Did you hear someone say that cannabis can treat pain? Or that it can help improve a disturbed sleep cycle? Are you intrigued? I would be if I were you. Especially if I need medical assistance too. The good news is, you can very easily try medical cannabis if you want. Cannabis has come a long way from being a gateway drug to the therapeutic aid that we all know of today. Honestly, the medical potential of cannabis was known since ancient times but it is only today that the world has accepted it. Such major change has led to developments in the cannabis industry like telemedicine, cannabis home deliveries and varieties of cannabis products. 

So, now that medical cannabis is widely accepted for treating health conditions, are you considering giving it a try to improve your health? If you are on the fence about moving ahead to apply for marijuana evaluations in Bakersfield, let me give you a helping hand. I have a list of the most frequently asked questions about medical cannabis. Read along to find their answers and finalize your decision about medical cannabis. 

Is medical marijuana legal?

Considering the fact that cannabis has come from a history of legal issues, it is very obvious that the first question that comes to mind before using medical cannabis is if it is legal. 

The answer is a strong yes. Medical cannabis is legal in 33 states of the US including California. In fact, California is the first state that legalized the medical use of cannabis back in 1996. Since then thousands of people have found the courage to use cannabis as a treatment for their medical condition. 

The legalization does provide freedom to the patient community to buy and use medical marijuana but it is important to remember that every state has different marijuana laws based on the medical marijuana program they follow. For example, you are only allowed to possess 8 ounces of cannabis or an amount recommended by your doctor. Also, driving under the influence of cannabis is prohibited by law. 

This is why it is important that you acquaint yourself with the rules and regulations to avoid any legal troubles. 

How are medical and recreational cannabis different?

Medical and recreational cannabis are the same yet different. Let me explain. 

Both medical and recreational cannabis use the same cannabis strains and are also used in the same way. The delivery methods and cannabis products used in either type are one of the many available out there. The effects are also more or less the same. The difference lies in the reasons for use and state laws. 

Medical cannabis is the use of cannabis and its many chemical components to deliver symptomatic relief from a medical condition. You are required to have a doctor’s recommendation or a medical card to show that you are a registered medical cannabis consumer. Recreational cannabis, on the other hand, is used for non-medical reasons or to achieve a high and have a good time.  

In terms of laws, medical cannabis enjoys certain privileges compared to recreational cannabis. The legal age for medical cannabis is lowered to 18 years to let younger patients use medical marijuana. For recreational cannabis, the age is 21 years. Similarly, medical cannabis consumers can possess eight times more cannabis than recreational cannabis. These are just a few of the many laws that are different between medical and recreational cannabis. To have a better idea, visit the official website of your state.

Why do I need a medical cannabis card?

If you have a medical condition that can be treated with cannabis, you must consider getting a medical marijuana card. Here’s why. 

A medical marijuana card needs you to go through 420 evaluations which is a consultation with a board certified medical professional. The doctor will access your present medical condition, review your medical history and look at all the factors related to your health. After considering all the factors, the doctor will decide if you are eligible for a medical card or not. Since you are going through professional consultation, you can have a better idea about cannabis and how it can help you.

Secondly, a medical card is key to a number of privileges. You can use it to be exempted from paying sales and use tax, to buy more cannabis and high potency strains and also to avoid any legal troubles. 

Which conditions can be treated with medical cannabis?

Considering all the data about medical cannabis to date, there is enough proof that cannabis can be a medical solution for conditions like cancer, mental disorders like anxiety and depression, PTSD, insomnia and chronic pain. The reasoning behind such therapeutic prowess of cannabis lies in its chemical composition. Different terpenes, cannabinoids, fatty acids, flavonoids etc, work together to give cannabis the ability to deliver an array of effects on the consumer. It can have anti-inflammatory, sedative, antiemetic, pain-relieving and even mood-boosting effects on the body. So after evaluating your medical condition, it can be determined which effects your body requires and how you can achieve it effectively.

How can I apply for a medical cannabis card?

Applying for a medical card is as easy as ABC. You can either follow the traditional way of making an appointment with a doctor and then visiting for your evaluation. Or you can bypass all the wait and hassle and get a medical card conveniently using telemedicine. 

You will be able to get expert guidance and receive your medical card without leaving your home. All you have to do is find a trusted doctor or clinic. Make sure that they have a valid license and a verified address. You can then register on their website, fill the forms and get evaluated by a doctor online. If you are deemed eligible, you will receive your recommendation or medical card on your email within a few minutes.

Can I fly with medical cannabis?

As per the federal laws, flying or crossing borders with cannabis is an offense. So if you are caught with cannabis in a plane, you may get arrested. However, the officials do not have time to search for everyone, so arrest on a plane is highly unlikely. However, it’s best to stay cautious because you are violating federal law. 

If you have a medical card, you can put it to use. Carry only a small amount (according to your trip) in a sealed transparent bag so that it doesn’t seem suspicious. And keep all your documents (medical card or recommendation) handy. 

Does medical marijuana have any side effects?

Regardless of whether you are using medical or recreational cannabis, it will show some side effects. Some of the very common ones are red eyes, smokers cough, sore throat and an increase in appetite. If you are not sticking to your dose, the side effects may become severe. With an overdose, you may experience paranoia, fatigue, loss of perspective or even a hangover the next day. So stay safe and consume cannabis as advised by the doctor. 

