Qualifying Medical Conditions in California

Publish on July 15, 2022

Updated on October 1st, 2022 at 07:01 pm

medical marijuana recommendation in california

What Are The Qualified Medical Conditions For Medical Marijuana in California

The laws governing the use of medical marijuana and its accessibility to patients and people over the age of 18 vary by state.

Particularly, the health conditions that patients must have to qualify for medical marijuana differ significantly from state to state, which can be difficult for individuals who would be eligible in one location but not in another.

Patients who suffer from one of these ailments that we’ll discuss as we proceed can work with a physician to obtain the appropriate authorization to purchase and use medicinal marijuana.

So, in this article, we’ll be looking at the various medical conditions that may qualify you for medical marijuana use. Take a head read!

What Is Medical Cannabis Or Marijuana?

Medical cannabis, commonly known as medical marijuana, is a herbal medication made from Cannabis plants that are used to treat a particular ailment or condition. 

Although marijuana, which represents the unprocessed substance extracted from the plant’s leaves and flowers, is sometimes used interchangeably with cannabis, the phrase relates solely to the plant genus.

What Are The Medical Conditions That Qualify For Medical Marijuana Card In California?

What you ought to know is that each county governs the medical use of cannabis differently, so take that into account before thinking about what medical problems qualify for medical marijuana.

Now, let’s take a look at a list of ailments that qualify for the use of medical marijuana in California.

Here are the qualifying conditions for participation in California’s Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP):

Any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that substantially limits a person’s ability to conduct major life activities as defined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or that, if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the person’s safety and health (both physical and mental).

Visit California’s state page to learn more about how to obtain a medical card.

Your primary care physician can recommend cannabis to help you manage any of these medical conditions. We’ll also explain some of them.

Cachexia

Cachexia is a condition that refers to rapid weight loss. Most frequently, it occurs in people with chronic illnesses like cancer or HIV due to the loss of muscle and connective fat. Cachexia, commonly referred to as “wasting syndrome,” is recognized for leaving patients with significant muscle atrophy, weakness, exhaustion, and appetite loss. The Greek words -kakos, which implies “bad,” and he isis, which implies “condition,” are the roots of the word “cachexia.”

Arthritis

Arthritis is a highly prevalent ailment, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, it is regrettably still a condition that is little understood. The word “arthritis” is used to refer to more than 100 different illnesses that are associated with joint discomfort or disease. Arthritis is the main cause of disability worldwide and can affect people of any age.

 Researchers discovered in 2000 that marijuana includes natural analgesics (painkillers) and anti-inflammatory chemicals, making it a highly effective arthritis treatment for a variety of individuals.

AIDs

Contrary to popular belief, HIV—also known as the human immunodeficiency virus—causes the symptoms of AIDS, which are a group of symptoms. HIV is a virus that assaults the immune system, kills helper-T cells which we know as  CD4 cells as well, a type of white blood cell, and then replicates indefinitely by cloning itself inside the cells.
 

When an HIV patient’s body’s immune system becomes too weak to combat the infection, it is known as AIDS. This is the final stage of The disease when the virus is very advanced, and it also causes individuals to develop some distinctive signs and illnesses. Hiv/Aids is a medical condition that qualifies for medical marijuana in California.

Cancer

Cancer is a group of health disorders characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. There are currently well over 100 different forms of cancer, each of which is categorized according to the particular cell type it attacks.
 

Tumors (lumps or masses of tissue) can develop as a result of cancer, which changes cellular development and reproduction. If left untreated, tumors can spread, disrupt the nervous, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems, and even release hormones that change how the body works.

Glaucoma

Since glaucoma often develops when tension from intraocular fluid builds up behind the retina, it affects and harms the eye’s optic nerve. Glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness in people over 60, and it necessitates the need for optic surgery for thousands of patients each year.
 

Cannabinoid receptors have been found in the eye, suggesting that the endocannabinoid system may control the generation and outflow of aqueous humor. 

In other words, certain marijuana strains have a history of lowering intraocular pressure, which raises the possibility that they may be able to delay the disease’s progression. Glaucoma is among the medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana use.

Above are explanations of some of the medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana listed earlier.

How Do I Get My Medical Marijuana Card?

The state issues a medical marijuana card to patients who have prescriptions from their doctors. With the permit, they are allowed to acquire, own, or cultivate cannabis for medical purposes. The cannabis card is valid for 1 year and will need to be renewed after that period. 

If you want to get your medical marijuana card, consult an MMJ Doctor today, and in no time, you will have your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Any Age Restriction On Medical Marijuana Use?

The Medicinal Use Act of 1996 doesn’t place an age restriction on persons who qualify for medical marijuana.  The specific county issuing the patient registration card determines the requirements for patient use of medical marijuana and the age limit.

People who are at least 18 years old can receive a medical cannabis card. Minors can also use medical cannabis in California, but they can only use it under the careful supervision of a legal guardian who is at least 18.

Q: Does California Keep Records Of Patients Who Use Medical Marijuana?

Yes, California keeps records of its patients who use medical marijuana. The registration cards can be renewed annually and are good for one year. The identity of the person’s authorized primary caregiver, if any, and updated written verification of the cardholder’s serious medical condition must be provided at renewal.

Final Thought

Fortunately, even though medical marijuana has been legalized in certain places at the federal level, there are still no set rules that specify the precise medical circumstances in which a patient may be allowed to receive treatment with marijuana. 

This simply implies that each state has a precise set of requirements for eligibility. The aforementioned requirements are, of course, generic ones that are recognized in other states, not just California. If your situation wasn’t described above, however, you should consult a doctor right away.

Note: This article’s content is provided for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or queries regarding laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult a lawyer, physician, or other licensed practitioner.

Medical Marijuana Cards California logo

You can get a medical marijuana ID card with a physician’s recommendation. If you have one, your cannabis purchases are exempt from sales and use tax. Medical marijuana ID cards are valid for up to one year. Both patients and their primary caregivers can get a card.