Over a couple of years, cannabis has acquired quite a reputation in the healthcare and medicine sector. If you live in a state where medical cannabis is legal, you must have come across the very well made cannabis dispensaries around the corner. Or someone who cannot stop talking about cannabis. That’s proof of the positive impact cannabis has had in the lives of patients suffering from chronic conditions which continues to increase its acceptance as a medicine.

It makes sense when you consider trying cannabis to improve your life looking at the benefits it renders to the patient community. You can go ahead with your plan of using medical cannabis but before anything else, prepare yourself. Glance through the basic facts about this green herb so that you are aware of what you are getting into. 

It is Immensely Therapeutic

If you think that cannabis is a gateway drug used by people to only get stoned, you are living far back in time. Today, cannabis is called medical cannabis because of the array of therapeutic benefits it can deliver to people. Cannabis is not restricted for one use only. It can provide symptomatic relief for Cancer, Crohn’s disease, Anorexia, Insomnia, PTSD, Anxiety, Severe Nausea and Seizures. And the list doesn’t end here. Along with several other medical conditions, more information about the potential of cannabis unfolds with every new consumer. That’s a very varied list of conditions right? Well, that’s how cannabis works. 

The work force behind cannabis’ such different benefits lies in its chemical composition. Cannabis contains more than 400 different chemical components. But the ones that are widely known are cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids etc. Each of these chemicals can affect the body together as well as individually. These components are the reason why the list of benefits for cannabis include anti-inflammation, antiemetic, anti-anxiety, appetite suppression and stimulation, sedative and pain relief. So if your medical condition needs any of the mentioned effects, cannabis can be the right choice. 

The important aspect about these therapeutic benefits is that they can only be achieved when cannabis is consumed in the right dose. A high intake may result in an intolerable high and other unwanted effects. So consultation with a medical professional is necessary.

It is Legal 

The first question that arises among every person considering medical cannabis treatment is regarding the legalities. Considering the fact that cannabis did not have a very accepting image in the past, you would want to know its legal place today. Well, the good news is that medical cannabis is legal in 33 states of the US. This means that if you are a medical patient, you can access cannabis without any legal issues in any of these states. 

However, the legality of medical cannabis does not mean that there is no regulation on matters related to cannabis. The legalization of medical cannabis is in accordance with the medical marijuana program of the state. From sales to use, the government regulates everything according to the marijuana laws. So you can buy and use cannabis freely but if you don’t abide by the rules of your state, you may still end up in legal trouble.

Before using medical marijuana, it’s also important to note that cannabis isn’t legal federally. The state and federal government clash in their views about cannabis. One classifies it as a legal medicine while the other categorizes it as a Schedule 1 drug. So if you decide on using medical cannabis, make sure that you do not put yourself in a situation where you may be committing a federal offence.  

It Offers Several Benefits to The Consumer

If we compare medical cannabis with recreational cannabis, the former enjoys several benefits that are not available for the latter. 

Cannabis has grown out of its stigma into a medicine of the future but even then many people enjoy cannabis as a recreational drug. Considering the importance of cannabis in healthcare and in the lives of the patient community, the state government offers special privileges to the medical cannabis consumers. Here’s a brief introduction to a few of them.

Age Limit

If you live in a recreational state, you can use cannabis if you want as soon as you turn 21 because the legal age is 21 years. But, for a medical cannabis consumer, the age limit is lowered to 18 years. It lets younger patients get cannabis treatment as soon as possible and without any legal issues. 

Possession Limit

State laws are very particular about possession of cannabis. Not only should it be sealed properly but it should be within the possession limit. Recreational cannabis consumers can legally possess only one ounce of cannabis. But for medical cannabis consumers, the limit is exceeded to 8 ounces. This decision is in accordance with the different doses and requirements of medical patients. And to also avoid frequent trips for a restock.

Accessibility

Medical use of cannabis can vary from person to person. People have different doses, THC or CBD requirements according to their condition. So unlike recreational cannabis, medical marijuana does not have any potency restrictions. You can buy high THC strains too and have access to all the strains available at the dispensary. 

Savings

The state government exempts all sales and use tax for medical cannabis. So if you are treating your medical condition with cannabis, you can save money on every cannabis purchase whether online or at a dispensary.

Medical Cannabis Use Requires a Cannabis Card

The most important aspect about using medical cannabis is that you have to get yourself a medical marijuana card. It’s your registration with the government as a medical cannabis patient. So you can use and buy cannabis without anyone questioning you. 

In addition to this, a medical card is the only way you can have access to all the advantages we discussed in the previous point. It is only when you present the card the person in authority will he/she render you all the exclusive privileges that came with medical cannabis.                 

A medical card only stays valid for a year or two (varies in different states). So to be able to use medical cannabis without restrictions and have access to the privileges, you must Renew MMJ Card as it approaches its expiry date.

Medical Patients Under The Age of 18 Years Can Use Medical Marijuana

You already know that the legal age for using medical cannabis is 18 years. But did you know that a medical patient can still use cannabis if they are under 18? That’s right. If a patient needs cannabis as a treatment for their condition but is younger than the legal age, there are ways that can give them accessibility to medical cannabis. 

For such cases, there is a special list of qualifying conditions. Do some research and get in touch with a professional to learn if your condition qualifies or not. If your condition is on the list, apply for a medical marijuana recommendation or card. The doctor will then assess you and decide if you must have medical cannabis or not. In addition to this, an underage patient should also have a caregiver. A caregiver is a person who is 21 years or above in age and is responsible for buying cannabis and administering it to the patient. But the rules and regulations are different for every state. Consult with a professional to be sure of all the details.

Being prepared is never a bad thing. So before you take your first step towards medical cannabis, acquaint yourself to all the necessary information. Not only will it help you be safe but also help you have a better overall experience.