I hope most of your doubts are cleared by now. So did you reach a decision? Will you be using medical marijuana? If yes, then don’t wait and get you medical cannabis card within 10 minutes online. 

Read more

COVID 19 calls for everyone to up their game when being cautious about hygiene and health. When it comes to cannabis, the industry is doing its best to assure safety to its consumers. For example, going along the lines of social distancing, most operations have become digital. Whether it is cannabis orders or
Bakersfield 420 evaluations ,online is the way to go.

Extra precautions are necessary even among cannabis consumers. Since a major fraction of the US population is dependent on cannabis, it is important that everyone is aware of the dos and don’ts while dealing with cannabis during COVID-19.  So if you belong to the population of cannabis users, here are a few points that you should know for the sake of your safety during the pandemic.

DO opt for home deliveries

With the essentialization of cannabis, home deliveries of cannabis have become more easier than ever. Since most of the US is under lockdown and people prefer staying indoors than out in the streets, home deliveries are no less than a boon for the people. If your dispensary offers services of home deliveries, it is time that you opt for this option and stay indoors.  

In case your city does not have the option of deliveries yet, the second best option is to place orders in advance, get a time slot for a curbside pickup. In either case, remember to maintain minimal contact and go cashless if possible. 

Home deliveries may make it difficult for people to have a better idea of the quality. This is why it is important that you make orders from licensed sources only. Legitimate sources ensure that all safety protocols are being followed and the quality of cannabis is not compromised at any cost.

DO practice proper hygiene protocols

If you are worried about exposure to COVID-19, there’s only one way that can put an end to your worries- proper hygiene. When dealing with cannabis, there are several openings for the virus to come in contact with you. Here’s how you can avoid this encounter. 

Hand wash

The first and most important step is to wash your hands when dealing with cannabis. Before you roll a joint, touch your stash, take a bite of the edible, smoke a bong or apply a CBD topical, hand wash is a must. 

Cannabis accessories

After you have ensured your hand hygiene, do the same with your cannabis accessories. Deep clean all of your washable accessories with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved cleaning agent. This is important because your gears are always in contact with your hands and lips. That leaves a lot of probability for cross contamination and contraction of COVID-19. So take time to properly clean all your grinders, bongs, pipes etc. 

Cannabis packaging

Hygiene protocols have to be followed in case of home deliveries too. You may already know that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces. So when your order arrives, clean your hand and disinfect the cannabis packaging too.

Kitchen sanitization

Do you make your own edibles at home? If yes, then you may have to do the extra step of making your kitchen contaminant free. Use proper cleaning agents and Sanitize the kitchen counters, frequently touched areas and all the utensils in use. 

DO try other methods of consumption

Smoking cannabis came under question when the data of COVID-19 patients revealed that smoking increases risk of developing complications. Consequently, many decided to give smoking a break and shift to safer options for a while. If you haven’t made a decision yet, it is time that you do.

Smoking is mainly a storehouse of respiratory hazards. Carcinogens, tar, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are some of the many known irritants.  Knowing the nature of COVID-19, a joint or a vape pen won’t be a wise option for a while especially for those who are at higher risk of exposure. Edibles, tinctures, topicals and sublinguals are some of the many other options that you can try. Some of these alternatives can also deliver stronger and faster effects on the body. And who knows, maybe the change of delivery method may introduce you to a much better option for your lifestyle.

If you are a beginner and are having trouble to find an alternative, apply for 420 evaluations in Bakersfield, CA. The professionals will help you understand the different options and recommend the one that is best suited to your lifestyle and medical condition.

DON’T overindulge

The current condition of the pandemic requires all of your attention. Because even though the government restrictions are beginning to ease down, it’s up to us to be safe. We still need to wash hands, wear masks, maintain physical distance and avoid public places. But if you are one that gets too high, it is obvious that your focus would be in all directions. You won’t be able to follow the precautions properly which compromises your safety. 

Getting a little too high also blurs your perception and memory. In case you catch the virus while being high, you may not be able to help the health professionals with contact tracing. So consuming only according to need is the way to follow to achieve the therapeutic effects without being too high. 

DON’T share 

It is a common habit among cannabis consumers to share their stash with the peers. Until lockdown, prohibition of social interactions prevented most people from sharing. However, with the world gradually opening up, you might want to meet with your friends and enjoy a session. But this should not be a reason to throw precautions in the air. 

You may know that COVID-19 takes time to show symptoms and in some cases may not show symptoms at all. So it is important to maintain distance and keep physical interactions to the minimum. Most importantly, do not share your stash. Shared cannabis products can be the cause of indirect or direct transmission of COVID-19. 

DON’T ignore proper storage

Improperly stored cannabis can be a cause of other sickness if not COVID-19.  A slight change in humidity, temperature and light can cause cannabis to grow mold or lose potency. This will make your stash not as strong as it is supposed to be or totally ineffective. 

So go for airtight and opaque glass jars for storage and place them in a cool and dark place. Avoid plastic bags if your stash has to be stored for a long time. Use airtight containers even when storing edibles in a refrigerator to avoid cross contamination. 

Having walked through the dos and don’ts of cannabis during COVID-19, follow the ones that apply to you. Also spread the word to the ones who can benefit with an introduction to these pointers.

Read more