For people who need medical marijuana in the state of Utah, gaining access isn’t always a straightforward process. The first step is getting approved for the use of MMJ, but that can only be done if a person has a qualifying condition as permitted by the state.

In Utah, qualifying conditions include:

• HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• Alzheimer’s disease
• ALS
• Cancer
• Cachexia
• Nausea that isn’t related to pregnancy, cannabis-induced cyclical vomiting syndrome, or cannabinoid hyperemesis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Epilepsy or any other debilitating seizure disorder
• MS
• PTSD that is being treated currently by a licensed mental health professional
• Autism
• Any terminal illness in which a person has 6 or less months to live
• Any disorder that involves the need for hospice care
• Any rare disorder that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the country that cannot be managed through other traditional forms of medicine
• Chronic pain conditions that cannot be managed through other forms of medicine
• Other conditions approved by the Compassionate Use Board after a petition has been filed

If you fall under any of the above categories, you can apply to gain access to medical marijuana in Utah. And the best news is that attending a patient drive in Utah can make this process much simpler! Read on to learn all you need to know about patient drives in Utah.

What is a Utah patient drive?

In Utah, MMJ patient drives can help connect people with an approved condition with both qualified doctors and MMJ dispensaries. The event itself can be put together by MMJRecs and local dispensaries in the state as a way to match patients with the best possible option for registering and obtaining their medication.

The process itself is quick and easy and involves a consultation that is done directly through the MMJ website. Patients can speak to a licensed medical care provider from anywhere in the state. Since there are many people who need access to MMJ and limited dispensaries in the state of Utah, the aim of a patient drive is to help as many people as possible get approved for an MMJ card and then point them in the right direction of a dispensary where they can use it.

How does a Utah patient drive work?

Once a person has gone through the consultation process with a licensed medical professional through a Utah patient drive event, they can be matched with specific dispensaries. If one dispensary is holding the event, that is where each patient will be directed. All patients can be certified in the same day – MMJRecs manages the volume for each dispensary so they don’t have to worry about being overloaded with new patients.

In Utah, dispensaries that sell medical marijuana products are able to offer their services to anyone who has been approved. However, it can be hard for dispensaries to get their names out there, because there are strict rules in place around advertising and marketing for dispensaries. They are not the same as any typical business, and must follow specific guidelines to reach patients that have been approved.

This is why a patient drive can garner more business success in terms of attracting more patients. It can also help drive patient loyalty, because people will be directed easily to a specific dispensary – one that they’re unlikely to deviate from in the future.

MMJRecs also keeps HIPAA-compliant records and provides each dispensary with a private URL that patients can easily access.

How to take advantage of Utah patient drive events

If you have a dispensary in Utah and are looking to take advantage of a Utah patient drive, the steps to organize it are simple. You can contact MMJRecs’ Vice President of Sales, Dustin Heil, via email on dustin@divanmed.com. He will walk you through the setup of the patient drive and answer any questions you may have to make the entire process seamless.

Once the event is set up, you can sit back and wait for patients to come to you! If you’re interested in a patient drive in Utah, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.

Featured image by Kace Lott on Unsplash

People in Louisiana looking to gain access to medical marijuana have to follow a few procedural steps to get approved and buy from a licensed dispensary. The first step in the process is recognizing whether or not you have a condition that qualifies for the use of medical marijuana.

In the state of Louisiana, there are several approved conditions for people looking to gain access to cannabis products. They include:

• Cancer
• HIV
• AIDS
• Wasting syndrome
• Cachexia
• Epilepsy
• Various other seizure disorders
• Spasticity
• Crohn’s disease
• Muscular dystrophy
• MS
• Glaucoma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Severe muscle spasms
• Intractable pain
• PTSD
• Some conditions that fall under the broad category of autism spectrum disorder
• Alzheimer’s disease
• ALS
• Huntington’s disease
• Lew body dementia
• Motor neuron disease
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Fibromyalgia
• Sickle cell disease
• Any other condition that requires the use of hospice or palliative care under the recommendation of a licensed doctor

A person who qualifies under any of the aforementioned categories can apply through the state to gain access to MMJ. However, you will have to be approved by a licensed provider first. In some cases, this can be done through a Louisiana patient drive. Read on to learn all you need to know about MMJ certification and patient drives in Louisiana.

What is a Louisiana patient drive?

A patient drive is an event that can match people with certified and licensed doctors to get approved for the use of medical marijuana, while also matching newly approved MMJ patients with a dispensary in their area. Patient drives in Louisiana are designed to make the entire MMJ application process – from getting approved to gaining access to a dispensary – that much easier. While a drive is of course great for patients, it is equally helpful for local dispensaries.

Potential MMJ patients can avoid the long wait times that are sometimes involved in seeing their own medical care provider or another licensed professional for a recommendation. For dispensaries, a patient drive is especially helpful. One key reason is that advertising and marketing rules are a little tricky for those in the dispensary business. Dispensaries cannot conduct advertising in a widespread way, which means connecting with possible patients can be a lot more difficult.

How does a Louisiana patient drive work?

A patient drive in Louisiana begins with the process of approving patients. A patient who has a qualifying condition can opt for an online consultation with one of MMJRecs’ licensed medical care providers. The consultation is a quick and easy process and is done through the MMJ website. When patients are approved, they are immediately able to purchase medical marijuana products with their new certification, because all patient drive certifications are done on the same day.

The main goal is to help people who have a qualifying condition gain access to medical cannabis products without having to spend too much time waiting. The patient drive also takes the guesswork out of finding a dispensary, because everything is done with one particular dispensary in mind.

The dispensary that chooses to do a patient drive will be open to all patients who were approved during the drive. MMJRecs doctors are there to connect newly certified patients with their dispensary, and handles the flow of patients so they can be attended to in a timely manner.

