Easy as 1, 2, 3: Three Reasons to Get Your Michigan Medical Card (and How to Get It!)

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Easy as 1, 2, 3: Three Reasons to Get Your Michigan Medical Card (and How to Get It!)

November 11, 2020 | by

Three  Reasons to Get Your Michigan Medical Card (and How to Get It!) 

Michigan, like many other states, first legalized cannabis for medicinal use. But recreational cannabis has since taken the spotlight. As a result, many new consumers have lost sight of the plant’s therapeutic value, and applications for Michigan medical cards have decreased.  Although cannabis is easily accessible for everyone now, there are still many reasons every Michigan cannabis consumer should consider getting a Michigan medical marijuana card – from both a medicinal and financial standpoint.

Cannabis has a lot of potential for therapeutic use. Learn how to get your medical card

Becoming a Michigan medical cannabis patient takes a little work, but it’s worth the minimal effort considering the benefits. Here are three reasons we think you should consider becoming a Michigan medical cannabis patient:

 

Michigan’s medical cannabis patients save money because recreational weed is taxed at a higher rate than medical marijuana. If you’re a Michigan MMJ patient, you avoid the 10% excise tax applied to recreational weed on top of the standard 6% sales tax.*

*Please note that the 6% sales tax always must be applied– whether your purchase is on the medical or recreational side.

 There’s also a pre-tax price difference between medical and recreational cannabis products. For example, a one-gram vape cartridge might cost $100 on the adult-use side of a dispensary, but the same cart for medical customers is priced at just $50. 

Many dispensaries also offer additional store exclusives for Michigan Medical Card holders. For example, at Cloud Cannabis Co., we offer this incentive:

 

  • Medical cannabis patients receive 10% off any adult-use (recreational) purchase.

 

Michigan charges a reasonable $60 annual fee to become (and maintain) a medical cannabis membership, but most medical marijuana cardholders find their savings on products to well outweigh this fee. 

Medical cannabis patients in Michigan have access to a much more expansive product variety than adult-use customers. It’s that simple. 

With a Michigan medical marijuana card, juveniles and adults under the age of 21 that have qualifying medical conditions can have access to cannabis.

If you’re a recreational cannabis consumer, you have to be above the age of 21 to purchase weed. But for medical patients, cannabis products can be purchased at the age of 18. All you need is your ID and Michigan medical card to purchase. 

For medical cardholders below the age of 18, a parent or guardian can purchase cannabis products for them, as long as they are the official caregiver for the patient. Caregiver designation is assigned during the medical card application process. 

How to Get a Medical Card in MI

Suppose you’re interested in getting a Michigan medical marijuana card. In that case, we suggest you start the application process right away – it can often take up to 30 days to receive your card in the mail. Once approved, cards are valid for three years. You must be at least 18 years old to receive a medical marijuana card. Michigan also requires that you have at least one of the qualifying conditions listed below. Assuming you have at least one of the qualifying conditions.

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hepatitis C
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
  • Nail patella
  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Severe and chronic pain
  • Severe nausea
  • Seizures, including characteristics of epilepsy
  • Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including elements of multiple sclerosis
  • PTSD
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Colitis
  • OCD
  • Arthritis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Tourette’s Syndrome
  • Chronic pain
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Autism
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Spinal cord injury

Here’s how to get a medical card in Michigan: 

 

  1. Set up a LARA account online and register with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory affairs.
  2. Visit a qualified doctor for approval- most now offer virtual appointments via Zoom. Schedule an appointment with the Card Clinic.
  3. Complete your MMMP (Michigan Medical Marijuana Program) application online with the LARA account you created in step one. There is a $60 application fee, and you must upload documents to prove you’re a Michigan resident. Here’s what they’ll accept:
  • Michigan driver’s license
  • Michigan ID card
  • Signed Michigan voter’s registration card

 

Still have questions about the process? Call 517-284-6400 or email bhp-mmmpinfo@michigan.gov for assistance. 

Once you’re set up with your Michigan medical card, shop with Cloud and take advantage of your new cannabis patient privileges!