Now more than ever, medical marijuana has been picking up steam across the United States. As time goes by, more states are inclined to legalize the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. These are good news for people looking to find relief through the use of this plant. However, you will need to obtain a permit from your state in order to legally purchase and use medical marijuana. Where can you get this special permit and how can you qualify for it? Inhale MD invites you to keep reading as we answer these critical questions.

Where Can I Obtain a Marijuana Card?

Many jurisdictions have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. People looking to obtain the benefits of cannabis and bring them into their life may be able to get a state-issued permit from 33 states, including the entirety of New England, and Washington, D.C.

While you can obtain a permit to use medical cannabis in many states, this does not mean you can get a license from more than one at a time. This is due to restrictions and regulations set forth by the states. There are a specific set of rules set forth by Massachusetts to obtain a medical cannabis card or permit. We will discuss these rules below.

Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card

While many states have legalized marijuana – whether for recreational or medical purposes – there is a legal hurdle preventing people from using it freely. As of today, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I illegal substance. Under federal law, growing, processing, distributing, and using marijuana is forbidden. In other words, if you are caught with marijuana by the federal government, you may face criminal charges and federal prosecution.

However, people suffering from chronic conditions or diseases may have the opportunity to gain the benefits of medical marijuana. To be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts, you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must provide proof of residence. In other words, you must be a Massachusetts resident.
  • You must provide the medical records containing information about your illness. Usually, this can be done by requesting the necessary documents from your primary care physician.
  • Your illness must match those included in the state’s list of chronic diseases that qualify for medical marijuana usage.
  • Your primary physician must recommend the use of medical marijuana. Once recommended you must register and request a medical marijuana card from the state.

Keep in mind that prescribing marijuana is illegal under federal law. You may wonder how you can get medical marijuana for your condition if your doctor can’t write a prescription. The state provided card will give you access to dispensaries where you can buy your medicine.  Despite being currently unable to write a legal prescription, this should not deter you from expecting your cannabis specialist to give you very clear instructions on what to buy, how to use it, how much to use, when and how often.

Will My Illness Qualify for A Medical Marijuana Card in Massachusetts?

Qualifying for a medical marijuana card requires your condition to be severe or life-threatening. The state provides a list of conditions that may qualify for a medical cannabis card. Some of the illnesses that are eligible under Massachusetts marijuana laws include the following:

  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hodgkin disease
  • Leukemia
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Parkinson’s disease

These and other severe conditions can qualify for a medical marijuana card in the State of Massachusetts.

How Can Medical Marijuana Help?

Marijuana has more than one hundred chemical components. Two of them – THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) – have been the ones most associated with medical treatment. The implementation of medical cannabis, primarily through the use of THC and CBD, has been effective in the treatment of cancer with marijuana, in addition to several symptoms associated with severe, life-threatening conditions.

According to studies and research, medical marijuana has been effective at alleviating debilitating symptoms such as anxiety, seizures, inflammation, and other signs of severe illness. Furthermore, marijuana has also been shown to increase appetite in patients experiencing weight loss caused by chronic diseases such as cancer and HIV.

Be sure to consult with your cannabis specialist physician to determine whether medical cannabis can be incorporated as part of your treatment.

Medical Marijuana Doctor Serving Massachusetts

Cannabis has helped thousands of patients across the United States treat difficult medical conditions. At Inhale MD, we understand how beneficial using medical marijuana can be for those looking to alleviate the symptoms associated with their illness. To learn more about how medicinal cannabis can help you, call the Massachusetts medical marijuana doctors at Inhale MD today at (617) 477-8886.

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