How to take advantage of Louisiana patient drive events

Having a dispensary in Louisiana and not being able to advertise for yourself may be difficult, and that’s why having a patient drive can be a great way to connect new patients with your venue and your products.

If you’re interested in having a patient drive, you can contact Dustin Heil, Vice President of Sales at MMJRecs, via email at dustin@divanmed.com. He’ll provide more information about the patient drive as well as the steps you need to take to set one up so you can help more people than ever gain access to medical cannabis in Louisiana.

Featured image by Kool C on Unsplash

Over the course of the last decade, many states have assessed the efficacy of medical marijuana for treating a variety of conditions and decided to make it legal to purchase cannabis products for medical purposes. Because of the push towards easier access to alternative medicines, MMJ has been slowly growing into a beneficial and profitable industry. If you’re in the Pelican State, read on to learn all you need to know about MMJ in Louisiana.

Is MMJ legal in Louisiana?

Back in 1978, lawmakers in Louisiana enacted legislation for the therapeutic use of marijuana products. This made it legal for medical marijuana to be consumed by people with certain conditions, mainly cancer and glaucoma. Once the law was in effect, the Marijuana Prescription Board was put into place with members chosen by the Department of Health and Human Resources – but the use of medical marijuana never really got off the ground.

Then, in 1991, a new qualifying condition (spastic quadriplegia) was added after a second medical marijuana bill adoption. Rules were then established in 1994 concerning physician approval for medical marijuana. Unfortunately, even after all these laws, bills, and rules were put into place, accessing medical marijuana was still not totally on the table because cultivation and dispensation of cannabis was not yet ironed out.

It wasn’t until 2014 and 2015 that the state began to see action in terms of accessing and using medical marijuana for health conditions. Louisiana finally began setting up cultivation and dispensary systems, and since then, there have been many changes made to the state’s MMJ program in terms of qualifying conditions and access to medical cannabis.

How does the Louisiana medical marijuana process work?

In order to get a medical card in Louisiana, you have to be resident of the state who has one of the qualifying conditions. They include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Wasting syndrome
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Concussion
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington’s disease
• Intractable pain
• Lewy-body dementia
• Motor-neuron disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Non-epileptic seizures or other seizure disorders
• Parkinson’s disease
• PTSD
• Severe muscle spasms
• Spasticity
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• TBI (traumatic brain injury)

In addition to these conditions, a person may qualify if they have any disease that a certified physician deems appropriate to be given a medical marijuana card. The physician decides whether or not you will be approved for MMJ access and the state does not require patients to have a medical card. The doctor sends the recommendation to the dispensary of your choosing, where you can then access your medical marijuana.

Without a card, you will be given the prescription directly from the dispensary and will have to have it refilled every three months. Then, after a year has passed, you will need to see a licenses physician again to have your recommendation renewed. This renewal will have to be completed annually.

What are the rules for card holders under Louisiana medical marijuana law?

There are no rules regarding specific cards or any other types of identifiers that a person needs to carry with them to gain access to their medical marijuana. That being said, there are some legalities associated with medical marijuana in the state:

• You cannot grow your own medical marijuana
• Smokable medical marijuana is now legal among other types such as edibles, topicals, or tinctures
• You must be 18 years of age unless a registered guardian or caregiver is with you and approves of the MMJ use
• The amount of medical marijuana you can have is limited to two and a half ounces every two weeks
• You cannot drive under the influence of medical marijuana

Does Louisiana accept out of state MMJ cards?

Unfortunately, if you are from out of state, you will not have access to medical marijuana products in the state of Louisiana. The state does not recognize cards from other states, reserving its medical marijuana services for residents only. Other states may have what is known as reciprocity, where medical marijuana cards from out of state can be used, but currently, that is not the case for Louisiana.

Does Louisiana have medical dispensaries?

There are currently nine medical marijuana dispensaries across the state of Louisiana. They are located in:

• Alexandria
• Baton Rouge
• Houma
• Lafayette
• Lake Charles
• Madisonville
• New Orleans
• Shreveport
• West Monroe

While it is typical that you would choose the closest dispensary to where you live, you are free to pick the one you like the most out of the above to be your dispensary. There are both in-person and online options available to make the process as easy as possible for medical marijuana patients in Louisiana.

Featured image by USA-Reiseblogger on Pixabay

In recent years, there have been many changes to the legislation around medical marijuana. A substance that was once classified federally as a Schedule I in the Controlled Substances Act is now, in many places, considered a breakthrough medical treatment for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain; nausea and vomiting, often associated with chemotherapy treatments; and tight or stiff muscles often found in people with Multiple Sclerosis.

In 2020 alone, the increase in legalization of medical marijuana gave people access to the treatment as long as they have a condition that is certified to be managed with its use. In 2021, more changes are likely to occur in regards to the laws and regulations surrounding the use of MMJ. Read on for all you need to know about medical marijuana in 2021.

How Many States Legalized Marijuana In 2020?

As of late 2020, medical marijuana was completely legal in 38 states. The states that have approved the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes include:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

Out of those 38 states, two legalized the use of medical marijuana for the first time in 2020: Virginia and South Dakota. South Dakota voted to pass bills on both recreational use and medicinal use of marijuana, making it the first state to vote on both at the same time.

With new legislations coming into effect for these aforementioned states, many people can now gain access to an MMJ card to help treat their specific qualifying condition. However, these states were a little late to the party, and some other states remain apprehensive about the legalization of medical marijuana.

Which States Will Legalize Marijuana In 2021?

The current momentum the legalization of medical marijuana has sustained could lead to further legislation being passed in states that have failed to act so far. This could be difficult for many states, though, because they already tried to no avail during the 2020 ballot, meaning they may have to wait until 2022 to make their push.

Idaho, for example, was delayed in making medical marijuana legal due to COVID-related complications. Some activists have already filed a petition to bring the issue in front of voters in 2022. Nebraska is also on the list for potential legalization, as a petition to get medical marijuana on the 2022 ballot has already commenced.

