You will first need to check with your state’s health department website and determine if your ailment is allowed by your state to be treated with medical marijuana. The procedure for getting a medical marijuana card differs per state, but there are similar patterns in the process. Since research is limited on the medical benefits of marijuana, it may pose a problem for individuals who rely on marijuana to ease symptoms of diseases that do not have documented evidence of success. Because of this, some policymakers are pushing for states to only allow acquisition of the medical marijuana cards for those who have physical and mental problems which have documented evidence of medicinal benefit. It is easier to have access to marijuana with the card, increasing the risk of abuse. Since there are no guidelines for how schools handle students who are medically qualified to use cannabis, school nurses will not administer medical marijuana to a student because it is illegal on a federal level.Īccording to a study by researchers from the RAND corporation, medical marijuana cards are more sought after by individuals who are heavy users of marijuana than those who have physical or mental issues that the drug can remedy. Some companies even have zero-tolerance policies, which means if your drug test comes out positive, you can lose your job, or they will not hire you if you are applying for the job. Many companies have straightforward policies regarding the use of illicit drugs, including marijuana.
This concern is especially true if the job entails operating a vehicle or handling heavy machinery. It is good because those who need it to treat their condition can have easy access, but on the other hand, there are concerns of an increase in marijuana use for those underaged since supply is easier to get.īecause there is currently no proper guidance for businesses and companies regarding medical marijuana use, employees who are qualified to use cannabis for their medical condition may be seen by their employers as a safety risk.
The ease of acquiring marijuana can be a positive as well as a negative. Having a medical marijuana card also makes acquiring marijuana reasonably easy when you live in a state where it’s legal.
While there are already 36 US states, the District of Columbia, and four US territories that have permitted the medical use of marijuana, there are still some unintended consequences for possessing a medical marijuana card. Is It Bad Having A Medical Marijuana Card?