CBD has quickly become immensely popular in the U.S. Known for its calming properties, CBD can now be found in a wide range of trendy products – everything from body lotion to lattes. However, even with its popularity, people still have a lot of questions surrounding CBD usage. If you’re deciding whether to try out CBD products, you might be wondering, “Do I need a medical marijuana card to buy CBD?” Keep reading to find out the answer to that question and several others!

What is CBD?

Your first concern is probably to learn more about what CBD actually is. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the Cannabid sativa plant. It has some of the same elements of marijuana, but it does not contain THC, which is the main active ingredient in marijuana. Without THC, CBD products are not psychoactive, which means you won’t get high when you use them. So, if you’re thinking, “Is CBD in medical marijuana?”, the answer is yes – it’s just that CBD doesn’t have the element of THC to get you high, so you won’t feel sedated or like your behavior is altered in any way. CBD comes in a multitude of forms: oil, capsules, gummies, etc.

How does CBD help patients?

People report getting a variety of benefits from CBD products, including relief from pain, reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, some alleviation of symptoms related to cancer, improvements with acne, and lower blood pressure. Many studies are currently being conducted to determine if CBD could help with any other conditions (such as diabetes and schizophrenia). There are patients whose symptoms will require additional intervention, so some may want to consider getting a medical marijuana (MMJ) card so that they’ll have access to the full benefits of MMJ as well.

Image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash: CBD products can be used to treat a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.

What are the laws surrounding CBD in the US?

In 2014, the Farm Bill passed, which determined that states can regulate the production of hemp and CBD. Recently, President Trump signed a new bill that made it federally legal to grow hemp. This means that consumers all over the country can grow and consume hemp and CBD legally. However, because there are some regulations set up individually by the states, these rules can vary widely.

There are currently 10 states where marijuana and CBD are completely legal for recreational and medicinal purposes. In 23 states, marijuana and CBD are legal for medicinal purposes. Another 14 states allow CBD oil only. There are three states that have completely banned CBD products: Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota. It’s important to note that CBD products are legal in some states where medical marijuana is not – and this could be helpful for people who are seeking relief from medical symptoms that don’t have access to legal MMJ products.

It’s also up to individual states to determine what quantities of CBD are legal; these can also vary from state to state. So it’s always a good idea to check the regulations of your specific state before you purchase any CBD products, especially if you’re going to be buying in larger quantities. Additionally, the Farm Bill does make it possible for people to legally travel between states with CBD products without any issues. Plus, CBD won’t show up on a drug test (as long as you’re buying authentic, third-party tested CBD with no added THC).

Do I need an MMJ recommendation for CBD?

At this time, you can purchase CBD products without an MMJ recommendation from a medical professional. In fact, using CBD products does not require you to consult with a doctor or to get any special paperwork from them. In the states where it’s legal, you can easily purchase products in stores and online without having to show that you have a medical use for it. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before trying out any new products to make sure they won’t interact with other medications you’re taking or with your current physical condition.

Image by CBD-Infos-com on Pixabay: You won’t need an MMJ card to purchase CBD products that are THC-free.

Do I need an MMJ card for CBD purchases?

Since you don’t need medical clearance for CBD, you don’t need an MMJ card in order to purchase CBD products in most states. As long as you’re purchasing CBD products that don’t contain THC, you’re allowed to purchase them without an MMJ card.

If you’re thinking you’d like to try the CBD products that do contain THC, you will need to know how to get a medical marijuana recommendation for CBD oil. This process can be fairly simple if you head to MMJRecs. We can help you complete an online application and a licensed doctor will then process your application after reviewing your medical history. Afterward, you’ll be emailed an MMJ recommendation to help give you access to MMJ products – and it’s all done virtually, so you don’t have to leave your home!

In general, you won’t need an MMJ card to buy CBD products, but be sure to do some research on the regulations for your specific state so that you can always stay in the legal realm of things. Then you can try out some CBD products to find what works to best alleviate or reduce your personal symptoms.

Featured image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

If you live in a state with legal medical or recreational marijuana, then you’ve likely run across the term “primary caregiver.” Have you ever wondered what a primary caregiver does and how that relates to medical marijuana? Here’s what you need to know about medical marijuana laws as they relate to primary caregivers, including how to get a medical marijuana recommendation as a caregiver.

Medical Marijuana for Primary Caregivers

A primary caregiver is defined as an adult who is legally able to buy, deliver/transport, and/or assist in administering medical marijuana to someone with a valid medical marijuana card. Caregivers may need to purchase medical marijuana for their patients and act on their behalf legally, so that means they must be aware of any and all rules and regulations surrounding MMJ recommendation for primary caregivers in the state in which they live.

Legislation in states with legalized medical marijuana protects both caregivers and medical marijuana patients from any criminal penalties, allowing for the use of a caregiver as long as both the patient and caregiver are abiding by all laws.

Image by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash: Primary caregivers for medical marijuana patients are legally allowed to purchase and transport medical marijuana, a valuable service for patients.

This protective legislation is different from state to state, but there are several legal stipulations that state laws have in common if you want to become a medical marijuana caregiver. In general, these stipulations for caregivers state that they must:

• Be 21 years old or older
• Be a resident of the same state as the qualified patient
• Be a citizen of the United States of America
• Legally agree to assist the medical marijuana patient with their use for medical purposes

You need to check with the caregiver laws surrounding medical marijuana in your particular state in order to find out what other stipulations may be required. In certain states, a caregiver must not have a criminal record and may only care for a maximum number of medical marijuana patients (usually five) at any time. They may also never buy or deliver medical marijuana to someone who is not officially their patient with a legal MMJ card.

How to Become an MMJ Caregiver

In most states, primary caregivers must fill out a separate application than the patient. These applications often include application fees and the responsibility of annual renewals in order to keep their status as an MMJ caregiver legal.

Do Primary Caregivers Need an MMJ Card?

In general, a medical cannabis card for a caregiver is a requirement. That’s because even in states where medical marijuana is legal, the caregiver who intends to buy and transport it needs to be licensed to do so – by having an MMJ card. You should note that this isn’t the case in all states, so it’s important to double-check with local laws to see what is required of you as a primary caregiver.

Image by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash: If you want to become a primary caregiver for medical marijuana patients, then chances are you need a medical cannabis card for a caregiver.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Recommendation as a Caregiver

If you’re a primary caregiver or are looking to become one, then it’s important to know if you qualify for your own MMJ card and how to get it. In many states, to get a medical marijuana recommendation for primary caregivers, you’ll first need to ensure you have a qualifying condition, which is something your doctor (or MMJRecs!) can help you with. It’s not so much of a specific diagnosis but an injury, illness, or disability that your doctor believes would benefit from the use of medical marijuana. Some common conditions that qualify include:

• Glaucoma
• Cancer
• PTSD
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Anorexia and bulimia

These are simply examples – talk to a doctor if you believe you have a condition that would benefit from the use of medical marijuana.

You’ll also need to prove your residency in the state you’re looking to get the MMJ card in. A passport or driver’s license will do the trick. Once you have identification and a doctor to sign off on it, you’ll need to fill out the proper paperwork through the government body in your state that controls medical marijuana.

Medical marijuana laws are meant to help people gain access to medication that assists them in dealing with a condition, and primary caregivers are a big part of getting patients the help they need. If you’re a primary caregiver, then it’s important to know the laws in your state surrounding your role so you can provide the best care to your patients.

Featured image by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash

Living in Oklahoma entitles you to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program. We’ve talked a lot about how to obtain a medical marijuana card, but once you have it, you might ask the question: “How do I make sure my OK MMJ card is up to date?” Here’s our helpful guide for everything you need to know in order to keep your medical marijuana card in good standing in the state of Oklahoma.

Medical Marijuana Cards: Why They’re Needed

It would be ideal if you were issued a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma and then never had to worry about it again. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in many states, including Oklahoma. Oklahoma MMJ card expiry comes around every two years. When that time period is up, you must renew your Oklahoma MMJ card.

Why must you renew? Monitoring authorities in the state want to make sure that medical marijuana is being used in a responsible way to treat conditions such as:

• Terminal illnesses
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• Muscle spasms
• Cancer
• Severe nausea
• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammation
• Crohn’s disease

In Oklahoma, there are no specific qualifying conditions. It is left up to your doctor to decide whether or not you will benefit from the use of medical marijuana. However, you must still renew your card so the state can make sure you’re using marijuana to treat your specific medical conditions. In other words, a doctor must certify that the medical marijuana is still needed. If your condition has improved, then it’s possible you may no longer qualify.