One state is a hopeful solo contender when it comes to the legalization of medical marijuana in 2021, and that’s South Carolina. There will be certain restrictions put in place, such as how the marijuana is consumed, but Senator Tom Davis thinks that 2021 may just be the year the bill passes.

2021 Medical Marijuana Laws

When taking a look at new laws that may be put into effect, it’s important to consider that all states can pass their own laws and legislations surrounding the use of marijuana as medicine. Each individual state controls what can and can’t be done.

With the growing list of states that have approved marijuana for medicinal use, certain issues may come into effect. For example, if a person has an MMJ card in one of the approved states, can they purchase products in another state with the legal sale of medical marijuana using that same card? This depends. Some states will allow out-of-state visitors to use their MMJ cards, while others will not.

The same rules and regulations in place now – such as methods of ingestion, how much MMJ can be purchased at a time, and the list of qualifying conditions – will likely vary from state to state, so it can be hard to get a snapshot of the country as a whole since it’s operating so individualistically.

Federal Legalization 2021

The federal legalization of medical marijuana would change the country forever when it comes to treatment and care options for those suffering from a qualifying condition. There has been quite the shift that could lead to federal legalization as early as next year, and it has a lot to do with who has control over the U.S. Senate. If the ongoing battle of power leans towards to Democrats come January’s decision, it will likely mean that legalization bills will pass through both the Senate and the House with ease.

This could bring widespread changes if laws are regulated at a federal level. For example, the United States is part of several international treaties that prohibit the legalization of marijuana. Since it continues to be illegal at a federal level, the country is not in violation of any of those treaties. Although Canada has been able to legalize federally without any backlash, the United States may not face the same fate.

It can be hard to determine what will happen with medical marijuana in 2021, but many states are making moves towards to full legalization. With the majority of the country dipping its toes in the waters of legalized marijuana, whether medicinal or recreational, it’s safe to assume that MMJ will continue to make waves throughout the United States as 2021 progresses.

Featured image by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash

Christmas is a special time of year. It’s a time for caring, sharing, and giving generously. One of the best things about the festive season is that we get to show our appreciation for friends and family by giving them heartfelt and meaningful Christmas gifts.

But choosing what gifts to get for loved ones can be difficult sometimes. The good news is that if your loved one is a medical marijuana patient, deciding what to get them need not be a complicated process. Medical marijuana patients love MMJ Christmas gifts!

Finding excellent Christmas gifts for people who use MMJ is easy. Over the last decade, a tsunami of medical marijuana legalization has washed over the US – and in its wake, a rich crop of exciting and innovative MMJ products has blossomed. In 2020, there are more wonderful gift ideas for marijuana users to choose from than ever before.

Let’s take a look at some of the best Christmas gifts for MMJ patients.

1. MMJ Flower

Medical marijuana flower makes an excellent Christmas gift for an MMJ patient. Flower comes in many types and flavors. A huge variety of high-quality, all-natural Sativa, Indica, and hybrid strains are available to choose from. Flower is versatile; it can be smoked, vaped, or used to make MMJ-infused food and drinks.

2. Pre-Rolls

Understandably, some medical marijuana patients do not like rolling their own MMJ joints. Rolling can be time-consuming and laborious, and a lot of people find it tricky to get the hang of it. That makes a pack of pre-rolls an excellent MMJ Christmas gift. Pre-rolls are crafted by pros, so they tend to be perfectly put together little masterpieces.

3. A Hamper Of Tasty MMJ Edibles

Christmas is a time to relax and fuel up for the year ahead with plenty of tasty food. Some tasty MMJ edibles are a great addition to a festive feast, and a hamper of sweet MMJ treats makes a perfect Christmas gift. There are plenty of delicious sweet edible MMJ treats to choose from. Cakes, chocolates, candies, and gummies are the most popular edibles on the market.

4. CBD Massage Oil

Everybody loves a relaxing massage, and MMJ patients are no different. There are plenty of CBD massage oils on the market. These will not get you high, but they are full of healthy CBD that is relaxing, reinvigorating, and great for your skin.

5. CBD Beauty Products

CBD beauty products are quite new on the scene, but they are proving very popular and would make an excellent Christmas gift. CBD serums, night creams, body lotions, eye creams, balms, and masks have plenty of benefits. They can hydrate and rejuvenate the skin and make people look fresher, healthier, and younger.

6. A Vape Pen

Vaping is a healthier alternative MMJ dosing method to smoking. There are lots of excellent vape pens on the market. Some use cannabis oil, some use wax, and some use dry MMJ flower. Vape pens that use MMJ flower provide a stronger high than any other type. A vape pen can make a good Christmas gift for an MMJ patient who wants to try a new method of dosing.

7. An MMJ-Infused Christmas Dinner

Sharing a meal brings people together, and preparing a tasty home-cooked meal for your loved ones is a great Christmas gift. You can add some medical marijuana to your meal by making cannabutter and using it in your recipes. An MMJ-infused meal will taste delicious and provide a pleasant high to MMJ patients.

8. An MMJ Dispensary Gift Voucher

If you don’t know what type of medical marijuana product your friend will most enjoy, a great solution is to get them an MMJ dispensary gift voucher. This means they can choose whatever they want. A voucher is a sensible, pragmatic Christmas gift that can’t really fail!

9. MMJ Plants Or Seeds

A lot of medical marijuana patients love to grow their own MMJ at home. Home cultivation is becoming very popular because it guarantees that the weed is as organic and natural as can be. You can start your friend off on home cultivation by giving them some MMJ seeds or plants for Christmas.

Can You Purchase MMJ Christmas Gifts If You Don’t Have An MMJ Card Yourself?

If you do not have an MMJ card, you may not be able to purchase some of the items on this list.

