Pennsylvania has finally joined the majority of states in the U.S. by legalizing marijuana for medical use. This is great news for the millions of people who suffer from chronic pain, seizures, and other debilitating conditions that can be treated with cannabis.
However, before you go out and buy your first bag of weed, there are a few things you need to know! In this blog post, we will discuss the Pennsylvania medical marijuana laws and what you need to do to get started.
1. Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Laws
Before you consider purchasing marijuana, you need to be familiar with Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana laws. To begin with, only patients with certain qualifying conditions can legally access and use medical cannabis products.
These include conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), multiple sclerosis, anxiety disorders, and many more. The list of qualifying conditions is long, so there’s a good chance that you’re eligible if you’re suffering from a debilitating condition for which marijuana can be used to treat.
While it’s legal for medical marijuana patients, it’s important to note that the state of Pennsylvania is still one of the 29 states to retain a ban on marijuana for recreational use.
2. Who is Eligible to Buy Medical Marijuana in PA
Living in a state with legal access to medical marijuana is beneficial for many people, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Anyone interested in exploring this alternative treatment option should know that only two types of people are eligible to buy medical marijuana in Pennsylvania – medical marijuana patients, and medical marijuana caregivers.
Those who qualify as patients must possess a valid medical marijuana card issued by the state Department of Health, and caregivers are authorized to assist those with medical cards by (among other things) purchasing medication on the patient’s behalf.
Sufferers of various qualifying conditions can look forward to having access to safe, lab-tested products from a reliable source. Although this is not the same as full legalization, it is still a big step forward.
3. How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in PA
Obtaining a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is very easy, and follows a similar framework to the processes in many other states.
All you have to do is visit the Department of Health website and create an account for their medical marijuana program. You’ll need to have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID card issued by the Department of Transportation to create an account.
After creating an account, you will need to be certified by a physician and registered with the Department of Health. From there, you can return to the Department of Health website, log back in, pay your fees and complete your application.
Once you’ve been approved for medical marijuana, your medical marijuana identification and debit card will be sent directly to your home. Applying for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania can seem confusing though, if you want to learn how to apply for your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, just visit Veriheal.
4. Where Can I Buy Medical Marijuana in PA?
Now that you have your medical marijuana card, it’s time to find a dispensary. There are over 150 dispensaries across the state, so finding one near you won’t be difficult.
All of the dispensaries are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to ensure you’re getting safe, lab-tested products. It’s important to check if a dispensary is registered with the state before visiting and making any purchases, as there may be dispensaries who are not compliant with the state’s medical marijuana laws.
You can also buy medical marijuana online in many cases. The process is very similar to purchasing from a physical dispensary, but it’s important to make sure that any online dispensary is registered and licensed by the Department of Health as well.
5. What Types of Products are Available for Purchase?
The types of products available for purchase vary from dispensary to dispensary, but generally, you can expect to find a variety of flower varieties as well as edibles, tinctures, topicals and more.
Each product will have its own specific effects or benefits depending on the strain used in its creation. Edibles are particularly interesting, as they can provide a much longer-lasting experience than smoking.
If you’re looking for something to help with specific symptoms or conditions, then it’s always best to consult the staff at your preferred dispensary who will be able to offer some advice on which products might be best suited for your needs.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana is a great alternative for those suffering from various conditions, and with the recent legalization of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, access to safe and reliable products has never been easier.
