Millions of people across the country now use medical cannabis. As the numbers continue to grow, there are undoubtedly plenty of people wanting to know whether they qualify for their own cards. What does it take? Can anyone who wants a card actually get one?
The answer to so many of these questions lies in state law. The states regulate cannabis differently, so there are no black-and-white answers a post of this nature could offer. But there are some common guidelines we can look at.
What a Card Is, What It Does
Before getting to the qualifications for a medical cannabis card, let us discuss what a card is and what it does. A medical cannabis card is an electronic or paper document verifying that an individual has been given state approval to use medical cannabis. According to Brigham City’s BeehiveMed.com, Utah issues medical cannabis cards electronically. Most other states do as well.
As for what a card does, think of what a patient must do in order to use cannabis medicinally. He must visit a dispensary to purchase medical cannabis products. He must carry those products home and use them as directed by his medical provider and pharmacist. So you have three things here: purchase, possession, and consumption. A medical cannabis card gives a patient the legal right to do all three.
The Two Main Qualifications
State laws defining qualifications can vary to some degree. But as a general rule, there are two main qualifications states impose:
1. A Qualifying Medical Condition
At the top of the list is a qualifying medical condition. Another way to think of it is this: medical cannabis isn’t an appropriate treatment for every sickness, disease, or injury. Just as you would not take penicillin to deal with hair loss, you wouldn’t use medical cannabis to treat acne.
The list of conditions for which medical cannabis is appropriate is surprisingly long. Again, states differ in their qualifying conditions. But most recognize the following:
- Chronic pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Cancer (and treatment symptoms)
- Chronic nausea
- Seizure disorders (like epilepsy)
- Terminal diseases
If you were to apply for a card without being diagnosed with a condition on your state’s qualifying conditions list, you would probably have a hard time getting a recommendation from a doctor. Except in extremely rare circumstances, the state would likely reject your application as well.
2. A Doctor’s Recommendation
The second generally accepted qualifier for a medical cannabis card is a doctor’s recommendation. Some states, like Utah, also accept recommendations from nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and podiatrists with prescribing authority in the state.
It’s important to note the doctors and other medical providers are not supposed to give blanket approval to anyone and everyone with a qualifying condition. States require medical evaluations before cards are issued. The point of the evaluation is both to confirm the patient’s qualifying condition and to determine whether medical cannabis is the most appropriate treatment.
If a medical provider believes other treatments are more appropriate, they are not compelled to give a medical cannabis recommendation. So even with a qualifying condition, a patient might find it difficult to get the necessary recommendation.
Check the Rules in Your State
Have you been thinking about applying for medical cannabis card? If so, check out the rules in your state. You should be able to find a state website containing all the answers to your questions. As long as you have a qualifying condition and your doctor is willing to make a recommendation, in should be in pretty good shape.
