October 27, 2023

The Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card By Danny Park, MD

The Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card By Danny Park, MD

Marijuana is becoming more accepted in this country as time goes on. As ofApril 20201, there are approximately 11 states plus the District of Columbia that have legalized recreational marijuana and 12 states that have not. The remainder of the states have legalized marijuana solely for medical reasons, although some have legalized both recreational and medical marijuana. The stigma surrounding marijuana is slowly lifting and the benefits are being revealed.

Also known asCannabis2, marijuana has been used for centuries. Only more recently in its long history has it been stigmatized and excluded from common use. As we learn more, we are rethinking its benefits and uses. But what ismarijuana3exactly? Marijuana is made from the cannabis plant, including cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. It was initially cultivated in China and India. There are thought to be two main compounds within the plant that produce effects on the body, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC causes the “high” or psychoactive effects that most people feel when it binds to receptors in the brain that subsequently stimulate the production of dopamine which is the “feel good chemical” that is involved in the reward system of the body. CBD is thought to have more of the medical benefits and less of the psychoactive effects.

As more states legalize recreational marijuana, one might question the need for medical-grade marijuana. However, there are severaldifferences4. Patients will continue seeking medical advice and assistance due to the following:

Medical Marijuana

  • More CBD (medical benefits), less THC (psychoactive effects)
  • More cost-effective, lower taxes
  • More potent products
  • No strict age limit
  • Higher quantity restrictions, including homegrown plants

Recreational Marijuana

  • More THC (psychoactive effects)
  • More expensive (retail tax, excise tax)
  • Limited potency
  • Age limit (must be over 21 years)
  • Lower quantity restrictions, including homegrown plants

Medical Marijuana Card – State Rules and Regulations

Every state has its own rules and regulations regarding medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. In states that have legalized both forms, patients must do their research to find out what conditions qualify and how to proceed. To obtain the more effective and cost-effective forms of marijuana, people are required to obtain amedical marijuana card5. This identification card allows patients to obtain medical-grade marijuana for which the benefits were discussed above. If you have a qualifying medical condition, the first step is to obtain a signed recommendation from a licensed physician. This specialist will confirm your qualifying medical condition and make sure medical marijuana is an effective treatment option. The patient will then apply with the state using the physician’s recommendation. This will then open up more opportunities for obtaining the more effective forms of marijuana at a more reasonable price.

Marijuana Card – Medical Cannabis Patient Program

In Illinois, please go to theIllinois Department of Public Health6(IDPH) website for more information. Here you will find more specifics about qualifying and applying for the Medical Cannabis Patient Program to obtain a medical marijuana card. The qualifications include being a resident of Illinois, having a qualifying medical condition, obtaining a signed physician certification, being at least 18 years old (although caregivers can obtain medical marijuana cards for underage patients), not driving a school bus or commercial truck, and not being an active duty law enforcement officer, correctional officer, probation officer, or firefighter. According to the IDPH website, the qualifying conditions as of August 2019 include autism, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, ALS, anorexia nervosa, Arnold-Chiari malformation, cancer, cachexia/wasting syndrome, causalgia, CIDP, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, CRPS, dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, fibrous dysplasia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, hydrocephalus, hydromyelia, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, migraines, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, myoclonus, nail-patella syndrome, neuro-behcet’s autoimmune disease, neurofibromatosis, neuropathy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, polycystic kidney disease, post-concussion syndrome, PTSD, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, residual limb pain, rheumatoid arthritis, seizures, fibromyalgia, Sjogren’s syndrome, spinal cord disease/injury with spasticity, spinocerebellar ataxia, superior canal dehiscence syndrome, syringomyelia, Tarlov cysts, Tourette syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis.

Legalization

As more states legalize marijuana use, its benefits are becoming more available to those who need it. If you are simply looking for a “high”, recreational marijuana is good enough for you. However, if you have a debilitating medical condition on the qualifying list, then you will find greater benefit with medical marijuana and its higher potency.

"We see patients in the following locations: Skokie, Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, Miami Beach, Florida, Miami Florida, Frisco, Texas, Dallas, Texas, and surrounding areas of Illinois, Florida, and Texas. Call us to book your appointment today."

StrIVeMD Wellness & Ketamineoffers evaluations for medical cards for medical-grade cannabis. If you or someone you care for has a qualifying condition as listed above and may be a candidate for a medical marijuana card, please visitwww.strivemdketamine.comor call 847-213-0990 for more information and to set up an appointment with one of our experts.

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