Although this green plant saves lives and drastically improves the quality of others, it’s still very difficult to get medical marijuana these days. If you have strict laws and bans in your state or a tough process of getting it, getting your hands on medical marijuana treatment can be tough.
Whether you’re looking to get into alternative meds, or you’re curious to learn about medical marijuana treatment, you’re in luck! Here’s everything you need to know about safely getting approved for medical marijuana to stay in the know. Follow this easy-to-follow 7-step guide to stay informed and get your medicine on like a pro!
Do Your Research
When it comes to getting your hands on some medical marijuana and treatment, you’re first going to need to do some research. Rule out if you can get a cannabis card online in your area because it’s easier and more convenient. Look into your local laws and regulations to see whether getting a marijuana license is possible in your area, and what you’d need.
Talk to your local dispensaries and medical professionals to see if they have any useful pointers or information. Make sure to look into whether you need a medical marijuana license and whether or not it’s the right path for you. Doing your research on time helps you keep things organized and gets you your medicine sooner rather than later.
Request An Appointment
Once you’ve got the initial research out of the way and you know what you’re doing, it’s time to get to work getting treatment! Before you can get any closer to getting your medical marijuana or card, you’re going to have to request and book an appointment.
Like in any other medical field, getting access to medical marijuana the legal way requires a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy. If you’re not sure where or who to contact, do some research in your local area. Talk to your local dispensaries or someone who already has access to treatment, for pointers. Once you’ve gotten your appointment, don’t forget to jot it down so you don’t forget!
Register As A Patient
Once you’ve chosen and requested an appointment, you can start registering as a patient! Depending on the state you live in, the process may differ, but your initial first step should be to register yourself as a patient. States that allow medical marijuana as a treatment will have designated institutions and places for you to register.
This first step is often the trickiest and may use up the most time, effort, and paperwork, so keep that in mind. When registering, be prepared for the Process Overview and to answer a lot of questions about yourself. Once you’ve registered, you’ll have to sit and wait until you get your results back.
Certify Yourself
If you’re after getting a medical marijuana card, you’re going to have to certify yourself as a patient after you register. The criteria for this can depend on a lot of factors and differs from state to state, so be sure to look into it. No matter what state you’re in, there are a few key things you’re going to need to verify before you’re approved as a patient.
For starters, you’re going to need to be able to prove your identity and have proof that you live in the state you’re applying in. You also need to prove a bona fide relationship with a healthcare provider who has a registered marijuana program for you. Once you’ve gotten all of this out of the way, you’re halfway there!
Certify Your Provider
After you’ve gotten yourself certified, there’s one more certification you’ll need to do before you can get medicated. Like in the previous point, your next step is to certify your provider. You’re going to need to do this in the form of a valid written certification from a registered provider or dispensary.
The provider of your medication must also approve of its use as a treatment for whatever condition you have and want to use it for. The accepted and approved conditions can vary from state to state, so be sure to look them up before contacting your provider. From anorexia to chronic pain to PTSD, you’re going to need written confirmation of your condition before you can get medicated.
Visit A Licensed Dispensary
Finally, now that you’ve gotten your license or access to medication, it’s time to get medicated! The easiest and most legal way to do this is to visit your local licensed dispensary to get your medicine. If you’re allowed to use medical marijuana in your town or state, there should be plenty to choose from.
Make sure to avoid going to unlicensed individuals or dispensaries to get your meds, as this can lead to legal problems down the line. Don’t put your access to the medication you need on the line for the sake of convenience! Always and only ever go to licensed dispensaries to get your medical marijuana to stay on the safe side!
Stay On Top Of Your Paperwork
Last but not least, if you want to keep things safe and legal for the long term when using medical marijuana, you need to stay on top of your paperwork. Staying on top of things makes sure that you will be able to have access to the medication you need for longer and without problems.
With things like medical marijuana licenses, once you get them, it’s unfortunately not a done deal. If you want to have access to this medication, you’re going to have to be on the ball for the rest of your life. Never miss a check-up, re-evaluation, or re-registry, or you could lose it all and it can be a nightmare to get it back.
So there you have it! With these seven steps in mind, you’re ready to get your hands on a certified medical marijuana program in no time! Start by doing your research and requesting an appointment to register as a patient.
When registering, make sure to certify both yourself and your provider, and don’t forget to only use licensed dispensaries. Last but not least, don’t forget to stay on the ball and top of your paperwork, and you’re good to go! Good luck and happy medicating!
