To have a medical marijuana card as a minor could be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Many states allow patients under 18 to use medical marijuana cards under specific conditions.
Here, we’ve discussed what you need to have a medical marijuana card for minors, along with the specific laws regarding cannabis use.
Medical Cards for Minors
Without medical cards, medical marijuana patients won’t be able to have the required medications for their health conditions. Similarly, when it comes to minor’s health, it is very important to understand the importance of using these medical marijuana cards.
What is a Medical Card?
A medical card allows patients to get their treatments for their severe health conditions free or at a very reduced cost. So, if you’re thinking of having a medical card for your kid, you might experience many benefits from it. The child’s health will receive a non-traditional treatment, which will give them relief.
Who Qualifies for a Medical Card?
Who qualifies for a medical card usually depends on the particular state. If the state recognizes the specific health condition of a minor, they are going to be eligible to have a medical marijuana card without any hassle.
States like Connecticut and California have a specific list of health conditions that qualify minors for a medical card. For example- severe epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other debilitating disorders.
How to Apply for a Medical Card for Minors
The application process for minors typically involves several steps and the cooperation of parents or legal guardians.
Applying for a medical marijuana card for a minor patient involves some important steps. Here, we’ll discuss them briefly:
Required Documentation
To apply for a medical card, you need to have completed these documents for a minor.
- A completed application form
- Physician certification forms signed by two different doctors
- Proof of guardianship (e.g., birth certificate or legal documents)
- Proof of residency for the minor’s parent or guardian
The Role of Physicians
According to most states, the minor must be evaluated by two experienced physicians. One of these physicians should be the child’s primary care provider, while the other should be a pediatric doctor or specialist.
To experience the benefits of a medical marijuana card, these evaluations are required and very important for a child. States like Colorado and Connecticut ask for these dual evaluations before qualifying a child for a medical marijuana card.
State-Specific Requirements
When it comes to using the medical marijuana card for someone under 18, each state has its own rulings and laws. For example:
California
In California, minors can have a medical marijuana card. But they will need their parent’s consent and physician’s recommendations. Also, the state needs two physicians to evaluate the condition of the child.
As we’ve discussed above, one of these physicians has to be the child’s primary care provider to agree with the treatment plan.
Michigan
In Michigan, you’ve to send the application along with some additional documentation. For example- proof of residency and doctor’s recommendations. Also, the child needs a parent or guardian who will take care of them. And you’ve to send the child’s birth certificate and the proof of your parental right with the application as well.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, a minor must be diagnosed with specific health conditions. For example- severe epilepsy or muscular dystrophy.
Just like California, here also the state needs the evaluation of two physicians and their recommendations with the application. The first physician needs to be the child’s primary care provider and the second one has to be a pediatric specialist.
Benefits and Considerations
Access to Essential Treatments
Having a medical marijuana card for a minor allows them to get the treatment they need when other forms of treatment may not be available. It is a privilege to have a medical card as it helps the kids to increase the quality of their lives.
With access to medications, it becomes easy for the minors to focus on other things. For example: school, sports, etc.
Legal and Safety Concerns
It’s true that medical marijuana cards provide significant benefits to patients with chronic illnesses, but there are some downsides of having the card. Since federally it is still prohibited to use the cannabis items as medicines, there could be legal issues after you get the medical card.
Also, the medical card is for minors, so you’ve to be informed and monitor them closely to check if there’s any side effects happening or not.
Conclusion
In summary, having a medical marijuana card for a minor involves pros and cons both. With many important health benefits, you could also experience some legal impacts. But if you’re careful and consult with physicians and abide by all the laws and rulings of your state, you can pull it up for your child. Before applying for a medical marijuana card under 18, make sure to check all the state-specific rules.
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