Three FAQs Regarding Medical Marijuana in Maryland
As of July 2018, 30 states in the country have legalized the use of medical marijuana. This includes the state of Maryland, which legalized the use of marijuana for medical-only purposes in 2014. According to the current law, those who live in Maryland are able to possess no more than four ounces, unless a doctor determines more is necessary.
Despite being legal, there are still many questions people in the state have about the use of medical marijuana. Here are the answers to three frequently asked questions.
Image/johnny_deff via pixabay
What Conditions Can Medical Marijuana Be Used to Treat?
Medical marijuana can only be used to treat certain conditions. This includes patients with debilitating diseases who have been admitted to hospice and patients with severe conditions where other treatment methods have been ineffective.
Some more specific conditions that medical marijuana can be used to treat include:
- Anorexia
- Glaucoma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Severe muscle spasms
- Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome)
Medical marijuana can also be used to treat persistent muscle spasms and chronic pain.
How Do Patients Get Medical Marijuana?
Doctors are not allowed to prescribe medical marijuana. Instead, medical providers who recommend medical marijuana for their patients must be registered with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission. Patients must also register online with the state commission.
Upon registering, patients will be issued a Patient ID number. They must then obtain a written recommendation from one of the doctors registered with the commission. Patients are able to obtain marijuana used for medicinal purposes at one of the state’s 34 approved dispensaries. Currently 500 providers and 17,000 patients in the state have registered for medical marijuana.
Is CBD Oil the Same as Medical Marijuana?
CBD oil is a cannabinoid that is produced from the seeds of hemp and is also used for medicinal purposes. Because CBD is exempt from federal law, patients living in Maryland can legally purchase and consume CBD oil without a prescription from their doctor. High-quality CBD oil can be purchased online as well as at brick-and-mortar stores that sell natural health products.
Medical marijuana contains large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while CBD contains either only trace amounts of THC, or none at all. While they are both used to treat a variety of medical conditions, CBD oil does have different health benefits than medical marijuana. For instance, CBD oil is used primarily to relieve stress, tension, and help those with certain emotional conditions, such as anxiety.
Author: Jacob Maslow
