Understanding Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis to treat medical conditions. The use of marijuana as a medicinal herb dates back to ancient times, and it has been used to treat various ailments such as pain, anxiety, and depression. The plant contains compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce therapeutic effects. There are two main cannabinoids found in marijuana: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits.
Legal Status of Medical Marijuana
The legality of medical marijuana varies from state to state. In the United States, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, which means it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, some states have passed laws allowing for the use of medical marijuana for certain medical conditions.
States That Allow Medical Marijuana Use
As of 2021, 36 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana use in some form. The following is a list of states that allow medical marijuana use:
Alaska
Alaska legalized medical marijuana in 1998, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and can grow up to six plants.
Arizona
Arizona legalized medical marijuana in 2010, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and can grow up to 12 plants.
Arkansas
Arkansas legalized medical marijuana in 2016, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14 days.
California
California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana and can grow up to six plants.
Colorado
Colorado legalized medical marijuana in 2000, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and can grow up to six plants.
Connecticut
Connecticut legalized medical marijuana in 2012, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per month.
Delaware
Delaware legalized medical marijuana in 2011, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to six ounces of marijuana.
Florida
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 70-day supply of marijuana.
Hawaii
Hawaii legalized medical marijuana in 2000, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to four ounces of marijuana and can grow up to seven plants.
Illinois
Illinois legalized medical marijuana in 2013, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to two and a half ounces of marijuana every 14 days.
Louisiana
Louisiana legalized medical marijuana in 2015, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess a 30-day supply of marijuana.
Maine
Maine legalized medical marijuana in 1999, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to two and a half ounces of marijuana and can grow up to six plants.
Maryland
Maryland legalized medical marijuana in 2014, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to 120 grams of marijuana.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts legalized medical marijuana in 2012, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 60-day supply of marijuana and can grow up to six plants.
Michigan
Michigan legalized medical marijuana in 2008, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to two and a half ounces of marijuana and can grow up to 12 plants.
Minnesota
Minnesota legalized medical marijuana in 2014, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana.
Mississippi
Mississippi legalized medical marijuana in 2020, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. The program is expected to be operational in 2021.
Missouri
Missouri legalized medical marijuana in 2018, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 60-day supply of marijuana.
Montana
Montana legalized medical marijuana in 2004, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and can grow up to four plants.
Nevada
Nevada legalized medical marijuana in 2000, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to two and a half ounces of marijuana.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire legalized medical marijuana in 2013, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to two ounces of marijuana.
New Jersey
New Jersey legalized medical marijuana in 2010, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 90-day supply of marijuana.
New Mexico
New Mexico legalized medical marijuana in 2007, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana.
New York
New York legalized medical marijuana in 2014, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana.
North Dakota
North Dakota legalized medical marijuana in 2016, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to three ounces of marijuana.
Ohio
Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 90-day supply of marijuana.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma legalized medical marijuana in 2018, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana.
Oregon
Oregon legalized medical marijuana in 1998, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to 24 ounces of marijuana and can grow up to six plants.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island legalized medical marijuana in 2006, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and can grow up to 12 plants.
South Dakota
South Dakota legalized medical marijuana in 2020, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. The program is expected to be operational in 2021.
Utah
Utah legalized medical marijuana in 2018, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana.
Vermont
Vermont legalized medical marijuana in 2004, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and can grow up to nine plants.
Virginia
Virginia legalized medical marijuana in 2020, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. The program is expected to be operational in 2021.
Washington
Washington legalized medical marijuana in 1998, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana and can grow up to six plants.
West Virginia
West Virginia legalized medical marijuana in 2017, and patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state. Patients are allowed to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin legalized medical marijuana in 2014, but the law only allows for the use of CBD oil. Patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state.
Wyoming
Wyoming has not legalized medical marijuana.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for a wide range of medical conditions. While the legality of medical marijuana varies from state to state, many states have passed laws allowing for its use. Patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from their state and are allowed to possess a certain amount of marijuana depending on the state’s laws. It’s important to understand the laws surrounding medical marijuana in your state before using it as a treatment option.
