More states allow medical marijuana use than recreational weed use, but in a state that has both legalized, why would you get a medical marijuana card? 

 

To start, applying for a card is pretty simple and can be done online. Some of the conditions that can qualify you for medical marijuana use include cancer, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s Disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain. 

 

There are a lot of advantages to having a medical marijuana card, like paying less for weed and having access to medical-only dispensaries. Before you write off getting a medical marijuana card just because you can head to the dispensary either way, learn more about the benefits of having one. 

 

LOWER COSTS  

 

Having a medical marijuana card can save you money. Who doesn’t want that?

 

In Michigan, recreational buyers pay the state’s 6% sales tax plus an additional 10% excise tax. Medical patients pay just the 6% sales tax and no excise tax. So on a $150 purchase, a recreational buyer would pay $174 and someone with a medical marijuana card would pay just $159. Those savings add up over time. 

 

Many dispensaries that carry medical marijuana — like us at Prosper — also offer perks through loyalty programs to save you even more money. 

 

STRONGER POTENCY

 

A medical marijuana card means access to more potent weed. 

 

In Michigan, medical marijuana facilities have to meet certain regulations. The state also has a seed-to-sale tracking system called Metrc. This just means you can be sure that the marijuana products you get from dispensaries have been accounted for and tested. And no, testing doesn’t mean someone is taking a hit of a joint to see how high they get! But marijuana is tested for potency and levels of things like chemical residue and pesticides.

 

Regulations for medical and recreational adult-use marijuana vary a bit. Gummies, baked goods, or other forms of edibles, for example, can have up to 50 mg per dose for medical marijuana products, but only 10 mg per dose for recreational adult use. Potency is important for easing whatever medical condition you have. When it comes to treating your condition, just buying recreational weed can be less sufficient. 

 

LOWER AGE RESTRICTIONS 

 

Marijuana is more accessible when used to treat medical conditions. Only adults who are 21 or older are legally allowed to possess and consume weed in Michigan, but there are young people who benefit from medicinal use. 

 

If diagnosed with a qualifying condition, you can apply for a medical marijuana card at 18 years old. 

 

 

Children can also be treated with medical marijuana. To have that happen, the child needs the recommendation of two doctors and to have an application submitted by a parent or legal guardian who is at least 21 years old and serving as their caregiver. 

 

No matter your age, to receive a medical marijuana card, you need to visit a Michigan physician, be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions, pay $40 for the application, and submit all the required documents. 

 

LEGAL PROTECTION 

 

Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Having a medical marijuana card provides you with some legal protections you wouldn’t have otherwise. 

 

If you have a medical marijuana card, you can’t be arrested, prosecuted, or penalized for medical marijuana under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA). The act sets certain protections for medical marijuana users as long as they’re following the law. For example, if you’re 21 or older, you’re allowed to have up to 2.5 ounces of weed and can grow as many as 12 plants. If you don’t comply, you no longer have the protections under the MMMA.

 

GIVES YOU CREDIBILITY

 

You may still get judged by people when using marijuana for medicinal benefits. When you have a legitimate reason to seek medical marijuana for treatment, being able to prove that with a card adds to your credibility and legitimacy. While you could buy weed recreationally, having a medical marijuana card lets people know you went through the proper procedure to use it for medical reasons, and hopefully lessens any judgment from law enforcement, your workplace, healthcare provider, and even family or friends. 

 

EASIER ACCESS 

 

Having a medical marijuana card gives you access to dispensaries that are only open to medical marijuana cardholders

 

You can’t take marijuana across state lines, so having your card becomes necessary to purchase marijuana in states where medicinal marijuana is legal, but recreational isn’t. Medical use of cannabis is allowed in 36 states but recreational use is only legal in 18. 

 

Just be sure to check what is allowed in the state you’re visiting before you travel. Some states don’t accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

 

At Prosper, we care about your health and wellness. If you want to learn more about medical marijuana and its benefits, visit us to talk with one of our Cannsultants!