Do you want to get a medical marijuana card online? The good news is that this process is easy and widely available across the country.
Using an online platform to see a physician so you can receive a recommendation for medical cannabis is a new but popular way of accessing state programs.
Via telemedicine, you can complete a video consultation and an online application at a time that suits you for a quick, easy, and convenient service.
Use discount code MISSMJMAG to get $10 off your appointment at Leafwell.com
How to get a medical marijuana card online
Step 1: Determine If Your State Allows Telemedicine
Since medical marijuana isn’t legalized at the federal level, every state has regulations that govern the legality of using and possessing medical cannabis. These regulations also include whether telemedicine is allowed.
Telemedicine, sometimes called telehealth, is the practice of connecting with a medical professional via technology, either through a video conference or a traditional phone call.
It’s become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient, quick way to see medical marijuana patients no matter where they’re located. The states with the most relaxed medical cannabis laws are:
● California
● Nevada
● Colorado
● Massachusetts
● Illinois
● Oregon
● Michigan
● Arizona
● Maine
● Washington
In contrast, the states with the most strict cannabis laws are:
● Georgia
● Iowa
● Texas
● Utah
Most of these states offer some format of telemedicine service to obtain a medical marijuana card, but be sure to check out the specific requirements to understand the varying complexities of each state’s application process.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Before you apply for a medical marijuana card (MMJ card, for short), you’ll need to check if you have a qualifying medical condition. Most states have a list of qualifying health conditions, and it’s from this list that tele-health doctors must decide whether a patient qualifies for cannabis use.
You’ll need to meet with a state-licensed physician to confirm you’re suffering from a pre-approved condition. While the exact requirements vary by program, these are the most commonly featured:
● ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
● Anxiety disorders and depression.
● Autism.
● Cancer (and side effects from chemotherapy).
● Chronic pain (for some states, this expands to include migraines, headaches,
and arthritis).
● Glaucoma.
● Hepatitis C.
● HIV/AIDS.
● Inflammatory bowel diseases, in particular, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
● Neurodegenerative Diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease, multiple sclerosis,
Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease).
● Persistent muscle spasms and cramps from conditions.
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
● Seizures (e.g., from epilepsy).
● Severe nausea.
● Spinal cord injuries or diseases.
● Wasting syndrome and cachexia (some states also mention anorexia or bulimia as a qualifying condition).
Most states will also issue MMJ cards for patients with terminal illnesses as a part of their palliative care. However, some states specifically allow this only when a patient has a life expectancy of six to twelve months.
Caregivers can also check their eligibility to help medical marijuana patients acquire their medicine. Each state has its own requirements (e.g., over 18 years old, may only be the parent of a minor patient, etc.) and usually require caregivers to pass a criminal background check.
A patient must designate an assigned caregiver as a part of the MMJ card application process, and the caregiver must reference the patient in their application. Check your state’s specific requirements to make the application process as smooth and fast as possible.
Step 3: Book a Telehealth Appointment Through Leafwell
Once you’re ready to start the MISSMJMAG card process, book a telehealth appointment to connect to a doctor at Leafwell. This appointment allows you to meet with a qualifying physician from the comfort of your home while resting, assured all meetings are HIPAA compliant, and your health privacy is safe.
Use discount code MISSMJMAG to get $10 off your appointment at Leafwell.com
Fill out Leafwell’s application form on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone to book your appointment. Enter the virtual waiting room and hang tight until a doctor from your state is available – usually only a few minutes. If you’re short on time, you can have the doctor call you back at your convenience.
Your physician will ask some standardized questions about your health in your meeting, just like an in-person medical visit. The doctor will consult your medical history and ask about the condition you’re seeking medical cannabis as a treatment. You can also ask the physician any questions about cannabis as medicine.
If you’re approved for medical cannabis, Leafwell will email your approval shortly after the end of your appointment.
Apply to Your State’s Medical Marijuana Program
Nearly every state requires you to register for their medical marijuana program with a certificate from a licensed medical professional. Now that you have your medical marijuana approval, you’re ready to apply to your state’s program.
The process varies for each state. For some, Leafwell will send a PDF copy of your certificate, which you can download and upload to your state’s medical marijuana program portal.
Use discount code MMO to get $10 off
For others, your physician will submit your details directly to the state, and then you can complete the process on the government website. A few states still require a physical certificate to be mailed out, which will arrive from Leafwell about 7-10 days after your consultation.
As each state has its program, there may be different application processes and fees depending on where you live.
Be sure also to check how often you need to renew your MMJ card: for example, Illinois cards are valid for three years, whereas Utah starts with 90-day certificates, followed by six months, and then one year!
Get Approved and Receive Your Medical Cannabis Card
Following approval, your state will provide you with a digital card or mail you a plastic medical marijuana card to use as an ID to purchase cannabis from your local dispensary legally.
This isn’t the case in every state: some states don’t have digital or physical cards. Some only require the certificate, and some have entirely virtual databases that dispensaries access using your state ID.
Never fear: despite the dizzying array of different rules, the Leafwell team is ready to help you fully understand medical marijuana laws in your state and will guide you through the process towards improved wellness.
Ready to connect with a medical cannabis professional? Get your medical marijuana card online with Leafwell.