A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington State
The last few years have seen quite some shifts concerning what is known about marijuana use and the policies that surround the same in the United States of America. Washington State was at the forefront of recreational marijuana use in 2012 although it is the truth that for one reason or another including easier access to stronger items and cheaper prices among other are factors as well as just plain luck to grow their own cannabis, thousands of patients will get the medical marijuana card. Read through this guide for a comprehensive breakdown of all the information that you will need in applying for a medical marijuana card in Washington.
What is known as a Medical Marijuana Card.
It is an identification document that has a legal sanction from a state giving the patient the right to purchase and use marijuana for medicinal use. For the clients who need marijuana for some specific medical condition as provided by the Washington State law, this is the card that they cannot do without giving.
Legalization of Marijuana: Why it should be Legalized in Every State of America
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Washington, you must meet the qualification standards set forth by the following requirements: The qualifying conditions that must be met to receive a medical marijuana card in Washington are as follows:
Eligibility Requirements
For one to be eligible in order to receive the medical marijuana card in Washington state the following qualities come next;
Age: Some of the essential requirements as a candidate include; You must be at least 18 years of age. Minors are also allowed while one of the authorized caregivers must be a parent or guardian of the minor.
Medical Conditions: It is however important to note that the state of Washington still permits several conditions that make a person eligible for medical marijuana.
Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Multiple Sclerosis
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Crohn’s Disease
Chronic pain
PTSD-or any other medical condition including post-traumatic stress disorder
and many more will be diagnosed by a licensed doctor.
Domicile: You must be a resident of Washington State.
Medical Recommendation: You should have a recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider qualified to issue a medical marijuana prescription.
The Application Process
Step 1: Consult a Health Care Provider
First is consulting a licensed health provider who has experience in using medical marijuana. With your consultation, you’ll find all about your medical history and symptoms. Upon that, your health care provider will provide you with a written recommendation once they approve that this treatment might help your current condition.
Step 2: Acquire All Relevant Documents
Once you receive the recommendation, you have to prepare some supporting documents for your application. Those include:
• Application form: it is accessible for download on the website of the Washington State Department of Health.
• Written recommendation by your doctor.
• Proof that you reside in Washington State: driver’s license or utility bill.
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
Application Step 3.
To submit your application, you can do it online or through the post. If you are submitting it through the internet, you are required to create an account in the Washington State Medical Marijuana Authorization Database. Depending on your personal financial status, your application fee varies from $1 to $10.
Step 4: Waiting for Approval
There is permission to send an application, after which, following a couple of days or weeks, the confirmation email will arrive, and after your application is approved, you will receive an email or postal mail for your medical marijuana card.
Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card
Higher Potency Products and/or Products Available: Because the laws will allow medical marijuana patients to have access to some products not recreationally available, higher potency options and especially products designed for medical use only will be available to them.
Not as Much Taxes: In Washington, medical marijuana is less in taxes than recreational marijuana, thus saving the treatment-dependent patient money.
Cultivation Rights: Patients are allowed to grow their plant; hence, they are masters of their medicine.
Legal Defenses: Those patients having a medical marijuana card have legal protections towards the matter of possession and use in that state.
Things to Keep in Mind
You would have to renew a medical marijuana card in the state of Washington annually. This therefore requires some vigilance on your part, and preferably an early application to avoid any break in your legal status.
Caregiver Designation
If you have a caregiver who is going to help you get or administer your medical marijuana, then you can enlist the services of a caregiver along with your application. Caregivers also need to be registered with the state, though they qualify under certain eligibility criteria for this.
Washington does allow out-of-state patients to use their medical marijuana card in state dispensaries, but check each dispensary separately for the most current policies.
Conclusion
Obtaining a medical marijuana card in Washington State can be pretty painless. You can obviously help improve quality of life for patients suffering from qualifying medical conditions by doing so. The applications, on this page, show the guidelines to follow as you apply for the registered medical marijuana; using these steps, you will, therefore, fill in the applications, and you will be enabled to benefit from all registered medical marijuana benefits. This means whether it will be relief for chronic pain or even an alternative treatment for other health conditions you’re trying to find, medical marijuana can make it accessible and provide necessary legal protection in order to help mend and alleviate your health care. Check out www.MMJ.com for more information and more resources.