Is a Medical Marijuana Card Important in Rockford, Illinois?

In June 2021, Illinois became the 11th state to make recreational marijuana legal, allowing people to access marijuana without needing to have a medical card for it. This may have led you to wonder why you even need a Rockford, IL card, and whether you may be able to do without it. Even with the legalization of recreational marijuana, it’s still a great idea to get a medical marijuana card if you’re eligible for it. Here are four reasons you may want to apply for a medical marijuana card despite the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois.

1. Usage for Those Under 21

Those under 21 may benefit from medical marijuana in some situations. Although there are concerns about the impact of marijuana on a developing brain, there are some medical conditions serious enough that marijuana is considered one of the less serious options for treatment. If you’re under 21 and have a serious medical condition that you’re hoping to use marijuana to help treat, a medical marijuana card is the only option.

2. Help From Your Physician With Using Marijuana

Recreational marijuana doesn’t come with very much help when it comes to learning how to use it; you’ll mostly be managing it on your own, with help from friends and sometimes your dispensary. However, medical marijuana is often used very differently than recreational marijuana. When you have a physician who is helping you manage your condition, they can provide you with help regarding more effective marijuana usage.

3. Lower Fees and Taxes

In many states, including Illinois, marijuana purchases are subject to very high taxes and fees. However, because medical marijuana usage is considered the same as getting a prescription, medical users typically don’t have to pay all the same fees as recreational users. In Illinois, you could save as much as 34% on taxes every time you make a marijuana purchase, which can add up extremely quickly.

4. Legally Protected Access

Lastly, if you want to make absolutely sure that you’re able to access marijuana as a medication no matter what changes are made to the law, a medical marijuana card is one of the best ways to go. That’s because laws and regulations are changing all the time when it comes to marijuana access, even when recreational marijuana has been legalized in a specific state. Legally protected access with many years of history behind it is one of the perks of your medical marijuana card in Illinois.

Conclusion

A medical marijuana card is a great choice for people who qualify even when a state has legalized recreational marijuana. People who use marijuana to manage their medical condition shouldn’t just assume that moving to recreational usage is the best option for them. Oftentimes, medical usage is still going to be the best option. If you have a medical condition that you’re using marijuana for, these four reasons are some of the most impactful when it comes to applying for a medical marijuana card.