There are some states where drugs like recreational cannabis are legal to use; that’s why sometimes people think getting a medical card is not applicable. However, a medical marijuana card comes with many benefits esp, especially for those patients who are suffering from diseases like chronic nausea, PTSD, chronic pain, etc. In this, you will get to know about the difference between medical marijuana cards and recreational cannabis. Moreover, the main reasons Why you should get a Medical Marijuana Card Instead of Using Recreational Cannabis are the following:
Highlights
Lower Costs: Medical cannabis is often taxed at a lower rate than recreational cannabis, so it’s usually more affordable.
More substantial Options: People with a medical card can get stronger, more specialized cannabis strains that are designed for specific health needs.
Legal Protections: A medical marijuana card gives extra legal protection, making you safer in certain situations.
Access for Younger People: Medical cannabis is available for people under 21 if they have a qualifying health condition.
Health-Focused Recommendations: Get personalized advice from a healthcare professional.
Medical Cannabis vs Recreational Cannabis
Let’s look at why having a medical marijuana card is essential in a state where recreational use is legal. Knowing the difference between medical and recreational marijuana helps clarify this.
Purpose:
- Medical marijuana treats different health issues with support from a healthcare professional.
- Recreational cannabis is consumed for enjoyment and to get high.
Access:
- You need a medical marijuana card from a healthcare provider to use medical cannabis.
- You need a recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider to use medical cannabis.
Products:
- People with marijuana cards have access to specialized strains and products that cater to specific medical needs, often with higher potency or customized formulations.
- Recreational cannabis doesn’t offer the same therapeutic benefits that marijuana provides. Also, it may lack the variety needed for medical treatment.
Medical and recreational cannabis may look the same. Still, they differ in how they are used, regulated, and formulated. For patients, having a medical marijuana card is very important.
What advantages come with possessing a Medical Marijuana Card?
– Money Saving
– Access to Marijuana Products
– Legal Protections
– Increased limits for possession and cultivation:
– Reduced Age Limitations
– Help from Certified doctors
– Reciprocal agreements in different states:
– Priority Access to Products
Here are the detailed explanations of the significant points mentioned above:
1. Money Saving:
Medical marijuana usually has lower taxes than recreational cannabis, making it more affordable. Some states even do not charge taxes for medical cannabis users. This can lead to significant savings, especially for those who need cannabis for long-term treatment.
2. Access to Marijuana Products:
Cardholders can access products made for medical needs. These include cannabis products with higher levels of THC or CBD, which can help with conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, or epilepsy. Recreational options may not offer the same health benefits.
3. Legal Protections:
A medical marijuana card offers essential legal protections. It allows patients to carry more cannabis and reduces certain legal risks. In some states, it also helps employees use cannabis without putting their jobs at risk.
4. Increased limits for possession and cultivation:
Patients with medical needs can possess and grow more cannabis than recreational users. This is important for those dealing with chronic or severe health conditions. Recreational users may not have enough cannabis to meet their needs.
5. Reduced Age Limitations:
Recreational cannabis is only for people who are 21 and older. However, individuals who are 18 and above can access medical marijuana. Minors with qualifying medical conditions can use medical cannabis. Still, they must do so under the care of a healthcare provider.
6. Help from Certified doctors:
Medical marijuana programs help people access healthcare providers who recommend the right products and dosages for their specific health needs. This expert advice makes sure that treatments are both safe and effective, which is something recreational users do not receive.
7. Reciprocal agreements in different states:
Many states recognize medical marijuana cards through reciprocity programs. This allows patients to buy cannabis while traveling. However, recreational users can only purchase cannabis in states where it is legal for recreational use.
8. Priority Access to Products:
In states where there is high demand or shortages of products, patients who use medical marijuana often get priority access to cannabis products. This helps ensure they get the necessary treatments, even when supplies are low.
States that allow medical marijuana
As of today, more than 35 states have legalized the use of medical marijuana for various medical conditions, although the specific conditions permitted vary by state. Additionally, recreational marijuana use has been legalized in states such as Colorado, Washington, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Virginia. Other states, including Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, are expected to enact laws permitting adult use soon.
How do states control medical and recreational marijuana products?
Regulations vary depending on whether marijuana is for medical use, recreational use, CBD, or medical CBD.
Medical Marijuana
Cannabis is legal for medical use only if a person has a qualifying condition, like cancer, glaucoma, or multiple sclerosis. The conditions that qualify may differ by state.
Medical and recreational marijuana
In states where marijuana is legal, there are rules about how it can be sold and bought. Many places have special taxes and laws for businesses that sell marijuana. Some areas might even say that marijuana stores are not allowed at all.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an ingredient found in cannabis that comes from the hemp plant. You can legally sell CBD at the federal level if it contains less than 0.3% THC. Some states let you buy CBD without a prescription, while others only allow sales of CBD with no THC.
However, there is still a lot of confusion about CBD because laws at the federal and state levels are different and changing. Because of this, some states like Ohio, Iowa, and Texas have shut down hemp and CBD stores that do not follow the rules.
Medical CBD
Some states permit the use of medical CBD, but a prescription is required for legal use. For instance, in 2015, Georgia allowed individuals with certain medical conditions to possess low-THC oil if they had a valid legal THC oil card. This low-THC oil contains some cannabidiol and must have no more than 5% THC by weight. It shouldn’t include any plant material that resembles cannabis.
In Idaho, high CBD cannabis extracts can be used for specific health conditions. However, CBD must be free of THC and derived from certain parts of the cannabis plant. These parts include mature stalks, fibers from those stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds, or other products from the mature stalk. Additionally, the seeds need to be sterilized and incapable of germination.
How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card with EZmedcard:
Getting a medical marijuana card with EZmedcard is easy.
- Check Your Eligibility: Make sure you have a qualifying medical condition, like chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia, as your state defines.
- See a Healthcare Professional: Consult a licensed medical marijuana doctor. EZmedcard offers convenient online consultations to make this step simple.
- Submit Your Application: After getting your doctor’s recommendation, submit your application through your state’s medical marijuana program.
- Get Your Card: Once your application is approved, you will receive your medical marijuana card, which allows you to access medical dispensaries and enjoy its benefits.
Conclusion:
When choosing between medical and recreational cannabis, the advantages of a medical marijuana card are clear. From significant cost savings and legal protections to access to specialized products and expert guidance, a medical card offers much more than recreational cannabis. Suppose you’re using cannabis to manage a medical condition. In that case, a medical marijuana card is undoubtedly the more intelligent, more therapeutic choice.
If you’re ready to apply for your card, EZmedcard makes it easy—start your journey to better health today.
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