The medicinal and therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana have taken the country by storm. As more states legalize the use of medical marijuana, individuals with qualifying medical conditions are turning to this as an alternative solution to expensive and often harmful prescription medications. If you happen to live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, here are some things you want to know before making a purchase.
Types of Marijuana
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different strains of the marijuana plant. Each offers a different set of benefits for patients. When visiting a dispensary, talk with a staff member about the various strains, hash vs weed, CBD, and which would work best for your condition. Some dispensaries will provide you with free samples so you can determine which strain you’d prefer.
How to Consume/Use Marijuana
It’s common for people to think that the only way to consume marijuana is to smoke it, however, the industry has come a long way. There are various options depending on your personal preference. You can smoke it using rolling papers, you could also purchase a vaporizer and vape concentrated liquids, there are also edibles like candies and cookies, tinctures, sprays, topical creams, butter (for cooking), and more.
Rules in Your State
Before you purchase medical marijuana and just begin using it freely, find out what the laws are in your state. Most states have a limit on how much you can have on your person at one time. For those interested in growing their own marijuana plants, there are regulations for how many plants you’re allowed to grow at a time. In other states, patients who are eligible to receive medical marijuana must have a medical card in their possession. On the other hand, states where all marijuana is legal, all you need is the proper identification like a driver’s license.
Where to Purchase Medical Marijuana
It is imperative that you’re careful of where you purchase your medical marijuana from. There are a lot of synthetic products on the market that is causing severe harm to those who use it. Therefore, you should not purchase your marijuana from an independent dealer or suspicious place of business. Going to state-licensed dispensaries is your safest bet.
How to Get a Card
If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal (and not recreational) you will likely need a medical marijuana card in order to purchase products from a nearby dispensary. To obtain the card, you will first need to locate a medical provider that is licensed to prescribe marijuana to their patients. Then, you will need to schedule an appointment for a visit to determine your condition and whether or not it qualifies you to get marijuana. If you are approved, you are provided with a medical marijuana card and a prescription from your doctor. You can then take this to a dispensary to have it filled.
Methods of Payment
It is important to note that purchasing recreational or medical marijuana must be done in cash. Dispensaries do not accept credit cards or any other form of payment. This is because you’re not necessarily purchasing the marijuana but making a “donation” in exchange for a gift. This is essentially a semantics game dispensaries use since marijuana is legal statewide but not on a federal level.
First Time Use
If you’ve never used marijuana (medical or otherwise) before, it is recommended that your first time is in a safe and secure place. You do not know how your body will respond to the drugs and you don’t want to be behind the wheel of a car or out in public and high or uncomfortable. Also, you should wait until your high has worn off before getting behind the wheel as impaired driving can result in an accident.
If you suffer from certain chronic illnesses, severe pain, epilepsy, cancer, HIV/Aids, hepatitis C, arthritis, migraines, and other qualifying conditions, medical marijuana may be an effective solution for helping to soothe or even eliminate certain symptoms. If you live in one of the states where marijuana or medical marijuana is legal and wish to make a purchase, be sure you’ve educated yourself on the advice listed above.