In states where recreational marijuana is legal, you will be able to buy all of the items on the list, even if you do not have an MMJ card. Also, in most states, CBD-only products such as CBD massage oil and beauty products can be purchased by people who do not have an MMJ card.

However, MMJ products such as flower and edibles cannot be purchased by people who do not own an MMJ card in states where recreational marijuana is not yet legal.

How Do You Get A Medical Marijuana Card?

A quick and easy way to get a medical marijuana card is to arrange an online consultation with an MMJ doctor in your state through MMJRecs. Once the doctor has verified your suitability for treatment with medical marijuana, they will email you an MMJ recommendation certificate, which you can then submit to your local MMJ authorities.

Featured image by Simona Sergi on Unsplash

Medical marijuana (MMJ) can be a useful tool when helping to treat a variety of physical and emotional health conditions. If you’re thinking about applying for an MMJ card or already have one and want to find out more about the rules surrounding MMJ usage, it’s important for you to know the laws around medical marijuana and driving.

Read on for some helpful information that should keep you on the right side of the law!

Can you drive on MMJ?

One of the most commonly asked questions that medical marijuana patients have is whether they’re permitted to drive while under the influence of cannabis. This question is actually quite complex with a lot of different factors.

First off, every MMJ patient is different in terms of the quantity of cannabis they’re ingesting and how often they need to use it. This means that the level of which someone is intoxicated from the MMJ can vary from person to person. Some individuals might not experience a “high” feeling, while others might find themselves in a state that is not conducive to safe driving (experiencing slow reaction times, lack of concentration, etc.).

What is the legal limit for medical marijuana when driving?

This question can also be a little tricky to answer, mainly because each state has its own set of rules (especially states that permit recreational marijuana). But when you’re asking yourself, “Is there an MMJ limit when driving?”, it’s important to realize that anytime you have marijuana in your system, you’re likely to be considered an impaired driver.

Even if you have a valid MMJ card, law enforcement will potentially view you as intoxicated if they have cause to stop you. Having substances in your bloodstream (whether they’re legal or not) can still affect your driving, so in the eyes of the law, you probably shouldn’t be driving at all if you’ve recently used your MMJ products.

Image by Christina Winter on Unsplash: It’s best to avoid driving after you’ve used MMJ products in case you’re impaired.

Here are a few other important things to keep in mind when it comes to MMJ and driving.

1. You need to know your own limits before you get behind the wheel

For some people, it might be hard to not drive after they use MMJ products (especially if they require pretty frequent usage). It’s crucial to experiment with different strains of MMJ and frequency of use to discover your own personal limits. If you feel at all impaired, it’s best to avoid driving.

2. You can still get a DUI with MMJ

There are different regulations from state to state, but because marijuana is still considered illegal on a federal level, there is always the potential for you to be pulled over by law enforcement and charged with a DUI if they think you’re intoxicated and unable to operate a vehicle safely.

To be convicted of a DUI, a prosecutor must show that you were under the influence of marijuana at the time you were driving, even if it was legally prescribed. They can demonstrate this by showing that you had a certain concentration of THC (the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) in your system, or by showing that you were actually impaired, which is usually illustrated by you breaking some traffic laws or getting in an accident.

There are 17 states that have a zero-tolerance policy; in these places, simply having marijuana in your system while driving is illegal. Make sure you know what the regulations are in your state to avoid getting charged with a crime or involved in an accident.

3. There are severe consequences for driving while intoxicated

If you’re pulled over by law enforcement and they have reason to believe you’re intoxicated, you could receive some pretty harsh punishments. Depending on what law enforcement decides to do (and if you’ve posed a threat to other cars on the road), you could be ticketed, fined, or faced with jail time. If you’re a repeat offender, you could get your license suspended or put on probation.

More severe penalties are imposed if you’re charged with reckless driving, are involved in an accident (especially one that results in injury or death), or if you have a minor in the car with you at the time of the stop. Most police will not care if you have an MMJ card if the result is one of these things – you would still be considered to be breaking the law.

4. There is no standard sobriety test for MMJ

At this time, there is no specific field test for marijuana like there is for alcohol (such as a breathalyzer). If you’re stopped and law enforcement believes you’re intoxicated, they might still perform a standardized field sobriety test. This consists of a horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, a walk-and-turn test, and a one-leg stand test, all of which can allow the police officer to tell whether you’re impaired or not.

Even if they can’t use a breathalyzer in the field to definitively test whether you’re high, they’ll use these tests to decide whether to ticket or book you. Most likely, your blood will be tested if you are arrested; the amount of THC in your bloodstream will be used against you (even if it’s from medically prescribed marijuana).

Image by Zac Ong on Unsplash: If you’re pulled over and found to be intoxicated, you could get charged with a DUI.

5. You can drive with MMJ stored in your car if you have your card

In most states where MMJ is legal, you are permitted to store products in your car. To be on the safe side, it’s best to put your products in the truck or the backseat, so if you’re pulled over the officer can’t assume you’ve recently imbibed.

If you can avoid it, it’s probably smart not to carry your MMJ around with you. Of course, you’ll need to transport it from the dispensary to your home, but the less time you have the MMJ with you, the less chance of police finding it in your car and you having to explain it to them. You do always have the option of denying officers the right to search your vehicle if you’re pulled over, but this can sometimes make you appear as if you’re hiding something.

6. Consider traveling with your MMJ card and a doctor’s note

To help avoid searches of your car like the one mentioned above, it’s a good idea to always travel with your authentic MMJ card with you at all times. This, along with a doctor’s note, can show law enforcement that you’re entitled to have MMJ in your possession.

While it won’t get you out of trouble if you’ve been pulled over for violating a law, it might help your case if you can demonstrate that you have a legal reason for having MMJ products in your car.

