How Long Does it Take to Get a NY Medical Marijuana Card?

Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in New York is a process with an indefinite time span. The amount of time it takes to complete the whole process depends on the applicant, the practitioner who is certifying the applicant and the state of New York. One has to understand the role each of the three play and the possible time it may take to complete each step of the process.

However, the process is not as hard as it seems and the state of New York tends to give faster reception to issues of MMJ card application than other states. So, before you start stressing about how long does it take to get a NY medical marijuana card, first worry about getting certified by a doctor or physician in New York.

How Long Does it Take to Get Certification?

Well, this is the most indefinite part of the process. To get certification, one has to get evaluated by a medical marijuana doctor first. After the doctor approves of your condition’s eligibility to be treated by cannabis, the doctor then certifies you. Well depending on the clinic you use, you may receive your certification in your email within 24-36 hours or even less.

The practitioner however, can certify on spot if you qualify. This means he or she will enter your information in the Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS), generate your certificate and send it to you right away.

Again, this depends on the clinic you use.

Certification and Telemedicine?

With the introduction of telemedicine, the process of getting certification for a Medical Marijuana Card in New York, has never been easier. Instead of walking into a clinic physically to get evaluated by a medical practitioner, you can complete the whole process digitally. This means through trusted online clinics like NY Medical Card, you can get an appointment with a doctor and get evaluated through a video call.

The time it takes for you to get an evaluation after getting an appointment however depends on the clinic you choose to use but some clinics do not take more than 15-30 minutes to give you a call. This has proved to be both a money and time saving way to get certification.

How Long Does it Take to Register With The State?

Registering your certification with the state of New york is one of the easiest processes. Well, this is probably because the state also offers guides on how to register to those who do not understand the process.

All you have to do is register your certification with the state registry. The process is a bit faster if you already have an account with the state registry. It will only take about 3-6 minutes or more depending on the applicant. However, if you do not have an existing account, you have to make one first before registering with the state. The process may even take longer for someone who has an existing account but has forgotten the login information.

So, if the state approves your application, you will receive a Temporary Registration Card that will allow you to access cannabis products from the state marijuana dispensaries as you wait for the physical card. The Temporary MMJ ID is supposed to be used in conjunction with a state issued photo ID.However it is advisable to stay with your certification as a supporting document.

How Long Does it Take to Receive Your Physical Card?

According to the Office of Cannabis Management OCM website in New York State, it may take about 7 business days to receive your physical medical marijuana card in your mail. However, this is not quite definite. It may take more time, about 9 days for you to receive your MMJ card in the mail.

Renewal Process

In New York State, the process of renewing your MMJ card is a bit easier than in other states. Instead of going through the whole process again, practitioners can extend the existing certification if they are the one who issued it. The certification number remains the same although a new copy of the certification is sent to the applicant.
For the patient whose certification has been extended, the patient does not need to re-register. The patient can continue using his or her existing Registry ID card.

Caregiver’s ID

Application to be a caregiver takes almost the same effort and time as that of a patient. However there are three basic steps to becoming a registered caregiver for a medical cannabis patient. Firstly, you must get designated by a certified patient or other appropriate person (for patients who are minors or incapable of consent) as a caregiver on the patient registration. The patient should have an approved registration.Secondly, you must create an account in the state registry and register as a caregiver. If you are approved you may receive a temporary registry ID card that can be printed and used immediately in conjunction with a government-issued photo ID. You can visit a dispensing facility to purchase products for your patient, with the temporary registry ID as you wait for the physical card.

State registration and the waiting time for a physical card can take the same time as that for a patient. An individual may act as a designated caregiver for up to four patients.

Summary

For patients looking for certification from a medical practitioner, telemedicine is a faster way and you can complete that part of the process in less than an hour. The time you take to receive the certification depends on the doctor and clinic.

State registration my.ny.gov is a very easy process which takes less than 10 minutes to complete depending on the applicant.

It takes about 7 working days for the state registry to process and deliver a physical registry card to your mail. Meanwhile they give you a temporary ID which you can use to access cannabis products.

Also read: How to Get a New York Medical Marijuana Card? A Definitive Guide

August 3, 2022August 8, 2022

Can I Get A Medical Marijuana Card With A Felony?

With the legalization of the use of medical marijuana in 37 states of the USA, there has been a sustainable rise in the number of marijuana consumers. Obtained from the Cannabis Sativa plant, cannabis or marijuana is a popular psychoactive substance known for recreational and medical benefits. However, the laws and qualifying conditions for the use of marijuana vary from state to state.

The criteria usually include being a U.S. citizen and having the appropriate age. For instance, the legal age to use marijuana in most U.S. states is a minimum of 21.

But what if you are charged with a felony? To people’s knowledge, in the USA, a felony is a highly serious crime like murder or rape compared to less serious offenses. The punishment for felonies is generally very severe depending on the type of the crime. Millions of people live with a felony in the USA. Convicted felons lose many rights in the United States, including voting, foreign travel, parental perks, and social benefits.

Not getting a Medical Marijuana Card can be another right that a convicted felon may be deprived of. However, this depends on where you live. Before we dive deeper, let’s first understand what an MMJ card is.

An Overview of Medical Marijuana Card

Though marijuana is well known as a recreational drug, it is known to help individuals boost their health and quality of life. Medical marijuana is an alternative drug for people suffering from various health issues like depression and anxiety to name a few.

However, it is important to get a medical marijuana card to use marijuana for medical use. An MMJ card is a document approved by a certified medical expert that allows someone to legally obtain and use marijuana to real all of its medical benefits. However, there are certain conditions like appropriate age that you must qualify for to get an MMJ card. The qualifying conditions vary from state to state.

Can I Get Medical Marijuana Card With a Felony?

In some USA states like Mississippi, certain felons convicted of serious crimes like rape, don’t have voting rights. For a convicted felon even accessing normal things like getting a job, travelling, or voting is a roadblock.

Imagine how hard it can be to get an MMJ card. Interestingly enough, obtaining an MMJ card with a felony depends from state to state.

For convicted felons, it is feasible to get an MMJ card approved by a licensed physician, however, you are subjected to a background screening.

