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.
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.
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!
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