7. Use other modes of transportation when possible

Because you can’t foresee all issues that can arise from using MMJ before you drive, your best bet is to use other forms of transportation whenever you can.

Getting rides from friends and family, taking public transportation like the subway or bus, or using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft to get around can mean you may use your MMJ products without worrying about what will happen if you get behind the wheel of a car. This is the safest option, both for you and for other drivers on the road.

If you want to make sure you’re completely avoiding any legal issues that can come up while using cannabis and driving, do some research on the specific laws that exist in your state so that you’re completely informed. You do have rights as an MMJ cardholder, but you should also keep your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road in mind whenever you use your medicinal cannabis.

When using MMJ, try to skip getting behind the wheel if possible, and you won’t have to worry about being impaired and breaking any laws.

Featured image by Cory Bouthillette on Unsplash

As the situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic develops, all of us are trying to determine how it affects our day-to-day lives. The pandemic might be affecting your work schedule, your family time, and your social life. But you might also be interested in the situation with coronavirus and medical marijuana patients. Of course, things are changing daily as more information is shared and recommendations are made, but here’s everything MMJ patients need to know about CV19 at this time.

What is coronavirus?

The word “coronavirus” refers to a group of viruses rather than one particular illness. There are several different strains of coronavirus, the newest of which is responsible for the current outbreak. It was officially named “COVID-19” in February by the World Health Organization (WHO). The abbreviation comes from CO for corona, VI for virus, D for disease, and 19 since the first outbreak occurred in 2019.

COVID-19 is an upper-respiratory-tract illness that was not seen in humans before 2019. It’s believed at this time to have originated in Wuhan, China, but has now spread to many other parts of the globe. The hardest-hit areas seem to be Italy, Iran, Japan, South Korea, and the United States (although cases are present in many other countries).

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 and how is it spread?

The main symptoms of COVID-19 seem to appear within two to 14 days after a person has been exposed to the virus. They generally include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. The elderly and people with pre-existing conditions (especially those affecting the heart, lungs, or kidneys) are all at a higher risk than the rest of the population. This is likely because their immune systems are weaker, so it’s harder for their bodies to fight off the infection.

Researchers believe COVID-19 is primarily passed from person to person through close contact. It’s spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; the droplets can then end up in the mouths or noses of a nearby person or can be inhaled into their lungs. It’s possible that a person can contract the virus by touching a surface or object that has been touched by an infected person and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. People are thought to be the most contagious when they are showing symptoms (or when they’re the sickest); however, it is possible for some spread to occur before people begin exhibiting symptoms.

Image by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash: COVID-19 is believed to be spread primarily through person-to-person contact.

What does it mean now that COVID-19 is a pandemic?

A pandemic occurs when a disease has spread across a large region, such as multiple continents or worldwide. Because COVID-19 has appeared in a variety of countries, it is now considered a pandemic, which means that steps need to be taken to prevent further exposure. Restrictions on travel have been implemented to try to prevent and/or slow down the virus from spreading.

What do MMJ patients need to know about COVID-19?

If you’re a person who uses medical marijuana, you could be affected by the spread of COVID-19 in several different ways. Because of the fear associated with COVID-19, many people have begun to stockpile their MMJ products. Every state differs in the amount that’s allowable for MMJ patients to have at any one time. Some states, such as Massachusetts, are allowing their patients to purchase up to a 60-day supply so that they’ll have enough product in case of an extended quarantine. You should have no problem at least getting two weeks’ worth if you need to do a 14-day self-isolation. To make sure you’re still in compliance, look up your individual state’s regulations before you purchase large quantities of MMJ products.

Can I still get access to MMJ products?

This is the trickier problem for MMJ patients to navigate because there’s so much unknown right now. Most suppliers don’t have a very clear idea of what will happen to their stock in the near future. Some dispensaries and distributors are running out of product because people have stockpiled in a panic. Many companies have noticed significant boosts in sales because of the outbreak. Some people are also stocking up because they believe it might be easier to get MMJ products than their prescription medications (in case shipments are stopped from other parts of the world). It doesn’t seem like a bad idea to buy a little bit more than normal to avoid running out of your product.

How can I purchase MMJ products right now?

Because of social distancing (and some stores having to close temporarily in lockdown areas), many marijuana companies are offering curbside pickup of products so you can avoid being around people. There are other delivery companies that offer door-to-door service, so you don’t even have to leave your house during the pandemic. Each state’s regulations regarding selling MMJ products are different too, but you’ll probably be able to find at least one practical way to get your MMJ while still practicing social distancing or a self-quarantine.

Image by Bench Accounting on Unsplash: You might be able to get your MMJ products delivered to your door.

Will MMJ patients be prioritized over recreational users in legal states?

At this time, it’s unclear if MMJ patients will be prioritized over recreational users. It’s likely that each state will try to ensure patients have access to their medicine, but there isn’t anything set in stone at the moment. An MMJ advocacy group called Americans for Safe Access is currently proposing that officials take immediate action to ensure that MMJ patients have access to products during this time. Typically, states allow MMJ patients to own more product than recreational users anyway, even if they don’t end up getting prioritized.

Is it safe to continue taking MMJ during the HCoV-19 pandemic?

If you’re wondering, “Should I stop smoking during COV19?”, the answer is complicated. If you’re completely symptom-free, there shouldn’t be much harm in smoking MMJ or using other products such as edibles. However, if you’re sick (whether it’s just a cold or a case of COVID-19), smoking can be harmful. Inhaling hot smoke can irritate your lungs and make your symptoms worse. If you’re sick, you can try other methods of dosing if you feel it’s still necessary to use MMJ products to help ease or alleviate other symptoms you’re having. Bottom line: always talk to your physician about using MMJ products, especially if you’re sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

We’re all learning how to cope with coronavirus every day. Your best bet is to be cautious about your MMJ usage – only use it if you have your doctor’s OK, and try to keep a somewhat larger stash at home in case of a quarantine. It might take a little more effort to purchase your product, but ordering from a delivery service or through curbside pickup might help you implement social distancing measures while still allowing you to have access to the MMJ products you need.

