States across the United States are legalizing cannabis. You can see new dispensaries opening up in states where it is legal with an age cap of course. The question that must be crossing your mind would be – What is a Medical Cannabis Card, and why should I get one.
Especially in states where recreational marijuana is legal, why should you get an ID when it is just as legal otherwise.
But I would like to tell you- get that card. You can avail some tangible benefits if you are in possession of a card. There is dosage, potency, and affordability, and that is just from the top of my head. There is plenty of support that is available, too, if you have a card with you.
Low Tax and Cost
The most significant benefit associated with getting a card are the low tax and costs.
This is probably the most significant benefit associated with getting a card. Many state-run dispensaries offer a lower cost to people who have a card. This is a significant factor for someone who uses cannabis to treat their medical issues.
No insurance plan in the country covers cannabis, so the best way to save some cost is by getting a medical marijuana card.
Legalized cannabis is also taxed at a rather high rate. In recreational purchases, there are times with the cost next to doubles. To avoid this getting a card is essential. Medical Cannabis dispensaries allow for a 10 %-15% waiver on the tax amount that recreational users have to pay.
High Potency
For medical users, potency is a big issue. Many patients, especially the ones who suffer from chronic pain, need to have access to higher potency strains to help alleviate their pain. Recreational shops have potency limits that they have to adhere to. But in the case of medical dispensaries, the law allows for a lot more leeway.
Recreational dispensaries in California are bound by the 10,000 cannabinoids per package limit, whereas medical dispensaries cab increase the limit to 20,000 cannabinoids.
Though be careful as the potency limit changes on a state-to-state basis.
Age limit
So, recreational shops can only sell to people who are over the age of 21. This does make sense, but there are also children who are cannabis patients. For them getting access to this is next to impossible in the absence of a medical cannabis card.
Medical cards allow patients who are minors access to cannabis. Minors who need access to cannabis can do this via an MMJ card. This is especially required in cases where the patient is suffering from cancer, epilepsy, or other chronic conditions.
To ensure that pediatric patients get their medicine, we need to create a distinction between medical and recreational cannabis.
Growing Permit
Not every state allows this, but for the ones that do, it is essential to hold an MMJ card. Tampering, in the case of cannabis, is a big issue. But if one is able to grow their own, then there is a guarantee that you have a genuine product.
If you own a card, your growing limit increases, especially in states where both medical and recreational cannabis is legal. The medical card owners have a higher growing threshold. Homegrown plants also help reduce the costs associated with obtaining it from a dispensary. This is important, especially if you are from a lower-income group.
Recreational legalization of cannabis is on the rise. States that were medical only have slowly turned towards recreational as well. As this progress picks up pace, one needs to remember why cannabis first gained traction, and that was because of its medical properties.
Another word of caution, laws vary by state, and it is not essential that you will get all of these benefits in every state. So, be sure to check up on the laws.