Image by Online Marketing on Unsplash: See your doctor to update your Oklahoma Medical Marijuana card.

How Often Do You Need To Update An Oklahoma MMJ Card?

As mentioned, you must update your Oklahoma MMJ card every two years. Remember that you’ll need to renew it at least one month before it is set to expire. If you’re wondering “how to renew my Oklahoma MMJ card?”, don’t worry – the process for renewal is similar to the process you went through to get approved the first time. You must have an evaluation by a physician and then fill out a renewal application on Oklahoma’s Marijuana Authority website.

You will still need a government-issued ID to prove your residency in the state, medical records, and your original card. After your application is processed for renewal, it can take up to 14 business days to get your new card. This shouldn’t be an issue if you started the renewal process with enough time left on your current card before it expires.

If you fail to renew, you simply won’t be able to access medical marijuana products. It also won’t be legal for you have any medical marijuana in your home or on your person, and you won’t be able to grow your own plants if that’s something you were doing with an OK MMJ card. You can clearly see why it’s crucial to make sure your OK MMJ card is up to date.

MMJ Recs Can Help

People lead busy lives, and it might slip your mind when it comes time to renew your card. To help you stay on top of things, MMJ Recs has a newsletter that can help remind you each month when it’s time to renew your medical marijuana card. We also have a weekly newsletter you can sign up for on our website full of useful MMJ information!

Image by Get Budding on Unsplash: Update your Oklahoma MMJ card so you can have access to the highest quality medical marijuana.

Why You Should Renew

Renewing your medical marijuana card in Oklahoma allows you to continue medical treatment for your ailments. Plus, MMJ cards provide access to safe, high-quality marijuana products regulated by the state of Oklahoma. They track each plant from seed to sale to ensure you’re getting the products at a price you can afford so you can continue your treatment. So, don’t get caught unawares and miss your Oklahoma MMJ card expiry – take steps to keep it legal!

Medical marijuana has opened so many doors or those suffering from illnesses, and Oklahoma is one of a growing number of states that provides its residents with the right to treat their medical conditions with marijuana. You’re lucky to live in Oklahoma, so take advantage of what the law affords you, get on the road to a better-quality life and a healthier you, and make sure your OK MMJ Card is up to date!

Featured image by Kym MacKinnon on Unsplash

There are many benefits to having a medical marijuana card in California. Now that 2018 has arrived, recreational marijuana use is now legal in the Golden State. However, even though you can obtain cannabis legally without an MMJ card, there are actually many advantages to owning a cannabis card – everything from saving money to being able to grow more plants. If you want to avoid that pesky MMJ sales tax, make sure you get your cannabis card in 2018.

If you’re interested in saving thousands of dollars every year (and who isn’t?), having a medical marijuana card in California could help you do just that. If you’ve never had a cannabis card, it’s a fairly easy process to get one. First, you apply for a card, which will usually cost you around $66 (or $33 if you are on Medi-Cal). Sometimes this fee can vary depending on the county you live in, but there is a cap, so you’ll never pay over $100 (or $50 for Medi-Cal enrollees) for the entire application. Once you’ve applied, you need to find a doctor who can prescribe medical marijuana – there are also sites where you can do online assessments and wouldn’t even need to visit a doctor’s office in person. These visits usually cost somewhere between $45 and $100. Once you’ve completed the process, it’s only between $25-$40 to renew your card every year after that. Although these costs can add up, in the end, you’ll still be seeing major savings by getting an MMJ card rather than buying for recreational use.

There are so many benefits to having an MMJ card in California!

Don’t pay sales tax

The number one way to save money on your marijuana usage is to avoid paying the sales tax on your cannabis products. Individuals paying for recreational marijuana products have to pay a standard 15% tax on all orders. To avoid the MMJ sales tax, you can get a cannabis card and skip paying the tax. Let’s say you spend around $250 for one order (on average Californians pay around $250 per ounce for high-quality cannabis or about $200 for one ounce of mid-quality product). If you don’t have an MMJ card, you would face paying an added cost of $37.50 in taxes. With your cannabis card, you could completely avoid the MMJ sales tax, while possibly paying less for your actual product as well. Usually, 1/8th of marijuana, or 3.5 grams, would cost around $90 for recreational users, while MMJ cardholders would probably pay only around $50. If you calculate your savings on your actual product plus skipping the MMJ sales tax, you could see major savings right away by using your cannabis card.

Have access to more dispensaries

Since marijuana has now been legalized in California, there will likely be many more dispensaries popping up throughout the state. There are already over 3,000 dispensaries in the state that provide medical marijuana to consumers. While recreational users are limited to regular dispensaries, anyone holding a medical marijuana card in California has access to many more dispensaries that sell MMJ. Access to more dispensaries means you’ll be able to shop around for the products that best fit your budget. You can find the cheapest products in the variety or strain you need for your treatment. Instead of being stuck with just a few options, your medical marijuana shopping can be much easier with access to a wider selection of products. More access definitely means you’ll find more opportunities to save money.

Interested in growing your own marijuana plants? Read on…

Grow your own plants

Another way to save money on your medical marijuana is to grow your own plants. Recreational users are now permitted to grow plants since marijuana has been legalized, but there are still restrictions on what they’re allowed to grow. If you don’t have an MMJ card, you are only allowed to own six mature marijuana plants at any one time. With a cannabis card, you’ll actually be permitted to grow more plants in any 100 square-foot section. By growing your own product, you can save money by growing a wider selection or different varieties. You can also avoid any annoying markups that dispensaries include in their sales. Along with avoiding the MMJ sales tax, this can result in a lot more savings for your wallet.

Get deals or bonuses from dispensaries

With an MMJ card, there is also the opportunity for you to access deals and bonuses from some dispensaries. Do your research and see if any of the medical marijuana dispensaries in your area offer bonuses for frequent shopping trips. If you’re a loyal member to a rewards program, many dispensaries offer deals, coupons (like a percentage off your first purchase), or monthly store credit bonuses. Many dispensaries also provide their customers with benefits if they refer other MMJ card holders to the store. It’s easy to rack up savings if you keep your eye out for ways to maximize your savings during each shopping trip. If you’re a frequent shopper, you can see your savings add up quickly.

If you want to make sure that your marijuana costs stay low, you definitely need to take advantage of all of the benefits of having an MMJ card. Skip the MMJ sales tax, and you’ll immediately be able to see the savings. If you regularly purchase medical marijuana products, you could end up saving thousands of dollars in 2018 by having a cannabis card.

It’s time to forget those stereotypical images of the lazy, sleepy stoner. These days, marijuana – particularly medical marijuana – is no longer associated with lethargy, drowsiness and lying on the couch in your underwear all day, working your way through a whole tray of cookies. For too long, medical marijuana card holders had to put up with being portrayed as this damaging stereotype. Thankfully, with the further spread of the medical weed card and use of MMJ strains across the country, these nonsense falsities about cannabis card carriers are being debunked faster than you can say ‘Duuuuude’.

While there are undeniably some MMJ strains that can make the user less active, there are plenty of other strains that boost energy, focus concentration and get your creative juices flowing.

Choosing the Right MMJ Strain

The key to choosing the right medical marijuana strain boils down to the age old indica vs. sativa argument. On a chemical level, the two types of MMJ are significantly different, with indica strains exhibiting a high THC: CBD ratio while sativa strains exhibit the opposite. Although indica strains do have their uses, they’ll end up giving you that all over body stoned feeling, a.k.a. the dreaded couch lock. After you consume indica, you are exponentially less likely to be productive. For this reason, indica should be steered clear of while you’re working (unless you want to get into a raging argument with your boss!)

Sativas, on the other hand, are uplifting and energetic and can be consumed while working with no negative side effects. Not only will you experience no bad side effects, but you’ll also find yourself more productive, more positive and much more likely to get a whole lotta work done.

Here’s our top picks of the best sativa strains to consume while at work.

Instead of making you drowsy and unmotivated, there are plenty of MMJ strains that can boost energy, focus concentration and get your creative juices flowing.

Jack Herer

There’s a good reason why Jack Herer is one of the most popular strains on the market today. The strain is energizing, uplifting and incredibly mentally stimulating, making it the perfect go-to strain for busy medical marijuana card holders. If you’re got a tight deadline looming and are starting to become a little overwhelmed by the task at hand, consuming even a small about of Herer will help. If you can’t get your hands on Jack Herer itself, opt for a derivative of the strain, like Jack the Ripper or Galatic Jack.

