If you’re in one of the 24 states where weed is legal for recreational use, you can simply walk to the nearest dispensary without a card and get the marijuana you need. Because of that, you probably think that getting a medical marijuana card is unnecessary. After all, you still get what you need for your treatment plan. Why take the extra step to get that card?
While it’s not technically required to have an MMJ card to get cannabis in your state, you do lose out on tons of patient benefits if you don’t have one. With that little card in your back pocket, you can pay less for your weed and get extra protection should you need it in the future. Here are all the benefits you can reap when you get an MMJ card, even if you live in a legal state.
You Won’t Need to Pay as Much in Taxes
In the states where recreational weed is legal, cannabis products are taxed heavily. These taxes differ per state, but they can go anywhere from 6% to almost 40% in excise tax per retail sale. This is done to regulate how people use marijuana so that substance abuse is kept at bay.
But patients with medical marijuana cards don’t just buy weed for fun. It’s a necessary part of their treatment plan. So, when you have an MMJ card and buy cannabis products as a patient, you’re often exempted from paying these large taxes, or at the very least, pay less in taxes.
For example, Washington state taxes a whopping 37% for the retail sale of marijuana. But if you’re a patient registered in the state’s database, you’re exempted from paying that huge excise tax.
That means with an MMJ card, you save so much money buying cannabis products because it’s something you need, not just something you take for fun.
Access to a Wider Range of Cannabis Products
If you’re buying weed for recreational use, there might be a lot of cannabis products that dispensaries can’t sell to you. But if you’re a medical patient with an MMJ card, you can get access to these products if they’re part of your treatment plan.
For example, some dispensaries don’t just sell high-THC products to people willy-nilly. But if you’re a patient suffering from, say, chronic pain or anxiety, and you present an MMJ card, you can get access to these high-THC products because you need them for your health.
Pay Less with Medical-Only Discounts
Dispensaries, especially those that are serious about taking care of medical patients, sometimes offer medical-only discounts on their products. To avail of these exclusive discounts, you must show your MMJ card.
People who buy weed for recreation might not have access to these discounts. So, on top of paying for a hefty retail tax, they pay full price for their marijuana, too.
Priority Service at Dispensaries
Dispensaries can get very crowded. To help patients get the products they need immediately, some dispensaries create separate lines or express checkout for MMJ patients. With priority service, you don’t have to wait in line for long with other people who want to buy weed merely for fun. The sooner you get your products, the sooner you can heal and get relief from your condition’s symptoms.
Employee Protection, Just in Case
Even if weed is legal in your state, it can still sometimes get you in trouble with your place of work, especially if you test positive for THC. But when you’re a registered medical marijuana patient with an MMJ card to show for it, it’s easier to legally defend why you had to use cannabis as part of your treatment. This protects you from incurring penalties at work or even getting fired.
Cannabis Delivered Right at Your Door
Many states only allow cannabis delivery for patients with medical marijuana cards. This is because many patients who need MMJ are elderly or have mobility issues. If going to a dispensary to buy weed is an issue for you, or if you simply want a more discreet way to get your medical marijuana, securing an MMJ card will be a huge help to get access to home delivery.
Pay Less and Get Priority Access to the Care You Need with an MMJ Card
Getting a medical marijuana card is more than worth it, even if recreational weed is legal in your state. You pay less tax (and save lots of money from it), get access to top-quality cannabis products you need for your treatment, and employee protection for your peace of mind. Essentially, buying cannabis for patient use makes your marijuana safer and more practical.
Want discounts on your weed and priority access to your favorite dispensaries? Get your medical marijuana card from Elevate Holistics. We connect you with licensed physicians to assess and approve your MMJ card. The best part? Our process is 100% online, making the entire process quick, convenient, and discreet.
Make the most out of your perks as a patient. Book your appointment to speak to one of our doctors so you can get your medical marijuana card today!
