In the last few years, the number of people living with anxiety disorders in the United States has continued to increase rapidly. And, after the past few years we’ve had, this isn’t entirely surprising.
With how grueling it can be to live with mental illness, many people are becoming curious about the relationship between marijuana and anxiety. More specifically, where can you get a medical marijuana card for anxiety?
Don’t worry; that’s exactly why we’re here. Let’s start talking.
Does Anxiety Qualify for a Medical Card?
Yes, anxiety is a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card in certain states. (The keyword here being “certain”.)
Places like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia explicitly list anxiety as a qualifying condition, while other states leave it up to physicians to determine if anxiety or anxiety-related disorders meet the criteria for medical cannabis treatment.
In Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, anxiety disorders are the leading reason for obtaining medical marijuana certifications.
A significant portion of these certifications is tied to anxiety, highlighting the importance of understanding anxiety disorders in patient care and certification processes.
So, what other states allow for those with anxiety to get medical cards?
Where Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Anxiety in the US?
Because of the therapeutic benefits we’re now seeing, several states in the US currently list anxiety as one of the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana cards.
The states that qualify marijuana use for anxiety disorders are:
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Puerto Rico
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New Mexico
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Nevada
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New Hampshire (Some physicians may certify a patient with anxiety or depression under the legal provision that the patient has “one or more injuries or conditions that have resulted in one or more qualifying symptoms)
Of course, you cannot completely “treat” anxiety with a few puffs of cannabis. But it sure can make the symptoms much more manageable — if you consume it responsibly.
For these states, being diagnosed with the approved type of anxiety disorder is enough to qualify for a medical marijuana card.
Additionally, anxiety is just one of many mental health conditions that you can get a medical card for.
The symptoms of different mental health conditions often overlap, making it essential to consult with expert MMJ doctors like ours who can assess your specific situation and determine whether medical marijuana is a suitable option.
States that Allow Medical Cannabis Use for Mental Health
Here are some other states that permit the use of medical marijuana for various mental health conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
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Alabama: Allows medical marijuana for autism and spectrum disorder, depression, PTSD, panic disorder, and Tourette syndrome.
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Arizona: Permits medical marijuana use for PTSD.
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Arkansas: Allows medical marijuana for PTSD and Tourette syndrome.
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California: Permits medical marijuana for Tourette Syndrome, PTSD, Autism, and Chronic Vocal Tic Disorder.
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Colorado: Allows medical marijuana for Autism or Spectrum Disorders and PTSD.
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Connecticut: Permits medical marijuana for Tourette Syndrome and PTSD.
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Delaware: Allows medical marijuana for Autism or PTSD.
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Florida: Permits medical marijuana use for PTSD.
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Georgia: Allows medical marijuana for Tourette Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and PTSD.
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Hawaii: Permits medical marijuana for PTSD.
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Illinois: Allows medical marijuana for Autism, PTSD, Tourette syndrome, and Anorexia Nervosa.
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Louisiana: Permits medical marijuana for agitation of Autism Spectrum Disorder and PTSD.
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Maine: Allows medical marijuana for PTSD and any condition that the certifying healthcare provider agrees cannabis may provide symptom relief.
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Maryland: Permits medical marijuana for PTSD.
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Massachusetts: While specific mental health conditions are not stated for medical cannabis eligibility, a healthcare provider can approve patients who have other debilitating conditions.
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Michigan: Allows medical marijuana for PTSD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Autism.
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Minnesota: Permits medical marijuana for Tourette Syndrome, PTSD, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
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Mississippi: Allows medical marijuana for Dementia, Autism, and PTSD.
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Montana: Permits medical marijuana for PTSD.
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New York: Allows medical marijuana for Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD, or Substance Use Disorder.
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Ohio: Permits medical marijuana for PTSD and Tourette syndrome.
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Oregon: Allows medical marijuana for PTSD.
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South Dakota: Permits medical marijuana for PTSD.
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Texas: Allows medical marijuana for Autism and PTSD.
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Utah: Permits medical marijuana for PTSD and Autism.
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Vermont: Allows medical marijuana for PTSD.
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Washington: Permits medical marijuana for PTSD.
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West Virginia: Allows medical marijuana for PTSD.
In some states, medical marijuana is also used for depressive symptoms.
Other States’ Takes on Medical Cannabis and Anxiety
You’re not entirely out of luck if you don’t live in those few states.
Other states like California, Oklahoma, and Missouri give their physicians the discretion to recommend marijuana treatments for patients without outright listing approved medical conditions.
This means that if you can prove that your anxiety disorder is hindering your everyday life, you can still likely get your medical card for this reason.
And, with more states working towards legalizing marijuana, you’ll likely see more and more people turning to the natural plant to help with their everyday anxieties.
How Medical Marijuana Can Help with Anxiety
The potential of medical marijuana in alleviating anxiety has been a subject of interest and research in recent years. Understanding how specific compounds in cannabis affect anxiety is crucial for individuals seeking alternative treatments.
Here’s an overview of how THC and CBD, two prominent compounds in weed, may impact anxiety:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis. Research suggests that at lower doses, THC may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, potentially helping individuals manage anxiety symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that at higher doses, THC can paradoxically increase anxiety and even induce panic in some individuals. This dose-dependent effect makes it essential for patients to work closely with healthcare professionals to find the right dosage.
CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana and is often associated with potential therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that CBD appears to decrease anxiety at all doses that have been tested.
This suggests that CBD may have consistent anxiolytic properties without the dose-dependent effects seen with THC.
Getting Your Medical Card for Anxiety with Elevate Holistics
Whether you’re ready to consume cannabis for your anxiety disorder or you’re still curious about how the whole MMJ process works, Elevate Holistics is here for you.
Our online services are easier to navigate than any in-person doctor’s office, and all of the cannabis information you could ever need is right at your fingertips.
Even if you aren’t the best with technology, we make our telehealth services completely effortless on your end.
Check out our other information regarding marijuana and anxiety to see if the combination is right for you. Then, book an appointment through our website and take control of those anxious thoughts once and for all with Elevate Holistics.
And, as a blog reader, you get a special discount. Just see the button below to book and enter the code BLOG5 at checkout for extra money off your appointment.
