So medical marijuana laws have recently been passed in your state, but now you face the problem of actually procuring a medical marijuana card in your area.  Many residents of states that have medical marijuana laws enacted are unsure as to how to obtain a medical marijuana card, or even if they are eligible.

I’ll begin with a common misconception among people that you need a medical marijuana “license” to get medical marijuana.  A medical marijuana prescription is definitely NOT a license. A license is something issued by the government authorizing you to partake in an activity that they regulate.  The best way to think about this is a driver’s license.  Whether or not you are allowed to get a driver’s license is determined by the state.   They can and do withhold giving out driver’s licenses for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with your proficiency in driving a motor vehicle, for example getting pulled over for a DUI.

The difference between a medical marijuana prescription and a driver’s license is that medical marijuana does not require you to seek approval directly from the state.  Rather, state passes a medical marijuana law that grants doctor’s the ability to prescribe marijuana for specific iillnesses. In the eyes of the people this method is far more convenient than if the state issued the prescriptions. Considering the government has allowed for a licensed doctor to determine whether or not marijuana use would be beneficial to a patient’s illness, the government cannot take away your right to use the medicine. As far as legality is concerned, medical marijuana is practically the same as any other doctor prescribed drug.

The only thing that differs is the method of obtaining the medication. You can’t, after all, just go down to your local pharmacy and get a prescription filled for an ounce of the best hydroponically grown buds available.  What you can do, however, is go to any one of the increasing number of medical marijuana co-ops and cannabis clubs around the state and buy the best marijuana, hash, cookies, brownies or whatever THC infused treats you require. While these dispensaries remain illegal under federal laws they are increasingly being approved at the local level and, due to their rising numbers and acceptance by citizens, are being allowed to continue to operate and thrive.

In addition to using dispensaries to obtain marijuana you can also cultivate it for your personal use.  In California you are currently allowed to have 12 immature plants or 6 mature plants. In addition, you are allowed to possess up to 8 ounces of dried buds. Different cities and counties in California have passed laws allowing patients to possess more plants than the minimum allowed by California law as well as allowing possession of more than 8 ounces at a time.

So now that you know all about what it means to be a medical marijuana patient you are probably wondering how one would go about obtaining a medical marijuana prescription. Many people are under the misconception that medical marijuana is available only to patients who are dying of an illness. However, since marijuana is a proven pain reliever it can be prescribed for any type of chronic pain. All you have to do is go to your regular doctor and have him or her document any medical condition that you have that qualifies for medical marijuana. You do not need to tell your regular doctor that you will be going to get a medical marijuana prescription; you can just tell them that you need the diagnosis for your personal records. After you have this document, then you need to find a doctor to go to who will give you a medical marijuana recommendation. Rest assured as long as you have a note from your doctor describing your condition you will be able to get your marijuana prescription. When you do go the see the doctor, you will most likely end up paying somewhere around $200 for the appointment. He will ask you a few questions about your condition. All you have to do is tell him that the problem is chronic and the current medication that you are using is not working.

That’s it! This may all seem like a hassle but considering that it puts the law on your side it’s worth every bit of the money and your time!

Cheers,

The Weed Street Journal