The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way people go about their everyday lives, closing nonessential businesses in many communities in the process. This can be a worry for those who are looking to get approval for the use of medical marijuana.

The good news is that in many states, MMJ services have been deemed essential during the lockdown. Here’s how MMJ rules may have changed in recent circumstances, and everything you need to know about how to apply for an MMJ card during COVID-19 lockdown.

COVID-19 and Medical Cannabis Patients

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, only a few states allowed virtual visits for the prescription of medical marijuana – both renewals and initial consultations. Now, COVID-19 has forced many people to stay at home due to state orders. As a result, rules surrounding virtual visits to the doctor for medical marijuana have been relaxed.

Of course, how relaxed this has become (if at all) depends on where you live. Some states allow all visits to be conducted virtually, while others are requiring that initial consultations take place face-to-face. And once the stay at home orders state of emergency have been lifted, states will revert to pre-lockdown rules about prescribing medical marijuana.

How To Apply For An MMJ Card During COVID-19 Lockdown

MMJ cards allow a patient to legally access medical marijuana dispensaries in order to purchase medical marijuana. These cards are issued by individual states, so the process can be different from state to state.

In general, to obtain an MMJ card you must:

• Have a qualifying condition. Conditions commonly prescribed an MMJ card include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, or PTSD. Qualifying conditions change from state to state, so inquire with your doctor to find out more about your particular area.
• See a doctor. A state-certified doctor must prescribe MMJ to you for a medical condition.
• Apply for an MMJ card. Each state has a different government agency that oversees the MMJ program. Check with the agency in your state for more information about the paperwork you must complete to apply, and any fees associated with it.

After you’ve been approved, you can use your MMJ card to access medical marijuana in state-approved dispensaries.

Image by Add Weed on Unsplash: Can I apply for an MMJ card during CV19 lockdown? Applying for an MMJ card during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic isn’t as complicated as you may think.

Which States Allow Telemedicine Visits For An MMJ Card?

Telemedicine visits are being increasingly offered in many states with medical marijuana programs, but in different capacities. States that allow only for renewals of MMJ cards during the pandemic include:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Washington D.C.
• Washington

States that allow for an initial telemedicine consultation include:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Maine
• Maryland
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island

The situation surrounding stay at home orders is different in every state, so make sure to check with the government body that oversees the medical marijuana program in your state to figure out how you can get a prescription for medical marijuana and apply for an MMJ card.

If you live in a state with recreational marijuana, it may not have been deemed essential during this time, so it’s important to check with your state to find out more about how to access recreational marijuana (if you can) during the pandemic. Conversely, medical marijuana patients have access to MMJ in every state that has legalized and regulated it.

Image by Drew Beamer on Unsplash: Wondering how to access MMJ during coronavirus lockdown? In some places, it’s as easy as delivery right to your door!

How To Access MMJ During Coronavirus Lockdown

A pressing concern for many MMJ patients is how to safely access MMJ during the lockdown. After all, many people who take medical marijuana may have a chronic illness that places them in the high-risk category for COVID-19, so physically going to a dispensary can be dangerous for them.

Luckily, MMJ patients need not worry. In many states, there are a couple of choices for getting the MMJ you need while reducing contact with people. These interim measures have been put into place in many states:

• Online ordering and delivery. In many states, home delivery for medical marijuana patients have been approved. The patient simply orders the MMJ online or by phone and the order is taken directly to their home. Check to see if this is currently offered in your state.
• Curbside pickup. Another temporary measure put into place for dispensaries that may not be able to offer delivery is curbside pickup. Patients or their caregivers can place their MMJ order online or by phone and then drive to the dispensary. Once there, a dispensary worker will bring the MMJ to the car so you don’t have to go inside.

Check frequently in your state to see if and when either of these options are available to you.

Featured image by Christina Winter on Unsplash

In June 2018, Oklahoma became the 30^th state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Licensing began later that year in August, allowing citizens to apply for an Oklahoma MMJ card, and to date more than 151,000 people have done just that. This means that the state of Oklahoma has more MMJ card holders per capita than any other U.S. state. It is not, however, one of the 11 states to legalize marijuana for recreational use, so it’s important to understand the rules and regulations around applying for and using your Oklahoma medical marijuana card. We’ll first take a look at some qualifying conditions and then go on to explore how to get an MMJ card in Oklahoma.