Sour Tsunami

Some MMJ card holders find themselves to be incompatible with high THC strains, as they can leave them anxious, drowsy or nauseous. If this sounds like you, Sour Tsunami will be a godsend. Sour Tsunami is a high CBD strain that is excellent at focusing concentration. This mellow focus will enable you to complete mountains of work, without any added stress. If you consume this at work, the only thing you’re at risk of doing is bothering your colleagues with a seriously upbeat, positive attitude.

Haze

Like Jack Herer, Haze is one of the most popular strains of MMJ on the market, and for good reason. This strain is ever popular for work consumption due to its unrivaled ability at combating depression and fatigue. Perfect for consuming during a mid afternoon slump, Haze will provide you with the energy – and the attitude – that you need to smash your day’s targets with no stress.

Purple Trainwreck

The spicy lemon and berry scent of this incredible strain is enough alone to boost your energy levels for the day. Twin that delicious scent with the euphoric, energizing, pain busting effects of PT, and you’ve got yourself the ideal strain for using at work. Effects of this strain are strong and immediate, so you’ll start to feel all that goodness wash in straight after consuming it. When using Purple Trainwreck, it’s important to be careful with your dosag- smoke too much and you could fall victim to the dreaded couch lock.

Sour Diesel

As a strong sativa strain, Sour Diesel produces a euphoric head high that is ideal for focusing your mind on the work task at hand. You can forget needing a morning coffee when you’re consuming Sour Diesel, as it is the ultimate awakener, providing you with enough energy and mental stimulation to keep you buzzing throughout the work day. As well as significantly tackling fatigue, Sour Diesel is excellent at warding off work related anxiety, stress and depression.

Cinex

Cinex is a marvelous sativa dominant hybrid strain that is a firm favorite among those with particularly challenging jobs. When consumed at work, Cinex produces a cognitive stimulation effect, similar to that which you’d get from a good, strong cup of coffee. If you have a complex task that you need to carry out with razor sharp precision, consuming Cinex will guide you through it with ease. While there’s no doubt that this strain can be invaluable to some MMJ card holders at work, it’s important to note that you should be careful with your dosage, as too much Cinex can cause users to feel anxious.

The MMJ strain Cinex is as powerful as a strong cup of coffee, but don’t consume too much or you’ll get too anxious and won’t be able to focus.

By opting for any of the above MMJ strains, you’ll be sure to banish any notion of inactivity for your important work day. As you would in any other environment, it’s important that you consume discreetly while you’re work, so as to avoid any discomfort for yourself or your co workers. For tips on how to consume discreetly and respectfully, check out our handy go-to guide.

Now that the medical marijuana card revolution has spread to New York, it can be easy to compare and contrast its laws to those in other states. While it’s not fair to compare MMJ card states with marijuana gold standard states – we’re looking at you, Colorado – comparing MMJ-friendly states against each other gives us a better picture of which state is best to live in if you’re a cannabis card holder.

California was a trailblazer in the legalization of medical marijuana with the introduction of Proposition 215 all the way back in 1996. For this reason, MMJ laws in the Sunshine State are some of the best in the country, leaving other MMJ states in its shadow.

Unfortunately for New York MMJ card carriers, the liberal bastion of the eastern seaboard just hasn’t caught up to California’s super lax laws. In fairness to them, they only legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2014, so we can’t exactly hold them to California’s standard, which has been over 20 years in the making.

Qualifying Ailments for MMJ

The biggest area where Californian cannabis laws outshine New York’s is by their classification of qualifying ailments. In California, there is a broad lists of qualifying conditions that allow you to apply for a medical marijuana card. This includes anything from menstrual cramps and anxiety, to cancer and everything in between. Thanks to this, anyone in need of the ameliorative effects of cannabis can access it.

New York’s list of qualifying conditions is significantly smaller, and comes with specific stipulations. To get a medical marijuana card in New York, you must suffer from a life-threatening illness. According to the medical marijuana program, this is limited to cancer, HIV, AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal damage, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, Huntington’s disease and chronic pain.

In addition to these limitations, your condition must present you with life-limiting symptoms in order to qualify for an MMJ card. A doctor can not, and will not, prescribe you medical cannabis outside of these conditions due to the intense pressure put on them by the New York Medical Marijuana Program.

Cannabis Cultivation Laws in New York and California

One downside for MMJ card holders in New York: it’s strictly banned in the state to grow cannabis at home.

Home cultivation is strictly banned in New York, with the state’s needs for cultivation limited to production by ten companies. This presents problems for cannabis card holders who prefer to home grow due to mobility issues.

California, by contrast, allows MMJ card carriers to grow six mature plants or 12 immature plants at home once they have the required growers license. Unfortunately for New Yorkers, there doesn’t seem to be any plans on the horizon to ease home growing laws.

Consumption Laws for Medical Marijuana

Noticeably, you won’t see any medical marijuana card holders smoking MMJ in New York, as smoking the plant is strictly illegal. Governor Cuomo never gave a real explanation as to why this is, with many people speculating that he wanted to distance his MMJ program from methods of consumption that would typically be associated with recreational use. While this isn’t a major problem for most cannabis card carriers – a lot of them would steer clear from smoking due to the obvious health effects. This can be a nuisance for the small few who prefer to smoke their MMJ.

Similarly, the consumption of medical marijuana edibles is banned in New York. Unlike smoking, a significant amount of MMJ card holders would consume this way. Using edibles has a whole host of benefits – and is tasty, to boot – so some patients were very disappointed with this law. Being the bastion of MMJ goodness that it is, Californian medical marijuana law allows both smoking and the consumption of edibles once you’re suitably discreet about it.

Getting a Cannabis Card in California and New York

Acquiring a cannabis card in California is a much easier process than it is in New York. In Cali, all you need to do is complete a short, noninvasive online consultation with a licensed mental health professional and voilà, you got yourself a California medical marijuana card! In New York, it takes a little bit longer to do.

Just like sitting in New York traffic can be a painfully long process, so can acquiring a New York MMJ card.

First, you must go to a doctor and tell them about your illness and your need for a medical marijuana card. It’s important to note that the doctor you go to must be registered with the Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program – if they’re not, they won’t be able to prescribe you MMJ, and you’ll be left feeling disappointed. If you have a qualifying ailment and they think you’re suitable for it, they’ll recommend you for medical marijuana certification.

Following this, you’ll have to register for your Registry ID Card. You do this by applying via the Department of Health’s Online Patient Registration System. Once your application is rigorously reviewed, you’ll be sent out your ID in the mail. You’ll need to bring this with you when you visit the MMJ dispensary in New York.

New York’s medical cannabis laws are only in their infancy, so it’s pretty understandable for them to be so far behind their western cousins on the MMJ front. Thankfully, further relaxations of New York’s MMJ laws are on the horizon, with the possibility of total legalization looking likely within the next five years – not bad for a state who only decriminalized MMJ three years ago!

Until then, New York can continue to look to California for inspiration on how to make their state more MMJ-friendly.

In July 2014, New York became the 23rd state in the U.S. to legalize medical marijuana, following a ‘lengthy and emotional’ debate in the Senate. It ultimately saw the Compassionate Care Act bill being supported by a 49-10 Senate vote.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has made no secret of his staunch anti-marijuana stance in the past, signed the bill into law, opening an 18-month window for the New York Department of Health to come up with a viable and complicit MMJ program. The completed program was subsequently launched on January 7th.

While this was great news for suffering patients who were desperately awaiting the legalization of MMJ, the bill raised a few eyebrows due to it being one of the most restrictive in the country. For the usually forward-thinking New York, it was a concerning conservative move, and one that seemed regressive in the face of pioneering MMJ states like California and Colorado. Only five MMJ producers were licensed by the DOH, and only twenty dispensaries were permitted state-wide.

It was also pretty tough to get your hands on an all-important MMJ card, as the list of qualifying conditions was limited to severe illnesses like cancer, ALS, and Parkinson’s. This made doctors wary of prescribing MMJ; if the patient’s condition was seen as borderline or questionable, the doctor could be prosecuted for illegal distribution.

Thankfully, in the months that followed, leading up to the present, mid-2017, progress was made due to near constant campaigning from MMJ advocates. It is now much easier to secure an MMJ card in New York, as the blanket term ‘chronic pain‘ was added to the list of qualifying conditions. Obviously this has a medically broader reach and gives doctors more freedom in prescribing medical marijuana as a treatment plan.

There are a few basic steps to follow before you get your New York MMJ card.

