Pros and Cons of Getting a Medical Card in 2024

The medical market is still very important for numerous reasons, even as cannabis regulations for recreational or adult use become more prevalent. The benefits of possessing a medical marijuana card are mostly favorable. However, depending on the state, there can be repercussions.

This article will go over the possible benefits and drawbacks for prospective holders of medical cards as well as how state-specific cannabis legislation may differ. 

When and where are MMJ cards needed?

As of June 2022, comprehensive medical cannabis legislation was in effect in 39 states as well as Washington, D.C. States have imposed their regulations in the absence of federal allowances. The end product is a patchwork of rules and laws with varying degrees of accessibility.

The states that currently have medical marijuana programs are listed below: 

1. Alaska
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas
4. California
5. Hawaii
6. Illinois
7. Montana
8. Nevada
9. New Hampshire
10. Ohio
11. Oklahoma
12. Texas

While several jurisdictions have legalized the use of medical cannabis, these states are sometimes regarded as not having functional medical marketplaces due to their stringent regulations on qualifying requirements, doses, and/or approved products.

What are the Pros of Having a Medical Marijuana Card?

1. Priority

Some states, such as Illinois, provide their medical card holders priority access to cannabis. Medical patients can get to the front of the queue at dispensaries if there is ever a shortage in the market. It was agreed by lawmakers to make sure that patients received medication even during periods of critical supply. In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, dispensaries were allowed to remain open in numerous states because of their status as important businesses. 

2. Defense of the law

You can lawfully purchase, possess, and consume cannabis if you have a medical cannabis card. Prepared to provide proof of your credentials. To legally use the marketplace, you must have your card, just like a driver’s license. Depending on your state, not having your ID on you could have legal repercussions.

In states like Florida, possessing cannabis without a medical card can result in charges of second-degree misdemeanor. If someone is found in Michigan with cannabis in their hands without a valid MMJ ID, they may face legal action.  

3. Reduced price

Legal marijuana can be pricey, particularly when it comes to recreational use. Generally, there are two or three tax tiers that apply to cannabis transactions made by adults. Markets may tax cannabis based on factors such as product kind, THC potency, quantity purchased, and other factors, depending on the state and its regulations. As of May 2022, a comprehensive summary of cannabis tax codes per state is available.

Patients who use medical cannabis can avoid paying a large portion of the taxes, saving at least 5–10% (and up to 35% in some areas) on each transaction. More precisely, since the use is for medical purposes only and not recreational, certain jurisdictions fully exclude the medical market from paying retail and excise taxes.

4. Increased strength

Medical cardholders who exhibit a need for a more potent medication may be prescribed larger dosages of cannabis by their physicians.

Costs will probably increase if an adult user wants a high dosage of cannabis since they will probably need to purchase more goods. This isn’t usually the case for medical consumers, who frequently have larger budgets for purchases and/or have access to greater concentration products designed specifically for them. These goods may have higher THC concentrations per package and dose than those available in recreational dispensaries, depending on state law. Products with potencies typically ranging from 50% to 90%, such as edibles and high-potency vape cartridges, are more likely to contain greater doses for medical users.  

5. Higher thresholds for purchases

Compared to recreational customers, many medicinal patients are often able to purchase larger quantities of cannabis in addition to items with higher potencies. Patients can stock up and make sure they have the medication necessary to treat their medical condition(s) with the help of this regulation.

For instance, in Arizona, medical marijuana users are allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces at a time, but recreational users are only allowed to buy one ounce. This saves a ton of time for people who don’t like to drive to dispensaries and stand in line.

Since every state has its regulations, you should know what your state permits before making a purchase. 

6. Greater limits on possession

As prescribed by a physician, medical patients are permitted to possess up to a 60-day supply of cannabis. The prescribed dosage of cannabis is typically high enough for patients to be able to keep and possess more than for recreational users. This is fully dependent on the dosage that is advised in your certification; therefore, it is best to first assess your tolerance and consult your doctor if the prescribed dosage is insufficient to satisfy your daily requirements.

Never attempt to possess more than three ounces of flower at once unless your certification expressly permits it. If discovered to be more than their state’s possession limitations, consumers risk severe criminal consequences.

In New York, an adult-use state, recreational users in possession of over 8 ounces are subject to a Class E felony charge. They face a jail sentence of up to four years and fines reaching $5000.

Here is a breakdown of state-by-state possession limits as of June 2022:

7. Increased growing limit

A few states have legalized home production for medical and adult usage. The law permits anyone to grow marijuana. Furthermore, medical patients are frequently permitted to grow extra plants or seedlings. In addition to ensuring consumer access, the action probably saves patients some money.

