As states across the nation begin to fully legalize adult-use cannabis, many may be wondering what this means for the medical cannabis dispensaries and cardholders. What does it mean to be a medical cannabis patient in a world where anyone can walk into a recreational dispensary, present their state ID, and legally purchase cannabis? Is the hassle of visiting a doctor for a medical card still worth it? Are there any real benefits? The answer is yes—there are many real benefits for medical cannabis cardholders. From dosage to access and affordability, patients will find plenty of support for their ongoing care on the medical side of cannabis legality.
A major benefit offered by many states’ medical dispensaries is the lower cost for patients, which is extremely important for people who rely on cannabis for medical issues. Imagine needing life-improving medication, but not having it covered by your insurance—that is the reality of medical cannabis patients all over the country.
Dosage is extremely important when it comes to medical cannabis, and many patients need access to high-strength cannabis to alleviate symptoms. However, while recreational shops may have to abide by potency limits, medical dispensaries sometimes have more leeway. A MMID can help you to buy marijuana beyond the recreational potency limit of your state
Recreational shops are permitted to sell cannabis to anyone who is over the age of 21. While this makes sense for the general populous, children who are also cannabis patients wouldn’t have access. A medical Marijuana card allows those who are age 18 to legally access the cannabis medicine they need for their healthcare when treating cancer, epilepsy, or other ailments.
While not every medical state allows patients to grow their own medicine, many do. And the amount that one can grow is often higher for medical patients than it is for recreational consumers. In fact, the majority of states with both recreational and medical cannabis laws allow at least some wiggle room for patients to grow additional cannabis as needed. For example, in Naples, FL ,recreational growers are permitted up to four plants, while medical growers are permitted six plants. This is important for patients, who unlike recreational consumers, are dependent on the plant for their well-being and can better offset dispensary costs with their own homegrown supply. Recreational legalization will continue to grow, often in states that have already eased into legalization with medical programs. As this progress continues, it is important not to brush the medical programs aside or forget about the patients who depend on cannabis as an integral part of their health.
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