Featured image by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash

Being a caregiver to a medical marijuana patient is a big responsibility. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that you’re doing it to the best of your ability, which involves educating yourself on the proper dosage and ways to administer MMJ in order to treat various ailments. It may sound complicated, but MMJRecs is here to help! Here is a primary caregiver’s guide to medical marijuana to help you feel confident and knowledgeable in your MMJ duties.

How Much Medical Marijuana Should I Give My Patient?

One of the most important things to remember about being an MMJ caregiver is that it’s best to start slow and go low. While medical marijuana offers a large array of benefits to those who suffer from certain medical conditions, the effects of marijuana may not be immediately felt. Plus, everyone responds just a bit differently to MMJ strengths, which is why it’s essential to start slow with a low dose to see how it impacts the patient and helps to manage their symptoms.

Medical marijuana has a wide safety margin. There’s a low risk of overdose, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use caution until you know how the MMJ will impact the patient. Measuring medical cannabis doses for patients accurately is very important – remember, the dosage can vary widely between people, even if they have the same condition. Responses to dosages can vary due to a patient’s other medical conditions, how they consumed the MMJ, and the THC and CBD concentrations of the product they consumed.

The answer to the question “How do I know how much MMJ to give my patient?” depends entirely on the patient. Talk to their doctor to see if they can recommend a starting dosage. As stated above, start with a low dose and go from there. Keep a log that tracks how much was given and the effects felt by the patient. This can help you determine if you need to up the dose.

Image by Margo Amala on Unsplash: Edible marijuana is a popular way to help patients get the proper does of MMJ.

How to Dose a Patient with Medical Marijuana

There are a variety of ways to dose a medical marijuana patient. Make sure the method you’re using is legal in your state by checking with the MMJ regulating body. Once you have that sorted out, the most popular ways to dose include:

Oral

This is when medical marijuana is administered through the mouth, where it will absorb through the mucous membranes into the body’s circulation. Relevant products include spays and oils that are placed under the tongue for absorption. With oral dosing, it can take about 15 to 40 minutes for the impact to be felt and the effects can be experienced for up to two hours.

Inhalation

This is a very popular method of consumption but may not be the best choice for everyone, depending on their medical condition. That’s because it involves marijuana being vaporized and then inhaled directly into the lungs. Handheld vaporizers or disposable vaporizers are widely available. With inhalation, the effects of medical marijuana are felt almost immediately or within a few minutes. The effects peak after about 30 minutes, but the patient may still feel effects for up to 12 hours.

Ingestion

Ingestion is another popular method of dosing a patient with medical marijuana. This is where you eat the MMJ and it enters the bloodstream after being broken down in the digestive system. Patients start to feel the effects of the MMJ within 30 to 120 minutes and can expect it to last up to eight hours.

Topical

Ointments, lotions, patches, and balms are available for dosing MMJ, too. They are placed directly on the skin in the place where it is needed to help a patient deal with symptoms. The onset of the effects of MMJ when topically applied can be felt right away or take up to one hour. Patients can expect the effects to last up to two hours with most products, through transdermal patches can last up to 12 hours.

Image by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash: How much medical marijuana should I give my patient? MMJ doses vary by patient, depending on what they are being treated for.

How Medical Marijuana Can Help

There are a variety of conditions that medical marijuana can assist in managing. In many states, medical marijuana is given to treat everything from muscle spasms to epilepsy to chronic pain. MMJ is useful in the treatment of many conditions because of the cannabinoids present. These chemicals are very similar to chemicals produced by the body that are involved in regulating pain, movement, memory, and appetite.

One of the primary uses of MMJ is to help cancer patients, especially those going through rounds of chemotherapy and suffering nausea and vomiting as a result. Studies have found that inhaling MMJ helps cancer patients to better manage pain and keep their appetites up.

Chronic pain is another issue that medical marijuana helps many patients with. MMJ that is inhaled, applied topically, or consumed orally has been shown in studies to help relieve pain from nerve damage and arthritis.

Stay Current

Being an MMJ caregiver is something many people excel at. If you’re one of them, don’t forget to keep your medical marijuana card current. MMJRecs can help you to always ensure that your MMJ card is legal, renewing your card each year quickly and easily so you can devote your time where it’s needed most: to your patients.

Featured image by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash

If you are an MMJ caregiver, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I know which medical marijuana strain to give to my patient?” Choosing the right MMJ strain is incredibly important because different medical marijuana strains have very different effects on patients.

Knowing which MMJ strain is best for which condition will allow you to treat your patients as effectively and safely as possible. Getting the right strain of medical marijuana for a patient can massively improve their quality of life, so educating yourself in this area will make you the best caregiver you can be.

MMJ Is Now Widely Legalized

Medical marijuana is now legal in most US states. This wonderful state of affairs means that more patients than ever are getting the opportunity to live in comfort and happiness, unencumbered by their chronic ailments.

The MMJ revolution started off in northwestern states such as Washington and Colorado, but has now rolled out to every corner of the nation. And even traditionally conservative states such as Oklahoma are now thoroughly embracing the myriad benefits of legal medical marijuana.

Legal medical marijuana means that caregivers now have a big responsibility to educate themselves about medical marijuana and which MMJ strain is best for which condition. Choosing the right MMJ strain can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful treatment.

Image by msqrd2 on Pixabay: Choosing the right MMJ strain is crucial.

Getting The Right Strain Of MMJ Is Very Important

If you’re a caregiver – either a medical professional or somebody who is responsible for a sick person – you have a duty to understand your patient’s medical condition. The conditions that qualify a person to be treated with medical marijuana are very wide-ranging and disparate, so choosing the correct medical cannabis strain is essential. If a patient is treated with an inappropriate strain of MMJ it could have no effect – or in the worst-case scenario, it could actually make the patient’s condition worse.