This background check focuses on your criminal history and record. While the offences listed in your criminal record are important, the most vital will be whether or not you are charged with a drug offence. In case you are charged with a drug offence, there is a high chance that you won’t qualify for an MMJ card.

States That Allow Felons to Use MMJ

Interestingly, a convicted felon is more deprived of benefits like voting rights and public housing than medical marijuana.

A majority of MMJ programs have no hard restrictions for felons. In most cases, one must qualify the following conditions to get an MMJ card

Above a specific age limit
Suffering from a health issue
Completing the application form honestly
Recommended by a licensed doctor
Licensing fee payment

There are many states that are in favour of allowing felons to use medical marijuana. This includes

California: As per Proposition 64 in California, nonviolent marijuana criminals can clear their records. Doing so allows them to enjoy rights like getting a gun licence, enjoying a government job, and starting a cannabis-growing business.

New York: Similarly, with the legalisation of recreational marijuana in New York, the bill allows felons to get an MMJ card in NY. However, it is important to get it approved by an authorised cannabis doctor in NY.

Arizona: Arizona allows drug traffickers, murderers, and felons to get an MMJ card after receiving certification from a licensed medical marijuana doctor.

States That Don’t Allow Felons to Use MMJ

Most U.S. states allow felons to get an MMJ card. However, exceptions do exist. Some U.S. states that don’t issue an MMJ card if you are convicted are

Illinois: Sadly, Illinois is one of the states that don’t allow felons convicted of drug offenses to access or get an MMJ card.

As per state law, the person applying for an MMJ card needs to get their fingerprints scanned and go through a background check. You won’t get an MMJ card in case your reports show that you have been charged with a drug offense.

It is important to note that applicants who clear test results under the provision for first-time offenders can easily get MMJ cards.

Iowa: Just like Illinois, Iowa doesn’t allow felons convicted of drug offences to get an MMJ card. The state follows a simple mantra, “Once a criminal, always a criminal.”

Can Felons Get Medical Marijuana Business Licence?

As mentioned above, states like New York and California allow felons to use medical marijuana to improve their health conditions. But when it comes to getting a medical marijuana business licence, things are different.

As per legal marijuana programs, it is restricted to get a commercial business licence if the felon is convicted of drug offences.

Almost every U.S. state has similar restrictions to “legitimize the trade”. The main reason behind this is the trading of marijuana from a legal to an illegal state.

Let’s Wrap Up

Hopefully, most of your doubts are cleared. Overall, a convicted felon can get an MMJ card in most legal states except Illinois and Iowa at present.

Last but the least, it is important to know that many states impose restrictions on caregivers with felony convictions. To your knowledge, a caregiver has a legal right to buy, transport, and deliver medical marijuana to a qualified patient.

Suffering from health conditions like depression or anxiety? If yes, medical marijuana is the right medicine for you. However, it is recommended to approach NY Medical Card to get a Medical Marijuana card from a licensed doctor on the same day.

June 4, 2021July 30, 2022

What Happens When You Mix Cannabis & Alcohol?

Marijuana & alcohol are the two most popular substances in the country. Usually, cannabis is associated with fewer risks. It provides various therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, anxiety treatment, etc. In fact, it’s legal in many US states & you can easily access it with a marijuana card NY.

Since alcohol and cannabis produce different effects, it’s not easy to do comparisons. In this post, we have discussed basic effects of both the substances and what happens when you combine them.

Mixing Alcohol With Marijuana

Marijuana has amazing medicinal properties. Its cannabinoids (THC and CBD) interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus changing important functions such as mood, memory, appetite, sleep, pain, etc.

Studies show that cannabis can help in treating anxiety disorders, depression, stress, PTSD, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other medical conditions.

However, there are various side-effects associated with marijuana. Long-term cannabis consumption is linked to brain development issues. Additionally, marijuana can cause schizophrenia in some cases.

Alcohol is absorbed in the bloodstream through the stomach, and then broken by the liver. It continues circulating in the body through the bloodstream until it’s broken down in the liver. There’s no way to speed up this process.

Long-term effects of alcohol use are—liver disease, ED, heart damage, infertility, and central nervous system damage.

Marijuana works by interacting the cannabinoid receptors while alcohol targets GABA and NMDA. And, when you combine them, you may experience enhanced effects of both.

Drinking Alcohol Before Consuming Marijuana

If you drink alcohol before using cannabis, chances are it will enhance the effects of the latter. Alcohol increases the absorption of THC in the blood. This way, you will get more potent high effects.

However, there are risks of a cannabis overdose, also called green out. Symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. It’s important to note that consuming too much marijuana won’t kill you.

Does mixing cannabis and alcohol have a negative impact on driving? In a study, researchers examined 19 people who consumed a placebo or alcohol 10 minutes before using 500mg of placebo, low and high-dose of vaporized marijuana. They noted that with alcohol, the median maximum blood concentration for low & high THC doses were 35.3 & 67.5 µg/L THC and 3.7 & 6.0 µg/L 11-OH-THC. On the other hand, without alcohol, the values were 32.7 & 42.2 µg/L THC and 2.8 & 5 µg/L 11-OH-THC.

Drinking Alcohol After Consuming Marijuana

In 1992, a study of 15 participants was conducted to evaluate the effects of smoking a placebo, low, and high dose of THC. Researchers found that marijuana slowed down the rise of blood alcohol levels after taking a high dose of alcohol.

Since marijuana minimizes the effects of alcohol, it doesn’t mean that you should take extra drinks. Doing so may increase the risks of over intoxication because it’s hard to tell how impaired you are.

So, What Are The Major Risks?

Well, it’s hard to tell because there’s not much comprehensive research available on the topic. Based on the available studies, here are some major risks of combining cannabis with alcohol-

Cognitive Impairment

Alcohol and THC deliver psychoactive effects. They can lead to cognitive impairment. According to the CDC, combining cannabis and alcohol can cause greater impairment than when using either of the substances alone.

Increased Risks of Road Accidents

There’s no doubt driving under the influence of alcohol increases risks of road accidents. However, when you mix THC (whether low or high doses) and alcohol, it impairs your driving performance and increases road errors.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, marijuana and alcohol are the two most commonly detected drugs when it comes to crashes.

