Medical marijuana is now legal in 37 states and counting. Once a patient is registered with their state’s medical cannabis program, they are given a medical marijuana card (MMJ) which they can use to access high-quality medical marijuana products from legal dispensaries. The MMJ card is an identification document that shows that a person has a condition/s that qualifies for medical cannabis treatment in their state’s medical marijuana program.
Even in states where medical cannabis is legal, medical cannabis laws still vary. Each state sets its own list of “qualifying conditions” and defines how patients can get access to the medical marijuana program.
Here are all the states where you can legally get a medical marijuana card.
States Where You Can Get a Medical Marijuana Card
| State | Allows MMJ Card | Does not Allow MMJ Card |
| Alaska | Yes | |
| Alabama | Yes | |
| Arizona | Yes | |
| Arkansas | Yes | |
| California | Yes | |
| Colorado | Yes | |
| Connecticut | Yes | |
| Delaware | Yes | |
| Florida | Yes | |
| DC | Yes | |
| Georgia | No | |
| Hawaii | Yes | |
| Idaho | ||
| Illinois | Yes | |
| Indiana | No | |
| Iowa | No | |
| Kansas | No | |
| Kentucky | No | |
| Louisiana | Yes | |
| Maine | Yes | |
| Maryland | Yes | |
| Massachusetts | Yes | |
| Michigan | Yes | |
| Louisiana | Yes | |
| Minnesota | Yes | |
| Mississippi | Yes | |
| Missouri | Yes | |
| Montana | Yes | |
| Nebraska | No | |
| Nevada | Yes | |
| New Hampshire | Yes | |
| New Jersey | Yes | |
| New Mexico | Yes | |
| New York | Yes | |
| North Carolina | No | |
| North Dakota | Yes | |
| Ohio | Yes | |
| Oklahoma | Yes | |
| Oregon | Yes | |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | |
| Rhode Island | Yes | |
| South Carolina | No | |
| South Dakota | Yes | |
| Tennessee | No | |
| Texas | No | |
| Utah | Yes | |
| Vermont | Yes | |
| Virginia | Yes | |
| Washington | Yes | |
| West Virginia | Yes | |
| Wisconsin | No | |
| Wyoming | No |
If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, you might be wondering whether getting a medical marijuana card is worth the hassle. There are several benefits of having a medical marijuana card, here are 15 to consider.
1. AIDS/HIV
Patients living with HIV/ AIDS may experience a myriad of symptoms from time to time. One of the cardinal signs of AIDS is massive weight loss, aka cachexia. Studies have shown that cannabis can improve the appetite of such patients and thereby reverse the cachexia. Neuropathic pain is another common symptom that is associated with HIV; cannabis can help to sort this out. Medical cannabis can relieve HIV symptoms including the following:
· Appetite loss
· Poor sleep
· Anxiety
· Neuropathic pain
· Cachexia
2. Poor Sleep
If you are among the millions of Americans who struggle to sleep at night, cannabis might be of help. Research has shown that moderate doses of cannabis can improve the circadian rhythm and promote sleep. Just ensure that you adhere to the prescribed dosing regimen.
3. Alzheimer’s Disease
New research has shown that medical marijuana can help to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. Cannabis reduces the accumulation of protein deposits in the brain which is believed to be a trigger for Alzheimer’s. Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s are also prone to agitation and anxiety. Medical CBD is useful in relieving anxiety and promoting a general sense of relaxation in Alzheimer’s patients.
4. Arthritis
Pain is a common symptom of Arthritis. Both THC and CBD can fight inflammation, thereby reducing arthritis pain. 58 patients with arthritis who were given medical cannabis in a study showed a reduction in pain and the patients were able to sleep well at night.
5. Asthma
Preliminary studies have shown that cannabis may improve airflow in the lungs by dilating the airways. Though reports are not yet conclusive, some asthma patients may benefit from medical cannabis treatment for asthma.
6. Autism
Scientists are looking at the different ways that cannabis can help autistic children cope with the demands of life. While research is still in its infancy, there are indications suggesting that autism is associated with an imbalance in the endocannabinoid system. In a 2019 Israeli study, children with autism who were offered cannabis showed an improvement in the following symptoms:
· Reduced hyperactivity
· Improved sleep patterns
· Less rage
· Reduced anxiety
· Cancer
Some studies have shown that THC and other cannabinoids have antitumor activity against certain types of cancer tumors. Cannabis also helps to reduce chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting.
7. Chronic pain and Migraines
Cannabis has been used in the treatment of pain and migraines for decades. With a medical marijuana card, pain and migraine patients can access the best marijuana products as treatment.
8. Crohn’s disease
Cannabis can alleviate some of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. This includes reducing pain, improving appetite, and promoting general health.
9. Epilepsy
Medical marijuana can be used to manage intractable seizures in children.
10. Glaucoma
THC helps to reduce eye-pressure (intraocular). It also lowers blood pressure and hence reduces symptoms of glaucoma and preserves the nerves on the eyes.
11. Multiple sclerosis
Patients suffering from MS can benefit from using medical marijuana. Cannabis reduces muscle spasms and stiffness, thereby improving the symptoms of MS.
12. PTSD
War veterans are turning to cannabis to help them deal with PTSD. Anyone else suffering from PTSD may benefit from the anti-anxiety properties of cannabis.
13. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBS)
Medical marijuana blocks bacteria and other substances that trigger inflammation in the gut. This helps to alleviate symptoms of IBS.
14. Parkinson’s disease
Patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease usually experience tremors and poor sleep patterns. Cannabis helps to reduce these symptoms.
15. Tobacco Addiction
If you have been struggling to quit tobacco with no success, cannabis might be of help. CBD cigarettes are particularly effective in this regard.
How To Use Marijuana As Prescribed
Marijuana treatment is not for everyone. If you think that you might benefit from medical marijuana you will first need to consult with your doctor. Once prescribed, it is important to stick to the recommended dosing schedule. Marijuana may interact with some drugs adversely. It is advisable not to mix it with other drugs unless advised otherwise. Should you experience any adverse effects, stop the treatment immediately and inform your doctor.
