Written by Debra Cornelius in Medicine
Viewed by 44 readers since 08-21-2009
Medical marijuana use has been legalized in 14 states as of May 2009. To obtain medical marijuana most of the states that have regulations in place governing the medical use of marijuana require some form of registration process. Regulations, guidelines and conditions surrounding the use of medical marijuana vary from state.
Consulting your doctor about using medical marijuana should be your first step. You will need to see if he recommends the use of marijuana for your medical condition. Ask if your state has regulations allowing the medical use of marijuana. Your doctor should then be able to provide you with medical documentation of your condition along with his recommendation. He should also inform you of the registration process for your state if registration is required.
The use of medical marijuana remains a highly debated topic. While it is true that some conditions and diseases may respond to treatment with marijuana it is all highly subjective. Until federal laws are changed allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana and be able to document their observations it is likely to remain a subject for debate. Mainstream medical advice is for every disease or condition that may respond to medical marijuana, there is a legal prescription medication available that can show better results. Supporters for the use of medical marijuana then counter the increased risk of adverse side effects with prescription medications and the debates continue.
Even though 14 states currently have regulations allowing the medical use of marijuana by those registered and holding documentation, it is still illegal under federal law in all states to prescribe, dispense, or use marijuana for any reason. While laws are changing and being challenged frequently, you may find it advisable to consult a lawyer concerning the legal roadblocks should you be found in possession of marijuana even with proper medical documentation.
Because it is still illegal under federal law, a doctor cannot give you a prescription for marijuana. He can only give his recommendation that it may help your disease or condition. The conditions for which medical marijuana is used also varies from state to state.
States regulating medical marijuana use include:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
If you reside in California or Colorado and register to use medical marijuana, there are dispensaries from which you can obtain medical marijuana. However there are no dispensaries in any other states. There are limits in every state that tell you how much marijuana you are legally able to have at one time. Growing your own for medical marijuana use may be your only other option.
Remember that it is still a federal offense to grow, carry or use marijuana even if you do have proper documentation for medical use. So be sure you find out the laws and act responsibly.
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