Increased Risks of Dependence

Another risk of combining alcohol and marijuana is that you are likely to consume more. As a result, you can develop a dependence on either of the substances.

A Guide For Consumers

We suggest you not mix cannabis with alcohol to avoid the negative associated with it.

However, if you want to combine them, you need to consider various factors, such as your tolerance to each substance. Check the strength of alcohol and cannabis products you are about to consume.

Moreover, the method of marijuana consumption matters. When you smoke or vape cannabis, THC is absorbed in the bloodstream immediately. Edibles have a slow onset, thus they take about 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in.

These two substances may interact with certain medications. So, talk to your doctor before using cannabis or alcohol with medications you are taking.

However, to deal with a bad reaction associated with mixing cannabis with alcohol, you can follow tips, such as-

Stay calm
Boost your blood sugar levels
Drink plenty of water
Smell some peppercorns

To wrap it up, combining alcohol and cannabis can increase THC concentration in blood. Moreover, it can lead to greater impairment than when you take either of these substances alone. Other risks include impaired driving and dependence.

So, avoid mixing the two drugs. If you want to use them together, talk to your doctor first.

To access cannabis legally, apply for your medical card NY online. Here’s the process-

Sign up for an account online
See a doctor via video call
Get your recommendation via email

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

Marijuana For Cancer – Everything You Should Learn

Medical marijuana is legal in many states and is available in many forms today. If you have a medical condition listed in the MMJ qualifying conditions’ list, you can get a New York medical card.

Marijuana’s active cannabinoids provide promising results for patients with various medical conditions such as pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Some medical studies say THC can be helpful in managing cancer chemotherapy side-effects. Read on to learn about how cannabis helps cancer patients, top strains, and more.

Cancer Treatment & Its Side-Effects

Cancer is a disease associated with the growth of cells uncontrollably. Usually, cells grow and spread throughout the body. Over time, the cells grow old & damaged, and new cells take their place. When cancer develops, the damaged, old cells grow and multiply, thus forming tumors.

For cancer treatment, medical doctors usually do surgeries to remove cancer from the body. Chemotherapy can also be used for killing cancer cells by using drugs. However, this treatment also kills or slows the growth of healthy cells, thus causing side-effects, such as-

Nausea
Hair loss
Fever
Fatigue
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Mouth sores
Change in appetite
Pain

Marijuana For Cancer Patients

Marijuana has medicinal properties; it can help in reducing pain, nausea, and inflammation. It contains more than 100 chemical compounds (called cannabinoids)—the most studied ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that causes high feelings while CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.

Medical studies have found that cannabis and its compounds can help in easing side effects caused by cancer chemotherapy.

Nausea & Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common among cancer patients after chemotherapy and other treatments. Cannabis can help in managing these issues. In fact, the FDA has approved Dronabinol (Marinol®), a gelatin capsule containing THC, for treating nausea and vomiting. This drug is also helpful in managing the lack of appetite in AIDS patients. Nabilone (Cesamet®) is also approved in the country for nausea and vomiting treatment.

Pain

Research says that smoking marijuana can help in reducing cancer-related pain. Cannabinoids in cannabis work by binding to the receptors in the brain and other areas of the body. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD has amazing anti-inflammatory properties.

Nabiximols (a mouth spray containing 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD) is effective in reducing pain in two placebo-controlled trials. It’s under study in the United States, but available in Canada and parts of Europe.

Loss of Appetite

Some chemotherapy drugs can lead to loss of appetite, thus causing weight loss. Research says that cannabis compounds can help in improving appetite and sense of taste. When you consume cannabis, THC is delivered into the bloodstream, thus stimulating appetite. Marijuana is effective in managing eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.

Neuropathy

Nerve damage is another side-effect of cancer chemotherapy, which can be managed with cannabis. It’s usually associated with burning in the hands & feet, feelings of weakness, numbness, etc.

CBD indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors in the ECS, thus reducing pain and inflammation THC helps in relieving pain caused by nerve damage by binding to the CB1 receptors.

Anxiety

Cancer patients getting chemotherapy treatment may experience anxiety. Symptoms include restlessness, excessive worrying, trouble concentrating, and irritability. Common medications prescribed by doctors for cancer-related anxiety are—Lorazepam, Diazepam, and Clonazepam.

Medical studies show that consuming cannabis through smoking or other methods can help in reducing anxiety and stress levels. However, dosing is important; higher doses of THC may increase anxiety.

Marijuana can be beneficial in killing cancer cells without affecting healthy ones, found researchers at the University of Newcastle. Dr. Matt Dun and his team tested high-THC and high-CBD cannabis strains against cancer. They reported that marijuana strains rich in CBD delivered better results in killing cancer cells from leukemia and pediatric brainstem glioma.

Some animal studies suggest that cannabinoids may slow the growth & spread of cancer cells in the body. However, more human studies are required to evaluate how exactly cannabis works.

How to Use Medical Marijuana?

The first step is to get a New York medical card. This helps you to legally possess and use cannabis for medical purposes. Additionally, you can save cannabis taxes on buying cannabis.

Visit NY Medical Card to apply for your marijuana evaluation online in just 10 minutes. Here’s the process-

Sign up for an account online
Talk to a licensed doctor via video call
Get your MMJ recommendation letter in PDF

When using cannabis for medical purposes, the type of strains you use has a direct impact. High-THC strains cause you high effects along with easing your symptoms while high-CBD strains deliver sedative effects. Talk to your MMJ doctor & seek professional help regarding cannabis strains that can help you deal with your symptoms.

Moreover, the amount of cannabis you consume and how you deliver cannabinoids into the body affect the kind of medicinal effects you receive. If you haven’t used cannabis before, start with a low dose.

Smoking cannabis provides immediate medicinal effects. But, it’s associated with lung health issues due to the presence of carcinogens and toxins in the smoke. Edibles, tinctures, oils, and topicals are some alternative marijuana consumption methods to enjoy medicinal benefits of cannabis.

