Wednesday 28 December 2011

An Overview of Medical Marijuana Laws

In United States, 16 States have already legalized the medical marijuana. Moreover, just last year, that is 2011, State of Arizona legalized the marijuana for medicinal uses. According to the Medical marijuana laws, patients can use medical marijuana only if they have a medical marijuana card. They must have a chronic or life threatening disease in order to be qualified for the medical marijuana treatment. Keep in mind that medical marijuana treatment is not required for all types of diseases. Patients can buy medical marijuana only if they have a written recommendation from a licensed doctor. In the recommendation, it is compulsory for doctors to clearly mention the reasons for the medical marijuana treatment and also affix their signature. Patients can apply for a medical marijuana card only after completing the required medical documents.  

In the State of Arizona, many people are against the legalization of medical marijuana and specifically about driving under the influence of the drug. Lawmakers of the Arizona scare that patients can use can misuse their medical marijuana cards to use this medicine aside from the medicinal use allowed by the state government. This is a serious issue that requires a quick resolution and clarification by the state law makers as marijuana is quite beneficial if used for the medicinal uses.  However, it can be quite detrimental if abused. 

If you want to establish a medical marijuana dispensary, your registration should be not profit. You have to prevent some legal documents upon your application to open a medical marijuana dispensary. As per state medical marijuana laws, you can dispense medical marijuana only to those eligible patients who have a medical marijuana card and to registered caregivers. If you don’t follow the medical marijuana laws of your state, then the distribution of medical marijuana from your dispensary will be considered illegal and you will be punished by law found guilty. 

Medical marijuana dispensaries of Colorado including many other states don’t accept medical marijuana cards of the patients from other states.  If you need medical marijuana for the medicinal use, make sure you are using it according to your state medical marijuana laws.

Thursday 15 December 2011

Legalizing Marijuana for Medicinal Uses – Is It Really Worthwhile?

Earlier, known as a gateway drug, marijuana is now recognized for its medicinal values. It seems quite controversial, but we can’t ignore the medical advantages of marijuana by just blaming it for causing addiction for its users. Medical marijuana is not only effective for the treatment of several diseases, but it has also become a medicine that is quite safe – in fact, safer than most medicines prescribed these days.  

Medical marijuana is quite effective in the treatment of many diseases and conditions such as cancer, nausea, diabetes, muscle spasms, appetite loss, vomiting, glaucoma, seizure disorders, spasticity, appetite loss and certain types of pain including chronic pain. The medicine is also effective in the treatment of brain cancer, lung cancer, HIV/AIDS and improving addiction issues related to alcohol abuse and opiate addiction.  Studies and researches have proved that medical marijuana can effectively treat the patients who are suffering from certain chronic ailments. Medical marijuana is an effective treatment for those patients, who need it actually, and, that’s why, legalizing marijuana for medicinal uses is worthwhile indeed.

Although, medical marijuana is available at authorized medical dispensaries, but, patients must have a medical marijuana card in order to buy them for medicinal use. Many states of USA have legalized marijuana only for medicinal uses and they have special registration programs requiring patients and caregivers to get a medical marijuana card. If you caught using marijuana without a medical marijuana card, you could be arrested or penalized by the local or state authorities for the violation of the state states.

It legally compulsory for all patients to have medical marijuana cards first so that they prevent any legal issues later. The biggest benefit of getting medical marijuana card is that you are provided full legal protection under the medical marijuana laws of your state. Getting medical marijuana card is not that much easy as you need a recommendation from a licensed doctor in addition to submitting other required documents to the Hemp and Cannabis Foundation of your state. You must also visit the licensed medical marijuana dispensary in your state. Of course, it require some time and efforts from your side but they are worthwhile for getting this naturally available medicine which effectively cures painful nausea, retard the starting of sight loss from glaucoma and help patients from overcoming the depressing without disturbing the hormonal balance of their body with no long-term side effects.

Friday 9 December 2011

Increasing Trend of Medical Marijuana Legalization – What’s the Main Reason behind It?

Any discussion by supporters of medical marijuana dispensaries around hints that medical marijuana legalization has become quite trendy across the nation. As with all such individual opinion, the reasons behind it must be considered carefully. While considering this, let’s have a look at the name of states where medical marijuana is legalized and whether there is really any trend of medical marijuana legalization. The facts on medical marijuana legalization are quite clear as following 16 States of USA have legalized marijuana for medicinal uses: 


1.    Alaska    
2.    Arizona
3.    California
4.    Colorado    
5.    Delaware    
6.    Hawaii
7.    Maine    
8.    Michigan    
9.    Montana    
10.    Nevada    
11.    New Jersey    
12.    New Mexico
13.    Oregon    
14.    Rhode Island
15.    Vermont    
16.    Washington


All jurisdictions have their own specific rules regarding the use of medical marijuana.  Also, it is worth mentioning that the federal government has not legalized marijuana even for medicinal use. 


So, do we have a trend towards medical Marijuana Legalization or not? The facts hint that we do, but for a strange reason. Out of 16 States of USA, only 3 States has have legalized marijuana for in the last 3 years. While this highlights an increase in medical marijuana legalization that can be called a trend, the sudden change seems to hint a special reason than just offering medicine to the needy patients. 


The sudden increase in medical marijuana legalization correlates with the great recession, and, more significantly, states and municipal corporations suddenly facing huge budget deficits. Just take Arizona as good example. The political interests of Arizona have been quite conservative since long time. You can consider the immigration laws passed in the state to learn more. In spite of that, the state decided to legalize and tax medical marijuana in 2010, a time when it was facing huge budget deficits.  


Thanks to this economic benefit, it is quite obvious that the trend of marijuana legalization for medical uses mainly depends on the economy of states. If the economy of states continues to stagger along and they keep on facing huge budget deficits, we can see more medical marijuana legalizations in future.  However, if the economy improves dramatically, we can see the opposite as well. Only time will tell!