But there are a few hoops to jump through before you can access your medicine:

Step One

The first step in getting your MMJ state ID card, the all important key to the kingdom, is finding a certified medical practitioner who can recommend you medical marijuana as a remedy. Locating a doctor is quite simple in 2017; you can visit one in real life, or even avail of handy online caregivers, who will happily certify you legally for an MMJ card, as long as your condition meets the state’s requirements.

Once you have that, there’s a little bit more due process to get through; but fear not, you’re almost there.

Step Two

Once certified, you head on over to https://my.ny.gov/ and find the ‘Health Applications’ icon. Once there, locate the ‘Medical Marijuana Data Management System’ link to register yourself. Bear in mind, you will need an NY.gov account to set up your registration; if you don’t have this, it’s simple to create one, and you can follow the link from the MMJ registration page.

Another important thing to keep in mind during the registration process is that you’ll need to provide proof of identity and residency in New York state. An NY-issued driver’s license is pretty perfect for this as it works for both requirements, but if you don’t drive, you can still use a passport photo taken within the last thirty days, and an official document like a utility bill or government-issued letter sent to you within the last two months.

An NY-issued driver’s license can be used to register for a MMJ card in New York.

The Compassionate Care Act states there is a $50 filing fee necessary for all applications, but the kind folks at the Department of Health are currently waiving that fee for all patients and caregivers. If you select the ‘Bill Me Later’ option during this stage, the fee will be waived and you’ll be relieved of this particular financial burden.

If your illness or condition incapacitates you, the next and final stage of the application process allows you to designate up to two caregivers who can collect your medicine for you. These caregivers have to be registered, and must bring their registration with them when collecting the MMJ, as well as their patient’s certifications.

Step Three

Once you’ve completed that step, the only thing left to do is sit back and wait for your ID card to be delivered to you!

After your card arrives, there are a few things to keep in mind as you begin benefiting from your medicine. One important point is that you must keep your MMJ ID card on you whenever you’re carrying medical marijuana, not just when you buy it at the dispensary. The safest bet is probably to keep it on you at all times, like you would a bank card. That way you’ll never be caught short if someone happens to question you on your MMJ.

Also, if you change addresses, or for some reason your name, you’ll need to notify Medical Marijuana Program as soon as possible so they can issue a new card.

MMJ is still finding its feet in New York, but the signs are good that things are changing for the better. As more conditions are added to the qualifying list and it gets easier for patients to benefit from medical marijuana, distribution and dispensaries across the state should grow and multiply, making MMJ available to all who require it.

On Nov. 8, 2016, with 71 percent of the vote, Florida residents overwhelmingly voted to legalize medical marijuana. Florida joins 28 other states and Washington, D.C., in legalizing the drug since California got the ball rolling back in 1996. But why did it take the Sunshine State so long to reach a ruling on medical marijuana that the Golden State reached 20 years ago?

Even though medical marijuana has been used to treat a vast number of ailments dating back to China in 2737 B.C., the American outlook on the drug has fluctuated numerous times throughout the United States’ history.

Throughout the 18th and 19th century, marijuana was used in the U.S. for medicinal purposes only be outlawed in the year 1914. Since then, politicians and U.S. citizens alike have been in constant battle regarding marijuana rights. The swinging ’60s were just that. A relaxed attitude on marijuana continued long into the 1970s. It wasn’t until the infamous war on drugs initiated by President Ronald Reagan at the start of the 1980s that attitudes toward marijuana soured and the incarceration rate rose exponentially.

For a number of years following California’s legalization of medical marijuana, Alaska was the only red state to legalize the drug for medical use. In the early 2000s, an increasing number of both Democrat and Republican states started to pay attention to the reported medicinal benefits of marijuana and voted to legalize the drug accordingly.

Upon the passing of Florida’s Amendment 2, many expressed surprise that it took such a long time to come to fruition — with Florida lawmakers trying and failing to do something similar two years previous. Back in 2014, an identically named Amendment 2 found itself on Florida ballots on voting day. If passed, it would have allowed the cultivation, purchase and possession of medical marijuana.

The History of Amendment 2

Medical marijuana has faced an uphill battle in Florida.

The 2014 amendment failed to pass, gathering just 57.6 percent of the vote (with a 60 percent supermajority required for constitutional amendments). This ballot entry had been a long time coming but faced tough opposition from both more conservative members of the public along with several organizations, such as Drug Free Florida, as well as multiple noteworthy politicians.

For the 2014 amendment to make its way onto the ballot, a minimum of 683,149 valid signatures was required by the February 1, 2014, deadline. In August 2013, signatures had already reached 110,000, triggering a ruling by the Supreme Court of Florida. It was later approved for ballot Jan. 27, 2014. The inevitable rocky road for medical marijuana proved too much for the ballot, yet an earlier poll conducted by Quinnipiac University found that 88 percent of Florida’s voters supported legalization.

With significant contention from politicians, such as Florida Gov. Rick Scott and former Gov. Jeb Bush — who prior to the 2014 vote stated in regards to Florida’s family-friendly reputation, “allowing large-scale marijuana operations to take root across Florida, under the guise of using it for medicinal purposes, runs counter to all of these efforts” — and the ultimate failing of the bill, medical marijuana faced another uphill battle.

Amendment 2, Round 2

An indisputable shift in outlooks toward medical marijuana was a key component to the 2016 passing of Amendment 2 in Florida.

Following the 2014 disappointment, a further initiative by the same name was established and, once again, was sponsored by the United for Care organization for the 2016 ballot. In the weeks leading up the general election, election officials of Florida’s Broward County omitted Amendment 2 from some of the mail-in ballots, which led to a lawsuit from the pro-marijuana legalization firm NORML but was eventually dismissed.

Nevertheless, the amendment passed Nov. 8, 2016, with 71.3 percent of the vote, thwarting efforts to kill the amendment by a number of organizations and individuals. An indisputable shift in outlooks toward medical marijuana was a key component to the result, but success was also found due to four significant differences from the 2014 amendment:

• Parental consent is required for doctors to treat minors.
• There is an improved definition of the chronic illnesses that allow patients to receive treatment.
• The bill does not repeal any preexisting laws involving negligence or malpractice.
• Clauses were inserted to more effectively close the “drug-dealer” loophole.

With researchers estimating that Florida’s medical marijuana industry will be worth upwards of $1.5 billion by 2020, medical marijuana is quite literally having its moment in the sun.

“With this historic vote, we can expect similar programs acknowledging the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis begin to take hold in the southeastern region of the United States,” stated NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano.

Although many are reveling in the 2016 result, there are several hurdles yet to conquer. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been one of the principle opponents of marijuana throughout his career, and many are concerned about how his attitudes may affect state laws.

Florida, specifically, now faces severe cost concerns, too. In February 2017, medical marijuana in its purified form cost a staggering $240 per gram, forcing users to continue to buy off the black market for as little as $15 per gram.

It’s been a long and arduous journey for medical marijuana in Florida. Although further obstacles are certain to occur, the passing of Amendment 2 indicates a brighter future for those seeking medical marijuana as an alternative form of medicine.

If you suffer from a chronic condition and are living in California, the chances are that someone, either a medical professional or someone close to you, has recommended medical marijuana as a feasible treatment option. MMJ can assist with the symptoms of many illnesses, both physical and mental, including insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, anorexia nervosa, cancer and migraines. Although it can be odd to try something that has long held a social stigma of being an illegal drug, the truth is that California is a great place to be if you need medical marijuana. However, it’s important to know exactly what the law is and what your California medical pot card will allow you to do.

How Do You Get a Medical Pot Card?

If you suffer from a chronic condition and are living in California, getting a medical pot card is a feasible treatment option.

First, it’s important to have proper medical guidance when beginning your medical pot journey. Have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about the symptoms you think could be alleviated by medical marijuana. A professional’s advice is invaluable, so speak to them, and they can help you manage your expectations of what medical marijuana will be able to do for you. It doesn’t have to be your family doctor. A registered doctor, osteopath or surgeon can be the person who helps you in your journey for relief.

If you’re nervous about having the conversation in person, you can use an online medical evaluation to get the necessary paperwork to obtain your medical pot card. Doctors are unable to officially prescribe marijuana, even though it’s legal in California, as it’s still illegal at a federal level. They must write you an official recommendation on professional letterhead featuring their contact information. People often refer to a pot card, but the reality is that it’s the letter that you need to secure your medical marijuana. However, for patients’ convenience, most online evaluation services will also provide you with a small, physical card in addition to the letter so you can keep it in your wallet for future use when you visit the dispensary. Don’t forget that you’ll need to get your medical marijuana letter renewed annually!

