid developing Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). A single-blind pragmatic RCT found that individuals who obtained a medical marijuana card within 12 weeks of baseline developed a more significant number and higher severity of CUD symptoms than those who delayed their card acquisition. This finding is consistent with epidemiologic surveys suggesting that most adults who develop CUD are recreational users of cannabis.
Peace of Mind
While recreational marijuana has made its way into many states, a card remains essential for anyone with a chronic condition that needs addressing. Aside from avoiding taxes, medical patients have access to higher purchasing allotments and priority buying in case of a cannabis shortage. Those advantages alone make obtaining a medical marijuana card worth the effort, even in states where recreational cannabis is legal.
Another benefit of a card is that it will help you get your medicine more quickly, especially if your condition requires large doses. Recreational consumers may wait months to gain access to a dispensary or run out of product before a new shipment arrives. At the same time, a cardholder can immediately purchase medical-grade products as needed.
Additionally, a cardholder can save money by not having to travel as often to buy their medicine. This is particularly important for patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis and other joint problems that can be painful and inconvenient to manage. Those patients can rely on a designated caregiver, listed as such on their medical marijuana card, to visit a dispensary on their behalf.
Applying for a medical marijuana card is a relatively straightforward process that can be managed online with companies. A doctor’s appointment is also less expensive online, allowing patients to quickly and affordably recertify or renew their cards from the comfort of their homes.
Access to Medical Marijuana
Cannabis is a natural compound that provides numerous health benefits for patients with certain medical conditions. With more research published each year, many people use this plant for medicinal purposes. Obtaining a med card allows you to access dispensaries and save on the cost of purchasing marijuana products, which are typically heavily taxed.
Depending on your state’s regulations, it also allows you to grow your plants at home. This is a great way to reduce your medication usage and medical expenses in the long run.
Moreover, obtaining a medical marijuana card may protect you from getting fired if your employer finds out about your drug usage. If you are concerned about this, consider consulting with a legal professional who can advise.
The medical marijuana program recognizes several illnesses that can be treated with the help of this plant. Patients that have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition can receive a registration card from the state and enjoy several benefits, including being able to grow plants at home, buy cannabis in public, and avoid criminal prosecution for marijuana usage. This makes it worth the effort of applying for a medical marijuana card in this state.
Legality
Getting your medical marijuana card is essential in establishing legal rights to the medication. Although cannabis is illegal at the federal level, 29 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws allowing patients with qualifying conditions to use medicinal marijuana. This medication is effective for the treatment of a wide range of symptoms. It is a powerful tool in the fight against pain and other diseases and can help improve quality of life.
Cannabis is a flowering plant with two main active ingredients: CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The former has multiple health benefits, while the latter causes the “high” associated with marijuana. It treats various ailments, including chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, and seizures. It is also an effective appetite stimulant for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Another benefit of getting a medical marijuana card is that it prevents you from paying state taxes on the medicine. Recreational marijuana is subject to a 6.25% sales tax, while medical marijuana is exempt from sales and local taxes. You will also save money on prescription drug costs. Many insurers do not cover the cost of medical marijuana, but there are many efforts to change this.
To qualify for a medical marijuana card, you must be diagnosed with one of the state’s approved conditions. Each state has a different list; some states have eliminated it entirely, leaving doctors to recommend cannabis for any condition that may improve a patient’s quality of life.
