It should be noted that this article is for information purposes only and should not, under any circumstances, be accepted as legal advice or health advice.

If you have a medical condition that might allow you to use medical marijuana, you will need to follow the proper procedures for your state or country to obtain a card. This card will show you are under medical supervision to use medical marijuana. The rules and the steps will vary, depending on where you live, but the basic method of obtaining this card is as follows.

Research Your Medical Condition

Before you look for a doctor to prescribe medical marijuana, it will help if you look up your current medical condition to see what treatments are helpful – and whether marijuana is listed as a current treatment. If it is, then you will want to list the other treatments you have tried, whether or not they have worked, and any side effects you have experienced. What you are doing is building a strong case for why you need to use marijuana instead of other treatments. You will also want to bring any medical records that show the history of your medical issues so the new doctor can be certain you have a genuine condition that requires additional assessment.

Talk with a Doctor

You will then set up an appointment with a doctor who can prescribe medical marijuana. They will evaluate you and your condition in a typical appointment. With your medical records, you can show the doctor that you are a good candidate, and they will assess your current health to ensure you are fit and able to use marijuana in a responsible way. If there are any other treatments the doctor wants you to use first, you will need to use these and then show that they are not working for you. Once the doctor has cleared you to use the marijuana, they can help you with the paperwork that will need to be filled out. You may also be able to visit qualified physicians at marijuana conventions and seminars to obtain your card that way.

Fill Out the Application

In some areas, you will need to fill out paperwork in order to obtain your medical marijuana card. If you have any questions about how to complete this step, check with your doctor or with the reception staff. They will have already helped other patients like you, and are likely to be knowledgeable about the steps you need to take in order to expedite the process. Once the paperwork is approved, you will receive your card which will allow you to go to any licensed marijuana distributor to get the supplies you need.

With medical marijuana, you will be able to manage your chronic condition without the normal, sometimes ineffective, drugs. But to be certain you are going to enjoy your new treatment without any legal issues, it is best to follow the proper procedure for your local area. If you have any questions, speaking with other patients is a good start, but speaking with the local distributors can also help you understand your role in the process.