Sadly, for the rest of the U.S., California medical marijuana privileges are only extended to California residents. You will need to produce a legal form of California ID, such as a driver’s license, to secure your medical marijuana letter. If you want a state-provided card, you’ll also need to provide proof of residence, such as a lease or utility bill, as well as the official form filled out with the letter from your doctor and the relevant fee. A state-provided card might be a better option for patients who want a legal document in relation to their MMJ use, although the letter provided by your practitioner outlining your condition is usually sufficient for most dispensaries.

What Can You Do with A Medical Pot Card?

MMJ can assist with the symptoms of many illnesses, both physical and mental.

Now that you have your medical pot card, what do you do? Well, you can either grow your own MMJ, which has positives and negatives, or if that feels like too much of a commitment, you can go to one of the numerous medical pot dispensaries in the state of California. It’s important to make sure you take care of your card because you’ll need it every time you go to the dispensary to pick up your medicine.

Dispensaries can be intimidating places for those who aren’t used to them, but it’s important to remember that they’re there to serve a function, much like a pharmacy. The people who work at dispensaries are often incredibly passionate about medical marijuana and its benefits, so if you’re a newbie to the world of MMJ, they can serve as your advisors or spirit guides. Ask questions about the right strains for you and the conditions and symptoms you need treated. You’d be shocked at the different types of MMJ out there!

If you’re feeling brave, you can cultivate your own medical marijuana. It’s important to read up on the legalities of growing your own. The Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, which is the law governing MMJ, is strict in relation to the amount that patients or caregivers can grow. Technically, you can have the amount that you need to treat your medical condition, though this is clearly a gray area and up for debate. The act does state that you can grow up to 100 square feet of cannabis plants for personal use or up to 500 square feet if you’re a caregiver to five or fewer patients. If you’re going to take the step of growing your own, it’s important to make sure you’re very familiar with the law to ensure you don’t inadvertently break it.

Once you’ve made the step of getting your own medical pot card and you’ve experienced the relief it can offer, you’ll never look back. Don’t be afraid or worried because if you’re lucky enough to be Californian, the state backs your right to seek the best treatment for you.

Attitudes toward marijuana within the United States have been dramatically changing throughout recent years. As each voting cycle passes, an increasing number of states have legalized marijuana: 28 states and Washington, D.C., permit the use of medical marijuana, and eight of those states also allowing recreational consumption.

In 2016, a Gallup survey found that 60 percent of American citizens support complete decriminalization of marijuana for any purpose and a larger percentage support marijuana exclusively for medicinal use.

Although the public at large now has favorable views on the drug, what about those within the fields of traditional medicine?

WebMD, a popular site used by health professionals, conducted a survey in 2014 asking 1,544 doctors across 48 states and 12 specialties if they support the legalization of medical marijuana. The survey found overwhelming support for legalization. Most doctors said the drug should be legal in their states or, at the very least, an option for suffering patients.

With this support for medical marijuana, why is there still a significant lack of scientific research being conducted? Unfortunately, marijuana is still outlawed by the federal government, designated a Schedule I substance with “no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse.” Due to the strict federal oversight of medical research, making progress is easier said than done.

Many credentialed doctors have come forward to express their issues with the government standing in the way of important medical research in relation to marijuana.

“Millions of patients are using this plant, and we need to understand it,” says Sue Sisley, a doctor and researcher at the University of Arizona. “It is negligent for states to go selling cards to marijuana patients without actively conducting rigorous medical marijuana research that’s necessary.”

A Gallup survey found a majority of Americans support medical marijuana.

So why are experts in the field of traditional medicine finally coming around to medical marijuana?

Although research into the drug is far less extensive than it should be, a number of studies have shown findings that suggest marijuana holds the potential to treat a plethora of medical problems — and often more effectively than traditional medicine. The list of ailments that can be treated with the use of marijuana is wide-ranging. Below we examine some of the most promising of treatments.

Nausea and a Loss of Appetite

According to the Institute of Medicine, medical marijuana can greatly assist with nausea and a loss of appetite. Evidence supporting this is obtained through studying those going through treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy. Common side effects of cancer treatment are rapid weight loss, along with a loss of appetite. A study out of St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, found that through the use of medical marijuana, patients’ nausea and appetites improved by an average of 38%.

Parkinson’s Disease and General Pain Relief

Parkinson’s disease and general pain relief are often cited as the most common reason why patients choose to consume medical marijuana. A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that the psychoactive properties of marijuana could be particularly helpful in treating Parkinson’s. A different study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that the pain experienced by patients with HIV dropped by 30 percent more than 50 percent of the time through the use of marijuana.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Medical marijuana is also used to support United States veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 8 million adults each year. Findings out of the NYU Langone Medical Center concluded that the chemical properties of marijuana are particularly poised for addressing PTSD. “We know very well that people with PTSD who use marijuana often experience more relief than they do from antidepressants,” says the study’s lead researcher, Alexander Neumeister.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression affect an estimated 12 percent of Americans. These conditions do not always stem from a traumatic incident but can occur based on the time of year. A research team from Brazil conducted a study surrounding seasonal affective disorder and found that marijuana treatment, when used in moderation, demonstrates a significant decrease in both anxiety and depression. These findings were supported by a separate study out of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennesee.

The list of ailments that can be treated with the use of medical marijuana is wide-ranging.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Although scientific evidence remains limited to animal trials, various stories have circulated regarding those who suffer from epilepsy and seizures. Many of those affected claim that medical marijuana has helped their epilepsy. One woman went as far as to say, “Without medical marijuana, I wouldn’t be alive today.” Multiple families have even moved to Colorado to receive a special strain of marijuana to treat their children’s seizures.

Despite the evidence, marijuana remains a contentious issue in Washington, D.C. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a vocal about keeping marijuana illegal at a federal level. “Good people don’t smoke marijuana,” he says. Sessions also recently stated that marijuana is “only slightly less awful” than heroin. Needless to say, with extreme opinions such as these at the peak of government, laws are unlikely to be changed for the better any time soon.

Traditional medicine has come around to medical marijuana, even if some politicians don’t agree. The Epilepsy Foundation calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration to relax its restrictions on marijuana so it can be properly studied is just one example of the countless groups of people offering their support. Let’s hope that in the years to come, organizations, members of the public, and politicians alike can find a common ground.

At the age of 20, Arnold Schwarzenegger was the youngest man to ever win Mr. Universe and went on to win the title a further three times, and win the Mr. Olympia title seven times. He then set his eyes on Hollywood and despite his mountainous size and thick Austrian accent, he was able to quickly rise up the ranks, becoming the most successful and popular actor of the 1990s. From there he changed lanes and became the Governor of California in 2003. Due to his popularity while in office, he managed to win re-election by a landslide and did much for the state of California that he will be remembered for, his hand in decriminalizing medical marijuana being one such thing. In this article, we will be discussing how and why Arnold Schwarzenegger, as the Governor of California, decriminalised the use of marijuana.

California has always been a forward-thinking state, being the first to establish a medical marijuana program – Proposition 215 in 1996 and Senate Bill 420 in 2003. This allows people the right to obtain and use marijuana for any illness provided they can get a recommendation from a doctor. The Californian Supreme Court deemed there ought to be no cap on the quantity of the plant a patient may possess in their private residence as long as it is strictly for personal use. In order to make the purchase medical marijuana a smooth process, a patient must have a medical marijuana identification card. These are issued by the California Department of Public Health’s Medical Marijuana Program (MMP). Many cannabis dispensaries accept doctor recommendations, but if you get your 420 card online, it will be quicker, easier and cheaper.

Arnold Schwarzenegger helped legalize the use of medical marijuana throughout all of California.

It is important to make a distinction between decriminalization and medicalization of marijuana. Decriminalization of marijuana – the treatment of possession of small amounts of the drug as a civil, rather than a criminal, offense – began in July 1975 with the Moscone Act. This made possession of one ounce of marijuana a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine, and more severe punishments for amounts exceeding that.

So in this case, decriminalization began much sooner than medicalization, however, the medicalization of the drug also progressed at a much more rapid pace. Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly played a role in speeding up the process of marijuana from a criminalized to a decriminalized drug. Firstly he never shied away from telling people that he smoked cannabis throughout the 1970s. As an ambassador for strength, health, hard work, and success who smoked often, he was shining proof that marijuana was not worthy of its negative reputation and repercussions. This did much for the drug’s public standing and would inevitably contribute to the decriminalization of marijuana.

