by Since its large acceptance marijuana has thrived a lot in the U.S. and has been able to sustain itself through well thought out structures and systems. Across the U.S. about thirty-three have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes while eleven have even gone ahead to endorse recreational use. This development across states has made it possible for patients with illnesses that marijuana can cure receive treatment.
This said treatment can be accessed through the medical marijuana program set up by states to help in overseeing and creating regulations to guide the smooth running of the industry. Different states have varying regulations that guide their operations. Some of this variance can be seen in the number of qualifying conditions, the acceptable number of dispensaries that can be operational, the geographical spacing and proximity to schools and churches. As well as the amount of cannabis that can be possessed or bought across dispensaries.
For instance, Nevada has a limit on the number of applications it is taking and the number of dispensaries that can be sited in the state. While Ohio and Pennsylvania didn’t specifically place a restriction on the number of dispensaries that can be opened as well as application. Another varying pointer is the amount required to be paid to obtain operational licenses in these states vary.
Dispensaries are the authorized stores where patients approved by a state can go to get medical marijuana for their illnesses. However to get to use these stores patient must have a medical marijuana card. This post will highlight how to get a marijuana card and find the nearest dispensary to you.
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How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card
A medical marijuana card is what qualifies you to access the full benefits the dispensaries have to offer as well as protect you from prosecution especially in states that have not legalized the use of recreational marijuana. A marijuana card allows you to get a consultation from licensed doctors that are part of the medical marijuana program.
Understand The Regulation Of Your State
Before even applying to get a marijuana card, it is important that you know the rules governing your state medical marijuana program. As the qualifying conditions vary from state to state. Some states might not offer your illness as part of their regulation. For instance, Connecticut includes sickle cell and ulcerative colitis as part of its conditions but not Arizona. Pennsylvania has the longest accommodating list of conditions(23), so it is important you know what applies in your state.
Applying For The Card
This includes you getting all relevant information and medical documents that show that you have an illness that requires the usage of medical marijuana. You will also need to provide a means of identification and a residence permit to validate your application such as a driver’s license or an I.D card.
Getting A Physician’s Recommendation
This is the most important stage as without a licensed physician’s recommendation you won’t be considered in getting the card. There are licensed physicians who enroll and are part of the state’s medical-marijuana program. At times, it could be difficult locating these doctors but now with the internet, it has become easy. Or better still use a cannabis network that links doctors and patients together such as veriheal and they can help with the entire process, taking the stress off you.
After getting a doctor, he has to approve your need for medical marijuana by identifying an illness that could be treated by such. It must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that marijuana can alleviate the pain of that condition.
Registering With The State’s Registry
Having gotten a physician’s recommendation you proceed to add your name to the state’s medical registry for proper documentation. This is much easier now and is usually done alongside the online application or can be done by the physician after recommending you. This helps the state capture accurate data of its patients and helps it make better plans to cater to them.
Paying the Fee
The last part is to proceed to pay the required fee for the application which is mostly done online. Across states, the fee ranges from $50 to $150. Once this is done you will be licensed to purchase marijuana legally from dispensaries. Following your application, you will get your marijuana card after 3 to 4 days.
Finding A Dispensary
To find a dispensary near you, you can use online tools to search for dispensaries close to your location. After your visit to your physician, you would most likely get a list of dispensaries in the state. With the rapid development that the cannabis industry has enjoyed dispensaries are springing up all over. This dispensary would help guide and inform your decision making as to which strain to buy and what form. Hence, ensuring you get the best product for your health.
