Five Important Reasons to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card Early

Since its legalization in most states, medical marijuana has become a ray of hope for millions nationwide. These people hold a medical card that enables them to use, store, and even cultivate their supply of medical marijuana. 

Many people agree that securing a medical marijuana card can be lengthy and often challenging. These requirements apply to the application and the renewal of a medical marijuana card. Hence, it is a better option to renew your medical marijuana card instead of going through the ordeal again.

Here are some amazing benefits of medical marijuana card renewal that every patient must consider.

1. Reduce Risks

The biggest misconception among people is that marijuana is only good for recreational use. However, the medical benefits of marijuana have proven how it can relieve so many people with certain illnesses and medical conditions and improve their quality of life.

People who secure their supply of medical marijuana with a card must understand that they will not be able to purchase medical marijuana legally after their card expires. This problem can only lead to two possible ways: waiting for the renewal or securing marijuana illegally.

Both of these options can be risky in their own way. You can avoid such problems by renewing your medical marijuana card before it expires. It is an easy process that can ensure that you do not have any trouble securing your much-needed supply of medical marijuana.

For example, certified patients from New Jersey can easily apply for the New Jersey medical marijuana card renewal 60 days before its expiration. You can access your patient account on the website of your state’s medical marijuana program and apply for renewal.

2. Avoid Panic

Many people realize that their medical marijuana card has expired only when their dispensary or the online registry denies their request for a supply. One may panic in such a moment because they might be out of medical marijuana for use. In addition, the medical marijuana card renewal can take multiple weeks. 

You can avoid all this panic by staying on top of your renewal cycle. Understanding when your medical marijuana card is near expiration can help you take the necessary steps timely. One of the most important steps is scheduling a meeting with a certified physician.

The processing time is not the only thing that delays a marijuana medical card renewal process. Often, the schedule of a physician is booked for days in advance. One has no option but to wait for their availability. In such circumstances, you may have to wait for a certain amount of time.

You can avoid this hassle by getting in touch to schedule your appointment way before your marijuana card expires. This way, you can book your appointment ahead of time and ensure that everything syncs perfectly to avoid any unwanted lapses. You can avoid the unsettling uncertainty of waiting for your turn.

Some patients with time or mobility issues and health limitations are lucky to have a telehealth facility. You can also look into your state’s requirements and see if an online consultation and certification is possible. If yes, booking an appointment to get certified for your renewal is a good idea.

3. Adhere to the Law

Being caught on the wrong side of the law is one of the biggest fears for any medical marijuana user. After all, cannabis is still a Schedule 1 drug as per the federal law. It is important to have the right paperwork to keep yourself on the good side of the law.

Every state that has legalized the use of medical marijuana offers protection to the patients enrolled in the program. However, you cannot be helped if seen using or carrying marijuana with an expired medical marijuana card. You are still liable for possession even if your card is just one day past its expiration.

Renewal of your medical marijuana card before time helps you stay on the better side of things. Being careful about the renewal timeline mitigates the risk of legal action against you. Hence, you can feel more confident and relaxed about following the law.

4. Easier Process

There are not many significant differences between the renewal and application process of a medical marijuana card. However, many medical marijuana card users can agree that the renewal process is always easier than applying for the first time.

People who renew their medical marijuana card before it expires usually fill out less paperwork than someone applying for the first time. In addition, the renewal process also costs less in most states than applying for the first time. Applying for renewal is generally easier than going through the process again.

Of course, people who have already been through the medical marijuana card application process understand the procedure and paperwork. Therefore, it does not take them a lot of time or energy for them to initiate and complete the medical marijuana card renewal process.

5. Peace of Mind

Someone who uses medical marijuana regularly does not want to imagine themselves in a position where they are out of their supply. Consider yourself in a position where you go to the dispensary to get your needs met, and they return you because of an expired card. In such circumstances, online providers may also turn their back on you as they can check the validity of your medical marijuana card.

Overall, it can be a very daunting experience as the renewal process for a medical marijuana card can take up to several weeks. No one wants to see themselves or their dependents in such a desperate position. You can cover all your bases by applying for the renewal of your medical marijuana card in time.

Ideally, every patient or caregiver is recommended to apply for a medical marijuana card renewal at least 30 days before its expiration. This practice can protect you from pain or discomfort due to your health condition and legal complications. Hence, you can enjoy peace of mind by timely following through the renewal process.