There are more and more conditions that can be helped by medical marijuana and that would qualify you for an MMJ card in Oklahoma. These include but are not limited to AIDS, cancer, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spinal cord injury. Common symptoms of these and other conditions that can be relieved by MMJ use are cramps, tiredness, nausea, inflammation, headaches, and seizures. When you become aware of the large number of symptoms and ailments that have shown to be helped by the use of MMJ, it’s no wonder such a high percentage of citizens have applied for and received an Oklahoma medical marijuana card.

If you think you might qualify, the best way to get an MMJ card in Oklahoma is to apply online via MMJ Recs. This is a great option if you don’t want to go through your own physician, or if you simply can’t travel to see your doctor. With MMJ Recs, the process is easy and straightforward. You simply fill out a standard medical form online and include any relevant medical notes or documents. An in-house medical expert will then carry out an evaluation with you via the wonders of telemedicine – in other words, over the phone or through Skype. You don’t have to travel or have a face-to-face meeting. You can ask the expert anything you like about the process or about any concerns you may have. They will enquire about your qualifying condition and why you believe taking MMJ may help. Moreover, our expert will be able to advise you on the best medical marijuana strain to use and the optimum amount for your particular ailment. Rest assured that your application and consultation will be treated with absolute respect and privacy. You will also need some kind of proof of residency in Oklahoma; your driver’s license or ID card, for example, or even just a current utility bill. Once approved, your Oklahoma medical marijuana card will be sent to you in the post and you can put it to immediate use.

There is, of course, a minimal charge for owning an Oklahoma MMJ card, and it needs to be renewed annually. Once you own a card, though, the renewal cost each year is considerably less than the initial output. It’s important to remember to renew your card annually, as failure to do so could result in a fine – not to mention the fact that you may not be able to purchase or use the medical marijuana that you might have come to rely on. MMJ Recs can also help with renewing an existing Oklahoma MMJ card.

There are a few rules surrounding ownership of an Oklahoma medical marijuana card. A card allows you to legally possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana; 6 mature and 6 seedling marijuana plants; an ounce of concentrated marijuana; and 72 ounces of edible marijuana. If you’re smoking your medical marijuana, then you can do so in any place that normally allows regular tobacco smoking. There are no restrictions on where you can consume edible marijuana. It’s important to remember that even in states where medical marijuana has been deemed legal, ALL forms of it are still illegal under our federal law. This means that you cannot have or consume marijuana – medical or otherwise – on any federal lands in Oklahoma. If you have any questions or concerns around the rules governing ownership of an Oklahoma MMJ card, then check out the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, which is the state regulator.

Currently, Oklahoma is not one of the 11 states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. But that could change tomorrow! Or in the near future, in any case. If it were to change, your Oklahoma MMJ card would still be very much worth hanging on to and renewing when required. It will ensure continuity in obtaining the best MMJ strain for you, from a reputable dispensary as opposed to a possible unknown, online seller. If you are under 21, you won’t be allowed to use marijuana for recreational purposes, whereas you can qualify for an Oklahoma medical marijuana card from the age of 18. With your Oklahoma MMJ card, you will never have to pay tax on medical marijuana products.

Hopefully, this has helped enlighten you on the process of how to get an MMJ card in Oklahoma. If you are suffering from a debilitating condition that has seen little relief from conventional medicine or methods, then why not apply online now and talk with one of our understanding experts to see if you might qualify for an MMJ card? The process is simple, and we will guide you every step of the way.

Although medical marijuana (MMJ) is not legal in all 50 states in the U.S., there are some states where citizens are taking full advantage of their MMJ cards. Oklahoma made medical marijuana legal back in August 2018, and since then, more than 151,000 Oklahomans have received MMJ cards from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). That number means that more than 3.5% of the state’s population are MMJ card holders. With more MMJ cards per capita than in any other state, Oklahoma has definitely become a very MMJ-friendly state. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

What is the history of MMJ in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma first officially banned recreational marijuana back in 1933. Up until recently, cannabis users and growers were prosecuted under the full extent of the law. Medical use of cannabis was legalized in 2018, making Oklahoma the 30th state to do so. Unlicensed possession of marijuana of up to 1.5 ounces is still punishable by a misdemeanor conviction and a $400 fine if a medical reason can be provided. Since 2013, DUI (driving under intoxication) penalties include being jailed for no less than 10 days and for no more than a year. A second offense requires longer sentencing. Non-licensed making of hashish or cannabis brownies may include life imprisonment. However, Oklahoma MMJ laws allow for MMJ cardholders to make and possess these products.

