Medical grade marijuana is a treatment option for a number of physical health conditions and mental health issues, but you need to register with your state department of health to qualify. A medical marijuana card allows you to legally purchase, possess, and use marijuana as treatment for qualifying medical conditions. But even in states where the medicinal use of marijuana is legal, the laws vary. Therefore, it's important to understand the process involved.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
The state where you live must allow the use of medical marijuana for your particular health condition for you to qualify for a medical marijuana card. Although the conditions that make you eligible for medical marijuana treatment vary by state, some of the illnesses that may qualify you for a medical marijuana card include:
Cancer
AIDS
Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
Glaucoma
Chronic pain
Multiple sclerosis
Severe nausea
Clinical depression
Bipolar disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The physician evaluating your condition determines the proper dosage to treat your health problem; however, state law restricts the maximum amount of marijuana you are allowed to possess within a specified number of days.
Registration Process
In addition to the application you must fill out requesting a medical marijuana card, a doctor licensed by your state must complete, sign, and date an attending physician's statement form. Instead of submitting a physician's statement form, some states accept a written recommendation from a licensed physician who recommends marijuana for medicinal purposes. Some medical marijuana dispensaries have doctors on staff who determine whether you have a qualifying condition.
When you apply for a card, you need to prove your identity and state of residence. You also are required to pay fees, including a doctor evaluation fee and registration fees, which are not the same in all states. You may be eligible to pay a reduced fee if you qualify for a state or federal assistance program, including your state's Medicaid program, Social Security disability (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Fingerprinting for medical marijuana is required by law. A fingerprint card must be submitted along with your application to your state's department of health.
Validity
Generally, a medical marijuana card is only valid in the state in which it was issued. But some states, such as Arizona and Nevada, accept out-of-state authorization cards if you are there visiting, which allows you to legally possess a specified amount of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
In many states that allow for the medical use of marijuana, a medical marijuana card is valid for one year from the date of approval. You must re-register each year. In other states, including New Jersey, registration is valid for two years, but you are only certified for a 30, 60 or 90 day period after which time your doctor must reevaluate your medical condition and decide whether you should continue using medical marijuana as treatment. Contact a company like Best 420 Health and Wellness for more information.
Share13 April 2016
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