Different MMJ Strains Have Different Characteristics

A massive range of MMJ products is now on the market. There are more strains of MMJ available in the United States today than at any other time in history. New potent, super-effective hybrid strains are being cultivated all the time. Members of the most common strains – Sativa and India – have been cross-bred again and again, and novel types of MMJ now abound.

Different MMJ strains have very different characteristics. Strength and potency vary a lot, as does the feeling that different strains invoke. So with all of this variety available, knowing which MMJ strain is best for which condition is crucial.

Different MMJ Strains Work Best For Different Illnesses

The most common medical conditions that are treated with MMJ are: headaches and migraines; inflammation, pain, and arthritis; insomnia and sleep disorders; glaucoma; and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression. The wonderful thing about the explosion in novel MMJ strains is that for each ailment there is a group of MMJ strains especially well suited to alleviate it. Given the very different characteristics of the myriad illnesses that qualify a person for treatment with MMJ, it is very powerful to know which specific strain will work best.

Image by Claudia Barbosa on Pexels: Which MMJ strain is best for headaches?

Headaches and Migraines

The best MMJ strains for headaches and migraines are: Headband, Purple Kush, and Blue Dream.

Inflammation, Pain, and Arthritis

The best MMJ strains for inflammation, pain, and arthritis are: Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies, and Blue Widow.

Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

The best MMJ strains for insomnia and sleep disorders are: Northern Lights, Nine Pound Hammer, and Remedy.

Glaucoma

The best MMJ strains for glaucoma are: Bubba Kush, Palm Tree CBD, and Green Crack.

Anxiety

The best MMJ strains for anxiety are: AC/DC, Pennywise, and Royal Highness.

Depression

The best MMJ strains for depression are: Jack Herer, Cannatonic, and Blackberry Kush.

Talk To Your Dispensary

Choosing the correct medical cannabis strain is made much easier if you talk to the knowledgeable employees at your local dispensary. In today’s super-competitive MMJ market, dispensaries set themselves apart by providing excellent customer service and customer education. Any questions you have, no matter how obscure, will often be best answered by the industry pros down at your local dispensary.

An MMJ Card Is Very Advantageous

An MMJ card gives you access to dispensaries where you can learn and improve your knowledge. An MMJ card also often allows you to possess and grow more MMJ than recreational users. Having an MMJ card will also entitle a person to try the full range of available MMJ products.

How To Get An MMJ Card

Getting an MMJ card is now easier than ever. It can be done online via MMJRecs. MMJRecs will put a patient in contact with a qualified medical professional for an online consultation. Once the patient’s ailment has been verified, they will be fully entitled to their own MMJ card.

Featured image by Yash Lucid on Pexels

The laws surrounding marijuana, both for medicinal and recreational use, are constantly changing and differ from state to state. However, there are still some very straightforward advantages to having a medical marijuana (MMJ) card. One of the biggest benefits is that typically, MMJ patients can possess more marijuana than those who are using it recreationally. That means that an MMJ card increases legal possession of marijuana in states where recreational marijuana is now legal (such as in the state of California).

Medical marijuana recommendation and possession

There are currently 11 states that have legalized recreational marijuana in the US:

• Washington
• Alaska
• California
• Oregon
• Colorado
• Nevada
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Vermont
• Maine
• Massachusetts

These states have also legalized medical cannabis possession with a recommendation from a physician. In these states, even though recreational marijuana use is legal, there’s still a benefit to owning an MMJ card, because it means you’re allowed to possess more cannabis product than the general public. For example, in California, recreational users are only permitted to carry one ounce of flower or eight grams of cannabis concentrates at one time. Edibles are restricted to only 10mg of individual doses being carried at a time. However, with an MMJ card, patients are able to buy and carry up to eight ounces of flower and no limit on concentrates. Medical marijuana users also don’t have to pay sales tax on their MMJ purchases. Some of these regulations can differ from state to state, so it’s crucial that an individual interested in becoming an MMJ card holder looks into these laws before buying or possessing cannabis products.

Image by Get Budding on Unsplash: MMJ patients can possess more marijuana product than recreational users.

In the remaining states that still have a ban on recreational marijuana use, MMJ patients have the benefit of having access to and growing their own cannabis products legally. In Oklahoma, MMJ possession with a card is legal, and people are permitted to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, six mature plants, six seedling plants, one ounce of concentrated marijuana, 72 ounces of edible marijuana, and up to eight ounces of marijuana in their residence. Individuals without an MMJ card are prohibited from possessing any marijuana.

Why MMJ patients can possess more marijuana

There are many reasons why MMJ patients are afforded more benefits by having an MMJ card. Here are some examples of why MMJ card holders need to have access to more marijuana products than other recreational users.

1. For travel purposes

Because MMJ users consume marijuana products for help with specific medical conditions, they need to be able to take their MMJ products with them if they’re going to be gone for an extended period of time. Thus, they often need to stock up and possess larger quantities of marijuana to pack for their trip. It’s crucial that they have enough product to help with their medical symptoms while they’re traveling.

2. In case they can’t get to a dispensary

Folks struggling with physical illnesses often find it difficult to make it in-person to a dispensary. They also might have issues with mobility because of their medical condition or don’t have proper transportation that can get them to a dispensary. Dispensaries might also be far in distance, have inconvenient hours, or are just generally inaccessible. For these reasons, MMJ cardholders can benefit from purchasing larger quantities of product than a recreational user would need. That way they can stock up on the products they need without having to worry about when they can get back to a dispensary in person.

3. Need to try multiple strains

MMJ patients often need to try several different strains to figure out which is the most effective in alleviating their symptoms. They might need to sample more than one strain before they arrive at the right one for the treatment of their particular ailments. Having larger quantities of product makes it much easier for them to sample different strains at one time without having to keep going back to a dispensary for other strain options.