What are the laws surrounding MMJ in Oklahoma?

OMMA carries out statewide regulations for medical marijuana use in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma MMJ legal status declares that an MMJ card holder can legally possess:

• 3 ounces of marijuana
• 6 mature marijuana plants (or plants that are in the budding stage)
• 6 seedling marijuana plants (or plants that are in the vegetative state and are not yet budding)
• 1 ounce of concentrated marijuana
• 72 ounces of edible marijuana (also known as edibles like brownies or candy)
• 8 ounces of marijuana in their residence

Currently, smokable forms of MMJ can be legally consumed in any place that allows smoking of tobacco products. Edibles can be consumed anywhere. Please note that even with an MMJ license, you are still only permitted to buy MMJ products from state-licensed dispensaries. It is illegal to purchase from a dealer or from another MMJ card holder.

What are the qualifying conditions for an Oklahoma MMJ card?

Oklahoma is one of the few states with legalized medical marijuana that doesn’t have a specific set list of medical conditions that will qualify. However, there are some common conditions that will ensure you qualify, including:

• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
• Cancer (or another terminal illness)
• Glaucoma
• Parkinson’s
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis

Medical marijuana has also been shown to be helpful in treating serious symptoms such as chronic pain, severe nausea, muscle spasms, and inflammation. In order to see if your medical condition will help you qualify, you’ll need to consult with a licensed Oklahoma physician to get evaluated. They will need to assess your condition and determine if MMJ could be helpful with your particular symptoms. From there, they’ll need to help you complete your application form. If you don’t have a medical professional that you trust or if it’s challenging for you to make it to an in-person appointment, consider connecting virtually with a licensed medical professional through MMJRecs. They can also assist you in completing the medical certification portion of your application.

Where do you get an Oklahoma MMJ card?

You’ll need to fill out an application to get an MMJ card. So, to get started on that application, head online to the omma.ok.gov website. You’ll need to pay a $100 application fee using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit or debit card). There may be additional credit card processing fees added to your transaction. You can pay a lower fee of $20 if you use Medicaid (SoonerCare) or Medicare. Your application will require some of your personal info, such as your full name, date of birth, residence and mailing address, telephone number, email address, and your signature. Your physician will also need to complete and sign the Adult Patient Physician Recommendation Form. To show proof of Oklahoma residency, you’ll need to include a digital color copy of one of the following:

• Driver’s license
• ID card
• Voter ID card
• A utility bill for the calendar month preceding the date of application
• A residential property deed
• A current rental agreement for residential property

Additionally, you’re required to provide proof of identity, which can be your driver’s license, ID card, U.S. passport, or tribal identification card. The application also needs you to submit a clear, color, full-face digital photograph of yourself. After you’ve submitted your application, OMMA reviews it. If you’ve been approved, you’ll receive a letter and your MMJ card in the mail within 14 days. This card will be valid for two years, at which time you’ll need to renew your license by submitting another application and paying the fee again. You can make this process easier by going through MMJRecs.

Because the state has become so tolerant of MMJ users, it’s a great place to live if you’re interested in getting medical marijuana in Oklahoma. So apply for your MMJ card and remember to follow all of the regulations laid out by OMMA, and you’ll quickly see the benefits of medicinal cannabis use.

Since 2018, medical marijuana has been legal in the state of Oklahoma. That means that if you live in Oklahoma and have been awarded a state-approved medical marijuana license, then you are eligible to legally purchase and consume marijuana. There are limits to what you can have on your person and in your home, as well as qualifications you must meet in order to get a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma, which is why it’s important to understand the law and your rights under it. If you’re from the Sooner State and think you may benefit from medical marijuana, then here’s what you need to know.

