Guide to Medical Marijuana: What You Should Know
Medical cannabis is now legal in over 33 states in various forms. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know whether you have already acquired your medical card or are considering getting one.
- Dispensaries Have a Wide Array of Products
You need to do your homework before stepping into a medical marijuana dispensary. There is a dizzying range of products that can quickly make the experience confusing and overwhelming. Think of it as an adults-only candy store.
You can take your pick from various products laced with cannabis ingredients, such as oils, tinctures, flowers, vape pens, skin patches, mouth sprays, cinnamon-scented cookies, fancy chocolate truffles, sodas, lotions, and balms. There are several dispensaries that carry waxes, resins and high-strength concentrates too.
You should know marijuana laws by state to determine whether in-store use and free samples are allowed.
- Don’t Expect Help
It may be called medical marijuana, but there is no prescription. Your doctor may not help you navigate this new green world. There are very few doctors that help their patients understand different marijuana types or how to use a vape pen. This can be a major problem for elderly people who think they just need to walk into a drugstore and fill their prescription.
Your doctor may only help you acquire your medical card. If you are lucky, you may get a few recommendations. This makes it important to connect with a reputed medical marijuana dispensary.
- Identify Marijuana Laws by State
Several individual states have legalized marijuana and cannabis for medical purposes even though it remains illegal on the federal level. You need to know the qualifying laws in your particular state involving cannabis and marijuana. You should also determine the various conditions and symptoms that will allow you to get a medical marijuana card.
Make sure you have your condition and symptoms verified by a doctor before getting authorized. This should be your next step once you determine whether your illness or condition qualifies you to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program. It is recommended that you find a doctor that understands your needs and can help you navigate the process.
- Find the Perfect Treatment Option
There are three major categories of cannabis strains – indica, sativa, and hybrid. Cannabis has a highly therapeutic compound called CBD which is non-intoxicating. CBD has revolutionized the medical marijuana industry. Studies have demonstrated CBD to help with everything from anxiety disorders to epilepsy.
Many people with severely painful conditions, such as cancer and tumor take medical marijuana to ease the pain. However, you need to find the right treatment if you want to experience complete benefits. Discuss your ailments with your doctor and ask them for a recommendation. All three cannabis strains have different potency, benefits, and effects.
- Edibles should be Taken Responsibly
Marijuana doesn’t always need to be smoked. Many people, especially those with compromised lung health don’t want to smoke marijuana. There are several smoke-free treatment options if you want a more health-conscious approach to cannabis. Cannabis edibles can offer the same benefits. However, you need to make sure you eat responsibly.
