Can Minors Get Medical Marijuana in California?
Medical cannabis has become a critical medicine for several medical disorders in California, and its use was legalized in 1996 under Proposition 215. While there are clear rules that state developed for the medical marijuana use by adult the issue with the child using this treatment is less clear. In the following article, the author’s will attempt to focus on the approval, requirements, and procedures related to the usage of Medical Marijuana for children in California.
Medical Marijuana Legal Systems in California
The first state in America to pass those laws on medical use of marijuana was California in 1996 through Proposition 215. This law entitles people with specific qualifying illnesses to legally use marijuana to treat their sicknesses. Nevertheless, the legalization mainly concerned patients of the 18 years old and above. In 2016 the state added Proposition 64 to their laws making marijuana legal for recreational use for those over the age of 21.
Still, these provisions state that different rules apply to adults and minors where medical marijuana is concerned. However, there are minor acceptable to access medical marijuana, but some conditions and limitation are required for the well-being of the minors as well as proper use.
Conditions under which Minor can be under the operation of the patient insurance scheme
- Cancer
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Severe anxiety or depression
Minors need to have a medical condition that will entitle them to use medical marijuana in California. Some of the qualifying conditions include:
The state of Pennsylvania will allow a doctor to prescribe medical marijuana to a minor with one of these conditions if other treatments have not worked.
Parents or caregivers in children development
Being that minors cannot legally buy medical marijuana on their own, this makes the position of a parent or legal guardian to the minor paramount. The process of obtaining a medical marijuana card for a minor involves several steps:
- Consultation with a Licensed Physician: Before the minor can be approved to use medical marijuana, a licensed physician has to examine the child and decide whether the minor needs the substance. In this assessment, the doctor will get the chance to compare the pros and cons of marijuana as a remedy for the child’s disease.
- Parental Consent: The minor has to obtain the permission of the parent or legal guardian in writing to use medical marijuana. This step ensures that the responsible adult is fully aware of the decision and likely impacts which a child may have health wise.
- Caregiver Registration: In California, an caregiver is also someone who makes purchases for, dispenses, or transports medical marijuana for a patient who is under the age of eighteen years. An individual who provides care for the minor must be 18 years old and only when he or she has registered with the state he or she can legally obtain marijuana for the minor.
- Approval and Issuance of a Medical Marijuana Card: If a registered physician gives a recommendation to the minor, then the caregiver needs to register, and the minor can get a medical marijuana card. This card permits the caregiver to purchase medical marijuana for use by the minor from registered outlets legally.
Medical Use of Marijuana for Minors
In recent years, doctors’ approval for the use of cannabis has been possible for minors, but the use is regulated. For instance, the laws in California do not allow children to directly buy marijuana in dispensaries. But the role of the caregiver is to purchase the medicine and then give it to the child whenever necessary.
However, concerns will arise as to the quantity that can be prescribed depending on the treatment plan of the particular minor, the doctor’s recommendation. Generally speaking, the goal is to give as little marijuana as possible to make the symptoms fade and enhance the quality of life of the mentioned minor.
Restrictions and Safeguards
Being a legal medical marijuana state, California has ensured that the product is only administered to minors under the following conditions. These restrictions include:
- Supervision by a Doctor: The minor should have a pitcher who supervises the child’s response to the treatment and the dosage given at all times.
- No Public Use: Any minor may not use cannabis for medical use in any public place and must be administered to the patient in private and by the caregiver only.
- Strict Regulations on Caregivers: The legal requirements for accessing routine caregiver services are necessary to establish that the caregiver is a responsible and reliable person who passed the registration.
Get Your California Medical Marijuana Card Online
Accessing medical marijuana in California as a non-resident has never been easier, thanks to California Medics. Our streamlined online process ensures you can obtain your medical marijuana card quickly, securely, and affordably. Whether you’re in California temporarily or exploring treatment options, we make the process accessible to everyone.
Conclusion
Minors can get medical marijuana in California, but it cannot be as easy as it is for patients over the age of 18. Most importantly, parents or legal guardians have the responsibility of getting and dispensing medical marijuana for the children, though they have to endure through a number of legal procedures to ensure the child is safe and is not harmed. Despite the fact that the state has a program that allows patients, including minors, to use medical marijuana, there are rules that nobody can breach in order to ensure that marijuana is used responsibly.
For any parent or guardian who decides to use medical marijuana for their child below the legal age for nursing in California, there is always need to consult a doctor in order to understand the legal way of undergoing marijuana for the minor child.
