Many states in the U.S. have allowed the use of marijuana, and one such state that has slowly realized its benefits is Maryland. Although the recreational use of marijuana is illegal in such a state, since 2014, you can no longer be criminalized with possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana. A state law was also enacted that established a state-regulated medical marijuana program, which became operational in 2017. With a Maryland medical marijuana card, people can get their hands-on marijuana for medical purposes.
In order to understand the advantages of having this medical card, here are some of the things you should consider:
Cost-Effectiveness
Several state medical dispensaries offer a lower cost for patients who need medical marijuana. These are those people that rely on cannabis for their medical problems. All over the country, these people are also not often covered by insurances, and some even are highly taxed because they are used for recreational purposes. That is why by having your medical marijuana card, dispensaries will allow concessions for patients that most recreational shops would not provide. Thus, making healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Medical Marijuana Patients Under Age 21
In contrast to recreational stores that are only allowed to sell marijuana to those who are over the age of 21 years old, some cannabis patients under this age can have access to the drug. In other states, those who have medical marijuana cards do not prohibit people who are 20 years old and under to legally access the medicine for treating cancer, epilepsy and other illnesses. Twenty-nine states, including Maryland, have medical cannabis programs that currently have laws which allow minors to get medical cannabis with the help of a caregiver.
More Leeway in Potency Limits
When it comes to medical marijuana, the dosage is crucial. This is because some patients will require access to high-strength cannabis for their symptoms. This leeway is not possible in recreational stores because they need to abide by potency limits. It is crucial to note that states vary when it comes to their potency limits, so make sure to do your research first.
The Rise of Medical Marijuana in Maryland
Last year, the medical marijuana market continued to boom. According to Marijuana Business Daily, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission released data where it showed the MMJ sales of the state’s dispensaries. It was at least $130 million, which means that it had an average monthly sale of $18.4 million.
That is why, nowadays, in Maryland, the benefits of medical marijuana are continuing to increase. With a Maryland medical marijuana card, legal aged persons and even minors can have the drug in regulated dispensaries.
In order to get the card, the first thing that you need to do is to register as a patient in Maryland before seeing a physician. Other things you can also do is to register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission or MMCC online. Furthermore, you must have a qualifying medical condition. Some of them are the following: chronic or severe pain, seizures, severe muscle spasms, PTSD, cachexia, anorexia, severe nausea and other chronic medical illnesses where other treatments are considered ineffective.
Conclusion
By keeping all of those benefits in mind, it can be stated that it is time for you to apply for a medical marijuana card in Maryland. It is far more convenient and advantageous for you, especially when you are suffering from conditions that only cannabis can help alleviate.