Recently, Maryland residents banded together to make the landmark decision of legalizing recreational cannabis. And while this is fantastic for anyone who doesn’t have a qualifying medical condition, it’s important to understand that getting a medical card in Maryland still brings far more benefits than adult use can.
Below, we’re talking all about the various advantages that getting a medical card in Maryland brings, as well as how you can get your own MD MMJ card at a discounted cost right from home.
Let’s get started.
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Medical Cannabis in Maryland
First things first, what’s the deal with medical cannabis in Little America?
Like every other state where patients can legally use weed to alleviate their health conditions, you need a medical marijuana card in Maryland.
Maryland legalized medical marijuana in 2014 when Governor Martin O’Malley signed HB 881, which created the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC).
The MMCC regulates Maryland’s consumption, cultivation, possession, and distribution and issues MD medical marijuana cards to qualified patients.
But is adult-use marijuana not legal? Why is the Maryland medical weed card necessary?
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Maryland?
Maryland residents voted to approve Question 4, a ballot initiative on recreational marijuana, during the November 8, 2022, elections with 66.12% of the vote.
The title of the ballot measure is “Do you favor the legalization of the use of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, in the State of Maryland?”
Following the vote, recreational marijuana will become legal from July 1, 2023, and people aged 21 and above will be able to possess 1.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to two plants at home out of public view.
Possession of more than 1.5 ounces but less than 2.5 ounces will be considered a simple civic violation.
In addition, there will be a social justice angle under the terms of the measure. Authorities will review and expunge low-level cannabis convictions.
Until July 1, 2023, it remains illegal to buy and sell marijuana. Without an MD medical marijuana card, you face fines and possible jail time if the authorities catch you with marijuana.
Maryland has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, so if the authorities catch you with less than 10 grams of marijuana, you will pay a $100 civil fine with no jail time involved.
However, any amount over 10 grams will lead to jail time, so it’s best to wait until July 1, 2023, before you light up.
Benefits of Maryland Medical Marijuana Card
We understand that the initial cost of getting a medical card in Maryland may deter you from getting one at all, especially when this isn’t necessary for recreational cannabis.
But, what if we tell you that having an MD MMJ card means saving money, being better protected legally, and even having the ability to access cannabis in other states?
You Have Legal Protection
Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug at the federal level – even with the recent development – but most states have legalized medical weed as science continues to prove the healthful effects.
By getting a medical card in Maryland, the law recognizes your right to possess marijuana.
However, even though medical marijuana is legal, Maryland medical marijuana regulations require you to register as a patient and get a medical marijuana card in Maryland.
If the police pull you over or search you and find marijuana on you — within the legal limits that the MMCC implemented, of course — you walk free if you have a medical marijuanas card in MD.
On the other hand, you face penalties like fines and jail time if you possess marijuana without a medical marijuana card in Maryland.
Even if you have a qualifying condition, you must first get an MMJ card before you can legally buy marijuana.
You Save Serious Cash
In most states, having a medical marijuana card means saving money.
While you have to pay a state fee and doctor’s visit costs initially, with each purchase you make from a dispensary, you’ll be saving money. In fact, after just a few trips to the weed store, you’ll have paid off your MMJ card cost. But how?
Typically, medical marijuana patients are not subjected to the same taxes that recreational consumers are.
In Maryland, medical patients do not have to pay a sales tax on cannabis. However, this is likely not going to be the case for recreational cannabis when it rolls out.
In fact, the state has discussed implementing taxes on the plant in waves, in hopes of this not affecting buyers as much. But, this only means that Maryland not only intends to tax rec weed, but they intend to tax it heavily.
But, again, by getting your medical card in Maryland, you won’t have to pay these same taxes. This means, when you check out, you’ll be spending much less money than the adult-use consumer next to you.
Reciprocity: You Can Buy Medical Marijuana in Other States
Carrying marijuana across state lines is illegal, so you can’t take your medication with you while traveling.
Fortunately, some states have come up with a workaround to this hurdle: reciprocity.
States that have reciprocity allow medical marijuana patients from out of state to buy medical marijuana with their home state’s MMJ cards.
