Marijuana
Medical marijuana is a topic of growing interest across the world. Despite the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis, many countries still prohibit its usage in public.
In the United States, the marijuana plant is illegal at the federal level. However, 37 states have legalized the use of cannabis products for medical purposes. The District of Colombia and the territories of Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands also have medical marijuana programs.
Even some majority conservative states have made the move. Missouri decriminalized marijuana in 2014 and legalized its medical use in 2018. But you’ll still need official approval to purchase and use cannabis products. The qualifying conditions are pretty broad, the narrowest being a physician’s recommendation. Such is the case for most places.
Are you planning to get a Missouri medical marijuanas card or something similar in your state? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Medical Marijuana?
As the name implies, medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, is a plant-based medicine derived from the marijuana plant. It contains cannabinoids, chemical compounds extracted from the plant to provide a wide variety of benefits.
These chemicals have been found to treat nausea, muscle spasms, seizures, and chronic pain. Of course, its effectiveness is still debatable, as federal health authorities have yet to provide definitive recommendations for their use in healthcare. You’ll need a prescription from a qualified physician to buy medical marijuana safely.
It’s worth noting that some states allow the medical use of marijuana but haven’t decriminalized or legalized recreational usage. Missouri and a few others have decriminalized and legalized it in the medical sector, provided the user meets the requirements.
How To Qualify For A Card
In places where you can use cannabis for health improvement, you must usually apply for a medical marijuana card.
But how do you know if you can get one? Here are the basic qualifications for a medical marijuana card.
- You Must Be Over 18
The first qualification factor is your age. All marijuana users must be of legal age. If you’re under 18 years, you may not be allowed to apply for the card. But your parent or guardian can consent to it through a written declaration.
- You Must Meet The Conditions
Almost all states where medical marijuana is legal have specific conditions you must meet. In Missouri, the patient must be suffering from at least one of these conditions for them to receive a card:
- A chronic medical condition that causes persistent pain
- Anxiety
- Mental disorders such as depression and post-traumatic medical disorder (PTSD)
- Cancer
- Intractable migraines that are unresponsive to other treatment
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Other chronic diseases such as sickle cell anemia, endometriosis, cachexia, and hepatitis C can also qualify you for the card.
Marijuana
You Must Have The Relevant Medical Documents
You must prove these qualifying conditions by providing medical records from a reputable healthcare provider. Here are some of the documents you’ll need to submit:
- Notes or any other official records confirming your visit to the doctor
- Any discharge summaries, if available
- Referrals from other medical professionals like chiropractors
- Your prescription history, including the current medication
- Proof of previous medical marijuana status if you’ve used it in another state
These are the primary documents you must attach to your application. Include any other records that may be relevant to the process.
The Application Process
Do you meet all the requirements discussed above? Then you can proceed to the following steps to complete your application:
- Consult A Qualified Doctor
The first step is to book an appointment with a reputable medical practitioner. Provide your medical history to receive the appropriate recommendations. Carrying your medical records would be prudent if you have a condition that can only be diagnosed through testing and imaging.
- Submit Your Application
The doctor will complete an electronic certification on the state portal if they approve your condition. You’ll also need to register on the portal and submit your application.
Note that there will be limitations on how much you can use. For example, Missouri allows a four-ounce dose per month. But you can let the doctor know if you can arrange for a different dosage so they can use the alternative physician certification form.
- Wait For Approval
The relevant authorities will review your application within 30 days. After that, you’ll receive a notification regarding your approval, and the state will mail your card.
How Much Does The Application Process Cost?
You’ll need to pay for doctor’s appointments and state application fees. It’s worth noting that certified physicians don’t charge a standard price for their services. But most of them range between USD$150 and USD$200.
On the other hand, the state application fee is usually around USD$25, whether you’re doing it for the first time or renewing your card. That means the total cost will be anywhere from USD$175 to USD$225.
Stay On The Safe Side
Having a medical marijuana card is essential to obtain medical marijuana legally. Sticking to this product’s qualifications and limitations should keep you safe from any trouble.
Above all else, please stick to your physician’s advice regarding treatment. And don’t hesitate to ask questions to know all about your options for wellness.