Covering it up, marijuana provides ultimate relief from nausea & vomiting, loss of appetite, pain, and anxiety caused by chemotherapy treatment. For managing your symptoms, use cannabis strains with appropriate cannabinoid levels, and choose the right dose and delivery methods. Get a doctor’s recommendation to access medical marijuana legally.

May 12, 2021October 9, 2021

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New York?

New York is one of the many states in the US that has accepted the medical potential of cannabis and allowed patients to recover and get better with the help of the herb. So, if you are a citizen of New York who wishes to treat their medical condition with cannabis, the state law allows you to do it. But, it’s not that straightforward.

First, you will have to go through the legal formalities and even get a medical card. These are the necessary steps laid by the state and must be followed before you visit a medical dispensary and buy cannabis. So how do you do that?

Read along to learn everything about how to get a medical marijuana card in NY and access cannabis legally in the state.

Medical Marijuana Program New York

Each state that legally allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes establishes a medical marijuana program to overlook the rules and regulations for the same. The state of New York is no different. Every patient who seeks medical treatment using cannabis has to follow the provisions of the NY medical marijuana program.

So, as per the program, you can be a legal medical marijuana patient in the state, only if you are suffering from a medical condition approved by the state and also are qualified by a certified marijuana doctor to use the herb for the medical condition.

The qualifying medical conditions in New York are cancer, spasticity, epilepsy, ALS, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, Huntington’s disease, chronic pain, opioid or substance abuse disorder, cachexia, severe nausea, seizures and muscle spasms.

If you have any of the mentioned medical conditions, you can consult a doctor who can evaluate you and recommend medical cannabis to you.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in NY?

After going through the provisions of the state medical marijuana program, your next step is to get a medical marijuana card. If you wish to use cannabis as a medical treatment option, it is essential for you to have a medical card. The process is simple and easy.

Here’s how to get a medical marijuana card in NY:

Step 1: Find a doctor or clinic.

Step 2: Apply for a 420 evaluation.

Step 3: Complete the consultation.

Step 4: Register with the state medical marijuana program.

Now let’s go through each step in detail.

Find a Doctor or Clinic

Your first step to getting a medical marijuana card in New York is to find a doctor who can write your recommendation. It can be your primary physician or an online doctor. However, in each case, the doctor must be licensed and registered with the state marijuana program. And above all, he or she should be willing to write you a recommendation.

You can connect with your primary physician or the nearest doctor for an in-person consultation or choose telemedicine for the same. Nowadays, you can easily find online clinics that offer legit recommendations for using medical marijuana.

When searching for online clinics, make sure to check the credentials of the clinic and the doctors. Try to verify the address of the clinic and also ensure that your online consultations are secured as per the HIPAA guidelines.

Apply for a 420 Evaluation

Once you are sure about the doctor or the online clinic, your next step is to apply for a 420 evaluation. It’s a process where the doctor evaluates your medical condition to determine whether you will benefit from a medical marijuana treatment or not.

For in-person visits, you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor and be in the clinic on time. For online applications, all you need to do is fill a form. It consists of a list of questions regarding your medical condition and a waiver. Once you’re done filling the form, you will be connected to a doctor via video call for a consultation.

Complete Your Consultation

The doctors have a major role to play in the medical marijuana program. It is only with a certification of a legit doctor that any patient is legally allowed to buy and use cannabis in New York.

Additionally, it’s the responsibility of the doctor to ensure that every patient with a recommendation is qualified as per the laws of the state. This includes ensuring the patient is suffering from a medical condition approved by the state, is of legal age, etc.

Once you complete your consultation, the doctor will let you know if you qualify or not shortly after the evaluation. And if you qualify, the doctor will write your recommendation. In the case of online consultations, the recommendation will be sent to you via email on the same day.

Register With the State Medical Marijuana Program

Once you have received your recommendation, it’s not the end of the process. Now, you need to register with the medical marijuana program of the state and get your state-issued medical marijuana card to be able to use cannabis in NY.

First, you need to visit the state marijuana program website and create an account. The next step is to follow the registration process. Fill in the necessary details and use your recommendation letter, ID proof, residence proof and photograph to register in the program. The final step is to complete the payment and wait for approval. The state will send you a temporary copy by email and a permanent copy at your address.

Now, you can finally visit a dispensary and purchase the cannabis product you need. With the legalization of cannabis in the state of New York, you can also expect new changes in the future such as the inclusion of other medical conditions in the list of qualifying conditions and the right to grow your own cannabis at home. So, get your medical card today if you haven’t already.

May 3, 2021May 3, 2021

10 Seamlessly Helpful Tips On Consuming Medical Marijuana In New York For First Time

For the first-timer, choosing medical marijuana in New York could be very confusing. There is a long list of flowers, concentrates, edibles, CBD oil, tinctures, and many other products available on the market. That said, some cannabis flowers induce uplifting ‘high’, mellow good moods, etc, while others can be a bit more intense. So, without a doctor’s recommendation and marijuana card, you might end purchasing the wrong strain. In the worst case, you end up experiencing a ‘couch-lock.

What is a medical marijuana card?

A medical marijuana card is similar to an identification card, but it is state-approved. The only difference is that MMJ enables you as a patient to get, possess, and cultivate cannabis flowers for medicinal purposes. Typically, a MMJ is valid for a year and you can renew it with a small fee. You might first want to check the status of using cannabis in your state.

Applicable Medical Conditions For Medical Marijuana In New York

Chronic pain
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Acute Pain Management
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis
Epilepsy
Neuropathies
Opioid Substitution
PTSD

Tips On Consuming Medical Marijuana In New York

So, your medical marijuana card has arrived. It’s time to know more about how to make the best out of it.

Research! Research! Research!

Once you have a card, you become eligible to access an array of strains. Luckily, most of the time doctors will help you pick a cannabis flower that is suitable for your medical conditions. You can always learn more about different categories. For example, you can search about the THC ratio, CBD level, terpenes, etc. This way you could find the best strain for yourself. Leverage the internet, these resources will help you gain insights into the effects induced by cannabis flowers.

