The Legal Way of Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card

Are you a patient who really need medical marijuana for the treatment some life-threatening disease? Is medical marijuana legalized in your state? If yes, this article will help in getting the compulsory medical marijuana card so that you get the medical marijuana treatment in accordance to the medical marijuana laws of your state. Following are tips to help you in getting a legal medical marijuana card.

First of all, you must consult a licensed doctor of your state. In order to get eligible for the medical marijuana treatment, you must be suffering from a chronic, life-threatening, and severe or specific type of disease that can be only cured by medical marijuana. Upon consultation, the licensed doctor will first diagnose your medical condition and then he or she will give you a recommendation that you medical condition can be improved by medical marijuana while mentioning the reasons for which you are eligible for medical marijuana treatment.   For this, the he or she will have to fill up a form that will authenticate the requirement of the recommendation of medical marijuana treatment. Now, you need to submit this form to the concerned health department of your state that handles all such matters.

As medical marijuana is still classified as Schedule I drug under the federal laws, a doctor can’t prescribe and because pharmacies only dispense medicines that are prescribed by doctors, you can’t buy medical marijuana from a commercial establishment. Each of the 16 States has its own medical marijuana laws in addition to their own medical marijuana dispensaries.

After getting all required medical documents, you can apply medical marijuana card. Every medical marijuana laws will require you to deposit a registration fee in addition to your identity proof and age proof such as your driving license, social security card etc.

Once you get your Medical Marijuana Card, you are responsible to use medical marijuana for the sole purpose of your own personal medicinal use. If you live in the State of California, the medical marijuana laws of the state allow you to grow your own marijuana. If you live in other medical marijuana states of U.S., it is strictly against laws and you need to buy from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary.

Tips for Choosing Licensed Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

The medicinal use of marijuana has been legalized in many states of United Sates, thanks to its effectiveness in the treatment and management of many life-threatening diseases such as Cancer, Brain Tumors, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer’s disease.  The federal laws of US have classified Marijuana as a Schedule I drug.  That’s why, doctors can’t prescribe it and it is illegal for pharmacies to distribute it.  However, thanks to scientific research and studies of licensed doctors for proving the effectiveness of this wonderful drug in the treatment of many life-threatening diseases, 16 States of United States have legalized medical marijuana and there is at least medical marijuana dispensary in every medical marijuana state.

Before you start searching for a medical marijuana dispensary in your state, you must apply for a medical marijuana card at the health department of your state certifying that you are eligible for medical marijuana treatment in your state. Also, make sure that you are buying medical marijuana from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary of your state. Following are some tips that will help you in finding licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in your state. 

-    Search the Google to find legal medical marijuana dispensaries in your location. The search engine will show you a list of all dispensaries in your location. Now visit their websites to find their offers, location, consultancy fees or if there are any discounts on the medicine.

-    Check consumer reviews of dispensary that you have chosen because this type of information will help you a lot in confirming their service, legality and authenticity.  Moreover, such reviews can also give you useful tips and advices about a specific medical marijuana dispensary and you can know whether their experience was good or bad with that medical marijuana dispensary.

-    Once you have confirmed the authenticity and consumer reviews of a specific medical marijuana dispensary, it is the time to visit the dispensary and confirm all the things by yourself. It is worth mentioning that all medical marijuana industry are still under the developing phase and all medical marijuana dispensaries have their own unique approach towards their clients.

Handy Information on Medical Marijuana Laws

Medical marijuana is legalized in many countries of the world such as Germany, Canada, Spain, Italy, Finland, Israel, Austria and Netherlands.  Although this natural drug is classified as Schedule I drug under the federal laws of United Sates, however, 16 States of U.S have recognized the medicinal value of marijuana and passed medical marijuana laws in order to control and regulate its distribution in their states and help those patients who actually need this medicine to enhance their medical conditions.   

However, before using medical marijuana, you must apply for a medical marijuana card. Moreover, you must be suffering from a chronic or life-threatening disease in order to become eligible for medical marijuana treatment. It is worth mentioning that not all the diseases require you to have a medical marijuana treatment. Moreover, you must have a written recommendation from a licensed doctor of your state. In this recommendation, the doctor will write down the reasons for which you need medical marijuana treatment along with his or her signature.  Once you get all the required medical documents, the medical marijuana laws of your state will also require you to apply for a medical marijuana card from the concerned health department of your own state. 

If you want to start up a medical marijuana dispensary in your state, you need to register your business as non-profit.  Although, the medical marijuana laws of Colorado don’t require you to do so but you need to present the required legal documents upon application. All medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed to dispense the medicine only to those patients who hold the medical marijuana card and to their registered caregivers.  If any certain medical marijuana state don’t follow the medical marijuana laws of its state, its operations will be considered illegal and may be punished by law if proven guilty. It is worth mentioning that medical marijuana dispensaries of Colorado in addition to other medical marijuana states don’t accept medical marijuana cards from other states. So make sure, you are using medical marijuana only with the parameters of your own state.

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.

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.

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!

How to Buy Legal Medical Marijuana?

So your doctor has recommended you the medical marijuana treatment and you have got your legal medical marijuana card. Now what to do next? Well, it is the time to find an authentic medical marijuana dispensary from where you can buy legal medical marijuana. Depending on your respective State Laws, medical marijuana can be purchased from government approved or licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. While each medical marijuana dispensary has its own set up, here are some basic tips that will help you in buying legal medical marijuana for your treatment.

First of all, you must find all medical marijuana dispensaries in your locality. For this, you can visit KushMagazine.com – A leading online magazine online resource for information and news about the medical marijuana industry. This online marijuana magazine also provides listings of medical marijuana dispensaries in the U.S.A. Once you have found all medical marijuana dispensaries in your area, it is the time to research more information about each and every dispensary by their specific names. If you don’t know the name of a particular marijuana dispensary, you can simply search “Name Your City + Medical Marijuana Dispensary Reviews” or “Best Medical Marijuana Dispensaries + Name of your City” in the Google to find some useful patient reviews. On the basis of this information, just restrict your options to top 3 medical marijuana dispensaries near or in your city to buy legal medical marijuana for your treatment. 

Now visit all 3 medical marijuana dispensaries personally, see their general atmosphere and layout and choose the one which has the most professional clinical environment.

Important:  Don’t forget to confirm their authenticity by asking them to show you their state license for selling medical marijuana.