How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card Under 18
Adults can get medical marijuana cards and buy weed for their health needs. But what about minors? Marijuana is not just a recreational plant anymore. It’s a matter of life and death for kids under 18 battling terminal illnesses. These diseases don’t discriminate between age groups.
Neither should marijuana laws. There are stricter regulations for getting cannabis cards for minors, but it’s not too difficult. We will give you a general idea of the laws and teach you how to get a medical card for children under 18 in this article. So keep reading.
Following State Laws for Medical Marijuana Cards
Many states have medical marijuana programs in place. Others consider recreational weed a controlled substance and prohibit it for those under 18 or 21. Some states even refer to their recreational cannabis as adult-use marijuana. So getting a medical card becomes more challenging in these states.
Parents don’t want to risk legal fees and set a bad example for their kids by breaking the law, but they don’t know how to get a weed card for their under 18 children. We have good news for you if you’re one of these parents. Your child doesn’t have to suffer just because of the strict laws. You can still get them cannabis, and we will tell you how to get a medical card for children under 18.
Who Can Apply for a Medical Card for Minors?
Medical marijuana programs make it easier for minors with qualifying health conditions to access this natural remedy, but that doesn’t mean they can get it themselves. Parents or guardians must apply for a medical card on their behalf and purchase, store, and administer cannabis to their children as caregivers.
The laws may differ in each state, so you should check beforehand. Some states have interesting regulations that can make this process easier. For instance, Ashley’s Law in Illinois allows parents to administer cannabis to their children on school property.
Steps for How to Get a Medical Card Under 18
Steps to getting a medical marijuana card vary in each state. However, if you don’t know how to get a weed card for people under 18, here are some factors to consider no matter which state you live in.
Check Qualifying Health Conditions for Minors
Not every medical condition can benefit from marijuana. Since children are still growing and more vulnerable to THC, regulations are stricter for them. Research shows promise for marijuana’s medicinal use. However, it still hasn’t uncovered everything. So if you’re learning how to get a medical card for children under 18, you should be cautious.
Laws allow marijuana use for children in cases where the benefits far outweigh the potential side effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports cannabis use only in minors with life-limiting and debilitating ailments that don’t respond to other therapies.
Some of these qualifying conditions include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Fibromyalgia
- Crohn’s Disease
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Get a Doctor’s Recommendation
Before you learn how to get a medical card for patients under 18, you must first obtain a professional opinion. A medical marijuana doctor must evaluate your child to confirm they can benefit from MMJ.
Some states will require the written recommendation of two physicians before issuing a medical card for children under 18. Other states emphasize that the doctor must be a licensed pediatrician and do an additional follow-up to ensure there are no problems.
Some states allow telehealth consultations, while others require in-person visits. Again, the laws vary by each state, and you should check them before learning how to get a weed card for children under 18.
Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card
Now that you know how to get a medical card for children under 18 and have a doctor’s recommendation, you’re ready to apply to the state. Depending on the state, you can apply for an MMJ card online or in person. Check your state’s requirements to learn about its application process.
You must submit documents along with your application. The documents required will vary from state to state, but here is a general idea of what you might need:
- An ID of yourself (A passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID card)
- Birth certificate or ID of your child
- Two personal passport-style photos of you and your child
- Proof of residency in the state (rental agreement, utility bill, etc.)
- Criminal background check
- Relevant medical history, medication list, and physician’s notes
How Much Will the Medical Marijuana Card Cost?
Now that you know how to get a medical marijuana card for those under 18, you can learn more about the costs. Pricing differs by state and how many years the medical card will be valid.
The total cost of an annual MMJ card can be between $100 to $500, depending on where you live. This price is subject to change and may increase with additional requirements like a second doctor’s opinion or medical weed ID for the caregiver.
Is Medical Marijuana Safe for Minors?
After going through all the trouble and learning how to get a weed card for children under 18, you may wonder if cannabis is even safe for them. After all, it does have a psychoactive component. However, it is well-tolerated in most people and has little to no side effects that resolve quickly.
Every day, doctors prescribe harsh synthetic medications for chronically-ill children that have undeniable side effects and can even be addictive. Compared to those, medical cannabis is a natural and safe option.
However, parents must still be cautious when administering marijuana to their children. They have a developing brain. Too much of the weed’s THC may disrupt that development. So consult a doctor and start in small doses to stay safe.
Best Marijuana Strains for Patients Under 18
Another thing you should consider when learning how to get a medical card for children under 18 is which strain to purchase. Different marijuana strains have varying levels of cannabinoids and terpenes that can affect their medicinal efficacy. Here are five of the best marijuana strains you can administer to children under 18.
1. Blue Dream
Blue Dream should be your first choice if administering cannabis to patients under 18. This popular medicinal cannabis is a Sativa-dominant hybrid of Blueberry Indica and Super Silver Haze from California with 18% THC. It delivers easing effects with a sweet berry taste.
2. Sour Diesel
If you already know how to get a weed card for people under 18, then you probably know about this 90% Sativa hybrid. Sour Diesel’s mysterious lineage originates from Chemdawg and OG Kush, with an average of 20% THC and a pungent aroma. Patients use it to relieve stress and ease discomfort.
3. LA Confidential
This famous Indica strain is a product of DNA Genetics Seeds with OG Affie and Afghani Indica roots. It promises total body relaxation with 16%-20% THC and a strong terpene profile. Users will experience a sweet and spicy taste with earthy undertones.
4. Green Crack
Green Crack is a good choice if you know how to get a medical marijuana card for those under 18 but wondering which strain to purchase. This Sativa-dominant cross between Skunk #1 and an Afghan cut with an average 16% THC level battles stress and promotes a calming focus with its sweet, fruity flavor.
5. Charlotte’s Web
Another popular option for marijuana users under 18 is Charlotte’s Web. This strain was developed by the Stanley brothers by cross-breeding marijuana with industrial hemp. It’s high in CBD and low in THC, with a concentration below 0.3% and an earthy aroma. Patients use it for treating seizures in minors and relieving their stress.
Where Can You Buy These Medical Marijuana Strains?
Now that you know how to get a medical card for patients under 18, it’s time to find a reliable place to purchase it. Numerous marijuana dispensaries across the US can help you get what you need. However, some may not sell you weed for children even if you present a valid MMJ card.
Finding the right dispensary may take some time. You should research and read reviews of different dispensaries to find the best place close to you that offers quality products. It might be a tedious task, but it is worth the effort.
Get a Medical Card for Your Child With Ozark MMJ Cards
Before we wrap up, let’s review the steps to make sure you know how to get a medical card for children under 18:
- Check your state’s regulations regarding MMJ cards for patients under 18
- Visit a physician to confirm your child’s medical condition qualifies for receiving medical marijuana
- Get the physician’s written recommendation
- Prepare the necessary documents and apply your child for a medical marijuana card
Now that you know how to get a weed card for those under 18, you should know that you don’t have to go to a doctor’s office to get a certification. You can easily do so at home with Ozark MMJ Cards.
We offer telehealth visits with experienced doctors and affordable medical card certifications for minors and adults. Contact us now to talk to an expert and begin your certification process. Visit our cannabis blog for more educational reads if you enjoyed this article on how to get a medical card for patients under 18.