Image by Shane Rounce on Unsplash: Individuals may need to try different MMJ strains to determine which one is right for them.

4. Need to try different forms

There’s also a trial-and-error process for patients to determine which form of MMJ product (tincture, vaping, edibles, etc.) is the best for their specific needs. MMJ cardholders often need to experiment with different forms of MMJ and being allowed to possess larger quantities of cannabis lets them do this without any legal repercussions.

If individuals have a medical condition that could qualify them for an MMJ card, they can head to MMJRecs to get evaluated by a doctor. The team can do the whole assessment virtually, so the patient doesn’t have to worry about the inconvenience of leaving the house. If the patient does qualify, MMJRecs can provide an official medical marijuana recommendation, ID card, and grower’s permit all for one flat rate. With a valid MMJ card, patients can have access to all of the many benefits of being a card holder, including the right to possess more marijuana than the general public. This can make things easier for all of the reasons listed above. Even in states with legal recreational marijuana use, having an MMJ card can be a huge lifesaver!

Featured image by Ndispensable on Unsplash

As more states legalize medical marijuana (MMJ), its usage is becoming more prevalent throughout the United States. This is no more evident than in the great state of Oklahoma, which is quickly becoming one of the more progressive states in the world of MMJ legislation.

Medical marijuana in Oklahoma officially became legal in August 2018. Because MMJ can be used to help alleviate or completely lift some symptoms of many challenging and bothersome health conditions, many people have jumped at the chance to become Oklahoma MMJ patients.

If you’re wondering how many people use MMJ in Oklahoma, the answer is about 151,000 (which ends up being about 3.5% of the state’s population). Since coming into effect, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (or OMMA) has been swept away with how many applications they’ve been receiving (sometimes up to 3,500 a week!). Out of the 33 states that have some form of legal MMJ legislation, Oklahoma has quickly become one of the biggest, making it the state with more MMJ patients per capita than any other state. According to some accounts, there are around 3.5 million total MMJ users throughout the whole country. In 2018, states with similarly large numbers include California (around 900,000 MMJ cardholders), Michigan (around 269,000), and Florida (around 108,000).

Because the demand for medical marijuana has grown so significantly, Oklahoma MMJ patients have helped to spur a growth in the number of dispensaries as well (around 1,500 dispensary licenses have already been approved). Furthermore, the increase of Oklahoma MMJ patients meant additional legislation needed to be passed. In August 2019, OMMA will institute more changes that were brought about recently by lawmakers. First, Oklahoma veterans with a 100% disability will only pay $20 for their MMJ card (versus the standard $100 fee for other applicants). Second, law enforcement will now have electronic access to all information found on an individual’s MMJ card (which includes a headshot picture, expiration date, and unique 24-digit ID). There will also be changes to the state’s programs that have to do with laboratory testing, electronic tracking systems, and any kind of short-term licenses.

The rest of the regulations for medical marijuana in Oklahoma will be upheld. These include your ability to possess specific amounts of marijuana for medicinal purposes. You may have:

• Up to 8 ounces of marijuana in your home
• Up to 3 ounces of marijuana on your person outside of your residence
• 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

There are consequences if you don’t have a legitimate MMJ card. Without one, you could get a fine-only misdemeanor charge (for having up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis). When deciding where to buy MMJ in Oklahoma, remember that you can purchase from state-licensed dispensaries only (you’re not permitted to purchase from a dealer or from another MMJ cardholder.) You also have the option of cultivating and growing your own marijuana plants, as long as you follow the restrictions listed above.

MMJ patients in Oklahoma can qualify for an MMJ card if they suffer from a variety of medical conditions. Many people have found that their symptoms improve or are less prominent with the use of medical marijuana. Some of these qualifying conditions can be:

• Chronic pain
• Cancer (and other terminal illnesses)
• Seizure disorders
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn’s disease

People who have symptoms of severe nausea, spasticity, muscle spasms, and inflammation can also potentially benefit from using MMJ. In order to apply for an MMJ card in Oklahoma, you are required to be evaluated by a physician who can validate your medical condition and determine that you could benefit from using MMJ products. If you don’t have a trusted medical professional in your life, you can always use the services of MMJRecs. They can connect you virtually with a licensed physician who can help you complete your application. This can be a great option for people who find it tough to leave their homes to make it to in-person doctor appointments.

If you’re interested in joining the growing number of Oklahoma MMJ patients, you can quickly get started on your application, which can be found on the omma.ok.gov website. The application requires you to provide some information such as your name, residence and mailing address, date of birth, telephone number, email address, and patient signature. You’ll also need to include a copy of the Adult Patient Physician Recommendation Form that your doctor needs to fill out with their information (they’ll also need to sign it.) In order to show that you’re an Oklahoma citizen, you also must show proof of residency. This can be with a digital, color copy of one of the following:

• Oklahoma driver’s license
• Oklahoma ID card
• Oklahoma voter identification card
• A utility bill for the calendar month preceding the date of application (cell phone or Internet bills are not valid)
• A residential property deed
• A current rental agreement for residential property

To complete your application, OMMA also needs you to provide proof of identity. This can be with your driver’s license, ID card, U.S. passport, or tribal identification card. Finally, you’ll need to submit a clear, color, full-face digital photograph of yourself.

Your application will cost $100, unless you’ve covered by Medicaid (SoonerCare) or have Medicare – then your fee will only be $20. After you submit your application online, OMMA will review it and send out an official letter if you’ve been approved. This should happen around 14 days from the time you sent in your application. MMJ cards are valid for two years. After your two years is up, you will need to submit a brand-new application with the help of a physician again.

Join the growing number of people experiencing the benefits of medical marijuana in Oklahoma, and apply for your very own card today!