Are you considering the need for a medical marijuana prescription card to treat a chronic medical condition? If so, it will help to know the following 5 things about getting one.
Your Initial Doctor Appointment May Not Be Covered
It is a good idea to check with your health insurance provider and find out if a doctor visit will be covered to get a medical marijuana prescription card. You may be surprised to discover that this visit is not covered and you will have to pay for it out of pocket. Being diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a doctor is the only way to get a medical marijuana prescription card, so this is an unavoidable part of the process.
It May Cost Money To Apply For The Card
Your state may charge you for a prescription card, so it is worth looking into what your options are. For example, Illinois offers prescription cards for up to 3 years in length, with you seeing some cost savings by getting a prescription card that lasts for 3 years. This will prevent the need to go back to your doctor and be reevaluated, which may be costly if that appointment is not covered.
You Won't Have To Pay Taxes
One of the benefits of purchasing medical marijuana with a prescription card is that you will not have to pay the recreational taxes on the product you buy. You may discover that the money spent on your doctor's appointment and the card could lead to cost savings over the years by having a medical marijuana card.
You Can Skip The Long Lines For Recreational Purchases
In states where medicinal and medical marijuana use is legal, there is a distinction made between both of these types of purchases. Medical patients are often given priority with a separate line that they can wait in and a faster purchasing experience. There may even be certain hours where only medical patients can shop at the dispensary. Your prescription card can help you save a lot of hassle that you would otherwise have to deal with.
You Will Have Access To More Products
Another benefit of having a medical marijuana prescription card is that many dispensaries hold onto some of their inventory for medical patients. This is to prevent recreational users from purchasing all of a certain type of product and not leaving any for medical users. This can give you peace of mind, knowing that the product that you want will be in stock when you visit.