In November, Missouri residents voted to legalize the use of recreational marijuana in our state for adults over 21. We are thrilled to see such an overwhelmingly positive response at the polls on this issue! The use of marijuana has long been stigmatized, and this vote shows that things are changing in Missouri.
We have long believed in, and advocated for, the amazing health benefits marijuana has to offer. New medical benefits are being discovered even now, and we look forward to the future in which marijuana helps more and more people. We have helped thousands of patients begin their journey to better health and wellness with the use of marijuana.
Now that the recreational bill has passed, we wanted to discuss some of the benefits of maintaining your Medical Marijuana (MMJ) License. Though it will become available recreationally, there are many compelling reasons to continue to seek a medical card. To start, as with any medication, it is important to consult with a Licensed Medical Doctor like myself here at GreenCert MD. We have the experience to help you easily acquire your medical card, and the expertise to give you advice for the most health benefits.
So what are the benefits to having a Medical Marijuana License now, while marijuana is legal recreationally?
For starters, your license will allow you to make purchases at Missouri dispensaries with a reduced sales tax as compared to recreational purchases. The state sees the value in the medical benefits of marijuana and so they have placed this value on the licenses as a method to help ensure people who truly suffer can get the relief they need, and sales tax will be capped for License holders at 4%.
Another great benefit is that people with medical cards will receive a higher monthly allotment than recreational consumers. A MMJ License will allow you to purchase up to 6 ounces of marijuana per month, rather than the 3 ounces that recreational consumers will be limited to. The allotment benefit also applies to cultivation, where those with licenses can add a cultivation license for that is valid for 3 years. Recreational consumers can only apply for a cultivation license for 1 year.
Perhaps the biggest benefit however is in the Patient Protected Worker’s Rights medical license carriers will enjoy. While marijuana is legal in Missouri, it is not recognized on a federal level. By having a medical card, your rights to use are protected should an issue ever arise with your employer. To us this is one of the most significant benefits to come from this. The protections are that employers may not discriminate against a person in hiring, termination or any term or condition of employment or otherwise penalize a person; If the discrimination is based upon either having a MMJ License, or a positive drug test (unless the licensee was possessing or under the influence on the job).
Stay tuned for more information in the weeks to come! We will provide more useful information and discussions about legalization, and medical marijuana benefits and usage here as well so check back to learn more!
Until Next Time
Dr Judd MD