Does PTSD Qualify for a Medical Card in California?
PTSD is a severe mental illness that in many ways can interfere with the functioning of individuals suffering form this disease. Medical marijuana has been considered as a legal therapeutic product for a number of medical conditions including PTSD in California. But how does this apply to people with PTSD? Is PTSD enough to get a medical card in California? Okay, let’s discuss eligibility criteria, medical use of marijuana for PTSD, and how to get a medical marijuana card in California.
A search on the meaning of the acronym PTSD and its effects.
PTSD can occur in a person who has been exposed or witness to a traumatic situation. They are; post traumatic stress disorder characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and unwanted thoughts of the event. These symptoms can be quite severe and affect a person in terms of daily function, relating to others or holding a job. Post-trauma therapies and medications have been known to yield meager results or have someone negative impacts. As a result, people turn to other therapies, including medical marijuana, to help them with their conditions.
PTSD: A Schedule I Substance that Qualifies a Patient to Use Marijuana for Medical Purposes
Medical marijuana is legal in California for patients with specified serious medical conditions. These conditions are outlined in the Medical Marijuana Program acting under the California Department of Public Health – CDPH. PTSD is one of the identified conditions under this program means patients diagnosed with this disorder have the legal right to use medical marijuana for their treatment.
Qualifying diagnosis of PTSD might make a patient eligible for a medical marijuana card thereby, enabling them to use cannabis for their disorder from legal stores in the state. Nevertheless getting a medical marijuana card does not come with the simply act of making an application as it entails qualifying for it in many a ways.
The Application Process for a Medical Marijuana Card in California
There are some stages to receive a medical marijuana card in California: all of them can be passed online on the official site of certified medical marijuana services. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- Eligibility: Critically, there are qualifying medical conditions that one should have in California to be issued with a medical marijuana card. It’s in the list of qualifying conditions so if you have been diagnosed by a professional doctor you can apply.
- Consultation with a Doctor: You have to contact a licensed doctor whom you will have to consult on your physical ailment to recommend the use of medical marijuana or not. This evaluation usually takes place during a secure online video appointment, which keeps it not only easy but also discreet. In this consultation, the physician will enquire and address the client,’ s medical history, current symptoms, objective of using cannabis for PTSD.
- Recommendation: In case your doctor feels that you are a candidate for medical marijuana for your PTSD, he or she will offer a recommendation. This recommendation is crucial when applying for the medical marijuana card. It is not a prescription, since the plant is not federally recognized as a medicine, however, it is an official document, which gives you the right to use medical marijuana in the state of California.
- State Registration: It means that after getting a recommendation from your physician you will require to fill your application to the state. This is possible to complete through the internet by filling out a form with your data and sending the doctor’s letter. It costs $100 for the state registration to complete the application process as well within the United States.
- Approval and Card Issuance: After submitting the application and the state comes through with it, you will get the medical marijuana card in a few days. This card enables one to legally buy marijuana from legal outlets for marijuana for medicinal use.
This paper will explain how Medical Marijuana can help with PTSD.
In the case of PTSD, the substance can help persons in many ways by providing the following therapeutic merits of medical marijuana. Cannabis which is often used in medical marijuana involves chemical that is usually referred to as cannabinoids that include THC and CBD that has an effect on the body’s endogenous cannabinoid system. This system is engaged in controlling mood, pain and stress; aspects that are always interfered with in people suffering from PTSD.
Cannabis for medical use can ease symptoms of PTSD through decreasing anxiety, which is a key issue underlying PTSD, Better quality sleep, as well as better mood. It is also said that, those flashbacks and nightmares can be helped by cannabis because it has some calming properties and it makes the patients relaxed. Also, it has been established that the plant may help the brain regulate the traumatizing memories and this is very helpful for patients with PTSD.
Is Using Marijuana for Medical Purposes the Right Thing for You?
As with other diseases, medical marijuana can be useful in treating PTSD but not for every patient. The results of cannabis depend with the individual and therefore, make sure that you consult your physician before you take any substance. Moreover, medical marijuana should be taken with therapy and other medication plans as part of the medications.
Patients who want to use medical marijuana for the treatment of PTSD should also be knowledgeable of the laws in California. Medical use of marijuana is limited to persons, who have a valid recommendation and card and it is prohibited to use marijuana in the public or in a car.
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
In California, PTSD does meet the legal definition of medical condition for which the use of medical marijuana is permitted. If you or a loved one has PTSD and nothing else helps regarding your condition, maybe medical marijuana can help you. When the standards set by the state for application are followed, you can get a medical marijuana card and use products from this legal substance to diminish the symptoms of PTSD.
Like any treatment type, medical marijuana should be discussed with your healthcare provider before you consider it to meet your intended purpose. However, with the adequate direction and a suitable assessment, medical marijuana could eased some of the effects of PTSD which is dreadful.
