Pros of Having a Medical Marijuana Card In Pennsylvania

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In the last decade, many states across the US have legalized the use of medical marijuana. This policy change is concrete evidence in favor of the potential health benefits associated with consuming medical marijuana as a form of medication for certain health disorders. Just like its many neighboring states, the state of Pennsylvania allows the use of medical cannabis as well. The only condition to meet here is that you must be a registered medical cannabis patient eligible to apply for a medical marijuana card.

Keeping all these progressive laws and policies implemented by the state, you might be thinking that having a medical marijuana card won’t have any cons associated with it, right? Unfortunately, things are not as simple as they look, even though the use of medical cannabis is completely legal. Within the state, there are still some difficulties you’ll be facing.

Today, let’s talk about what exactly the cons associated with having a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania. We’ll try to include only such downsides that are going to impact the majority of medical marijuana users in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania medical marijuana laws 2024

In April 2016, the state of Pennsylvania finally legalized the use of medical cannabis for patients who are diagnosed with a qualifying medical disorder. The list of qualifying medical conditions includes cancer, anxiety disorders, Parkinson’s disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic pain, Epilepsy, Post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. As compared to many other US states, the list of qualifying medical conditions is surely limited in Pennsylvania, and the state does need to include multiple other life-altering disorders that can be treated by the use of medical cannabis.

Apart from this, the state has set in place employment-specific regulations to ensure the distribution of equal rights among patients and employers alike. Some of the prominent points of the employment-specific regulations are,

• Prohibiting discrimination against employees due to their status as a medical cannabis patient.
• The right to refuse to make special accommodations for medical marijuana usage in the workspace.
• Having the right to discipline employees regarding the use of medical cannabis or being under the influence of medical cannabis.
• Having the right to prohibit employees from performing life-threatening tasks while under the influence of medical cannabis.

Even though medical marijuana has now been legalized in PA, it is essential to note that the recreational use of cannabis is still illegal within the state. Anyone found in possession of recreational cannabis will have to face the legal consequences as per the state legislation.

Renewing your medical marijuana card: What will be the cost?

Wait, does having a medical marijuana card mean that you’ll have to renew the card after a fixed period? Yes, as per the Pennsylvania medical marijuana laws, the state-issued medical marijuana is only valid for around 12 months, starting from the initial date of its issuance. The recipient of a medical marijuana card is advised to renew the card before its expiry date to avoid any legal troubles.

Also, you’ll be paying a $50 renewal fee every twelve months for as long as you’re aiming to renew the card. Apart from this, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for a medical marijuana evaluation appointment with a certified doctor as well.

Implications associated with having a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania

So far, we have thoroughly covered the Pennsylvania medical marijuana laws and all the additional information you must know about the topic. Now, let’s take a look at some of the cons that are associated with having a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania,

1. Commercial Driving Licenses

Having a Commercial Driving License (CDL) and possessing a medical marijuana card is a complex topic as both the state and the federal laws intersect with one another on the matter. As per the US federal laws, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance, making cannabis possession, consumption, and distribution illegal.

Even though the state of Pennsylvania may allow the medical use of cannabis, having a medical marijuana card means that you won’t be able to keep your CDL for long. The Department of Transportation (DOT), which adheres to US federal laws, is responsible for issuing Commercial Driving Licenses. Even with a valid Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, failing a cannabis test means immediate cancellation of your CDL.

2. Government Employment Opportunities

Again, before applying for government employment, keeping a few things in mind is crucial. The federal government’s stance on cannabis as a Schedule I substance is very clear. Even the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued clear guidelines regarding the strict policies followed to ensure that. Medical cannabis users won’t be able to avail of a federal government employment opportunity.

Now, this leads to another question. If the federal government doesn’t allow medical cannabis users to apply for government employment opportunities, is the state government more accepting of the matter? Well, it depends upon the type of employment opportunities and individual cases brought before appointed representatives of the state.

3. Bureaucratic Hurdles

The bureaucratic hurdles that a registered medical marijuana user might have to face in Pennsylvania can be divided into two types. First, there are bureaucratic delays and hurdles when you’re applying for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card for the very first time. Many things need to be confirmed and cross-checked before moving your application forward for approval.

The second type of bureaucratic hurdles usually arise when the state and federal laws intersect on some matter. This can lead to further delay in processing your application or can even result in complete disapproval, considering that some federal laws might be violated.

4. In-state Medical Marijuana Transportation

The Pennsylvania medical marijuana card allows its holder to transport medical cannabis for personal use within the state. The law also allows legal guardians of the patient to carry medical cannabis on their behalf. However, there is a specific limit when it comes to the transportation of medical cannabis within the state. Having more than the specified possession amount of medical cannabis can lead to legal troubles even if you have a valid medical marijuana card.

Final Note

The state of Pennsylvania is surely working on expanding its medical marijuana program, allowing more and more qualified patients to get access to medical cannabis. However, there are some cons associated with having a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card as well, which can impact you in the long run.

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FAQs

Can medical marijuana patients in PA still face legal issues despite state law?

Yes, as the federal law doesn’t recognize the status of cannabis as a medication, medical marijuana patients in PA can still face legal issues even if the state law has legalized medical cannabis.

Is a medical cannabis card in PA protected under state law?

Yes, the medical cannabis card issued by the state of PA is protected under state law.

Does a legal guardian in PA have the right to obtain medical marijuana for their ward?

Yes, as per Pennsylvania state law, a legal guardian has the right to obtain medical marijuana for their ward.

Are there restrictions on marijuana use for chronic pain in PA?

No, there are no restrictions on marijuana use for chronic pain, as chronic pain is recognized as a qualifying medical condition in PA.

What legal protections do medical marijuana cardholders have in private residences in PA?

As per state law, medical marijuana cardholders are legally protected from consuming medical marijuana in their private residences.

Can Pennsylvania residents with a medical marijuana card purchase firearms?

No, a medical marijuana cardholder can’t purchase firearms in Pennsylvania due to federal restrictions.

What is the process for renewing a medical marijuana ID card in PA?

The renewal process for your medical marijuana card is quite simple in Pennsylvania. All you need to do is submit a renewal application fee, pay the renewal charges, and book a medical marijuana evaluation appointment with a certified doctor.

Can nurse practitioners in PA prescribe medical marijuana?

Yes, nurse practitioners can prescribe medical marijuana in Pennsylvania as long as the patient is diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.

Are there higher possession limits for medical marijuana patients in PA compared to recreational users?

As per the Pennsylvania medical marijuana laws, only registered medical marijuana patients can possess medical marijuana while it is illegal to possess marijuana for recreational use, irrespective of the possession amount.

Does the Pennsylvania Department of Health manage the medical marijuana registry?

Yes, the Pennsylvania Department of Health manages the medical marijuana registry.

What happens if a medical marijuana cardholder is caught with illegal possession in PA?

The legal consequences in such cases can be fines, prosecution, and potential revocation of the medical card.

Can medical marijuana be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in PA?

Yes, post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the qualifying medical conditions for using medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.

How do medical marijuana laws affect Pennsylvania residents with debilitating medical conditions?

The medical marijuana laws make sure that people suffering from a disorder that is included in the list of qualifying medical conditions can access medical cannabis.

What are the legal consequences of consuming medical marijuana in a public place in PA?

The legal consequences in such cases can be fines, prosecution, and potential revocation of the medical card.