We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What is a Medical Marijuana Card?

By Felicia Dye
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Marijuana is sometimes used for medicinal purposes by those suffering from conditions such as HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and migraines. Medical marijuana cards are commonly used in parts of the United States where this type of treatment is legal. A medical marijuana card generally identifies the person authorized to use the drug for medicinal purposes, and it may include other information such as the person’s treatment plan. Everyone may not be eligible to obtain such a card.

Rules for the medical use of marijuana vary from one state to another. Medical marijuana cards are often required by state law where the medical use of marijuana is permitted. Even if a person considers herself to being using marijuana for medical purposes, without a medical marijuana card, her use is illicit. This means that the repercussions for being caught doing so could be as harsh as those who are caught using the drug recreationally.

Medical marijuana cards offer those in possession of the drug and those found consuming it legal protection in the state where the card is issued. If the police search the home of a person with a medical marijuana card in a state where medical use is legal, and the drug is discovered, there should not be an issue. The person should not be subject to arrest or penalty and the drugs should not be confiscated. The medical marijuana card will not, however, help protect that individual if she carries the drug into a state where medical use is not approved.

A medical marijuana card can allow a person access to cannabis clubs. These are dispensaries where marijuana can be bought from legally operating sources. As a drug store has a variety of drugs, cannabis clubs often have a variety of marijuana and marijuana products. Some even have areas where people can use the drug once they have made their purchases.

A person with a medical marijuana card may not have to buy her supply. She may be able grow and harvest it herself. It does not, however, entitle a user to sell any portion of that supply. Doing so could be result in state or federal charges.

A medical marijuana card can be obtained from a Medical Marijuana Evaluation Center (MMEC) for those living in California. Such a card may also be obtained from a doctor in California and in other states where medical marijuana use is legal. Some people may not be eligible to receive a medical marijuana card. These include convicted felons and those who live outside of the states where medical consumption is legal.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.