Marijuana is a highly effective and natural way to manage numerous medical conditions and their symptoms. Chronic pain, nausea, seizures, and anxiety are among some of the most popular illnesses treated with marijuana.
Since the legalization of this plant has become the new standard, many people have been trading their typical prescriptions for marijuana.
If you are a frequent or occasional cannabis consumer with an approved condition, you should consider applying for your medical marijuana card. Below we list some of the reasons why.
1) You Get To Possess More Marijuana
In most states where recreational marijuana is legal, the possession limit is about one ounce per adult. However, when you are a medical marijuana cardholder your possession limit increases.
For example, in Maine, a cardholder may possess up to eight pounds of harvested cannabis, while recreational users may not possess more than 2.5 ounces. In states like Florida, as long as you meet the requirements for qualifying conditions for a medical card in Florida, your medical card can provide many benefits to help you legally obtain and possess the appropriate amounts of medical marijuana.
Depending on where you live, the repercussions of being caught with more marijuana than allowed can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge. So, having an MMJ card provides some legal protection.
2) You Get to Buy Stronger Strains
Many conditions eligible for a medical marijuana card are accompanied by debilitating symptoms. Naturally, these symptoms may require strong medications to help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Therefore, medical marijuana patients have access to the strongest THC products available at each dispensary. If you have a medical condition that you feel could be well managed with stronger strains, you can apply online.
3) You Pay Lower Taxes
One of the many benefits of purchasing cannabis with a medical marijuana card is that tax fees are lower or waived.
When you purchase marijuana, you are charged two types of tax; excise tax and sales tax.
Sales tax must be a minimum of 7.25% however, it can be found at rates as high as 37%.
Excise tax is often around %15 but can be as high as 37%.
Washington has some of the highest recreational use tax rates at 37%, but if you have a medical card you are not charged tax.
4) Your Cannabis Is Discounted
Cannabis discounts are not set in stone the way that tax rates are since they are determined by the dispensary. However, discounts can normally be expected no matter where you go.
On average, MMJ holders receive around 10% off of their cannabis purchases. Yet, some dispensaries offer discounts as high as 30%.
Additionally, many dispensaries provide short-term discounts to new customers. For example, the Herbal Pain Relief Center in California gifts free products to new customers.
5) Your Treatment Is Safer
Some MMJ-approved conditions are Anxiety, PTSD, Chronic Pain, Cancer, Arthritis, and Parkinson’s Disease. Unfortunately, the typical chemical-based medications and treatment options available for these types of conditions often have harsh side effects.
Some common side effects may include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, organ damage, changes in heart rate, fatigue, mood swings, and even dependency.
Therefore, by switching to cannabis, you can treat your conditions without the worry of becoming drug dependent, having organ deterioration, and feeling ill.
Additionally, it is important to note that our bodies have an endocannabinoid system that is responsible for homeostasis. When we use cannabis products, the plant helps every major system regain balance and heal naturally.
6) You Can Grow Your Own Plants
In most states, the cultivation of marijuana is limited to few or no plants. However, the majority of legal states will allow medical marijuana users to grow marijuana for personal use.
Depending on your state of residence, marijuana patients can expect an allowance of around 6 to 12 plants. Caregivers with medical marijuana patients are often granted the ability to grow a large number of plants. Michigan caregivers may grow up to 60 plants to help manage treatment.
7) You Can Purchase Under 21
Like alcohol, recreational marijuana users must be 21 years old to purchase and consume the plant.
However, in most states, medical cards can be issued to patients at least 18 years old and in others, there is no age limit. Of course, if a minor is prescribed cannabis, their guardians or caregivers will be responsible for the distribution of the medication.
The application for an MMJ card while under 21 is generally approved for anyone experiencing chronic symptoms like persistent vomiting, seizures, and pain.