Studies show that 3.64 million people have registered medical marijuana cards in the U.S. Learn what a medical marijuana card is, what conditions qualify a person for one and what you will need when meeting with your doctor to request one for yourself.
What is a Medical Marijuana Card?
A medical marijuana card is a type of identification card that legally allows someone to buy, carry, grow and use marijuana for medicinal purposes. More than 40 U.S. states issue them. These states include:
California
Colorado
Florida
Illinois
Michigan
New York
Texas
Washington
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Many states also permit people to use out-of-state medical marijuana cards within their borders. If you plan on asking your doctor for one, you should find out if your state issues these cards and what states will allow you to use it.
Qualifying Conditions
Numerous conditions could potentially qualify you for a medical marijuana card. For example, if you suffer from chronic pain, you could find relief by using medical marijuana.
This substance reduces your body’s pain perception by interacting with your endocannabinoid system. Specific conditions that cause chronic pain include arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Additionally, many cancer patients qualify for medical marijuana cards. Marijuana reduces symptoms like vomiting and nausea. It also stimulates cancer patients’ appetites and reduces pain and inflammation.
If you have multiple sclerosis, or MS, you could ask your physician for one of these cards. Medical marijuana eases pain, stiffness and muscle spasms. It can also help improve your mobility and quality of life.
Glaucoma is another common condition for which people use medical marijuana. It lowers intraocular pressure and prevents vision loss.
Other potentially qualifying conditions include:
Crohn’s disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Parkinson’s disease
Epilepsy
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
People with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and panic disorder may also qualify for medical marijuana cards.
Meeting with Your Doctor
If you want to ask your doctor for a medical marijuana card, you might need certain documents and proof to back up your request. For example, you will need to show proof of your qualifying condition. This proof can include reports from other doctors, such as a psychiatrist, endocrinologist or neurologist.
You may also have to undergo a complete physical and mental examination and provide proof of your residency to your doctor. Likewise, you will need to complete and submit a state-issued application for a medical marijuana card through your doctor’s office.
The state’s issuing agency might require you to submit proof of your identity before approving the application. Depending on where you live, the approval process could take several weeks or longer.
Medical marijuana helps millions of people suffering from a variety of chronic or terminal health conditions. You must request one from a licensed physician and apply for one in a state that issues medical marijuana cards. Your doctor could require documentation like proof of your identity and qualifying condition before approving you to apply for one.