Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, dagga and cannabis, is a plant with relaxant, pain-reducing and other beneficial properties. The herb as long been used for recreational purposes but has also increasingly been the subject of scientific medical studies in recent years, thanks to the health benefits of marijuana. Due to its increasing use for common conditions and ailments, from chronic pain to epilepsy, many scour the internet for advice on how to get medical marijuana. Here are some tips:
1. Seek professional advice
In countries where medical marijuana is only legal in the form of cannabis oil and other extracts. If you discuss using medical marijuana with your GP, explain your symptoms to them and why you think medical marijuana is worth trying. Your GP should be able to advise you, and may inform you of noteworthy interactions or side effects, knowing your medical history.
2. Bring relevant documents
This applies specifically to getting medical marijuana in places like the US, where it is a controlled substance in some states. Individuals seeking medical marijuana typically need to bring along a government ID to prove residence of the state. If you don’t have an ID, you can prove your residence by showing a recent utility bill. Also take all your medical records as doctors need to evaluate your condition for recommendation.
In the US, medical marijuana is increasingly used as an alternative treatment for conditions like epilepsy, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, appetite loss in HIV/AIDS patients, and muscle spasms. Despite all these uses of medical marijuana it still hasn’t been approved by the FDA as there is not enough data on these drugs to classify it safe for public use. As it is still largely a controlled substance, it’s important to have any required legal documents.
3. Ensure you meet requirements to get medical marijuana
Most of the states in US have passed bills to legalize the use of medicinal marijuana, but still there are legal elements to procuring it lawfully. To buy medicinal marijuana, you need to meet requirements and have a recommendation letter at least from a certified doctor. After having the recommendation letter, you can get your prescribed drugs from a dispensary in most of the states, or you will have to apply for a medical marijuana ID card to be able to purchase it.
In South Africa, by contrast, it is legal to grow and use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes in your own home. The ruling by the Western Cape’s High Court permitting this use is still relatively recent, and it is not yet legal to trade marijuana for recreational or medical use.
4. Be thorough in discussing your condition
Since you’re seeking marijuana for medical purposes, to improve your health and quality of life, don’t be afraid to discuss medical marijuana frankly with your GP. Use your medical records and documents as evidence of your sound reasons for exploring this treatment option.
5. Clarify you’re not seeking medical marijuana for recreational use
When obtaining medical dagga or marijuana for treatment, try not to exhibit signals that could be read as your being addicted to marijuana for recreational use.
Although medical marijuana is widely used for both medical and recreational purposes, there is still some stigma and controversy surrounding its use. Thus it’s best to tread cautiously and clarify your reasons for investigating this treatment avenue upfront.