Throughout America, many states are allowing their residents to have access to medical marijuana. Certain state support marijuana legalization in order to combat America’s growing opioid and heroin problems. One study found that 23% of people using heroin end up developing an opioid addiction. In addition, statistics show that 20,101 drug overdose deaths taking place during 2015 were directly attributed to opioids. While it’s not for everyone, many people swear by the benefits of using medical marijuana for pain management and a range of other conditions. If you’re wanting to try medical marijuana, you’ll need to follow several important steps. With that in mind, here’s what you’ll need to obtain a medical marijuana card.

Making an Appointment with a Doctor

You’ll need to visit a medical professional to receive a medical marijuana recommendation. Therefore, The first step for these people is to visit doctors who prescribe medical marijuana. It’s wise to contact the medical facility you’re planning to visit. This allows you to know if you’ll need to make an appointment or if they accept walk ins.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that everyone is eligible to receive a recommendation. During your appointment, you’ll need to present conditions that medical marijuana helps to treat. Certain states will require medical documentation of your conditions while others will not. There are many benefits associated with marijuana for medical purposes including pain management, anxiety, depression, anorexia, and many other issues. If your doctor believes medical marijuana is an adequate treatment method, you’ll receive a recommendation.

Filling out Required Paperwork

Receiving a doctor’s recommendation is one part of the process of receiving a medical marijuana card. Next, you’ll need to fill out your state’s required application forms. While filling out these forms, you’ll typically need to provide forms of identification. This proves that you’re an actual state resident. In addition, you’ll also need your doctor’s recommendation to include with your application.

Waiting for Your Card to Arrive

There’s no way to predict exactly when you’ll receive your medical marijuana card. After sending in your information, professionals will look over your documentation and approve or deny your application. If your application is denied, you should receive an explanation why this happened. This could result from forgetting to list information or sending in a blurry picture. To avoid this problem, read your application thoroughly and double check to ensure everything is filled out correctly. After turning in your application, you should expect to receive your medical marijuana card within one to to weeks.

Following Your State’s Guidelines

Once you have your medical marijuana card, it’s wise to check your state’s guidelines. Having this card still means that you’re unable to use medical marijuana in certain situations. For instance, medical marijuana cardholders aren’t allowed to use this medication in public or while driving. Also, state have limits regarding the quantities of marijuana cardholders can possess. Not following these guidelines could mean facing serious consequences.

In conclusion, there are several steps you’ll need to follow to obtain a medical marijuana card. For many people, medical marijuana is an effective form of pain management. In addition, it’s been shown to help people suffering from a wide range of mental issues. Medical marijuana can also help people experience fewer withdrawal symptoms while detoxing from drugs. For instance, opioid withdrawal symptoms include anxiety and insomnia. Fortunately, these are two conditions medical marijuana can help treat. If you’re interested in trying this form of medication, consider making an appointment with a doctor.