States with legislation allowing home cultivation include:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii (non-medical)
• Illinois (only for medical purposes; not for recreational use)
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oklahoma (disease-related)
• Oregon
• URI
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington (only for medicine)

8. Lower age restriction
   
   In many states, minors can take part in the medical marijuana program with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
   
   The most commonly cited medical conditions for children include: 

• Autism
• Cancer
• Cerebral Palsy
• Chronic or intractable pain, when opioids do not appear to work
• Epilepsy/Seizure disorders
• Extreme nausea & vomiting
• Extreme weight loss 
• Muscle wasting
• Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
• Sickle Cell-related diseases 
• Spina Bifida
• Other terminal illnesses

Minors taking part in the program are almost always required to register at least one MMJ caregiver on their behalf. Depending on the state, a caregiver can grow, buy, transport, and administer cannabis to the patient.

9. Reciprocity

When a state recognizes medical cards from another state, it’s known as reciprocity and enables travelers to continue receiving their prescription drugs while they’re away from home. Medical patients may lawfully obtain cannabis when traveling in the following states:

•  Arkansas
•  Hawaii
•  Maine
•  Michigan
•  Nevada
•  New Hampshire
•  New Mexico
•  Oklahoma
•  Rhode Island
•  Utah
•  West Virginia (For terminally ill patients only)

Reciprocity is also available in Washington, D.C. Colorado, on the other hand, does not have a reciprocity program, yet its cards are recognized in other states.

The distinction between possessing and purchasing represents another potentially confusing aspect of reciprocity. Patients from other states, like Missouri, are not allowed to purchase cannabis but are permitted to possess it as long as they have a valid medical card.

The US’s reciprocity laws as of October 2021 look like this:

What Are The Consequences Of Getting A Medical Card?

1. No firearms

As of right now, the federal government views anyone who uses cannabis as having an illegal firearms permit. Selling or transferring firearms or ammunition to license holders is forbidden by gun dealers. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) decision from 2011 served as the foundation for this finding. 

States are retaliating against this federal directive. Texas, for example, makes it clear that individuals receiving medical marijuana are allowed to own weapons, while certain qualifying disorders, such as PTSD. Although Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act does not expressly address marijuana use, some attorneys contend that the law nonetheless protects those who use marijuana for medical purposes. Shortly, the Supreme Court will probably rule on this matter.

If you use medical marijuana and want to buy a handgun, you should first speak with an experienced lawyer. Regarding this matter, the majority of states merely follow federal law and do nothing to safeguard the Second Amendment rights of those who use medical marijuana.

2. No commercial driver’s license

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is prohibited by federal law from allowing commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to consume Schedule I substances, which includes all THC products. An MMJ card is not available to commercial drivers. They risk losing their CDL license and their job if they try to get one. 

3. 
   Not allowed for federal employees

Federal regulations forbid all government workers from using any Schedule I substance, just like they do for CDL drivers. Any federal employee who acquires or uses a medical cannabis card may be at risk of losing their job.

Federal personnel are not permitted to possess MMJ cards because of federal legislation, which continues to classify marijuana as a restricted substance on a national basis.

If federal restrictions were to pass, the future of government employees and CDL holders might be altered. One such bill, the MORE Act, would take cannabis off the list of prohibited narcotics and decriminalize marijuana nationwide. Still, nothing has happened as of yet.

4. Annual renewal required

Patients who use medical cannabis must renew their cards annually in the majority of states or risk losing their enrollment in the program and access to their prescriptions.

If digital telemedicine appointments are prohibited in your state, the renewal process may prove to be somewhat tedious. The expenses may also be a barrier for some. If so, find out if your state program offers waivers or reductions for financial aid before renewing. Just remember that certain states may take 30 to 60 days to process your papers, so make sure you do it several months before your expiration date. 

5. Bureaucracy

Every state has unique laws and regulations, and some states have more stringent application requirements than others.

Most states subject MMJ patients to several bureaucratic procedures, some of which may be more than the patient wants to endure:

• requiring a recommendation from a licensed medical professional
• registering for the state’s medical marijuana initiative
• registering for the program requires providing your ID and personal information.

Fortunately, it might not be necessary to wait for a face-to-face session to begin. The evaluation process for medical marijuana is made easy and convenient by telemedicine and online services. We’ve made it easier to choose a state-qualified physician from the comfort and privacy of your home with CertaMD. 

Get Your MMJ Card with  CertaMD

At CertaMD, our state-certified doctors provide expert advice on medical cannabis, regardless of your state. Our knowledgeable physicians understand cannabis’s potential to treat various conditions, especially those unresponsive to traditional medicine. Experience a fast and easy approval process with no wait lines, and enjoy the benefits of confidential, secure, and HIPAA-compliant services.

Conclusion

Medical marijuana has several benefits. It can play a crucial role in many people’s medical wellness regimens. However, not everyone should do it, especially those who work for the federal government, love guns, or possess a CDL.

Related Topics

Male VS Female weed plants

Can teachers have medical card?

Can you get a medical card at 18?

Alana Seppelt