From Getting a Card to Finding Your Favorite Product, Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Medical Marijuana in Philly
In Philly, consuming medical marijuana isn’t a new phenomenon. Pennsylvania’s Department of Health recognizes the health benefits cannabis can have on a wide range of conditions, such as anxiety, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease—and since 2016, when we became the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana, more than 440,000 residents have obtained medical cards. Today, 39 states offer legal medical marijuana, but the specifics of the legislation can vary state by state.
For Pennsylvanians who qualify, accessing marijuana for medicinal purposes can be easy. Patients with any of 24 qualifying conditions can receive a medical card, and we’re one of the first states to include addiction disorders within that scope. Those guidelines enable hundreds of thousands of our state’s residents to consume cannabis legally and safely, and many others, who haven’t yet taken advantage of the opportunity, may also be eligible for the program (and you might be one of them).
Here’s what to know about our state’s laws, regulations and qualifying conditions, how to pursue a medical card, and how to connect with doctors and pharmacists to help find the right cannabis product for you.
What exactly are the laws concerning marijuana in Pennsylvania?
Medical marijuana is legal and can be purchased from dispensaries around the state, but patients can’t grow their own products at home, nor can they buy more than a 30-day supply in a single purchase.
There are also limitations on the forms of marijuana patients can consume and where they can do so. Smoking is prohibited, but vaporization, oils, tinctures, capsules and topicals are allowed. Patients can’t consume their medical marijuana in public places, including parks, sidewalks, streets and schools, or on any federal property, nor can they drive under the influence. Instead, all medicinal products should be consumed in private residences or under the discretion of a healthcare provider.
How and where can I get a medical card?
Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana card process typically takes about two to four weeks. The first step is to register online with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and connect with a physician who’s approved to certify patients to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program. It’s important to note that the prescribing physician doesn’t need to be your primary care provider, and if you’re curious about qualifying for a medical card, you can seek out a certified doctor who’s experienced in prescribing medical marijuana to help you secure one. You can get started finding a provider here.
From there, you’ll pay the required fee. Once approved, the state will mail you your medical card (generally within 7 to 10 business days) and you’ll be ready to head to a dispensary.
What conditions qualify?
A full list of Pennsylvania’s qualifying conditions can be found here.
Where can I purchase medical marijuana?
Pennsylvania has over 180 state-licensed dispensaries, including 18 Curaleaf locations.
How can medical marijuana help with my health needs?
The state’s Department of Health recognizes several benefits of medical marijuana, including managing chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms associated with illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder and epilepsy. It’s also often used to increase comfort and quality of life for patients whose illnesses haven’t responded to other forms of treatment.
Depending on the health issue a patient has, medical marijuana might serve a different purpose. Patients suffering anxiety have reported that medical marijuana products may promote relaxation and ease racing thoughts; for those with chronic illnesses, medical marijuana may address symptoms like inflammation and muscle spasms; for those in addiction recovery, medical marijuana may provide relief from withdrawal symptoms. When you’re seeking a medical card, it’s important to connect with a doctor to talk about how medical marijuana can meet your specific needs.
Before I enter a dispensary, what’s the cannabis vocabulary I need to know?
In a dispensary, there are always pharmacists to provide education and walk you through what products might be best for you, so there’s no need to feel intimidated if you aren’t up to speed. Still, if you want to prepare beforehand or go in with a basic understanding of what you might be looking for, here are some of the terms you might hear when you’re talking about medical marijuana and what they mean.
- Cannabidiol or “CBD” is non-psychoactive, which means it doesn’t produce a “high” or impact your cognition.
- THC is the counterpart of CBD, and it’s responsible for producing the “high” or psychoactive experience of consuming cannabis.
- “Ratio” is the shorthand that refers to the ratio of THC to CBD in a medical marijuana product. This measurement is important to consider when choosing a product, because the psychoactive effect of THC can be tamped down when there’s a significant amount of CBD in a product.
- A strain is a particular variety of medical marijuana bred to present certain characteristics, which means that a specific strain can produce a different type of “high.”
- Indica is a popular strain of medical marijuana that’s most known for inducing a calming, relaxing effect.
- Sativa can present a more social effect, so it’s often the strain chosen by those looking for a more stimulating mental experience.
- A “hybrid” strain presents qualities of both Indica and Sativa.
What products work best for my medical condition?
Different medical conditions can respond better to different forms of medical cannabis—which is why, at Curaleaf, you can consult with a pharmacist for personalized guidance on product selection, dosage and consumption methods based on your specific condition and treatment goals. Curaleaf pharmacists can also ensure that medical marijuana won’t interfere with any other medications you take, recommend product types best suited for your symptoms and help you manage potential side effects.
To manage chronic pain, providers often recommend balanced THC and CBD products, which might come in the form of tinctures, capsules or vapes. Topicals, which can provide targeted relief to the affected area, are also a great option for pain management.
For patients with anxiety or PTSD, CBD-dominant products are often preferred, and patients with sleep disorders often prefer indica strains and THC-rich products. Fast-acting options like vapes or tinctures are often used to help manage nausea and improve appetite.
How do I know the marijuana I’m purchasing is safe?
Choosing a state-licensed dispensary that’s listed on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website is a crucial first step to making sure you’re buying safe products.
Unlicensed sellers might offer untested products with inaccurate THC levels, harmful additives and contaminants, and because they’re unregulated, these products have no guarantee of safety, potency or consistency.
On the other hand, licensed dispensaries are evaluated and regulated, so you can feel confident that their products are tested, labeled and safe for consumption. Check for clear labeling that shows THC/CBD content, dosing instructions and batch numbers for traceability. Reputable dispensaries, like Curaleaf, will also have professional staff and pharmacists trained to answer any questions and guide you on product selection, dosing and safety.
It’s also important to know that finding the right product might take some time, so it’s best to start with low doses and gradually adjust as you need to give each product time to take effect before deciding if it’s right for you. Working with a dispensary pharmacist through this process can help ensure you end up with the best product for you—ensuring you the safest and most effective treatment for your condition.
This is a paid partnership between Curaleaf and Philadelphia Magazine