There are many benefits to having a medical marijuana card. When a state legalizes the recreational use of cannabis, people tend to stop getting their MMJ cards — but cannabis consumers who choose to not get a card are missing out on benefits like paying lower costs, the ability to purchase higher quantities, lower age limitations, and additional legal protection.
Read on to learn more about the various benefits of a medical card and to get some common questions answered about the process.
Having a medical marijuana card saves you money because the prices are often lower in comparison to recreational dispensaries. After marijuana became legalized for recreational purposes in more states, taxes on the product also went up considerably. If you purchase cannabis regularly, you will end up spending more money in the long run without a med card.
How does the pricing change between medical marijuana and recreational marijuana? Many states have either lowered or exempted taxes on cannabis purchased with a medical cannabis card. Recreational customers pay excise taxes anywhere from 15-37% depending on the state, while only standard taxes apply to medical marijuana products. Paying for a medical cannabis card can effectively save you thousands of dollars throughout the year if you regularly purchase medical cannabis products.
For example, in the state of Colorado, sales tax on all retail marijuana/marijuana-infused products increased from 10% to 15% for recreational cannabis. Meanwhile, medical marijuana use in the same state is exempt from the 15% excise tax, leading to lower prices and better accessibility.
There are strict limits on how much cannabis recreational customers can purchase, whereas medical marijuana card holders are able to purchase cannabis in larger amounts. For instance, in California, medical patients can purchase up to 8 ounces a day, but recreational users can only purchase 1 ounce a day. With a medical cannabis card, you can bring home more cannabis from the dispensary in one trip.
Different limitations also apply to medical cannabis cardholders for possession and home cultivation. Medical cannabis cardholders are allowed to possess higher quantities and grow more plants, depending on the marijuana laws in your state.
In some states, only medical patients can grow at home, while recreational cannabis users are not allowed to do so. Recreational users in Colorado may grow up to six plants (only three can be mature at once), while medical growers may request the ability to grow more than six plants.
Most states restrict the use of recreational cannabis to adults who are 21 or older. Cannabis possession and consumption remain illegal for people below this age. However, some younger patients require the use of medical marijuana for conditions like epilepsy and cancer. Most medical cannabis programs allow patients ages 18 years old and younger to access medical cannabis as long as they meet all of the requirements.
In some instances, children under the age of 18 can also access the medical marijuana card via the assistance of a caregiver. Cannabis caregivers can buy and administer medical cannabis for the minor who needs the medicine.
Having a medical cannabis card allows you to shop at medical dispensaries. Even in states where recreational cannabis use is legal, exclusive medical dispensaries exist that are available only to those with a medical marijuana card. Medical users get access to various products, strains, and professional support that others may not.
Cannabis extracts are certainly in no shortage for cannabis patients. It may seem impossible to keep up with medicinal cannabis products, but people who possess a medical marijuana card can also access assistance from medical doctors and cannabis coaches who direct them on what products are best for their condition.
Recreational retail outlets have professional budtenders who offer assistance. Still, they may not have the training and knowledge to assist a medical customer with their questions about products, dosages, and using marijuana for specific medical conditions. Even if your state has legal recreational dispensaries, medical dispensaries can offer more educational support.
Medical marijuana patients also have access to cannabis that has higher potency levels compared to the marijuana sold for recreational purposes. Many retail shops selling cannabis for recreational purposes will always adhere to specific limits of potency as directed by their state. Some medical patients require higher potencies of THC or CBD for their symptoms as allowed by state law.
In the state of California, for instance, edible cannabis products can only contain 100 mg of THC, and lotions or tinctures are limited to 1000 mg of THC. Medical marijuana dispensaries are given more leeway on this potency level, doubling the amount in lotions to 2000 mg of THC. Some medical marijuana patients require varying degrees of potency to help treat their condition(s), and recreational products may not always suffice.
Even if recreational use is legalized in your state, it’s recommended that you look into getting a medical cannabis card. With your card, you’ll be able to access the dispensaries and medical products with higher potencies of THC and CBD for those suffering from qualifying conditions like chronic pain or cancer.
Some states that have legalized medical marijuana have special laws that help protect the people who hold medical cannabis cards. Proposition 215 in California exempts patients and caregivers who possess or cultivate marijuana for medical treatment from criminal laws that otherwise prohibit the possession or cultivation of marijuana.
When you have a medical card, you are backed by a licensed physician; you have the physician’s stamp of approval that supports the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. It can help you when it comes to limitations regarding possession, cultivation, and purchasing cannabis, so why not apply for a medical marijuana card in your state?
People commonly ask if they might get fired for having a medical card. Generally speaking, that’s between you and your doctor. Some states have laws protecting marijuana users’ employment rights. Be sure to also consult with a legal professional with these questions for more peace of mind.