Though it was not only in an oblique, celebrity-focused fashion that Arnold managed to affect the trajectory of marijuana in California. On September 30, 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law CA State Senate Bill 1449. This resulted in further reductions to the charge of possession of one ounce of cannabis or less, from a misdemeanor to an infraction – with no mandatory court appearance and, more importantly, no criminal record. The law became effective January 1, 2011.

This useful herb is legal to smoke for medicinal purposes all over California, thanks to Arnie.

And this was the nail in the coffin for those trying to hold onto the past – a place where control and punishment were rife and help and rehabilitation were sorely lacking. It was this point, California approached the legalization of marijuana at a noticeably quicker speed. By 2016 California voted for Proposition 64 legalizing the sale and distribution of cannabis for recreational use in both a dry and concentrated form. But licenses won’t be issued for cultivation and business establishment until 2018. Until that point, your best bet in purchasing marijuana is from a medical marijuana dispensary, so make sure you get your medical marijuana card online.

Now you know how and why Arnold Schwarzenegger decriminalized medical marijuana you may have a new-found respect for him. The history of medical marijuana in California is rich, diverse and definitely worth looking into further. And the knowledge of how far the state has come will certainly provide a greater sense of appreciation when you smoke, drink, or eat your legally owned medical marijuana. The next logical step is to legalize it in all states. This would have advantages far beyond the medicinal, such as dramatically increased tax revenues for the state (illegal drugs cannot be taxed), and the reduction of drug-related crime. Make sure you have your medical marijuana card so you can start to benefit from the drug’s long list of health benefits.

Depression is an epidemic that affects roughly 350 million people worldwide. This painful condition is a leading cause of disability in the world today.  There are mixed reports on the effects of medical cannabis use on depression. Some experts believe that using their California medical marijuana card can help ease the symptoms of depression, while others believe depression symptoms can be worsened by cannabis use.

Can medical cannabis help those suffering from depression?

Lester Grinspoon, professor of psychiatry at the Harvard School of Medicine, says “I think cannabis has a lot of potential in the treatment of mental illness”, but he goes on to say that, like with any drug, “it will not work for everyone.”

Many depression sufferers refer to marijuana as ‘green Prozac’ because they feel that it hugely alleviates their depression, by lifting their spirits, controlling their painful ruminating, aiding with sleep, and giving them energy.

There are many forms of depression treatment currently available. It’s possible to successfully manage and eradicate even severe depression. All levels of depression can respond well to skilfully applied talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Medication is usually not recommended as a first course of treatment for mild or moderate cases of depression, but can be very helpful in managing severe depression. Unfortunately, there is anecdotal evidence that medical professionals can be all too willing to prescribe powerful, mind and life-altering drugs even before talk therapy has been given a fair shot.

There are many different types of antidepressant drugs on the market. Many of them have unpleasant side effects. Of the four most common forms of antidepressant drug, tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, SSRIs and SNRIs, all have potential side effects that can sometimes be even worse than the symptoms of the initial depression. What’s more, some studies have shown antidepressants to be no more effective than a placebo. An analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that antidepressants are only effective for people with severe depression, and that patients with mild or moderate depression see little or no benefit from their use. Antidepressants are big business. In 2008 pharmaceutical companies profited $9.6 billion from antidepressant sales alone. Could this mean that unscrupulous doctors are being persuaded to be too trigger happy in prescribing antidepressants?

There is a growing body of research on the benefits of medicinal marijuana as a treatment for depression.

Medical cannabis can be used in conjunction or instead of with some depression medication under a doctor’s guidance.

Scientists at the University at Buffalo have been exploring whether marijuana could be effective as a treatment for depression caused by chronic stress. They have been focusing on naturally produced chemical compounds found in the brain called endocannabinoids. These compounds play a role in cognition, emotions, and behavior, and they have a chemical makeup similar to that of cannabis. Chronic stress may suppress the brain’s production of endocannabinoids, which can lead to feelings of depression. It appears possible that introducing cannabis into the system may lead to the restoration of normal endocannabinoid function and therefore mood stabilization.

A 2007 study by researchers at McGill University in Montreal showed that low doses of THC can increase serotonin. However, high dosages of THC seemed to decrease serotonin, which worsened depression. “These findings confirm what has been reported by people who smoke cannabis,” said Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, who co-authored the study. “Often it produces euphoria, calmness, sociability, but in other circumstances it can produce bad dreams and negative feelings.” As with everything, sensible dosing is crucial.

There is still a lot of research to be done. According to Dr. Gobbi at McGill “Not only do we have to determine the dose-effect of cannabis on depressive people, but also which kind of cannabinoid may have a positive effect on mood.”

Thomas F. Denson, PhD, Professor of Psychology at the California State University at Long Beach, and Mitch Earleywine, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at Albany, wrote in their 2006 study titled ‘Decreased Depression in Marijuana Users’, “Those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana.”

Jay Cavanaugh, PhD, National Director for the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis, wrote in his 2003 article ‘Cannabis and Depression’ “Patients who use cannabis to ‘relax’ may be treating the anxiousness sometimes associated with depression. Cannabis aids the insomnia sometimes present in depression and can improve appetite. Better pain control with cannabis can reduce chronic pain related depression. While cannabis cannot yet be considered a primary treatment of major depression it may improve mood when used under physician’s supervision and in combination with therapy and/or SSRI’s.”

It is definitely best to be careful when using your medical card California whilst on conventional antidepressants, and to seek medical advice before going off conventional medicine. Many antidepressants have bad withdrawal symptoms, and if you suddenly stop taking them you can become very ill. Patients must taper the dose down gradually with a physician’s supervision.

It is often not a good idea to be too hasty in letting the pleasant effects of using your California medical card inspire you to give up on your conventional medication. Allan N. Schwartz, PhD, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychoanalyst, stated in his article ‘Marijuana Makes It Worse: Severe Mental Illnesses’, “I have directly witnessed the tragedy of patients going off of their medications for Bipolar Disorder, using marijuana and ending up re-hospitalized in worse shape than any time prior to the relapse…Leaving aside anxiety, those who experience severe depression and who use marijuana end up feeling much more depressed, at least that is what I have witnessed.”

Depression is a complex condition, and it is important to take it seriously and to be thorough in tackling it. It is crucial to get to the bottom of what is causing a patient’s depression. Treating the root causes of the depression is the single best way to cure it for good. Antidepressants can be effective, but they can have very debilitating side-effects. Marijuana can, as studies and anecdotal evidence are now showing, be a very useful weapon in some people’s battle with depression. It is very dependent on the person and their unique circumstances.

It is possible to use your 420 card if you suffer from depression, but only if your physician and therapist are on-board with the idea. Depression is a brutal and life-destroying condition, and must be fought with all of the knowledge, will and determination one can muster.

Cannabis oil is one of the healthiest ways to consume marijuana. There are many medical and health benefits from these oils once you have your medical marijuana card. Instead of wasting too much time with an intro, we want to jump right in and discuss cannabis oil uses and benefits.

Here are nine great cannabis oil uses once you have your medical marijuana card:

Pain Relief

With pain killer addictions reaching epidemic levels, one of the best cannabis oil uses is pain management. You can consume the oil orally or topically. If you’re dealing with especially strong pain or out of control inflammation, we suggest using cannabis oil both topically and orally.

Headaches

One of the best ways to manage headaches or migraines is through cannabis oil. Start by orally consuming some cannabis oil. Then rub a little bit on your temples and any area of your head with throbbing pain.

Stress Relief

One of the best known uses for marijuana is stress and anxiety relief. Humans have been using weed to reduce stress for hundreds of years. Cannabis oil is perfect for stress and anxiety relief because you don’t get the anxious feelings often associated with getting high.

Skin Protection & Anti-Aging

While smoking marijuana or consuming edible weed does nothing for the skin, cannabis oil can be amazing for your complexion. Many have found dead skin gone and a glowing radiance restored after consuming cannabis oil orally and applying it topically to the face.

Heart Healthy

Another surprising cannabis oil use comes for our heart. Cannabis oil can balance out the negative oils in your system and lower cholesterol by stimulating antioxidant creation. Both of these benefits reportedly improve heart function.

Cancer Prevention

While the research for this one is preliminary, many scientists speculate cannabis oil can have preventative effects on cancer tumors. While we cannot definitively state this, we’re looking forward to further research on the topic.

Sleep Better

Many have found falling and staying asleep to be much easier after orally consuming a little cannabis oil before bed. Cannabis oil effectively lowers your energy level and helps your mind relax, making sleep much easier.

Appetite Booster

Many find themselves hungry while high. They get their weed card and instantly wind up getting the munchies as well. While you shouldn’t consume cannabis oil to get high, the oils can help stimulate your appetite.