Measure Your Expectations

Unlike any other medicine, cannabis works differently. You can use cannabis flower to treat medical conditions, healing, and to ease symptoms. Sometimes patients set ‘correct intentions’ first and then take cannabis like in ceremonies. While others learn about cannabinoids present in the cannabis flower. You can choose from Sativa and hybrid flowers. Even you can choose from Indica flowers; you can narrow your options easily once you know what you need from the cannabis flower. Mostly, knowing about flowers helps in preparing a mindset and in most cases that guide patients towards healing and gaining more benefits.

Methods Of Consumption

As discussed earlier, a plethora of alternative ways are there for consuming cannabis flower. That said, choosing a method of consumption is as important as selecting the ‘right cannabis strain’.

Couple of methods for cannabis consumption are:-

Smoking

One of the primary ways to use medical marijuana is by rolling it into smoke. It’s a classic, inexpensive option. Although, it’s probably not the best options for a longer run and for people with respiratory problems.

Vaping

Another easy option of consuming marijuana is by using vapes. Vaping has attracted millions of consumers over the past couple of years. It’s discreet and fashionable, however, it is one pricey option.

Edibles

CBD edibles are a go-to option, especially for patients with respiratory problems. The effects induced by edible food are powerful and long lasting. CBD edibles are progressively making their way to the mainstream.

Tropicals

Cannabis topicals are available in forms of lotions and creams. They have zero psychoactive compounds and deliver pleasing results. However, if you suffer from anxiety and depression, then consider a different option.

Explore and Experiment

There is no hard rule for choosing cannabis. You can select among hundreds of potent stains. It’s likely that after the first use, next time you go for another strain. You can try many products before you settle down with one that suits you. One of the best ways is to find out ‘that one strain’ is by maintaining a journal listing. You can scribe down the positive and negative effects of each strain.

Selecting A Dosage

Here are some general recommendations on using medical marijuana in New York, especially for the first-timers.

Follow the best policy, start a small dosage and notice how it affects your mood, health, emotions and everyday life. Once you gain confidence, you can increase the daily intake.
Increase your dosage wisely. If you want to experience effects right here and right now, remember to wait a couple of days before changing your optimal dose.
Consider choosing another brand before increasing the dosage

Don’t Share Your Stash

Not sharing your stash might sound counterintuitive to many people. But distributing medical marijuana or selling it is a punishable offense. Medical marijuana cardholders can use it to make a purchase for personal treatments only. There are reported incidents where medical marijuana users hang out and talk about what similar problem other people are going through. For others, it might be a way to explore new strains, but this kind of socializing among patients might include sharing of cannabis, it’s against the rules and regulations.

Sets And Settings

Cannabis pioneers like ‘Terence McKenna’ have gone to lengths and breadths of consuming cannabis in the right sets and settings. Here the ‘sets’ means mindset and ‘setting’ is your physical surroundings. Your first few experiences can go unexpectedly strong and disorienting. So, take your time and find an environment where you’ll be sure about your safety and relaxation. For a start, you can turn up soft background music, get away from clutter, avoid any stressful situation and clear your agenda for the evening.

This Too Shall Pass

Eventually, you will experience slight anxiety or panic, especially when you consume too much. In such cases stay calm, remind yourself that effects are temporary and it will pass. That said, not all strains make you feel bad. Just avoid the same stain in the future, go for another one; there are plenty. In the worst case, go for a cold water bath and call on a medical marijuana helpline number.

Keep It Private

Even if you are a regular consumer, ensure to only consume marijuana in the privacy of your home. It’s best to smoke indoors since it’s comfortable and you know the place (setting). Try to avoid consuming marijuana in public. Not only is it illegal to consume marijuana in public areas, seeing too many people at once could overwhelm you. So, stick to indoors and avoid drawing any unwanted attention.

Ask More Questions

The cannabis industry is changing faster than ever before in history. It means that for most of us it can be very hard to keep up with the twist and turns. There are new strains on the market almost every week, and even laws change. Don’t be shy to ask questions, as it will help you develop your experience. More than anything else, learn about how marijuana acts once inside the body, what are the expected effects, etc.

Thoughts For Foods

In the end, best practice, you must apply for an online medical card to consume cannabis. Medical marijuana in New York contains a wide range of options and for the first few times, it could be challenging, especially when you have to choose one. Also, not all medical marijuana strains are alike. Even within the same strain, the intensity of cannabinoids will vary. Find an online CBD store and compare from a wide variety of products. Furthermore, you can always choose from different methods to consume marijuana.

April 21, 2021June 30, 2021

How Can Marijuana Help You Alleviate Depression Symptoms?

Are you wondering how can marijuana help alleviate depression symptoms? It’s listed as a Schedule I drug, can you still use it in your state? You have landed at the right place.

Medical studies have shown that chemical compounds in cannabis have ultimate medicinal properties. Marijuana can help in relaxing the body, boosting mood, sleep, and focus at work. By getting medical marijuana recommendations in a cannabis legalized state like New York, you can legally consume marijuana for medical purposes.

In this post, we are going to discuss how cannabis for depression works and major benefits of getting a medical marijuana card.

What Causes Depression?

Depression is a common mood disorder, which usually occurs due to inability to deal with stressful situations. Unemployment, chronic disease, relationship problems, poverty, etc. are some of the common stressors. Recent studies have found the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risks of anxiety and depression among Americans.

Age is also a key factor associated with depression. Older adults are at higher risks of depression symptoms, which are often made worse by other factors, such as loneliness and lack of social support.

How Marijuana For Depression Works?

For managing depression symptoms, medical professionals often prescribe medications. The common drugs include SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and antidepressants.

Moreover, studies have found that marijuana can help reduce depression symptoms. The cannabis plant contains a wide range of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two most important phytocannabinoids are-

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)– A psychoactive cannabinoid that binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. It causes high effects, which makes it appealing among recreational consumers.
Cannabidiol (CBD)- A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that relaxes the body and mind and provides anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.

In the body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for regulating important functions. It contains endocannabinoids (2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide), which attach to cannabinoid receptors to control mood, memory, pain, etc.

Medical studies say that anxiety and depression can lead to reducing endocannabinoids in the body.

Both THC and anandamide have a similar chemical structure, thus the former can mimic the functions of the latter, i.e. binds to cannabinoid receptors. This helps in releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, thus improving cognitive function, sleep, etc.