Do You Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card?

Oklahoma is unique in that its medical marijuana law leaves it up to the discretion of the doctor treating you to decide if MMJ would assist in the treatment of your condition or illness. To put it simply: A doctor can recommend medical marijuana as a treatment for any condition they see fit.

This is great in that it gives your doctor full discretion, but it has disadvantages too. Your doctor may not consider medical marijuana to be an appropriate treatment for you. Luckily, if you find that’s the case, then you can simply consult another doctor for a second opinion.

Some of the most common conditions that doctors recommend MMJ for include (but are not limited to):

• Seizure disorders such as epilepsy
• Chronic pain
• Muscle spasms
• Terminal illness
• Nausea
• Inflammation
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Neuropathic pain
• Crohn’s disease
• Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia

If you think you can benefit from medical marijuana, then talk to your doctor. Remember, according to federal law, marijuana cannot be prescribed. Doctors are protected in recommending it to their patients, but they cannot help you to obtain it. That means they will not discuss specific cannabis products with you nor will they talk about dosages or strains. What they can do is fill out a form that shows they discussed the risks of the use of marijuana with you and certify that they believe the benefits to be worth it in the treatment of your illness. Once they sign off on the form, you have 30 days to obtain your medical marijuana card online via the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority website.

The application fee for a medical marijuana card is $100. If you have Medicaid or Medicare, the fee is only $20. You should be notified within 14 days of your submitting your application whether you’ve been approved.

Once you are approved for a card, then you will receive an identification card with your photo, date of birth, name, city and county of residence, the expiration date of the license, and a unique license number just for your medical marijuana card. It is valid for two years from the date it is issued. Simply present it when buying from a licensed dispensary.

What the Law Allows

Once you have a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma, it’s not a license to have as much marijuana on you as you’d like. In fact, the state law only allows you to possess three ounces or less on your person, 72 ounces of edibles, eight ounces of cannabis in your home, or six mature plants.

The law also requires you to only buy MMJ products from a licensed dispensary. All dispensaries must be a licensed medical marijuana retailer. It’s illegal for you to purchase from someone who is not licensed or from another patient who has a medical marijuana card.

It’s also important to note that a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma also does not allow you to use marijuana in your workplace. While your employer cannot discriminate against you due to your status as a medical marijuana patient, they can still write you up or enforce rules against using it in the workplace or being impaired when on the job.

A few other crucial things to note about an Oklahoma medical marijuana card is that:

• It does not allow you to take marijuana across state lines – especially to a state where medical marijuana is not legal
• It does not allow you to go to another state that has recreational marijuana laws and bring marijuana back into Oklahoma
• You cannot smoke marijuana in places that tobacco is prohibited
• You cannot purchase marijuana with a credit card; dispensaries only accept cash
• You cannot give your medical marijuana away to another person
• You cannot operate a motor vehicle when under the influence of medical marijuana

Make sure you understand and follow all the laws surrounding medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

Your Rights

You may be worried about what to do if stopped by police with MMJ on you, which is why it’s important to understand your rights in Oklahoma as a medical marijuana patient.

First and foremost, have all your basic bases covered. That means you should always keep your MMJ card or a copy of it on you. Also, always keep the medical marijuana you have in its original containers from the dispensary and keep your receipt. When transporting medical marijuana in your vehicle, make sure it’s someplace that is not accessible, such as your trunk.

You can still be charged with driving under the influence if police suspect you to be impaired due to marijuana consumption. That’s why it’s important that you familiarize yourself with and follow all laws surrounded the use of medical marijuana in Oklahoma. If you’re ever confronted by police, you don’t want to give them any reasons to take further action.

If you’re thinking about joining the thousands of other Oklahomans who own medical marijuana cards, now is the perfect time. In 2018, medical marijuana (MMJ) became legal in the great state of Oklahoma, which means that you can acquire a license to legally grow and consume medical marijuana to help with an existing medical condition. Because MMJ cards are not super expensive to obtain, you may see your physical symptoms improve without a huge drain on your finances. Read on for everything you need to know about owning an Oklahoma MMJ card.

What are the qualifying conditions?

