What Is Medical Marijuana or Medical Cannabis?

Recreational marijuana users may tell you that they use their favorite cannabis products to relax, sleep better, or deal with chronic pain. Some just use it for the high. Medical marijuana is the same substance as recreational marijuana, but what makes medical marijuana different is the fact that it was produced and prescribed for a specific purpose: Helping sick patients feel better. Read the facts below to learn more about how the medical use of this substance differs greatly from recreational use.

Medical Marijuana Facts

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, but the U.S. government tends to regulate the plant as it would any other potent drug. The following facts apply to marijuana that is used for medical purposes:

• It is highly guarded and regulated, and it is not legal in all states
• Some states have legalized the use of medical marijuana but not recreational marijuana, which means that users of medical marijuana need to register for the service and hold a card that allows them to use the plant legally
• Your card must be renewed on a regular basis, similar to any other prescription
• Cardholders must be legal adults (18 years of age and older) to qualify for a medical marijuana card
• The age limit is sometimes waived for children with severe conditions such as epilepsy or cancer

Is Marijuana Legal for All Uses in Louisiana?

No. Recreational use is still illegal — which means that if you have a qualifying condition and plan to use cannabis for medical purposes, it’s important to get your card as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could be fined for the possession of marijuana, and you may not be able to obtain it from a legal source as quickly as you need it.

What Conditions Are Usually Treated With Medical Marijuana?

If you’re investigating the health uses of marijuana, you’ve made a wise decision for yourself in taking control of your healthcare plan. Check to see if you qualify for a card by looking over the following list:

• Autism
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• HIV and AIDS
• Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis
• Seizures
• Other conditions that cause chronic pain

These are just a few of the conditions that typically qualify you for a medical marijuana card in the state of Louisiana. Find out more information about medical marijuana laws and additional qualifying conditions here.

How Do I Register for a Medical Marijuana Card?

Signing up to use medical marijuana may be more complicated than you think: The state of Louisiana has a complex system of laws and regulations when it comes to the possession of marijuana in general, and the medical use of the substance is no different. First, you must be a resident of Louisiana. A driver’s license or another form of state-issued identification is enough to document this fact.

Next, if you know you have a qualifying condition that is covered in Louisiana, it’s important to visit a local doctor that is able to confirm your condition and issue you a recommendation for medical marijuana. You can think of the recommendation as similar to any other prescription medication that you need a doctor’s permission to obtain. It’s possible, depending on the physician as well as the state of your health, that you may have this appointment through telemedicine.

Your doctor will send your prescription recommendation to a local, licensed marijuana dispensary specifically for medical patients. You will have to visit the dispensary in person to gain access to their wide range of medical marijuana products.

Get In Touch

Medical marijuana and its many uses can be a confusing topic, and it’s important to know the legal restrictions in place in your state before considering products to use. For more information about medical marijuana and obtaining your card for legal usage, get in touch with Louisiana Medical Marijuana Doctors online or by calling (504) 442-9634 as soon as possible to set up your first visit. We look forward to working with you to help restore your quality of life!