What are the benefits of a medical marijuana card?

Medical marijuana is currently legal in 39 states and the District of Columbia, and recreational use is legal in 24 states.

With recreational use being legal in so many places, should you still apply for a medical marijuana card?

The short answer? Yes.

A medical marijuana card offers many benefits, from personal freedom to tax savings. Here are some reasons you should consider speaking with a qualified medical professional about obtaining a medical cannabis card.

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1. Enhanced legal protection

Depending on where you live, having a medical cannabis card can offer legal protection. In states that haven’t legalized recreational use, having a card is the only legal way to buy, possess, and consume cannabis.

Many states provide other legal protections to medical cannabis cardholders. For example, a number of states, including Colorado and Pennsylvania, protect employees from being fired for having a medical marijuana card.

2. Access to better-quality products

Cannabis products sold in dispensaries are made under more strict regulatory standards compared to those sold on the black market.

Before products can hit dispensary shelves, they’re required to undergo third-party laboratory testing. This is where they’re checked to ensure they meet regulatory standards for safety, quality, and purity. As a result, people who have a medical cannabis card know that what they’re buying is both safe and effective.

Even in states where recreational use is legal, having a medical card gives you access to higher-potency products. If you have a severe form of a condition like chronic pain or anxiety, you might need a higher-than-average dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to find relief. States allow people who have a medical marijuana card to buy products with a higher THC potency, while recreational users usually have stricter limits.

3. Higher possession limits

In states where recreational use is legal, people who have a medical cannabis card can often legally possess larger quantities of cannabis than non-cardholders. This helps if you need a high dose each day to manage a health condition.

Exact limits on how much you can possess at one time vary from state to state.

4. Higher purchase limits

A medical marijuana card also allows you to purchase higher amounts of cannabis at a dispensary compared to recreational users. This means that you don’t have to go to the dispensary as frequently to maintain your supply.

The exact purchase limit for cardholders depends on your state’s rules.

5. Tax savings

When you buy cannabis with a medical card, you can save money in taxes, while recreational users cannot. In some states, like New Jersey and Vermont, cardholders pay 0% tax. Other states, like California and Illinois, offer tax savings of 20% or higher.

6. Increased ability to grow your own cannabis

The ability to legally grow your own cannabis — and the amount you can grow — varies from state to state. But if you’re looking to grow your own plants, having a medical marijuana card usually comes with added benefits.

For example, in Arizona, a medical card lets you grow up to 12 plants, while those without a card can only grow six. In Hawaii, you can grow 10 plants if you have a medical card, while non-medical users can’t grow cannabis at all.

For reference, a single plant can produce at least 1 ounce of flower buds, providing an ample supply for your medical needs.

Being able to grow cannabis at home gives you access to flower for lower prices than it costs at the dispensary.

7. Access for minors or caregivers

In most states, you must be at least 21 years old to buy cannabis without a medical card. If you’re under 21, having a medical card may be the only way to purchase cannabis legally. People 18 and older can obtain a medical card.

If a minor has an appropriate cannabis recommendation from their healthcare team, a caregiver can apply for a caregiver medical marijuana card.

Once approved, the caregiver can make legal cannabis purchases at a dispensary and administer them to the minor.

8. Access to medical guidance

Having a medical cannabis card allows you to connect with a licensed healthcare professional who can answer any questions you may have about using cannabis to manage your health.

The first step to obtaining a medical card is making an appointment with a doctor who can recommend cannabis. This doctor can also give you guidance on how to best use cannabis for your specific health-related needs. They can recommend dosage amounts, strains, and product types that are most likely to relieve your symptoms.

Companies like Leafwell use telemedicine to connect you with a licensed telehealth doctor. This way, you can get guidance from a healthcare professional without having to leave the comfort of your home.

9. Increased access while traveling

Without a medical card, you may not be able to access cannabis legally when you’re traveling out of state. This can be especially disruptive if you’re using cannabis to treat a health condition.

Reciprocity laws exist in a lot of states where cannabis is legal for medical use, which means that you can use your card to purchase medical cannabis in other states while traveling.

For example, states like Illinois and Maine accept cards from most or all states that have medical cannabis programs.

10. Faster service at dispensaries

Many states and dispensaries have faster lines for cardholders, so you can enjoy a more efficient experience when purchasing cannabis products.

Some states, like Arkansas and Connecticut, will deliver medical cannabis straight to your door. This is particularly helpful if you experience challenges with mobility.

11. Destigmatizes medical use of marijuana

The use of medical marijuana still has stigma attached to it. But as more people obtain a medical cannabis card, the medical use of cannabis becomes normalized.

By having a card, you’re advocating for legal access to anyone who may benefit from cannabis to improve their health.

The bottom line: Having a medical cannabis card comes with many benefits

Even if you live in an adult-use state, having a medical marijuana card can be worthwhile.

Depending on where you live, cardholders may experience significant tax benefits, faster service at local dispensaries, and higher limits for purchasing, possessing, and growing cannabis legally.

If you’re ready to get a medical card and enjoy these benefits for yourself, reach out to Leafwell to set up an appointment with one of our healthcare providers.

Resources

• 2016 Act 16. https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=2016&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=16&chpt=21&sctn=3&subsctn=0
• 36-2852. Allowable possession and personal use of marijuana, marijuana products and marijuana paraphernalia. https://www.azleg.gov/ars/36/02852.htm
• Administrative code. https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/086/086001300C03110R.html
• Cannabis 101. https://dcba.lacounty.gov/cannabis-101/
• How much cannabis can I yield per plant? https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=29&docid=2167
• Medical cannabis reciprocity. https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/reciprocity.html
• Medical marijuana alternative treatment centers. https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/pdf/pubs/tb/tb68.pdf
• Medical use of cannabis. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol06_Ch0321-0344/HRS0329/HRS_0329-0121.htm
• Prohibit employer adverse action marijuana use. https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb22-1152
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/25/02/241998P.pdf
• US state recreational and medical cannabis delivery laws, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11715591/
• Vermont cannabis tax guide. https://tax.vermont.gov/sites/tax/files/documents/GB-1313.pdf
• Visiting patients: Approved list of states. https://www.maine.gov/dafs/ocp/medical-use/visiting-patients

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