Approximately 30% of adults suffer from feelings of anxiety or diagnosed anxiety disorders at some point in their lives. While anxiety may be incredibly common, the current remedies can cause undesirable effects, like slowed mental functioning, fatigue, sleepiness, and more. Research shows that cannabis can help reduce anxiety levels, so can you get a medical marijuana card for anxiety?
At LeafMed, we aim to help you understand how medical cannabis can alleviate different medical conditions. If you’re wondering, “What is medical cannabis, and can I use it for anxiety?” you’ve come to the right place.
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card for Anxiety
Laws on marijuana vary among states. While marijuana may not be legal on a federal level, some states allow medical cannabis, some have legalized recreational use, and others ban the compounds altogether. The FDA continually makes new strides toward embracing the health benefits of cannabis compounds, with THC and CBD-based medications now becoming FDA-approved for patients with conditions like AIDS and epilepsy.
Medical marijuana may be legal in 38 states, but each state still enacts different restrictions regarding who can receive medical cards and how. Continue reading to learn whether anxiety qualifies as an eligible medical condition in these states.
States That Allow Medical Marijuana Cards for Anxiety
The following states and territories include anxiety disorder on their list of eligible health conditions for medical marijuana cards:
- Pennsylvania
- North Dakota
- New Jersey
- Puerto Rico
If you live in one of these states, you still must receive a confirmed anxiety disorder diagnosis from your doctor to get a medical card. If you live in one of the other medically legal states, you may still meet one of the exceptions.
A few areas, like Oklahoma, Missouri, and California, allow doctors to make their own discretion regarding medical marijuana cards without specifically stating the approved conditions. In these areas, you may be able to explain to your healthcare professional that your anxiety reduces your quality of life. In other states, if your anxiety stems from an underlying condition, like PTSD, you may be able to get a medical card for the qualifying condition relating to your anxiety.
Mississippi’s Views on Getting a Medical Card for Anxiety
At LeafMed, we operate multiple medical cannabis dispensaries in Mississippi, so can you get a medical marijuana card for anxiety in Mississippi? The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act defines specific qualifying conditions for medical card patients, and anxiety is not on the list. However, you may still be able to get a medical card in Mississippi if your anxiety is a symptom of another qualifying condition, such as seizures, PTSD, chronic pain, etc.
How Medical Marijuana Can Help Anxiety
Medical marijuana can alleviate anxiety and offer stress relief effects by targeting brain receptors that impact mental health and balancing hormonal responses. Two major compounds in medical cannabis, THC and CBD, can both effectively reduce anxiety, according to clinical research. The cannabinoids can target receptors in your endocannabinoid system, allowing you to reduce anxious reactions while producing more positive moods.
By improving anxiety, medical cannabis can help with numerous related conditions, like insomnia, other psychiatric disorders, and so forth.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card When Eligible
If your state allows you to get a medical marijuana card for anxiety or you have another qualifying condition, you will need to complete these steps:
- Schedule a physical appointment with a certified doctor.
- Get a written recommendation from the doctor according to your state’s requirements.
- Complete the application online for your card.
- Submit the final details and pay any fees.
Learn More About Medical Marijuana With LeafMed
Can you get a medical marijuana card for anxiety? In some states, yes, you may be able to. Research the specific laws in your area or visit your doctor, then continue learning with our LeafMed resources on common medical marijuana mistakes.
Once ready, visit one of our LeafMed dispensary locations in Mississippi or give us a call with any questions.