Medical and recreational marijuana are both illegal in the State of North Carolina, but hopefully not for long! We believe that North Carolina will soon pass legislation that would launch a state medical cannabis program.
North Carolina does have a very limited medical cannabis law, but it is so restrictive that the state is not considered a medical cannabis state. Medical marijuana is completely inaccessible in the state.
Medical and recreational marijuana will eventually be fully legalized in North Carolina, and in many states, recreational cannabis is legalized shortly after they enact a medical program.
Medical and recreational marijuana legalization look very different. In this blog, we will highlight some of their differences.
Medical Marijuana Programs
Medical cannabis programs are enacted through legislation by lawmakers. Typically, minors are able to get cannabis recommended to them as long as they have a parent as their caregiver.
Caregivers are people who register with the state to access dispensaries on behalf of a medical marijuana patient. Minors who are recommended medical marijuana need caregivers to get their medicine for them.
States usually establish conditions that would qualify a person for a medical card. Common qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, MS, sleep disorders, and more. Patients must see a physician who is licensed to recommend medical cannabis to get their card.
Only patients with qualifying conditions can access medical marijuana, and the state opens licensed medical dispensaries. Patients must pay to renew their medical card annually, most times.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization
The legalization of cannabis entirely is very different from a medical program. First of all, people must be 21+ in order to access recreational dispensaries. Some dispensaries will become both medical and recreational establishments.
When cannabis is legalized, you will not need a medical card to access recreational dispensaries. However, it is still a good idea to continue to renew your medical card for many reasons. In short, medical cards will save you thousands of dollars a year, offer legal protection, and provide higher possession and potency limits.
Recreational marijuana is already legal in 21 states, and hopefully medical cannabis will come to North Carolina soon!
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana to Come to North Carolina
Although marijuana is still not legal in North Carolina, many people, including the House Speaker, expect it to be legalized in 2023! You should be sure you are prepared for the program to become operational as soon as possible.
In order to do this, you will need to get your medical marijuana card.
Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our compassionate doctors just as soon as North Carolina’s medical marijuana market is fully operational.
You and your new doctor will meet virtually, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a telemedicine appointment. You’ll learn all about how medical marijuana may be able to help your conditions, without even leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. And you’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-7320, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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