Glaucoma

Weed cards and glaucoma have gone hand in hand for decades. However, cannabis oil may be one of the best ways to manage glaucoma. The oils can reduce glaucoma and prevent degeneration.

Be Smart About It

There are many cannabis oil uses, but it’s important to be smart when using any drug. Cannabis oil can be strong and you should always take caution when using it orally or topically. If you’re looking for your medical cannabis card in California, check out MMJRecs and get yours instantly.

For those seeking the benefits that come from the consumption of medical marijuana, it can be a surprisingly simple process. In California for example, all you need to do is apply for a medical marijuana card online and assuming that your application is accepted, purchasing, and even growing your own marijuana will become as legal as gobbling down a Big Mac. Not only that, but several online services can issue your license within the hour. (more…)

Each year more research comes out showing the health benefits of medical marijuana and just regular old weed. And every year more people come around to the idea that smoking a plant can be beneficial to your health in certain situations.

Smoking cannabis recreationally is still questioned by many. However, many medical experts have come around to using marijuana as a drug for medical purposes. After all, we use much stronger narcotics in everyday medicine. So there isn’t much of an argument to make against medical weed.

With this in mind, here are 11 health benefits stemming from marijuana:

For Tobacco Smokers

Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce carcinogenic effects of long-term tobacco consumption. As well, smoking marijuana increases lung capacity; tobacco smoking significantly hinders lung function.

Controlling Epileptic Seizures

Both children and adults suffering from seizures have seen marijuana consumption to help prevent or reduce the number of seizures. The key is to find a strain of medical marijuana that is high in CBD.

Stops the Spread of Cancer

While studies haven’t been completed on human subjects yet, the results from lab and animal studies have been profound: medical marijuana can stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Reduced Anxiety

Before you get your medical marijuana card to reduce stress, you must know that only select strains of weed will help. Other strains of marijuana can increase your anxiety. Strains high in CBD have been shown to help anxiety in certain cases.

Calms Muscle Spasms

Once you get your weed card, you may be able to eliminate muscle spasms that creep up, especially for active individuals who are aging. Weed relaxes muscles rapidly, allowing the spasms to cease.

Arthritis Relief

For people suffering from arthritis, many have found medical marijuana to be helpful in relieving pain. As well, individuals using weed for arthritis have found sleep significantly improved, too.

Improved Creativity

Marijuana releases dopamine in the brain. This can lead to increased productivity. Certain studies have shown positive mental effects of marijuana. Anecdotal evidence shows us that Hollywood is one of the creative capitals of the world, and many people working throughout the creative industry in the town consume regularly.

Treating PTSD

Coming home from war can have terrible effects on many men and women. Returning to normal life often leads to anxiety, fear, and depression. Many suffering from PTSD have found significant improvements when buying medical marijuana online.

Protect From Concussions

While research is preliminary, many have come to the conclusion that medical marijuana can protect and heal the brain from concussions. Weed is said to have a variety of healing properties after a traumatic incident.

Stimulates Appetite

Anyone who has gotten high before knows marijuana consumption can lead to hunger. Certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy, result in patients losing their appetite. Marijuana can help patients eat more after therapy.

Reducing Alcohol Consumption

Some consider medical marijuana to be much healthier than alcohol consumption or other addictions. For people with addiction problems, consuming marijuana instead of alcohol or another drug can help in recovery.

Over the last couple of decades, the marijuana business has changed dramatically in the great state of California. What started out as shady drug traffickers hopping the border with loads of medical-grade marijuana has morphed. The days of stoned dealers in shady apartments in sketchy areas of the city are seemingly gone.

Nowadays, you have high class medical marijuana dispensaries where all you need is your medical cannabis card in California to get some of the best weed you’d ever need. In a way it’s a great thing. In other ways, it’s a decidedly capitalist system taking the money from hard working folks in the streets and putting it back in the pockets of big businessmen.

With out-of-state investors all over, the game has changed, for better or for worse. Still, one thing has remained the same: marijuana is big, big business. As long as people still consume weed, whether they use a weed card or a back alley dealer, there will be money in the industry.

The Big Business of California Medical Marijuana

Instead of simply harping on about the cash going from the streets to the corporations, we wanted to offer some stone cold facts about weed in our great state. Here are a few facts about the money in California medical marijuana:

• The Big Bucks: On an annual basis, the California medical marijuana industry produces over $2.7 billion in sales every year.
• The Majority: While Colorado tends to get a lot of marijuana press these days, California still has more stoners than anyone else. The California medical marijuana industry accounts for over half of all legal marijuana sales in the United States.
• Doubling Down On Doobies: California will vote on recreational marijuana this fall. If the bill passes, most experts predict the California medical marijuana industry will double by 2020. No more weed cards – just a lot of weed, if the bill passes.
• Taxing Benefits: Many suspect the legalization of recreational weed could be great for tax revenues. Some quick math shows that a small area of high-tech growhouses in Humboldt County could nearly double budgets for city governments.
• New Jobs: Part of the new recreational marijuana bill includes provisions for hiring local workers. Many provisions require at least half of the workers in the production of legal cannabis to be local residents. Many mayors see the bill as a way to bring new jobs to the struggling economy.

Get Your Weed Card Today

Despite California medical marijuana being such a big business, there’s fair opposition to the coming bill in November. Instead of waiting for your recreational weed to be legalized, you can get your hands on a medical cannabis card today. Head over to MMJRecs and see how to do just that in ten minutes or less!

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Going to the doctor isn’t exactly the bee’s knees. If we’re being honest, most of us don’t enjoy going to the doctor at all. There’s the overpriced co-pay. Then you have to sit in a dingy waiting room while you wait for the doctor to see you.

After an hour or so past your scheduled appointment, you’ll be asked back to your room. Another hour will pass before the doctor strolls in. Not fun. This scenario doesn’t even account for time spent seeing the doctor, which can be stressful, too.

Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in California

Instead of actually going to a medical marijuana doctor in person and undergoing the dreadful process of being in a doctor’s office, you can skip it all. Getting a medical cannabis card online is easy in California.

Gone are the days of difficulty for those who desire their weed card. At MMJRecs, we offer Californians a chance to get their medical marijuana card in California in five minutes.

Our simple online process allows you to get legal faster than ever before. You can use a laptop, MacBook, smartphone or tablet to complete the process. To begin, you’ll go to MMJRec.com and press the big, green “Sign Up” button.

You’ll be taken to a page where you’ll start the short and sweet application process. During this process, you’ll register your medical history and provide information about your qualifying condition.

Once you complete and submit your application, one of our licensed physicians will evaluate your request. You’ll instantly be sent an email containing your recommendation. The physical copy of your recommendation card will come in the mail in 3-5 days.

Pricing For a Medical Marijuana Card in California

At MMJRecs, we offer three different medical marijuana card options for California residents. Our first option includes online verification and a 12-month recommendation. This package costs $49.

Our most popular package includes online ID verification, a 12-month recommendation and an MMJ patient photo ID card. This is our best seller and runs $74.

If you’re looking to grow marijuana plants, our third service may be a great weed card option for you. You’ll receive a growers recommendation for up to 99 plants with this choice, along with online ID verification, a 12-month recommendation and an MMJ patient photo ID card. Our Growers Recommendation is offered at $149 only if the patient qualifies.

Medical Cannabis Cards in Five Minutes Flat

MMJRecs has revolutionized the cannabis industry in California. If you’re tired of dealing with silly hierarchy and doctors, get your medical marijuana card today. Our process typically takes five minutes and offers instant weed card download.

Whether you believe medical marijuana is a joke or you hold a weed card, it’s fair to look at the facts and learn if medical marijuana does its job or not. After looking at the benefits of medical cannabis throughout numerous medical research trials, we’ve found some answers.

It’s important to note medical cannabis used in research studies is a far cry from smoking a joint in your basement. The strains are specially selected to help with certain ailments, and the doses are selected by medical professionals who study cannabis for a living.

Not Just Getting High

It’s worth mentioning we’re not talking about getting high here. We don’t think anyone is debating that marijuana – whether medical or recreational – can provide a “high” feeling many users enjoy. When we are talking about the effectiveness of medical cannabis, we are referring to the benefits the drug offers in curing certain medical ailments.

Nausea and Nerve Pain

Overall, research proves medical marijuana is quite useful in treating nausea and nerve pain. Medical marijuana can offer instant relief and comfort for patients suffering from cancer or AIDS. Studies show medical cannabis is equal or superior to traditional drugs at treating nerve pain.