There’s some evidence that marijuana provides positive effects on depression patients only if used for short-term. However, in some cases, long-term cannabis use may increase depression over time.

So, dosing is important when using marijuana for depression. You should try different doses and strains, and note down your experiences with different combinations. This way, you can easily determine what’s working for your symptoms.

Here are some of the best marijuana strains for depression patients-

Cinex
Jack Herer
Mountain Girl
Colorado Bubba
Miss USA
Gorilla Breath
Rollins
Blob OG
Superstar
Nice Cherry

Different Methods of Consuming Cannabis

Inhalation

The inhalation methods allow you to receive therapeutic effects of cannabis instantly.

You can use water pipes, joints, blunts, or vaporizers to heat cannabis and deliver cannabinoids directly into the lungs.

Oral Delivery

There are two ways- edibles and tinctures. Cannabis-infused foods and beverages are processed through the digestive tract, thus have a slow onset time. Tinctures are absorbed sublingually or can be mixed with foods.

Topical

Cannabis-infused balms and creams, which allow you to absorb cannabinoids through the skin. They are usually preferred for localized relief from pain, muscle spasms, etc.

How to Get Medical Marijuana Recommendations in New York?

Marijuana for medical purposes is legalized by more than 30 states. However, to use cannabis legally, you require a medical marijuana doctor’s recommendation. In other words, you need to get evaluated from a board-certified doctor.

Looking for a medical marijuana card near you? See an MMJ doctor online today. Now, at NY Medical Card, you can get a marijuana evaluation in just 10 minutes. Here’s the process-

Sign up for an account online
Talk to a licensed doctor via video call
Get your MMJ recommendation letter in PDF via email

Benefits of Getting a Doctor’s Recommendation in NY

It’s necessary to get a medical marijuana recommendation to purchase, possess, and consume marijuana legally in New York. Here are some of the major benefits of getting a marijuana ID card-

Access to Licensed Dispensaries

In New York, only patients with registry ID cards can purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries. With an MMJ card, you can possess up to a 30-day supply of cannabis. Designated caregivers must show their registry ID cards when purchasing and possessing cannabis on behalf of patients.

Legal Protection

Possession of cannabis is illegal in the state. However, you can possess the prescribed amount of marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. Thus, you can legally use cannabis for managing your medical condition.

Affordable Cannabis

In New York, the Department of Health regulates the prices of cannabis. By getting a marijuana evaluation, you can visit local dispensaries and get professional help for choosing the right strains for managing your symptoms.

Key Takeaways

Marijuana can provide immediate relief for depression symptoms. Chemical compounds in the cannabis plant interact with the endocannabinoid system, thus improving mood, sleep, etc. CBD products can help boost relaxation and boost sleep without making consumers high.

Cannabis strains, delivery method and dosage are the key factors that impact the marijuana effects. Talk to your doctor and seek professional help for using marijuana for depression.

September 2, 2020April 13, 2021

5 Astonishing Studies on Marijuana You Probably Don’t Know About

Cannabis is still an illegal substance at the federal level, which doesn’t actually make sense given so many studies emerging every now and then determining the possible benefits of the herb. Moreover, the plant is in the category of schedule I drugs, which means it is considered highly addictive. And this too doesn’t really match what the data says.

Evidently, until the plant is illegal in so many different parts of the world, the research on it will remain slow. However, medical marijuana programs in several states of the US are proving to be quite helpful for people. Every day we are receiving hundreds of applications for a medical marijuana card New York. Plus, this step has paved way for some significant, and really important, research on the herb too.

The research on cannabis until now has busted several myths and stereotypes surrounding the plant. And it has proved the plant’s worth in helping people manage several of their medical conditions.

So, today, we are going to put some light on a few mind-blowing studies on marijuana that you probably have never heard of.

Cannabis Stops Opioids Reaction

As per the reports by the CDC, opioids kill over 47 thousand people every year. And recently, the government has put this problem into the category of epidemics too. According to the estimates by the CDC, the government is spending at least around $78 billion every year to curb this problem of opioid abuse.

Surprisingly, the solution to this problem is right on our doorsteps.

There were some findings published in March 2018 by the Minnesota Department of Health on the basis of their experiences during the first five months of their launch of the medical marijuana program. As per the reports, during this time, the state saw a whopping 63 percent reduction in the number of people using opioids painkillers.

There was a report in the year 2016 too from the experiences of Michigan state. The report said that the opioid usage was less by 64 percent in the state since cannabis was made legal.

Many north-western states also saw a reduction in opioid use up to around 77 percent.

In the year 2020, 19 states where marijuana is legal medically were selected and a research team did a comparison of their current opioid prescription rates to the previous year ones. The study found that out of these 19 states, in 15, the rate of opioids prescription was lesser.

It’s quite remarkable seeing how marijuana is playing such a great role in eradicating the opioid epidemic.

Medical Marijuana Can Help Treat Chemotherapy Side-Effects

Recent research on cannabis proves that marijuana is quite effective in helping people manage their symptoms of chemotherapy side effects too. There are many studies suggesting the same.

A 2014 study by Lynch and others concluded that medical cannabis can be very effective against various symptoms that are caused while treating cancer. The study majorly focused on neuropathic pain due to chemotherapy, and the researchers studied a total of 16 patients. As a result of these trials, the researchers saw a significant reduction in the pain felt by the patients after using cannabis.

In another study that was published in the year 2018, it was found that medical cannabis can help chemotherapy patients manage their pain, vomiting, and nausea. In this study, the researchers observed around 3000 chemotherapy patients who were using medical marijuana between the years 2015 and 2017. Out of all these, 1200 patients continued their cannabis use for more than six months. And around 96 percent of them saw a significant improvement in their overall condition.

Given the above observations, a lot of chemotherapy patients are applying for a medical marijuana card New York. And there are many other states that have cancer as one of the major qualifying conditions for an MMJ card.

However, if you are thinking of using marijuana to treat chemotherapy side effects, you need to be a little careful. Remember that THC and CBD may interact with your other medications in the liver. You may avoid this issue by using some other way of consuming the herb that doesn’t involve the liver, such as vaping.

