Medical marijuana has become a common treatment option for people suffering from chronic pain and related conditions. While marijuana remains illegal on the federal level, many states have legalized medical marijuana, provided those using it meet specific criteria.
In New York, medical marijuana is used on an extensive scale. Read on to learn more about marijuana legalization and the use of medical marijuana cards in New York.
What Is a Medical Marijuana Card?
Also referred to as MMID, a medical marijuana card is a type of identification card used by patients to obtain medical marijuana that treats their related health symptoms or conditions. Medical marijuana in California was first legalized in 1996 which started the norm of legalization across the US until it reached New York State in 2014.
The medical marijuana card in New York allows patients to grow the plant at home and enjoy delivery services. The state issues these cards after the patient meets various requirements. For instance, the patient must first get a signed recommendation from a reputable physician before being approved.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Medical Marijuana Card?
There are many benefits to obtaining a medical marijuana card in New York. Some of them include the following:
● Lower Costs: A medical marijuana card significantly lowers the cost of obtaining medical marijuana. Thanks to this card, you will enjoy lower prices than those who get the product from retail outlets. Taxes on medical marijuana increased significantly after more states legalized it. This led to an increase in the cost of medical marijuana in New York.
● Legal Protection: A medical marijuana card protects you from all the legal vulnerabilities tied to using medical marijuana. For instance, you can use medical marijuana in public as long as you have MMID, even if doing so is currently federally illegal. When authorities stop you from using medical marijuana publicly, the card will help straighten things out.
● Higher Possession Limits: A medical marijuana card in New York will give you a higher possession limit than other users. In the New York medical marijuana program, patients with medical marijuana cards have a higher consumption limit than recreational users.
Who Is Eligible for a Medical Marijuana Card?
All states that have legalized marijuana require that their residents be of a certain age and pass specific requirements to be able to obtain marijuana products. For example, applicants for the medical marijuana card in New York must be legal residents of the state. They must also be 18 years and above before being eligible for the card.
Minors needing medical marijuana can have their caregivers apply for the card on their behalf. In New York, the caregiver must be over 21 years to be eligible for the medical marijuana card.
How Do I Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
It is easy to get a medical marijuana card in New York provided you meet all the requirements. The first thing you need to do is talk to your physician regarding the treatment option. Then, the doctor will examine you and determine whether medical marijuana will help treat your illness. The doctor will also point out any possible side effects.
In New York, you need to sign up for the state’s medical marijuana registry. This process can be done online. You will be required to prove that a licensed doctor approved the use of medical marijuana as part of your treatment plan. Ensure that the evidence is well documented to prevent rejection.
You may also be asked to create an online account where you can submit your medical marijuana card application. This is helpful because it makes it easier to renew your card whenever it expires. Lastly, you will pay a fee to the state government before being issued a medical marijuana card. This payment is mainly made online. Once the process is complete, it will take around two days for the request to be processed.
States That Allow Medical Marijuana Cards.
Here are all states that allow medical marijuana cards in the United States.
● Alabama
● Georgia
● Idaho
● Indiana
● Iowa
● Kentucky
● Nebraska
● North Carolina
● South Carolina
● Tennessee
● Wisconsin
● Wyoming
● Alaska
● Arizona
● Arkansas
● California
● Colorado
● Connecticut
● Delaware
● District of Columbia
● Florida
● Hawaii
● Louisiana
● Illinois
● Maryland
● Kansas
● Maine
● Massachusetts
● Minnesota
● Michigan
● Mississippi
● New Jersey
● Montana
● Nevada
● Missouri
● New Mexico
● Virginia
● Vermont
● New York
● Ohio
● Oregon
● North Dakota
● New Hampshire
● Rhode Island
● Oklahoma
● Utah
● Pennsylvania
● South Dakota
● Washington
● Texas
● West Virginia
This may not be a conclusive list as some states are still in the process of legalizing medical marijuana for their citizens.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana cards are essential for patients in need of medical marijuana. They come with many benefits, including lowering the cost of medical marijuana and increasing the access limit. New Yorkers dealing with chronic pain can easily obtain medical marijuana cards as the process is straightforward.
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