Epilepsy

Research shows medical cannabis high in CBD is highly effective in limiting the number of seizures patients with certain syndromes experience. Specific strains prove helpful for children and adults. Some patients have even moved to medical marijuana-friendly states to have access to such strains on a consistent basis.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a horrific illness resulting in inflammatory bowels. Eventually, this ailment irritates the small intestine in a painful manner. It is most commonly treated with medications. In some cases, surgery is another effective option for treatment. However, recent studies show smoking medical marijuana high in THC can cause the disease to go into remission.

Cancer Treatments

According to lab and animal studies, both THC and CBD can potentially slow or halt the growth of cancer cells. Human studies have just begun. While the potential to help with cancer treatments is there, medical scientists need to conduct more research before concluding medical marijuana is beneficial in cancer treatments.

Glaucoma

Back in the day, before you could get a medical marijuana card online, many claimed they had glaucoma when attempting to get their weed card. While marijuana can lower pressure in the eye stemming from glaucoma, one would have to smoke weed around the clock to receive any further benefit. There are numerous other medications that prove much more efficient in treating this ailment.

Weight Loss

Medical marijuana was once thought to have beneficial effects on weight loss. Some claimed weed sped up the metabolism. After a few research studies, it has yet to be proven marijuana can help with weight loss. Don’t try to get your medical cannabis card just to lose weight!

If you smoke marijuana, then you know it’s quite preferable to smoke without worry of breaking the law. This is one of the many reasons getting a medical marijuana card in California is so popular.

With the freedom legally smoking weed offers you, you may sometimes dream of living in a city that is exceptionally weed-friendly. We did some research, and found the best cities for medical marijuana consumption in the United States.

If you have a medical cannabis card, you’ll probably love:

Denver, Colorado

You don’t even need a medical cannabis card in Denver, Colorado. The city was the first in the United States to fully legalize marijuana—not just for medical use, but all recreational marijuana use, too! However, you can still get a medical marijuana card in Colorado if you need it. This will give you access to both medical weed and the marijuana available in recreational dispensaries.

You’ll find many flocking to this big city due to the popularity of Denver, the mountains and the legal weed. While prices for rent have skyrocketed, Denver will continue to be a mainstay for those looking to live in a marijuana-friendly city.

Seattle, Washington

As liberal a city as any other, you can legally smoke pot recreationally in Seattle. The city also has the fourth highest number of medical marijuana dispensaries per capita in the United States.

If this doesn’t make the Emerald City a haven for marijuana smokers, take into account that the city’s police department has told the federal government they will no longer assist with marijuana investigations. The Seattle Police Department once posted a flyer with facts about legal pot that included the wizard Gandalf getting high.

Los Angeles, California

As the cultural epicenter of the United States, you’ll naturally find Los Angeles on any list of weed-friendly cities. While you’ll need your medical marijuana card in California, you won’t have anything to worry about once you have that bad boy in hand. Los Angeles has legalized medical marijuana for almost two decades now.

If you need to get legal, you can quickly get your medical marijuana card online here at MMJRecs. You’ll then be ready to access all Los Angeles has to offer in the cannabis department – including the highest number of dispensaries in the whole state of California.

Maui, Hawaii

It’s a little-known fact Hawaii legalized medical marijuana in 2000. However, when you think about it, there would be no such thing as Maui Waui if the people of this beautiful state didn’t enjoy their cannabis so much. While living on the islands is expensive, you won’t have any issue getting your medical cannabis card here.

Oakland, California

California makes its second appearance on this list, as the Bay Area comes in clutch for pot smokers, especially in Oakland. The city boasts a great weed culture and even houses a university that offers degrees geared towards becoming a medical marijuana professional.

Oakland also hosts the infamous Oaksterdam. The district features dispensaries, green-friendly cafes, clubs and much more. Just like every other city in California, you’ll need to get your medical marijuana card to smoke legally in Oakland.

Scientific studies aside, most parents will do anything to help their child. Seeing your kid suffer from an illness that’s seemingly untreatable can be one of the most devastating things a parent can witness. Most parents are will do whatever it takes to give their child relief. A chance to heal becomes all that matters, even if the only opportunity requires medical marijuana.

An Intro to Medical Marijuana & Kids

The research is still preliminary. There are no scientific studies to support medical marijuana for children and the safety of such a practice. Still, many parents have turned to getting a weed card and using medical marijuana to treat their young children.

While society still perceives marijuana as a recreational drug, over 20 states have legalized medical cannabis cards for adults. If you have a medical issue, you can consume weed legally by obtaining a doctor’s recommendation and a weed card.

Adults can use medical marijuana to improve their lives; however, children are not yet allowed to do the same. Research has not been conducted regarding children and marijuana on a large scale. There are a number of safety concerns.

Plus, allowing a child to have access to marijuana could be a disaster during the teen years. Responsible drug use for medical purposes isn’t exactly the forte of the average teenager in the United States.

A Case Study

While the concerns are great, many families have found benefits in giving children with seizures medical marijuana. One such family are the Figis. The Figis had twins Charlotte and Chase around ten years ago. Three months after Charlotte was born, she had a seizure.

Immediately, her parents took her to the hospital. Scans were run. Everything came back normal. The seizures continued, and so did the hospital visits. The doctors were nearly stumped. They had a few ideas about what could be causing Charlotte’s seizures, but they had no idea how to stop them.

Eventually, it was revealed Charlotte had Dravet Syndrome, which causes severe seizures. The family tried everything from numerous drugs to special diets. Nothing worked. Years went by, and Charlotte’s health started to decline. She struggled to walk, talk or eat.

Then, her father learned of a young boy in California who had been treating his Dravet Syndrome with cannabis. Having no other options left, they found of a strain of cannabis low in THC, but high in CBD and turned it into oil before giving it to Charlotte.

Miraculous Results

The results were nothing short of incredible. The little girl went from having 300 small seizures a week to zero. It’s been nearly a year since Charlotte started consuming cannabis oil in her food twice a day. She went from the verge of death to 2-3 small seizures a month. She can walk, talk, and even ride her bicycle!

Charlotte’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. Many children from around the United States have begun using cannabis to control their seizures. In honor of Charlotte, Florida governor Rick Scott signed into law the Charlotte’s Web bill, meant to help people in Charlotte’s condition obtain medical marijuana by safe, legal means. People across the state of Florida will now be able to get the help they need more easily than ever before.

If your child is suffering, you may want to consider getting your medical marijuana card online and seeing if marijuana helps their condition. It could make a difference in your child’s life and MMJRecs would love to help!

A weed card means you need to know the difference between CBD and THC.

If you found this article, it’s fair to assume you’ve heard about CBD and THC, also known as cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, the two main ingredients in a marijuana plant. While these ingredients are different in their properties, both fall into a class of compounds commonly referred to as cannabinoids.

The Differences Between CBD and THC

So you want to get high? THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. CBD is non-psychoactive. You can’t get a buzz on CBD alone. If you want to get high, you’ll want to buy medical marijuana online with high levels of THC. However, if you’re looking for marijuana for medical purposes solely, then a strain with high levels of CBD is often better. Children have even found success using medical marijuana with high CBD to alleviate a number of medical issues, including seizures.

Do you suffer from anxiety? THC has been shown to increase anxiety in many individuals. CBD, on the other hand, has proven to alleviate anxiety in an opposite manner. Studies have found administering CBD alone greatly reduces anxiety levels in a number of patients.

Ready to improve your sleep? Medical marijuana can be incredibly useful as a sleep aid. THC has been shown to aid in sleep for many. On the other hand, CBD promotes wakefulness in many patients. As such, some strains of marijuana high in THC make people feel drowsy (Indica Strain), while others high in CBD boost energy levels (Sativa Strain).

Can it be used as an antipsychotic? CBD tends to keep the effects of THC from letting people get too high. This combination greatly reduces the psychosis-like effects of THC. However, CBD can be used alone as a medicine with antipsychosis properties. Individuals with schizophrenia have seen success with CBD.

Isn’t This Illegal? Marijuana is illegal in most of the United States, although 20 states have legalized medical cannabis cards. Technically, CBD alone is still illegal and a Schedule 1 drug. However, a pharmaceutical form of CBD was recently cleared by the FDA. As well, CBD is found in hemp, which is legally imported and sold in the U.S. So CBD is technically illegal, but there are ways around this.

Understanding THC and CBD can be confusing. While both are found in weed, it can be difficult to separate the two and how they affect your body. We don’t sell medical marijuana online, but you can get your weed card from MMJRecs. If you’re looking for a safe, legal way to get your medical cannabis card in California, click here to learn more.