What are the Qualifications for Medical Marijuana Cards in California
Currently, marijuana is classified under Schedule I drugs, so it remains illegal under Federal law. That’s to say if you are caught with marijuana you could be jailed for up to one year or pay a fine amounting to $1,000. However, good news is that chances of getting arrested are still low because in many parts medical marijuana is legal and most recently several states including California legalized recreational marijuana.
What you need to be allowed to consume medical marijuana is to prove that you have a medical qualifying condition that fronts you as a perfect candidate for medical marijuana. There are 39 conditions and diseases listed in the Compassionate Act. Here is an in-depth preview of California medical marijuana qualifications and how to apply for a medical card. These conditions are good excuses to get a medical card. These are just a few of the many conditions that you will find in the 39 conditions and diseases listed in the Compassionate Act, so if you fail to see one of the conditions you need to learn about the information is available in the Act.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that is still not clearly understood. This condition includes joint pain or joint disease and can affect people of all ages. Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in America and symptoms of the condition include pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and stiffness. Researchers have found that medical marijuana is helping patients of anorexia, so this is one of the reasons to get a medical marijuana card in California.
Cancer
Cancer belongs to a class of diseases that involve an out-of-control growth of cells and as of today, there are more than 100 types of cancer. Many treatments that work are available but not all the types of cancer come with the ease to heal quickly. Cancer is one of the qualifying conditions of getting a MMJ card and this is backed by evidence provided after research.
Researchers used mice to test the effectiveness of cannabis in cancer treatment. They used cannabinoids, which prevent growth of tumor and it was shown that cannabinoids can help to kill cancer cells. Any cancer patient should review California medical card rulesto understand how to apply for one because this is something that could help them deal with cancer.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain is one of the most common diseases in the U.S. that affects about 100 million people. It appears as part of the California medical marijuana 2018 list of conditions when applying for a medical marijuana card in California. This is pain that lasts more than six months and the common sources include joint pain, headaches, backaches, and pain from injuries. A few studies of chronic pain have shown that marijuana is an effective treatment solution. Marijuana contains cannabinoids, which release endogenous opioids that help to moderate the pain. Marijuana is also a safer solution than many other medical treatment solutions.
Depression
Depression mainly affects the way you feel and could impact how you think and act. The good thing is that depression is treatable and one of the medications recommended is medical marijuana. Marijuana is the best option in this case because unlike antidepressants, it does not have side effects. It is a natural alternative that will get you relaxed in minutes, so if you don’t have a medical marijuana card in California you are missing a lot of benefits.
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, an anxiety disorder, develops when you are exposed to terrifying events that lead to significant emotional and physical harm. Such events could include disasters or personal assaults. Persons who have PTSD get terrifying thoughts, suffer from sleep problems, and may feel detached. Research has shown that patients of PSTD responded better to marijuana and it helped them calm. This makes marijuana a safe treatment solution for PTSD.
Other conditions mentioned in the California medical card rulesinclude epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Anorexia, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, parkinson’s disease, migraines, muscle spasms, cachexia, and all other diseases that can limit the ability of the patient to do some important life activities (refer from the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990).
If you have any of the 39 conditions and diseases listed in the Compassionate Act, you should take that as one of the wayshow to get a medical card in California easy. Here is a comprehensive walkthrough that should help you apply for a medical card in California.
How to get a medical card in California easy
Getting California medical cards is easy. All you need is to prove that you have the qualifying condition, show that you are a resident of the state, and satisfy the age requirement. The application process is easy as you can do it online on one of the many available online services that help you to get a recommendation. The online process includes California medical marijuana evaluations,where the doctor will ask you a few questions to determine if you qualify to use medical marijuana. To get the card, you should fill the Application/Renewal Form CDPH 9042, after you have received the recommendation letter.
Requirements for a California medical marijuana card
You should have a qualifying condition as described above
You need to provide proof of residence (either a driver’s license or a bill)
Provide a report of your medical history
Submit the written recommendation from a doctor recommending marijuana for your condition
A government-issued ID card
What age can you get a medical card?
The minimum age to use medical marijuana is 18 years, so to get a card you have to be 18 years or above. Note that this is only applicable to medical marijuana users, so those who opt for recreational marijuana have to be aged 21 years and above to be allowed to buy and consume marijuana.