{"id":1498,"date":"2024-12-05T08:15:23","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T13:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=1498"},"modified":"2026-04-06T08:20:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T12:20:03","slug":"benefits-of-a-medical-marijuana-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/benefits-of-a-medical-marijuana-card\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Benefits of Having a Medical Marijuana Card in a Rec State"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 &#8212; 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read on to learn more about the various benefits of a medical card and to get some common questions answered about the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>1. Lower Cost<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does the pricing change between medical marijuana and recreational marijuana? Many states have either lowered or exempted <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/medical-vs-recreational-cannabis-taxes-explained\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taxes on cannabis purchased with a medical cannabis card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, in the state of Colorado, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sales tax on all retail marijuana\/marijuana-infused products <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tax.colorado.gov\/marijuana-sales-tax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased from 10% to 15%<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for recreational cannabis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Meanwhile, medical marijuana use in the same state is exempt from the 15% excise tax, leading to lower prices and better accessibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>2. Higher Possession Limits, Purchase Limits, &amp; Ability to Grow More Cannabis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in California<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some states, only medical patients can <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grow at home, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>3. Lower Age Restrictions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/conditions\/epilepsy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> epilepsy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/conditions\/cancer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some instances, children under the age of 18 can also access the medical marijuana card via the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/why-cannabis-caregivers-exist-and-how-theyre-regulated\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">assistance of a caregiver<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Cannabis caregivers can buy and administer medical cannabis for the minor who needs the medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>4. Access to Medical-Only Cannabis Dispensaries<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a medical cannabis card allows you to shop at medical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/dispensaries\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dispensaries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/personalized-cannabis-consultation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cannabis coaches<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who direct them on what products are best for their condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>5. Stronger Potency Than Recreational<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical marijuana patients also have access to cannabis that has <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher potency levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/cbd\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CBD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for their symptoms as allowed by state law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the state of California, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/sponsor-story\/higher-elevation\/2019\/07\/08\/before-you-buy-cannabis-brush-up-california-laws-and-safety-precautions\/1672816001\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for instance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if recreational use is legalized in your state, it\u2019s recommended that you look into getting a medical cannabis card. With your card, you\u2019ll be able to access the dispensaries and medical products with higher potencies of THC and CBD for those suffering from qualifying conditions like<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/conditions\/chronic-pain\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic pain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>6. Stronger Legal Protection<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some states that have legalized medical marijuana have special laws that help protect the people who hold medical cannabis cards. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/oag.ca.gov\/medicinal-cannabis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proposition 215<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have a medical card, you are backed by a licensed physician; you have the physician\u2019s stamp of approval that supports the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. It can<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/pot-brothers-at-law-advise-why-you-should-get-your-medical-cannabis-card\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help you when it comes to limitations regarding possession, cultivation, and purchasing cannabis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so why not apply for a medical marijuana card in your state?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People commonly ask if they might get fired for having a medical card. Generally speaking, that\u2019s between you and your doctor. Some states have<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canorml.org\/employment\/state-laws-protecting-medical-marijuana-patients-employment-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laws protecting marijuana users\u2019 employment rights<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Be sure to also consult with a legal professional with these questions for more peace of mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>7. Traveling Out-of-State Is Easier<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019re <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/a-quick-guide-to-traveling-with-medical-marijuana\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">traveling and need access<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or going out of state to see a specialist, reciprocity might allow you to use your medical card in another state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always research the state you are traveling to make sure they will accept your out-of-state card; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/d-c-extends-access-to-medical-cannabis-for-virginia-patients\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be aware that it is illegal to cross state lines with cannabis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30755\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7-benefits-of-a-mmj-card-1.jpg\" alt=\"benefits of a medical marijuana card\" width=\"619\" height=\"1548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7-benefits-of-a-mmj-card-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7-benefits-of-a-mmj-card-1-120x300.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7-benefits-of-a-mmj-card-1-410x1024.jpg 410w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7-benefits-of-a-mmj-card-1-768x1920.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7-benefits-of-a-mmj-card-1-614x1536.jpg 614w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Medical Marijuana Vs. Recreational Marijuana<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical marijuana is also the only legal way for people to access their medicine in states where recreational weed is still illegal. It <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 \u201crecreational\u201d use and does not require a special card to purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re wondering how to get a medical marijuana card, we have good news for you. That\u2019s what we\u2019re here for!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veriheal can help you get your medical marijuana card online in minutes. The process is quick and easy, and you\u2019ll have the opportunity to talk to medical marijuana doctors about any questions or concerns you may have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You can start by visiting our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/\">home page<\/a> and selecting your state. And don&#8217;t worry &#8212; if you aren&#8217;t approved for medical cannabis, you&#8217;ll be refunded in full.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Which States Allow Medical Marijuana?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>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:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Alabama<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alaska<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arizona<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Arkansas<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colorado<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connecticut<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">District of Columbia<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Florida<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Georgia<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Hawaii<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illinois<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Indiana<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Iowa<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Kansas<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Kentucky<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Louisiana<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maryland<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massachusetts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michigan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minnesota<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Mississippi<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missouri<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Montana<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Nebraska<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nevada\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">New Hampshire<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New Jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">New Mexico<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New York<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">North Carolina<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">North Dakota<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oregon<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Oklahoma<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ohio<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Pennsylvania<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rhode Island<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">South Carolina<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">South Dakota<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Tennessee<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Texas<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Utah<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vermont<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virginia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Wisconsin<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">West Virginia<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Wyoming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>What is the benefit of recreational marijuana?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recreational marijuana allows people to legally enjoy cannabis even if they don\u2019t have a medical condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Are there any benefits to keeping a medical cannabis card once it has been legalized recreationally?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why do young adults obtain a medical marijuana card?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young adults get medical marijuana cards to treat medical conditions including PTSD, nausea, anxiety, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>How do I renew my medical cannabis card?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veriheal can help you renew your medical cannabis card online!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Is there a difference between medical and recreational dispensaries?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only patients with medical cards &#8212; or their caregivers &#8212; are allowed to enter medical dispensaries. Medical cannabis is more potent and friendlier on the wallet than recreational cannabis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>How can recreational legalization benefit medical patients?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recreational legalization can benefit medical patients because it helps shift public perception and destigmatize cannabis use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>This article was originally written in December 2020 and updated in December 2024.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &#8212; 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&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":37399,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15362,254],"tags":[17375,123,16962,17376,136,9866,139,17378,187,17377],"class_list":["post-1498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-lifestyle","tag-benefits-of-a-med-card","tag-legal-cannabis","tag-med-card","tag-med-card-benefits","tag-medical-cannabis","tag-medical-marijuana-card","tag-medical-marjuana","tag-medical-weed","tag-recreational-marijuana","tag-why-get-a-med-card"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.1 (Yoast SEO v26.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card in Rec States<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are benefits to having a medical marijuana card in a state where recreational use is legal, including cost savings and legal protection.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/benefits-of-a-medical-marijuana-card\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"7 Benefits of Having a Medical Marijuana Card in a Rec State\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"There are benefits to having a medical marijuana card in a state where recreational use is legal, including cost savings and legal 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