In order to get a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma, you’ll need to have a qualifying medical condition. There’s a pretty wide variety of conditions that you can use MMJ to help with. Some examples of qualifying conditions include epilepsy or other seizure disorders, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, and arthritis. Medical marijuana is also known to help with symptoms such as chronic pain, severe nausea, spasticity, and muscle spasms. If you experience these types of symptoms (regardless of which condition is causing them), you might be able to benefit from using MMJ. In order to see if your symptoms help you qualify for an MMJ card, you’ll need to be evaluated by a physician. This medical professional will need to help you complete your application by indicating that you do have a legitimate need for using medical marijuana.

What are the laws surrounding medical marijuana in Oklahoma?

Once you have your valid Oklahoma MMJ card, there are a few laws you’ll need to make sure you’re following. You are permitted to own the following:

● Up to 8 ounces of marijuana in your residence at any time
● Up to 1 ounce of concentrated marijuana
● Up to 72 ounces of edible marijuana (also known as edibles)
● Up to 6 mature plants
● Up to 6 seedling plants

You’re also allowed to carry up to 3 ounces of marijuana with you when you’re away from your residence. Individuals who don’t buy an Oklahoma MMJ card could face a fine-only misdemeanor for having up to 1.5 ounces of herbal cannabis. It’s also important to note that you are not permitted to legally buy marijuana from a dealer or from another MMJ cardholder. Your only legal option is to buy your products from state-licensed dispensaries in your area. If you follow these laws, you’ll be able to use your medical marijuana card in Oklahoma without any issues.

How can you get an MMJ card in Oklahoma?

It’s a fairly straightforward process to purchase an MMJ card in Oklahoma. First, you’ll be required to fill out an application, which can be found online at omma.ok.gov. This application will ask for your full name, residence and mailing address, date of birth, telephone number, and email address. The application also requires your physician to fill out a section of the form and sign it, as well as complete the Adult Patient Physician Recommendation Form. You’ll need to sign the application as well. Completing the application also means you’ll need to submit valid documentation to show your proof of Oklahoma residency. This can be a digital, color copy of one of the following: driver’s license, ID card, voter ID card, a utility bill (or the calendar month preceding the date of application), a residential property deed, or a current rental agreement for residential property. The state also requires you to provide proof of identity, which can be your driver’s license, ID card, US passport, or tribal identification card, along with a color, full-face digital photograph of yourself.

How much does an MMJ card cost in Oklahoma?

The cost of an Oklahoma MMJ card is $100. If you’re on Medicaid (SoonerCare) or Medicare, you can pay a reduced fee of only $20. There’s also an additional credit card processing fee added to your transaction. Please note that if your application is not approved for some reason, you do not get a refund of your money. If you don’t have access to a medical professional who can help with your application, you can get connected to one through MMJRecs. This telemedicine option can end up helping you save money, since you can pay as low as $59 to consult virtually with a doctor (which can be lower than what you’d pay to see a physician in person).

How much does an MMJ card cost in Oklahoma?

The cost of an Oklahoma MMJ card is $100. If you’re on Medicaid (SoonerCare) or Medicare, you can pay a reduced fee of only $20. There’s also an additional credit card processing fee added to your transaction. Please note that if your application is not approved for some reason, you do not get a refund of your money. If you don’t have access to a medical professional who can help with your application, you can get connected to one through MMJRecs. This telemedicine option can end up helping you save money, since you can pay as low as $59 to consult virtually with a doctor (which can be lower than what you’d pay to see a physician in person).

When does the MMJ card expire?

Your Oklahoma MMJ card will need to be renewed every two years. At that time, you will be required to complete the application again, along with the physician recommendation form. You’ll also need to pay the $100 fee each time you renew your card. However, you can save time and money on the renewing process by going through MMJRecs.

Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll receive your MMJ card in the mail. This card shows that you are legally permitted to possess medical marijuana in Oklahoma. The card will have your name, photo, date of birth, city and county of residence, the type of license, the expiration date for the license, and your unique MMJ license number printed on it. Make sure to carry your card with you at all times so that you can present it to law enforcement if it’s requested. Remember to follow the laws laid out for MMJ cardholders, and you’ll be all set to go in Oklahoma!