Can You Buy Marijuana Legally? Here's 4 Instances When The Answer Is Yes
The use of marijuana has been a controversial topic for many years. However, with more states passing legislation to legalize it in some form, it is only a matter of time before it becomes legal at the federal level. This post will discuss how you can buy marijuana legally and how you can go about it.
Medical Marijuana Is Most Prevalent
In the United States today, it is legal to possess and consume medical marijuana in 37 states and Washington D.C., where it can be obtained by prescription from a doctor and consumed in various ways, including pills and oils. However, just because it's legal doesn't mean it's straightforward to obtain. Many states will require sellers to get hold of medical certification before they are legally allowed to sell cannabis to those in need. Nonetheless, regardless of how you buy it, there are many reasons why people use medical marijuana:
To relieve pain
To help with nausea or vomiting caused by cancer treatment
To control muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis (M.S.)
To reduce inflammation due to arthritis or other chronic illness
How To Buy It Legally
In most instances, you will need a valid health card and a doctor's prescription to be able to purchase medical marijuana legally. Moreover, because it is still illegal at the federal level, you are unable to buy it in another state and bring it back on your own. Nevertheless, there are a few ways that you can obtain this medication if you believe it will alleviate some of your symptoms.
1. Live In A Legal State
In most states with medical marijuana laws, patients are required to get a state-issued card or authorization before they can buy cannabis products from a dispensary. Fortunately, because over half of all states have legalized some form of marijuana, it is highly likely that you live in one. The following states are those that have legalized use either for a medical reason or recreational use (excluding states that only allow CBD):
2. Have A Recognized Medical Condition
Many studies report that medical marijuana can ease symptoms of a variety of conditions. State laws determine which conditions qualify people for marijuana use as a medical treatment. Be sure to check your state's regulations if you intend to use marijuana medically. Medical marijuana may be available in your state, depending on specific requirements and qualifying conditions, such as:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms
Crohn's disease
Severe and chronic pain
Epilepsy and seizures
Glaucoma
Alzheimer's disease
HIV/AIDS
3. Get A Medical Card From Your State
A medical marijuana card gives you the same legal protections as any other prescription drug, like protection from arrest for possession, protection from prosecution for using the drug in accordance with your physician's recommendation, and protection from eviction if you use it on-site at your residence. However, you will need to apply for this card, with the process varying from state to state.
4. Buy From A Dispensary If Fully Legal
There are many different types of medical marijuana dispensaries, and they vary in the types of products they sell and the rules that they follow. These dispensaries usually allow people to buy cannabis products with a doctor's recommendation or prescription. If you have the relevant documentation, you can usually buy directly from a private dispensary as long as it is fully licensed and registered with the state.
Some Things To Consider Before Using Cannabis
Before you jump headfirst into the world of medical cannabis, there are a few things you should consider.
Your results may differ from another's: Although you might have heard numerous success stories, something other than what works for one person might not be suitable for you.
There are different strains with differing effects: There are various amounts of cannabinoids in each strain of marijuana, only some of which have medicinal properties.
You don't always have to smoke it: If you are worried about having to inhale smoke, you need not. You can consume medical cannabis in various ways, from ingesting to dropping oil.
THC can produce undesirable effects in some people: Some people don't get along with cannabis due to the THC having detrimental side effects.
Most states now allow citizens to purchase marijuana legally, but many still restrict its use to medical purposes. Nevertheless, you should be fine if you live in a legal state, have a recognized condition, and purchase it from a full-licensed dispensary.
