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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of those mental disorders that are rising within the US population at an alarming rate. According to careful estimates, about 3.5% of the US population is affected by PTSD in one way or the other.
Current data estimates also predict that in the future, almost one out of every eleven US citizens will be affected by this with women having twice the chance of developing PTSD than men.
Although we don’t yet have solid credible statistics regarding the number of individuals affected by PTSD within the state of California, the number of patients registering has been on the higher side in the last few decades.
But being a state that is known to be the founder of medical cannabis programs effective in many US states, does PTSD qualify you for a medical marijuana card in California?
The official answer is Yes. Being included in the state-issued list of qualifying medical conditions doesn’t mean that you can’t get a medical marijuana card for PTSD in California.
Understanding PTSD in the context of California
The state of California has a very robust and patient-focused medical cannabis program. The state legalized medical cannabis back in 1996, becoming the first US state to do so.
Now, let's come to the main topic of discussion. PTSD is not officially included in the list of qualifying medical conditions that can get you a medical marijuana card.
However, there is a clause according to which ‘Any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that either substantially limits a person’s ability to conduct one or more of major life activities as defined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the person’s safety, physical, or mental health.’
This means that if your physician believes that the current status of your PTSD symptoms can eventually influence your normal life activities or harm you in any possible way, then you can be prescribed medical cannabis because of a PTSD diagnosis.
Medical marijuana as a treatment option in California
Medical marijuana has now become an active part of common medical practices usually followed within the state of California. Many prominent medical disorders such as AIDS, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, etc. can now get you a medical marijuana recommendation from a licensed medical doctor.
Plus, the state doesn’t require you to register with a medical cannabis regulatory authority and apply for a physical medical marijuana card. Instead, your medical cannabis recommendation is enough for you to start purchasing/consuming medical cannabis.
Steps to obtain a medical marijuana card for PTSD in California
- Well, the first step is to book your appointment with a licensed medical cannabis doctor practicing within the state of California.
- Once you have booked your appointment, the next step is to discuss your PTSD symptoms with your doctor in detail. Make sure to bring any medical records requested by your doctor as it will help them to make a final decision on your prescription.
- If everything goes right, you’ll get your medical marijuana recommendation right away and will be able to start marijuana consumption/purchase right away.
Benefits of having a medical marijuana card in California
1. Access to state-licensed dispensaries
As per the medical marijuana laws of California, the only legal way to purchase medical cannabis products within the state is through licensed cannabis dispensaries. Having a medical marijuana card does give you access to benefits like priority service and separate check-out counters.
2. Legal protection under California law
Having a medical cannabis card does mean that you’ll have special legal protection in some matters that will be provided by the state. Higher cannabis possession limits are one such legal protection.
3. Potential for tax benefits and cost savings
Medical cannabis holders surely do enjoy sales tax exemption per cannabis purchase. When you’re purchasing cannabis products in bulk, exemptions like these surely do matter.
Final Note
The state of California is known for its lenient and patient-focused medical cannabis laws. Even though PTSD is not included in the official list of qualifying medical conditions, if your physician believes that medical cannabis is going to be beneficial for your PTSD symptoms, you will get a valid recommendation.
