Debbie Getting a medical marijuana card allows you to purchase medicinal cannabis legally. It also unlocks other benefits, such as cannabis reciprocity, enabling you to buy medicine even in states where recreational weed hasn’t been legalized.
You can even save money by having a card. You’ll pay 7% less in taxes than recreational users.
Access to Medicinal Marijuana
Although marijuana is partly decriminalized in New York, it’s still illegal to go to your local park and start smoking joints. To access cannabis, you need a medical marijuana card. It allows you to enter dispensaries and purchase your doctor’s recommended medicine.
It also entitles you to grow up to five plants for personal use. It is a considerable benefit as recreational users can’t grow their own. A medical marijuana card is also a safeguard against potential issues that may arise during employment, as it has your physician’s stamp of approval.
Having a medical marijuana card is also an exemption from the excise taxes levied on recreational cannabis. Depending on the state, this can save you significant money. However, it would be best to remember that your medical cannabis needs to be prescribed by a certified doctor. The law in New York only allows licensed physicians to certify patients with illnesses and conditions that fall under the following categories:
Legality
A medical cannabis card allows patients to purchase medicinal marijuana within their state legally. It also grants them access to the same products that recreational users enjoy but at a much lower price. In New York, for example, patients can save up to 25% on purchases from a registered organization.
Unlike recreational weed, medical marijuana has not been deemed an illegal drug by the federal government. It is also legal to transport across state lines as long as it remains in the original packaging and is not for sale.
Medical marijuana cards are also accepted as IDs by many private businesses that sell medicinal weed, including dispensaries. Although a card usually contains your photo, it should never replace a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
Another benefit of having a medical marijuana card is that you can grow your plants. Recreational weed users cannot raise their cannabis, but medical marijuana patients can. However, it is essential to note that New York has strict laws regarding cultivation and requires a physician’s recommendation before starting to grow your cannabis plants.
Savings
Many medical marijuana patients save money through discounts offered exclusively to cardholders. Although upfront costs are associated with physician appointments and registration fees, those who shop often recoup their investment. Moreover, medical cannabis products are cheaper than recreational products because of tax exemptions.
Our analysis of medical records from applicants to MediCann clinics found that almost half of those seeking a recommendation experienced chronic pain. Evaluating physicians asked applicants to check whether they were currently using or had used in the past opioids or opiate medications to manage their symptoms, and a majority of those who reported having chronic pain said yes.
Having a medical marijuana card also allows you to grow your cannabis. Several states allow residents to produce up to eight ounces of pot at home, and the state taxes these grow at different rates than retail sales. It could mean significant savings for some patients, a greater variety of options, and more control over quality. In addition, many legal dispensaries offer discounts to registered patients. It enables patients to get more bang for their buck and maximize the benefits of their medicinal cannabis.
Taxes
While you may be glad to have a state-approved medical marijuana card to access cannabis, your taxes can add up. The good news is that most medical cannabis is cheaper than recreational marijuana because of lower taxes.
In addition, you may save money on your cannabis and related supplies by purchasing directly from the source. You can save up to 6% on purchases by avoiding retail and state sales taxes.
You may also find it beneficial to have a card in case you travel outside your home state. Some states will let you purchase cannabis while visiting, and others will allow you to grow your own in a locked room.
In New York, adults participating in the medicinal program can self-manage their medical cannabis, and minors can do so with a designated caregiver. Typically, the cost of registering and renewing your medical marijuana card is minimal or free for qualified patients and caregivers. It is recommended that you register or renew your card well before it expires to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Support
Getting a medical marijuana card doesn’t just allow you to purchase cannabis at lower prices and provides access to additional services. These include free counseling services, education on cannabis use, and other resources. It is a great way to learn more about the benefits of medicinal cannabis and find out if it’s right for you.
In addition to gaining access to various services, medical cards provide legal protection that recreational users don’t have. It is crucial when crossing state lines. A medical cannabis card shows that a licensed physician backs your use and can help you defend yourself in the event of an encounter with law enforcement.
Applying for a medical marijuana card in New York is simple and secure. The consultation takes place on a bespoke telemedicine platform, and you will meet with an experienced registered practitioner who has experience issuing medical marijuana certificates to patients for various conditions. The doctor will ask questions to assess if the treatment is proper for you and then prepare your patient certification.