So, if you have a Maryland medical weed card and travel to a state with reciprocity, you still have access to your medication.
Recreational Marijuana is Now Legal: Why Get a Medical Card in Maryland?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Maryland voters have legalized recreational marijuana at the just concluded midterm elections, and you probably have questions about what this means for medical marijuana.
Is it still necessary to get or keep your MD medical marijuana card?
Yes! Even with legal recreational weed, you still need Maryland medical weed card – here’s why.
Recreational Marijuana is Not Legal Until 2023
Even though voters have approved recreational marijuana, the vote does not automatically legalize adult-use weed. Regulators need time to establish the rules and regulations and the necessary infrastructure to support retail sales.
Consequently, you can’t buy or sell recreational marijuana in Maryland until July 2023. If you buy or sell marijuana before the official legalization, you’ll face marijuana charges.
Also, while recreational marijuana will be legal from July 2023, there are doubts about whether dispensaries will be up and running in time to meet demand.
If you need marijuana for its therapeutic benefits, medical marijuana remains your only solution; to look after your health today, you need an MD MMJ card. It’s as simple as that.
By getting a medical card in Maryland, you don’t have to wait until July 2023.
You Can Buy More Weed
Even when recreational weed does become legal in July 2023, a medical marijuana card in Maryland will still hold its advantages — one of which is the increased possession limit.
Patients with a Maryland medical weed card can possess 120 grams of dried cannabis or 36 grams of THC extract every 30 days.
When legal recreational marijuana goes on sale next year, anyone aged 21 and above will be able to buy only 1.5 ounces of marijuana.
This means that every time you run out of weed, which would not be a long time, you must visit the dispensary.
On the other hand, MD medical marijuana cardholders can buy over 100% more weed in one visit, which is more convenient.
Think of the effort to visit a dispensary for weed; you have to work it into your schedule and face possible queues at the dispensary.
If you want the convenience of higher possession limits and fewer trips to the dispensary, you need a medical marijuanas card in Maryland.
You Don’t Have to Wait till You’re 21
Unless you turn 21 on or before July 1, 2023, you can’t buy recreational weed in Maryland when it becomes legal. Only adults aged 21 and above can buy recreational weed when it becomes legal.
By contrast, there’s no age limit for medical marijuana; minors can apply to get a medical card via their caregivers.
So, if you are the legal guardian of a child who you think could benefit from high-CBD products, getting a medical card in Maryland is key.
MD Medical Marijuana Cardholders Get Priority
In states with medical and recreational marijuana, patients usually get priority over recreational users. And that will also be the case whenever recreational marijuana goes on sale.
Priority means that dispensaries will serve MD medical marijuana cardholders first in case of shortages because health is a priority.
How Do You Get a Medical Marijuanas Card in Maryland?
Since we’ve discussed the benefits of an MD medical marijuana card, you may ask, “how do you get a medical marijuanas card in Maryland?”
You have come to the right place – Elevate Holistics is your one-stop shop for all things medical cannabis recommendations.
To register as a patient and get an MD medical marijuana card, you need the following requirements:
- Proof of Maryland residency
- Government-approved photo ID
- The last four digits of your social security number
- Passport-quality photograph
- Physician certification
The application may seem daunting, but we are here to make it as easy as possible. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the application process here.
Getting a Medical Card in Maryland, Discounted & Right From Home With Elevate Holistics
Clearly, getting a medical card in Maryland brings more benefits than you could imagine, especially with recreational legalization right around the corner.
Elevate Holistics understands that the MMJ card process can sometimes feel daunting or confusing. But, that’s exactly why we’re here to walk you through each step of the process.
We work with qualified and registered Maryland marijuana doctors who are always available to discuss your qualifying condition, give you a certification, and answer any questions and inquiries you may have right from the comfort of your home.
With us, getting your medical card in Maryland has never been simpler.
What’s more? You don’t have to worry about privacy because our sessions are industry standard security and compliance-compliant.
Want to get or renew your MD medical marijuana card? Click the link below to take advantage of our discount. (modafinil online vendors)