In states that offer reciprocity to your home state, you can possess and/or purchase medical cannabis there with your out-of-state medical cannabis card. So if you’re traveling and need access or going out of state to see a specialist, reciprocity might allow you to use your medical card in another state.
Always research the state you are traveling to make sure they will accept your out-of-state card; be aware that it is illegal to cross state lines with cannabis.
Medical marijuana tends to be more potent than recreational marijuana, with better prices at that. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC have higher concentrations, and terpenes are more abundant. This makes cannabis more effective at treating medical conditions.
Medical marijuana is also the only legal way for people to access their medicine in states where recreational weed is still illegal. It is for medical use among patients with medical ailments or diseases that can be treated with cannabis, and it requires a medical card to purchase. Recreational marijuana is for “recreational” use and does not require a special card to purchase.
There is a lot more stigma around recreational use than there is around medical use. As we leave the age of prohibition and the public becomes more educated about cannabis, hopefully, perceptions will shift.
If you’re wondering how to get a medical marijuana card, we have good news for you. That’s what we’re here for!
Veriheal can help you get your medical marijuana card online in minutes. The process is quick and easy, and you’ll have the opportunity to talk to medical marijuana doctors about any questions or concerns you may have.
You can start by visiting our home page and selecting your state. And don’t worry — if you aren’t approved for medical cannabis, you’ll be refunded in full.
38 states, four U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C. have now legalized some form of medical marijuana. The U.S. states with legal medical cannabis include:
Recreational marijuana allows people to legally enjoy cannabis even if they don’t have a medical condition.
There are plenty of benefits to keeping a medical cannabis card once it has been legalized recreationally. Medical cannabis is typically cheaper than recreational cannabis, along with enhanced legal protection, lower age restrictions, access to higher-potency products, and more.
Young adults get medical marijuana cards to treat medical conditions including PTSD, nausea, anxiety, and more.
Veriheal can help you renew your medical cannabis card online!
Only patients with medical cards — or their caregivers — are allowed to enter medical dispensaries. Medical cannabis is more potent and friendlier on the wallet than recreational cannabis.
Recreational legalization can benefit medical patients because it helps shift public perception and destigmatize cannabis use.
This article was originally written in December 2020 and updated in December 2024.
My name is Ronnie Coates, I am a amputee and I have neuropathy pain all the time in both legs so therefore I think I would qualify and my old lady she has lupus and arthritis her name is Deborah Roach thank you
Hi Ronnie, please visit our medical card site http://www.veriheal.com or call our customer support line 1-833-663-7284 to schedule an appointment with one of our cannabis doctors to get approved for your card.
I feel it is unfair to expect someone on disability to be able to pay these high prices for mmj. I was not notified before a recommendation was needed and my card does not expire for 6 more months.
The dr below gave me my card and only
Three
Months script and told me to go back in three months and it would cost me another 200. How does it work now my card is active no scriptS.
Hi Melina, please contact our customer support line at 1-833-663-7284 and one of our agents will be able to assist you. We are not able to address these particular issues in our blog comments 🙂
Hi I have a couple question’s can my doctor give me a mm card? Or does it have to be a special Doctor? and are you allowed to purchase CBD with it? and if yes, how much of a discount do you get if you have a mm card?
It depends on your state. But most states require a MD, and then some let a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to do the job. Basically any medical professional with prescribing power. As for CBD, that is legal everywhere as long as it’s derived from hemp. If you’re looking for a CBD dominant strain, then it will have to be prescribed. And discounts largely depend on the dispensary, and tax situation in your state.
In Colorado they do not require a medical card for weed only a valid ID like a driver’s license. Wish all states did it this way instead would be much easier and less of a hassle then to get a medical card.
Colorado only requires a driver’s license for recreational purchases. You still would need a medical card to enter a medical dispensary.
I live in an illegal state.i have stage 4 cancer spreading into my lymph nodes.I can travel.my question is is it possible for me to get a medical card?say for Michigan
Hi, I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, you can’t get a medical card in a state where you are not a legal resident. Your best bet is to utilize a recreational dispensary in a legal state for relief.
Hello, I found your blog very informative and you covered all the points I was looking for. I suffer from depression and anxiety but I didn’t find any solution which would overcome my problems. I read your blog and I got information about marijuana and also marijuana cards. I never knew there were so many medical uses of marijuana and would like to read more from you. But I have a question about the cost of a marijuana card. How much will it cost to get a card for myself and my relative?
It would appear that I would qualify for an MMJ card in Colorado. I’m moving back. I was a MMJ card holder in 2009 or 2010. I want to renew my card or get a new one. I have two additional diagnosed, qualifying ailments. I’m moving in the next cpl weeks. How is the fastest way to get my card? I’ve had a cancer, have Tinnitis, and a few other question marks? My back still hurts regularly. I’m 72 yrs old.
I really need a med card for my depression and anxiety
I live in VA & am having a hard time locating a dispensary in Chesapeake area
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