Alcohol is More Harmful to Your Brain Than Cannabis

Can you imagine living in a world where you can use a harmful substance without any trouble, and a healthy substance is illegal and banned? Well, you don’t have to. Because we already are living in such a world.

It’s true that alcohol is more harmful to the human brain than cannabis.

There was a study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder that analyzed the effects of alcohol as well as cannabis on the human brain. The research team studied both adults and teenagers. And the participants consumed varying amounts of alcohol and marijuana.

Alcohol, as we all know, can be healthy if consumed in a limited amount. But at higher levels, it may be a threat to your brain health. And the same was found during the research too. However, with marijuana, the research saw there was no long term negative effects.

Now, we don’t recommend using too much cannabis. However, the chances of harming your brain with cannabis use are quite less as compared to alcohol.

Cannabis May Help Autism Patients

There was an open clinical study conducted in Israel to check how cannabis may help people manage Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And the researchers published the results in January 2019. The research concluded that cannabis may have the potential to help people with ASD.

The researchers in this study looked at the effects of medical marijuana on the kids who were suffering from Autism. 188 patients were given cannabis oil that contained 30 percent CBD and only 1.5 percent THC. And they studied if there was an improvement in their overall behavior.

The study was found quite safe and effective. And it helped patients find relief from a wide number of issues, including depression, tics, restlessness, seizures, etc. The research found that within six months of treatment more than 83 percent of patients start seeing improvement in their condition. And around 30 percent of patients saw a significant relief from their symptoms. The oil also helped them improve their concentration and sleep. And most patients involved in this study claimed to live a better life after six months of their treatment.

All in all, the research proved that cannabis, or CBD in particular, can be quite helpful in helping people with Autism.

Marijuana is NOT a Gateway Drug

Even after so many years of the legalization of medical cannabis in different parts of the country, there are people who are afraid of using it. And one of the major reasons behind this is “the gateway theory.” This theory suggests that the usage of cannabis can lead people to use some other hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.

But this is actually far from reality. Yes, there are a lot of people who use cannabis before using other drugs. But it doesn’t mean cannabis has made them do it. There are many places where cannabis is not available so easily. For instance, Japan. In Japan, cannabis isn’t readily available. Yet, the problem of drug abuse is there.

In simple terms, we cannot blame marijuana for making people use harder drugs. There can be many other factors that may play a role here. This may include, genetics, society, personal issues, etc.

Furthermore, a lot of people are using cannabis to help them stop using opioids and other such drugs. As we read above, cannabis is playing a major role in helping authorities combat the opioid addiction problem. Then how can we say that marijuana is a gateway drug?

April 21, 2020

What is Cannabis Tolerance Break? How To Know If You Need One?

Marijuana is surrounded by facts that should not be ignored by one who consumes it on a daily basis. All information is necessary to be able to achieve the best effects while staying safe. After all, marijuana is a drug like any other medication. It can have side effects, overdoses and allergic reactions too. This is why before you apply for a medical marijuana card in New York or puff on your first joint at a party, you must do your due research.

One such important piece of information related to marijuana is a tolerance break. Every person you know that uses marijuana, especially regular users. Will have to go through one of these breaks at least once. But, you cannot just go on t-breaks without knowing what is cannabis tolerance. And if you need one or not.

What is Cannabis Tolerance?

If you are a regular user of marijuana, you may have come across the term ‘tolerance’. Either your doctor told you about it or you are experiencing it right now. Once you start using cannabis regularly, you will develop a tolerance. Because it is your body’s natural reaction and is almost inevitable. Tolerance is just what you think it is. Your body becomes tolerant of the THC in cannabis and so it becomes ineffective or less potent with time and regular use. This response of the body develops with almost every drug and even alcohol.

The cannabinoids in cannabis, especially THC, react with the CB receptors that are spread all across your body and brain. This is how they manipulate your brain chemistry and result in all the pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and dozens of other effects on the body.

Now, tolerance happens when your body compensates for the regular doses of cannabinoids. There is no exact research to point out how the body develops a tolerance to cannabis. But, the most accepted theory is that the endocannabinoid system and other CB receptors desensitize to cannabinoids with regular activation. Also, as more receptors are desensitizing, the body starts internalizing them from the surface. As a result, there are not many CB receptors left for the cannabinoids to activate. Both these factors contribute to the development and increase in the level of tolerance.

You can break this Tolerance

The good news is that you can break off from this tolerance. Total abstinence from cannabis for a few days, weeks or months depending upon the level of your tolerance can do the trick. It will not be easy and you may have to go through mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. But, once you get through with the break, it will act as a detox. Your body and mind will be back to its original state. And getting the best effects out of cannabis will be more easy and comfortable.

But, not all people need a break. Some actually benefit from it. It can help eliminate or lessen the intoxicating effects of cannabis. But, if the high is a necessity for your medical condition or you prefer the euphoric feeling. Then you may have to go for a tolerance break.

So how do you know if you need one or not? There are a number of signs that you need to look for to know if it’s time for a break.

How do you know that you need a T-break?

If you use medical marijuana, then your doctor will probably help you determine if you need a break. But, if you want to figure out by yourself, here are some signs that call for a t-break.

Change in the effectiveness of marijuana

The first signs of cannabis tolerance can be seen in its effectiveness. With time you will realize that your regular dose does not deliver the same effects that it did originally. So you may have to increase your dose to achieve the same level of benefits. And with passing time, the quantity will be way more than what you started with. This is the working of cannabis tolerance.

Such a scenario may not be the best thing for medical cannabis users. Since most of them use cannabis daily. So taking a break or slowly weaning away by reducing the dose can help you get back to normal.

Your indulgence is increasing

If you find yourself stuck to the couch for the entire day. Not because you are lazy but because you are high. Then it is time to let go of mary jane for some time. It is possible that with time you may lose track of your marijuana indulgence. You may take more hits than required to keep the pain at bay. Or maybe munch on a much stronger strain because you just love that euphoric feeling.

But, all this is not healthy for your body. Cannabis should not become your priority. So embark on a break or a few days to clear your head and start fresh.

