A lot has changed in recent years regarding cannabis. Thanks to modern research and progressive opinions, the plant is no longer viewed with much criticism.
As an American seeking alternative treatment through medical marijuana, you can now rest easy knowing most states have a legal provision of some sort accommodating your choice.
Like most people in need of marijuana for medicinal purposes, you may not know where to begin. Legal access is a lot different from buying weed on the streets.
You may have heard that most states require a medical marijuana card, also called a medical marijuana identification card (MMID), which you must present at a certified outlet every time you want to buy the drug.
In this post, we take you through the steps to getting a medical marijuana card in your state.
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Confirm Your State’s Laws
Before anything else, you want to find out if your state has legalized marijuana for medical use, if not for anything else.
Currently, 38 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories allow access to medical cannabis products. If your state has provided legal access, proceed to the following steps.
Tip: Keep in mind that even if cannabis is not legal in your state, some of the states with legal provisions allow non-locals to apply for MMIDs.
- Familiarize With Your Local Program
States that have allowed weed for health issues have a medical marijuana program, a body tasked with oversight. You can find out what program is available in your home state via a site like this.
By visiting your state’s medical marijuana program, you will get a sense of what to expect, particularly whether or not you qualify to use cannabis for treatment.
Most state programs have a list of conditions they deem as qualifying for cannabis treatment. If this is a prerequisite where you are, check carefully to see if you have a listed medical condition because if you don’t, you can’t proceed.
Tip: Some states don’t have strict lists of qualifying conditions, granting a certified physician the power to determine if a patient will benefit from treatment with cannabis.
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Consult a Certified Doctor
You may have heard you need a doctor’s approval or certification before applying for an MMID. That’s basically how it works.
In some states, any state-licensed medical professional can approve a patient for medical marijuana. Other states require medical professionals to register with a specified department as certified doctors before approving a patient.
If you need approval from a certified doctor, you can ask your GP for a referral or ask other people to point you in the right direction.
A more straightforward way to go about it is to use an online database to find medical marijuana doctors in your state.
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Prepare for Review
During a consultation with a medical marijuana physician, they will need to review your medical background before passing judgment. It’s usually a short evaluation, but you will need to prepare for it.
It’s crucial to present any relevant documents that support your need for cannabis treatment. If possible, involve your primary care doctor as they are more knowledgeable of medical background.
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Apply for Your Card
With a physician recommendation letter or certification, you can now apply for your card.
Most states have made the application process straightforward. All you need to do is visit the state’s medical marijuana program website and follow the application or registration prompts.
Usually, you will be directed to create an account, fill out information, and upload necessary documentation such as:
- Physician recommendation letter
- Proof of residency paperwork
- A photograph of yourself
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Pay Up and Wait
State medical marijuana programs generally charge fees upon registration and renewal. Keep track of applicable fees as you apply because you will be prompted to pay up before submitting your application.
Once you’ve applied, you enter a waiting period. Remember, processing time varies, and in the end, you should receive your medical marijuana card in the mail.
Final Thoughts
The process of getting a medical marijuana card may seem tedious, but that’s because you’re navigating a procedure to gain safe and legal access.
However, these steps are pretty straightforward, and once you’ve consulted a qualified physician, the remaining online application takes only a few minutes.
