Medical vs. Recreational - Pros and Cons?

[QueenofGreen]

I view myself as a combination of a medical and recreational marijuana user. I was wondering how safe it really is to get a medical card, because I know in my state that I qualify to get one... But I don't know how safe it really is. I have up until now chosen to remain without a medical card and obtain my weed through other means. And I have never been in any trouble with the police at all. So I was wondering what other peoples experiences were on the matter.
People who have medical, how much harassment do you recieve? How safe is it really?
People who don't have medical, what are you experiences as well?

 

[Guest]

My experience is...once you hit 40,it's all medicinal..

 

[green_grow]

My experience is...once you hit 40,it's all medicinal..

hard to argue with that .

 

[Guest]

i would go medical if it was in the state i live in...but there lies the rub

 

[Pops]

Queen, here in Cali there are a couple hundred thousand folks who have "medical" recs. How many are actually valid for something besides anal spasms or rectal seepage is anyones guess. Even though the state law provides for ID cards, there was no funding for it and many counties elected not to issue them. Therefore there is no state data base of med users.

Many folks get recs from so-called pot doctors(pisses the politicians off) and the only record is at the office of these "Doctors". Even still, with a Prop 215 rec, the best bet is to pretend that you are illegal(you are federally) and act accordingly. Don't let anyone know you smoke and kill anyone who finds out you grow!(j/k)

 

[DrKatz420]

People need to get it out of their heads that if they get a medical recommendation, they immediately go on some "magic list" that the government and anyone else can have access to. I won't speak for other states, but here's how it works in california.

Step 1: you go to a doctor who knows about medical cannabis, and have your medical records transferred to him

Step 2: assuming your medical records show that you have a condition for which MMJ works, your doctor gives you a "recommendation", not a "prescription", which is signed and embossed, and is a legal document. The doctor keeps your name in his records, but because of doctor-patient confidentiality, he does not give this information out to anyone else, except to verify that you are a patient when a dispensary is checking your info.

Step 3: you go home, knowing that you can now possess and grow cannabis, totally free from state and local prosecution. If you wish, you can also go to dispensaries to buy cannabis, and because these places check your ID and info, you should attempt to find one that is trustworthy. While it is true that the DEA has raided many dispensaries, they are at least conscious enough to realize that most people who go to the dispensaries do so because they do not grow, and therefore are not a big target.

Bottom line: if you live in CA and you qualify, get your recommendation, even if you plan on never needing it. If you live in another state, try to find out whether anyone besides the doctor will end up with your info (not likely), but you should probably become legal if you have the chance.

 

[PoppinFresh]

i am in nyc so we don't have that medical stuff. but when i first heard about that in cali, i was hoping it wouldn't pass because i simply did not trust any govt with such personal information. i've always felt that laws like that could get repealed faster than it got approved. and the govt would have all of those names. i just don't trust it. now, the climate seems different so it does seem ok.

being in nyc, you get to meet a lot of shady people especially when it comes to marijuana. this is why it's so important for it to be legalized and regulated totally and not just for medicinal users. as i've said before, it leaves many of us criminals and maintains a drug war.

in general i'd prefer marijuana be legalized for recreational use. if someone feels they need it for medicinal purposes then toke that glaucoma into submission! the govt doesn't need to keep track of marijuana users the same way it doesn't need to keep track of alcohol, tobacco, and tylenol purchases.



hopefully one day we can go to CVS/Duane Reade and buy hash like they sell skoal or marijuana at pathmark like they sell cases of beer and cigarettes or maybe get some honey oil from GNC in small vials like they sell herbal ginseng sex enhancers.

 

[StealthFarmer]

People need to get it out of their heads that if they get a medical recommendation, they immediately go on some "magic list" that the government and anyone else can have access to. I won't speak for other states, but here's how it works in california.

Step 1: you go to a doctor who knows about medical cannabis, and have your medical records transferred to him

Step 2: assuming your medical records show that you have a condition for which MMJ works, your doctor gives you a "recommendation", not a "prescription", which is signed and embossed, and is a legal document. The doctor keeps your name in his records, but because of doctor-patient confidentiality, he does not give this information out to anyone else, except to verify that you are a patient when a dispensary is checking your info.

Step 3: you go home, knowing that you can now possess and grow cannabis, totally free from state and local prosecution. If you wish, you can also go to dispensaries to buy cannabis, and because these places check your ID and info, you should attempt to find one that is trustworthy. While it is true that the DEA has raided many dispensaries, they are at least conscious enough to realize that most people who go to the dispensaries do so because they do not grow, and therefore are not a big target.

Bottom line: if you live in CA and you qualify, get your recommendation, even if you plan on never needing it. If you live in another state, try to find out whether anyone besides the doctor will end up with your info (not likely), but you should probably become legal if you have the chance.