You are going heavier on your wallet

As tolerance increases, your regular dose and strain may not remain effective for you anymore. It usually leads to an increase in the frequency of use, of dose and sometimes a shift to higher quality and more potent strain. All of these changes can put your wallet under a lot of stress. And so if you feel that your trips to the dispensary have been increasing lately. Or that restocking takes the biggest chunk of your savings. Then it is time for a break. This will not only help your slow down on expense. But also change your tolerance level so that you don’t need a lot or a much stronger strain to get high.

Your cannabis rules are not relevant anymore

Your doctor will usually give a dose to start from and map out the time intervals after which you can take your next dose. This also applies to recreational users, they may not get guidance from a doctor but are generally aware of how much they need and when. Most people use it just before sleeping, pre or post-workout, to focus or only when they encounter a triggering situation. But, they may slip off from such parameters with passing time. Also, you may stop going outside, you may not feel aware of what’s happening around and your social interaction may decrease.

If that happened with you, consider leaving that joint or edible for some time. Get back to your headspace and start again.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis tolerance comes as a given once you start using marijuana. You will experience it once during your time of use. Some may find it helpful, others may not. So you can break it with abstinence. Even a 24-hours break can be very helpful for some people. So if you think that you have developed a higher tolerance or can relate to any of the mentioned signs, consider going on a tolerance break.

August 23, 2019June 29, 2022

Best Cannabis Strains For Anxiety

Marijuana Strain For Anxiety | New York Medical Card

Cannabis has got its fame for being beneficial to people suffering. That being said, if you are looking for some relief from your anxiety issues with marijuana, this post is for you. Cannabis and anxiety have a complicated relationship. I’ve seen some people who take a small puff of cannabis and this provides them unrivaled relief of worry, panic, stress, and other anxiety-related symptoms. And then there are people who experience heightened paranoia and exacerbated anxiety with cannabis. This all depends on the strain’s THC content. And with a medical marijuana card ny you can get access to a variety of products with different strains. There are a lot of strains with different levels of THC, and all these strains work in different ways. But first, it’s important to know what anxiety really is.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a tricky beast to tackle. Many people suffer from anxiety these days; be it teens, adults or seniors, anxiety can trouble them all. Recent data shows that anxiety has become the number one mental health issue in North America. Almost one-third of the North America adult population suffers from anxiety. Furthermore, a recent report showed that almost half of college students suffered from high levels of anxiety.

“Anxiety” is an umbrella term to describe different feelings or an uneasy situation; if you feel stressed, worried, or under pressure, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you suffer from anxiety. Though, you still need to analyze yourself and understand whether you suffer from anxiety or it’s just the normal worry. Whether you suffer from anxiety or not, medical marijuana can help you with your anxiousness. As I wrote above, anxiety can be used to describe a variety of different feelings, including the feeling of worry, nervousness, apprehension, or unease. There are further several subcategories, which are: general anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), phobic disorders, separation anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Marijuana And Anxiety

This has always complicated many people. There are proofs of marijuana being helpful to people dealing with anxiety issues, and then it is also seen that marijuana can cause anxiety or paranoia to some people. THC and CBD have different effects and will also affect people in different ways. CBD act on serotonin receptors, that’s why CBD dominant marijuana strains tend to reduce levels of anxiety. However, in some cases, it has been observed that THC helped anxiety as it produces psychoactive effects that relieve people’s stress and help anxiety. But, what matters, in the end, is the right balance and dosing. So, it is better to consult with a marijuana doctor before consuming any form of cannabis.

7 Best Cannabis Strains You Must Use

There are many cannabis strains available, picking a good strain to combat your anxiety is important. Recognize your tolerance and sensitivity and then move forward. Try different strains to see which best suits your symptoms. So here are the 7 best cannabis strains for your anxiety and panic attack.

Granddaddy Purple

This Indica dominant hybrid enjoys its wide popularity in both the recreational and medical cannabis markets. It delivers potent psychoactive effects with physical relaxation and cerebral euphoria. This one is not a strain for newbies, it is hard-hitting, and it is immensely popular is largely due to its strength, high yield, and reputation for being easy to grow. It has 17-24% THC, it has a powerful high and eases you into a peaceful mindset, and make your body release all the stress and tension. Granddaddy has sweet grape and berry flavors and deeply sedating effects make it a good treatment for anxiety. It’s a good choice for you if you are looking for full-body relaxation.

ACDC

A high-CBD strain is better suited for you if you have more severe social anxiety. ACDC typically contains about 20 times more CBD than THC. The CBD-to-THC ratio of ACDC can go high as 20:1, so its psychoactive effects are minimal. So, relax, you won’t be on “highway to hell” after this. This Sativa-dominant strain is the perfect medicine for anxiety, that comes in flavors like woody, earthy, pine notes. The CBD levels can be as high as 19%, and ACDC can also result in dry mouth, so be prepared for that.

Cannatonic

Cannatonic is another excellent strain with low THC content which usually revolves around 6%. It has a high CBD level which can span to 17%, this can go even higher. This one is another strain for CBD fans, that can put anxious feelings to rest. With no psychoactive effects, it does well to uplift and relaxes users. It is one of the top medical cannabis strains, not just for solving anxiety and stress. Cannatonic will keep stay relaxed, clear-headed, and focused.

Northern Lights

This indica heavyweight is like Granddaddy Purple. It has been an industry favorite for several decades. The user ratings and reviews suggest that Northern Lights help slow the mind and body down. It helps people dealing with OCD and help settle nervous fixations

Blackberry Kush

It is an Indica-dominant strain, that has deeply relaxing effects that do a great job of taking the edge off anxiety. Blackberry Kush inherits crushingly sedating effects from Afghani parents and a sweet berry flavor from Blueberry. You may not be able to indulge in throughout the day, but you feel blessed to have this beside you when insomnia hits. This strain also works well as pain relief.

Remember no matter how tempting it may be to buy cannabis from a stranger, it still is illegal. Check with a doctor if you qualify for a medical marijuana card ny before looking for products online or in dispensaries. Anxiety might be a symptom of an overlying medical condition. Make sure you get help from a medical professional if you feel something is wrong.