The drug isn’t just for lighting up in the school bathroom or hot boxing your parents car, there is a real history and purpose to marijuana. The drug was first cultivated in China for therapy — and recreational use — over 4,700 years ago and is one of the most widely-used organic drugs in the world.
About Medical Marijuana: Also known as cannabis, this plant is used to treat diseases or alleviate disease or injury symptoms. Today, many western societies are grappling with the idea of whether or not it is appropriate to use in the medical industry.
Nevertheless, medical marijuana doctors have sprung up everywhere in the United States in an attempt to quench the demand, though progress to incorporate the drug is slow-going. At the turn of the 20th century, more than 20 prescriptions that contained marijuana were sold in U.S. pharmacies, even though the medications were not widely available until 1942.
Uses for Medical Marijuana: The drug has been used to reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy or who suffer from AIDS. It is also used to treat any severe muscle pains and muscle spasms instead of having to be prescribed addictive opioid painkillers.
Is it Safe? Studies suggest that the rates of marijuana use among the younger generation will decrease when states adopt medical marijuana. The long-term effects of the drug are still under investigation, but some studies have linked it to memory and cognition issues and possible dependence.
How to Receive Medical Marijuana: There are plenty of medical marijuana doctors around the nation, but you will need to go through a few steps before you can get your ID card.
Doctors who prescribe medical marijuana will first evaluate whether or not your condition has improved. If so, you may not need the drug. Every state has a list of conditions that are approved for the use of medical marijuana — check this first.
You will also need written documentation from your doctor. Find a family doctor that will be willing and able to write a prescription for you. If their practice does not honor this procedure, they may be able to recommend local medical marijuana doctors that you can seek out. A written document from your doctor is the most important piece in the process of obtaining your ID card.
Many states require that you fill out an application form in order to enroll or renew your enrollment in a medical marijuana prescription. If you are under 18 years old, you must have a parent or guardian fill the form out with you.
Once the form is filled out, you will need to pay a fee (from $100 to $250 depending on the state) to the county and/or state you live in. If you have any Medicaid benefits, you may be charged a reduced fee. After this payment and the submission of your paperwork, you simply need to wait for the card to arrive via mail.