What Qualifies Patients for a Medical Marijuana Card in New York?

Photo of author

(Newswire.net — June 23, 2022) — Medical marijuana is a medication used to treat pain and other conditions. Medical cannabis card holders can obtain it from a licensed producer who agrees with the state.

Many people ask, how much is a medical marijuanas card in NY? The price of a medical marijuana card depends on the type of card you want. There are three medical marijuana card types in New York:

  • Medical marijuana card
  • Medical marijuana cardholder
  • Medical marijuana card with reciprocity

Each of the three-card types has an individual license price. Here we will discuss what qualifies patients to get a medical cannabis card in New York.

1. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a condition characterized by long-term discomfort and pain. It develops when the body is subject to long-term, low-level nerve and tissue damage around the injury or procedure site. Chronic pain usually lasts longer than three months and can be debilitating.

Chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and cancer are all examples of chronic conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana. If you have chronic pain, you may qualify to purchase a medical marijuana card.

2. Severe Nausea and Vomiting

This condition affects the stomach and causes severe nausea and vomiting. It is a medical condition that can cause an individual to vomit repeatedly and even get dehydrated. When the symptoms of nausea and vomiting are intense, it can be perilous. Cannabis proves to help with the symptoms associated with nausea and vomiting, especially when they are very severe.

Studies have shown that when individuals use marijuana in conjunction with traditional medications for nausea and vomiting, many patients experience fewer side effects rather than using traditional medicines alone.

3. Cachexia

Cachexia is a syndrome marked by a loss of appetite, weight, and muscle mass. According to the New York State Department of Health, patients with cachexia may be qualified for medical cannabis. However, the ailment had to be severe enough to affect the patient’s life and have lasted at least six months. In addition, a licensed physician must also issue an official diagnosis to the patient.

4. Cancer

A cancer diagnosis includes any cancer that has spread to parts of the body like the brain, bones, or lymph nodes. A physician must have diagnosed cancer at least 30 days before applying for a card. Patients who qualify for the card will not be allowed to use it as an alternative treatment option on its own. They can only use it under certain circumstances, such as when used and other treatments prescribed by their doctor.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a mental health condition caused when someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Anxiety and depression are common symptoms of PTSD and can be treated with medicinal cannabis.

Physical or sexual abuse, combat, accidents, or natural calamities can trigger PTSD. A person with PTSD can apply for a medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana may be a safe, effective, and legal PTSD treatment.

6. Diabetes

Diabetes is a neuroendocrine disease that affects how your body manages sugar, and it can cause serious health issues such as the following:

  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes
  • Kidney failure
  • Blindness
  • Amputations

It believes that medical cannabis works better than other medications for diabetes because it does not require people to take insulin shots and does not affect blood sugar levels. It also has fewer side effects than other medications used to treat diabetes because it does not contain narcotics like morphine or methadone.

Medical cannabis proves to help control blood sugar levels after eating. It makes it an excellent treatment option for patients with diabetes who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels between meals.

Bottom Line

Patients who desire to get a medical marijuana card will wait for their application to be processed and approved by the authorities before starting to use medical cannabis legally. However, there are many advantages to having a medical marijuana card. Cardholders can grow up to six plants and carry up to two ounces of medical marijuana in public places. However, they are allowed to use only marijuana for medical purposes and are not allowed to drive under the influence of it.