If you’re on the fence about obtaining your medical cannabis card, knowing the pros and cons can help you make a decision.
Being a medical cannabis cardholder can come with several financial, cultivation, health, legal, and wellness benefits. You won’t face any consequences if you are stopped by authorities in your home state and have it in your possession. Additionally, medical cannabis is more affordable. Depending on where you live, if you’re a medical cannabis patient located in select US states, you are legally permitted to exercise your green thumb by cultivating your own cannabis plants in a private residence. Some cons of getting a medical cannabis card include, no legal firearm purchase, driving restrictions, and new application and renewal fees. Users of Schedule I substances such as cannabis, heroin, LSD, peyote, ecstasy, and meth, are prohibited from owning, possessing, purchasing, shipping, or receiving firearms and ammunition. Unfortunately, regardless of recreational or medical use status, cannabis users are federally prohibited from owning firearms and ammunition. Impaired driving while under the influence of cannabis is illegal in all US states. Anyone under the influence of cannabis is also restricted from using a Commercial Driving License. Disobeying these laws could result in a fine, a DUI, jail time, or a revoked license. Drugged driving is treated as equal to drunk driving. Some states offer waived or reduced fees for patients who can show proof of low-income status. Please note that health insurance companies are not required to cover medical cannabis fees. Depending on your unique situation, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of obtaining a medical cannabis card.