So your saying that you only need a recommendation to be fully legal? Then whats the deal with the state issued ID bs? I thought it went something like this to be legal... First you get recommendation, then you get ID card, and then your legal... Correct me if Im wrong

 

[DrKatz420]

So your saying that you only need a recommendation to be fully legal? Then whats the deal with the state issued ID bs? I thought it went something like this to be legal... First you get recommendation, then you get ID card, and then your legal... Correct me if Im wrong

Yes, I'm saying that you only need a recommendation to be fully legal. The state ID cards are supposed to be issued by each county, and many counties have not yet made arrangements. On top of this, the ID cards are VOLUNTARY, not MANDATORY. The ID cards are supposed to make it easier for police to verify your legal status, but getting one puts your name into a government-run database, and this is what many people are afraid of. To reiterate: your doctor's rec. is a legal document, and any state or county issued ID card is just icing on the cake.

 

[QueenofGreen]

Does anyone know about how it works in states other than California?

 

[DrKatz420]

Does anyone know about how it works in states other than California?

Check out NORML's state by state marijuana laws here: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3378

 

[DrKatz420]

That link doesn't want to work for some reason, but just check out norml.org, they'll have all the info you need.

 

[Guest]

State wise Florida will execute.....er uh Florida will mess you up even for a small amount there are not even a few cases of a medical allowance. felony for 5 grams...A good place to stay out of. the problem is at least 50% of the citizens smoke pot in florida and it is very abundant. Florida is a conundrum.

 

[DrKatz420]

State wise Florida will execute.....er uh Florida will mess you up even for a small amount there are not even a few cases of a medical allowance. felony for 5 grams...A good place to stay out of. the problem is at least 50% of the citizens smoke pot in florida and it is very abundant. Florida is a conundrum.

According to NORML, you have to go over 20 grams in Florida to get a felony, possession or delivery of 20 g's or less is a misdemeanor. Still not great, but not as bad as it could be.

 

[crftymofo]

Step 1: you go to a doctor who knows about medical cannabis, and have your medical records transferred to him

be better to have the records copied and released to yourself and hand carry to you appointment. above anything else if you go to get health insurance they might jack up your rates if they know you indulge.

One thing that seems to have people believing is that your medical is only good for a year. Granted the paper might. so you will not be allowed in the clubs, but to use it as a defense it is pretty much effective until/if you are fully healed. The cards, and paper are always good to have to take care of immediate issues, and post at the grow though.

 

[kmk420kali]

Step 1: you go to a doctor who knows about medical cannabis, and have your medical records transferred to him

be better to have the records copied and released to yourself and hand carry to you appointment. above anything else if you go to get health insurance they might jack up your rates if they know you indulge.

One thing that seems to have people believing is that your medical is only good for a year. Granted the paper might. so you will not be allowed in the clubs, but to use it as a defense it is pretty much effective until/if you are fully healed. The cards, and paper are always good to have to take care of immediate issues, and post at the grow though.

You are kinda right about that-- If you get busted with weed, and have an out-dated card...the Judge will give you a chance to update it...same as they do a driver's license-- But the prob is...the cop will prolly arrest you, since you don't have a valid one at the time....and you end up losing your weed--

Your Dr's recommendation is the biggie-- It allows you all rights--
State card, offers instant positive verification...meaning they let you go, and you keep your weed--
I am getting both my State "Patient" and also the "Caregiver" cards-- My boss got both last week--

 

[crftymofo]

The "card" is strictly a convenience. Myself personaly like to stay out of any government computer.

 

[kmk420kali]

The "card" is strictly a convenience. Myself personaly like to stay out of any government computer.

That is a misconception--
The ONLY place your Recommendation resides...is in your Dr's files-- It can be verified, by a phone number on the card (yes, I have one) ...but it goes no farther--
Not that I care...I have a very extensive arrest/prison record...(I quit using heroin 12 years ago...and stopped getting into trouble...it was a MIRACLE!!!)
sooo...I find it hard to get excited about anyone knowing I have a recommendation!!
Getting my State Patient, and Caregiver card soon--

 

[crftymofo]

That is a misconception--

SB420 section 1.d.2
With respect to individuals, the identification system established pursuant to this act must be wholly voluntary, and a patient entitled to the protections of Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code need not possess an identification card in order to claim the protections afforded by that section.
Please tell me how that is a misconception?

The ONLY place your Recommendation resides...is in your Dr's files-- It can be verified, by a phone number on the card (yes, I have one) ...but it goes no farther--

It is more like it comes out of your dr's file. you tell the government that you have it.

I find it hard to get excited about anyone knowing I have a recommendation!!

When I first got mine I was told not to tell anyone about it until you needed it. I.E. You are found to have something. I would much rather have to spend a few days dealing with some shit if that where to happen. Think if the laws change, You are now on a list.

 

[est1977]

Get a Rec if you can I got pulled over in cali with 10oz the cop apologized for the inconvenience and let me go. Get you recomendation