So, you’ve decided you need a medical marijuana card. Well depending on where you live, this could be a very easy procedure or quite difficult. In the US, 14 states currently allow the medical use of marijuana. These states include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. I will not go over each state that individually allows the access to medical marijuana, but I will refer you to a site that briefly covers that.

Today we will just go over general procedures to getting your “green card.”

First off, you’re going to have to show some sign of an ailment that has been troubling you. If you’re getting one for chronic pain, a few visits to a doctor concerning the same problem is good to have. I would at least have 3 on record. After a few visits, tell the doctor that the pain killer they prescribed, or any other form of treatment they prescribed for other ailments isn’t working like you expected it to and if it does give you side effects, list them out for the doctor. Then ask the doctor what they think about the use of medical marijuana. If you feel comfortable, explain how you have used it recreationally and every time you have that all your symptoms of the ailment have completely disappeared. If this doctor doesn’t support writing a recommendation for medical marijuana you can then proceed to contact The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation and they should be able to assist you in your search for a green card. Basically you just set up an appointment with one of their doctors and if they deem you fit to have a green card, they’ll get you one.

After receiving a medical marijuana card, I would recommend that you personally seek out an attorney to see what this card allows for and what it restricts you from (i.e. How much weed you can actually have on your person at one time, how many plants you can grow, etc). Unless you live in California, medical marijuana can be hard to come by without just buying from a dealer. With your new green card you are allowed, in most of these states, to grow for yourself. This may be the most financially sound way for you to go about obtaining your medicine.

If you want to know a little more detail about each state’s rules, Click Here.