2018 has been a HUGE year for the cannabis industry. With more states changing their position on the topic over the last twelve months and some pretty groundbreaking moments, we can undoubtedly enter the New Year with something to be thankful for!
There are currently a record number of states allowing for both medicinal and recreational use, with Michigan being the 10th state to allow for cannabis use recreationally just last month! This along with a further 33 states with laws allowing for medical marijuana use for qualifying conditions means that things have never looked brighter.
If you are wondering whether you could benefit from medical marijuana, you’ve come to the right place! Today we are looking at five of the most common conditions that will be sure to get you a medical marijuana card!
What is a Medical Marijuana Card?
Before we jump into the qualifying conditions, let’s first take a quick look at what medical marijuana (MMJ) card is!
A medical marijuana card is a state-issued identification card. Each state holds its own standpoint on the topic of medical marijuana, and qualifying conditions can vary from one state to the next, so it is always important to check the laws of your state before seeking out a medical marijuana card.
If you do qualify for medical marijuana, you will be issued a medical cannabis card, which allows you to get medical cannabis just so long as you have a doctor’s recommendation.
These 5 Conditions Will Get You an MMJ Card…
Let’s get right into it, shall we? Below we have listed five of the most common conditions which qualify for a medical marijuana card in the U.S.
Please be aware that not every condition is listed here, and that not every state has the same laws, so please check your own state’s laws around medical marijuana before getting too excited.
#1 Cancer
Although research is ongoing into the efficacy of cannabis on cancer itself, it has been widely recognized as a positive treatment to help with the side effects of both cancer and the treatments of cancer, such as chemotherapy.
Some of the most common reasons why cancer patients take cannabis are to:
- Reduce Nausea
- Increase Appetite
- Help promote good sleep
- Alleviate pain
It is thought that cannabis strains which possess both CBD and THC, are the best to help alleviate some symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment. While not every state allows medical cannabis to treat cancer, more and more states have added it to their list of qualifying conditions, such as the following:
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
These are just a sample of the states that allow for medical cannabis as a treatment for cancer; please check the laws of your state to find out if you can get access to medical marijuana.
#2 Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye condition which affects around three million Americans. Glaucoma occurs when there is a build up of intraocular pressure causing damage if left untreated. Glaucoma can cause permanent blindness in some cases, but also has a host of other symptoms, which can be seen below:
- Pain behind the eyes
- Sudden loss of vision or disturbed vision
- Blurred vision
- Red eyes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
When consumed sublingually rather than through smoking, research has shown that cannabis can actually reduce intraocular eye pressure significantly. This has resulted in a number of states allowing for Glaucoma to qualify as a condition for medical marijuana.
#3 Epilepsy
Perhaps the most commonly approved condition when it comes to medical marijuana, epilepsy is greatly known to benefit from medical marijuana and is a qualifying condition in most states.
As recently as this year we have seen the first-ever FDA approved cannabis-based treatment, which happens to be for a specific type of epilepsy found in children. However, whole cannabis has been shown to have the following benefits for those who have epilepsy:
- Significantly reduces seizures (by as much as 42%)
- Reduce anxiety
#4 Alzheimer’s
Cannabis is a proven antioxidant, which has been shown to help with a number of neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s, which is a form of dementia and is degenerative.
Alzheimer’s can impact everything from memory to the ability to perform everyday activities and can be incredibly hard to live with.
Cannabis has been shown to have the ability to restore some quality of life in sufferers of Alzheimer’s, helping to improve cognitive thoughts and reduce physical symptoms such as mobility issues and muscle spasticity.
Many states have approved Alzheimer’s as a qualifying condition, along with many other common degenerative diseases.
#5 Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a condition, which affects the intestines, causing inflammation, which can lead to ulcers, and debilitating side effects. Some of the symptoms of Crohn’s can be seen below:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Pain
- Bloating
Cannabis has been widely recognised to reduce inflammation, allowing it to be useful for multiple conditions as well as Crohn’s itself. Using cannabis where it is a qualifying condition can help reduce pain and inflammation and allow for a more regular daily life.
Have You Got Your MMJ Card Yet?
If you are reading this and realize you may qualify for medical marijuana, then what are you waiting for? The most effective way to find out is to check your state’s laws around medical cannabis and go from there.
We haven’t discussed every qualifying condition today, so let us know if you’d like a part two down in the comments!
There are many more as well apart from the few mentioned above. Just check out the exact list for your state to be sure of your rights.
This is great for these five things. I am proud of Virginia for the effort. However, in my opinion, it is all a smoke screen. I am waiting to see the first person with a card. I am a mental health professional with over 30 years of experience. This may be a baby step in the right direction but it is congruent with the overall ignorance of our leaders. I am happy for those that can get a card. By the way, good luck with that. Leave it to Virginia to half ass do something.
I have multiple sclerosis, arthritis, fibro., and every little thing that comes with it. I’m very young yet feel older. Will this help me with the pain and get me off the meds.?
I will not take perception pain meds anymore. I have got multiple shots. No pills wondering if it will help in WV?
Are there any other conditions besides the 5 listed to get medical marijuana card? I have been put through the wringer with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, 6 hip surgeries, neck was rebuilt with metal and I have arthritis ( 3 types). I’ve been in pain for 30 years and now comes some relief but I don’t qualify.
It depends which state you live in, but yes arthritis is a common condition to get a MMJ card for. You should check out the rest of the articles on the site.
I have fibromyalgia which makes days severe to even move at all w/o pain. Also have glaucoma the pressure behind the eyes builds up and hurts also surgery left me with severe dry eye that constantly torments me and I have to use drops. Pkanty of them plus a prescription drop pataday due to allergies in eyes so I don’t rub due to the stent and catoract
I was electrocuted and fell from pole broke back neck headinjury. Result depression anxiety ptsd agoraphobia back and neck pain
I was addicted to pain meds. Cannabis helped me get off the real drugs.
I am ready to make the move..I have a number of serious, but not terminal conditions which I suffer daily..
Multiple Sclerosis..I have heard of many people who have gotten varying levels of relief with medical grade mj..
Chronic Pancreatitis, with Biliary Disease..chronic pain from this for 24+ years..
Arthritis..can barely move without severe pain..
Post thyroidectomy..ugh
Fibromyalgia..which sucks enough all by itself
.sometimes I cannot tell what kind of pain I am having on any given day..
My doctor cut my pain medicine down to one a day if needed,she writes the script up for 20 loratab,per month.Well bless her heart for trying to help,but I’m in constant pain.My back is twisting in every direction,at times I wish I could crush it with a sledge hammer.She mentioned medical marjuana to me,I am so on board for some relief,I pray it will happen,and I will have some reflief after 22 years of this.
How can I get medical marijuana on Floridaxeith no insurance?