On benefits and prescribed medical cannabis? You should hire a SSA Attorney today!
Across the US, an increasing number of states are legalizing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC ). As of June 2019, 11 states have legalized THC for recreational purposes and a further 31 have legalized it for medical use.
Despite this, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled narcotic under Federal law. This essentially means it is still illegal nationally regardless of the state you’re living in.
In spite of it being illegal on a country-wide level, doctors in states pro-medical cannabis states are continuing to prescribe cannabis for a variety of mental and physical illnesses.
Medical cannabis can have serious implications for those who suffer from severe disabilities. This is because the use of cannabis, even if prescribed by a doctor, can make one ineligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
What is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is a broad term for any medicines that contain compounds from the Cannabis-Sativa plant. It is believed to have several therapeutic applications.
Medical cannabis comes in many forms such as tinctures, drop and oils. It is also common for a doctor to approve a medical device such as a cannabis vaporizer that has been approved for medical use.
The Cannabis Sativa plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids that each have their own individual effect on the human body. THC is possibly the most infamous. It is this compound that makes users feel ‘high’ and is the cannabinoid responsible for the entire plant being illegal. however, other compounds such as CBD have no psychoactive effects and an increasing amount of research suggests it can treat a variety of ailments including :
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Appetite loss
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Eating disorders such as anorexia
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Pain
- Wasting syndrome (cachexia)
In 2016, medical cannabis has featured regularly in the news due to a specially formulated version of the drug being used successfully to treat children with a severe form of epilepsy.
Since then, the drug, better known as Epidiolex, has been approved by both the US and UK governments for people with hard to treat epilepsy.
How can medical cannabis affect my SSDI benefits?
As a general rule, the (SSA) Social Security Administration can deny benefits to applicants who abuse drugs or alcohol.
The SSA is a federal agency and acts according to federal law so has to consider medical cannabis an illegal drug, even if you live in a state where it is legal and it is prescribed by a doctor.
Typically the SSA will deny any benefit claims if they have reason to believe that the use of the drug or alcohol is a detriment to your well-being.
It is also worth noting that the SSA will deny any applicant who uses cannabis recreationally as this is deemed illegal activity and therefore falls under abuse.
As a result, it is imperative that anyone with a prescription for medical cannabis consult with an attorney before applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
A lawyer well versed in the Social Security Administration is the best place to calculate the risks of being denied an SSDI claim and can work with your doctor to ensure that you can successfully build a case that your cannabis use aids your disability and general well-being.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog? A Complete Guide
You look at the forecast and see thunder. Your mind immediately goes to a sleepless night, comforting your anxious-meltdown pooch into the wee hours of the morning. Not again.
But did you know there’s an alternative? CBD is the new shining star in alternative therapies for humans, but your furry friends can reap just as much of the same benefits!
That’s right: your anxiety-stricken dog can benefit greatly from CBD. Not only that, dogs dealing with pain from an injury, cancer treatment, or old age have been found to benefit from regular dosing of CDB as well.
Sound good? You might be wondering, “Ok, but how much CBD oil should I give my dog?”.
Before you grab that expensive bottle of CBD and start dumping it into your dog’s food, make sure to do your research on proper dosage so that your pup can reap the most benefit, and you’re using it most efficiently.
Here’s a guide on CBD dosing for pets!
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?
First, it’s important to understand the exact dosage for your dog because one CBD pet product might have a vastly different amount from another. Don’t rely on a product package and just guess!
CBD is typically measured in milligrams (mg) and the amount you need to give your dog with depending on your dog’s weight, age, and their personal sensitivity to it. It will take some trial and error before you hit the jackpot. Some pets have more of fewer receptors for CBD than others, so even the same breed of dogs at the same weight might need different doses.
“This sounds way too complicated”, you might be thinking. The good news is that overdosing your dog on CBD is very hard to do, especially since CBD oil contains no THC so your dog will not experience a “high”. Therefore, it’s a low-risk thing to experiment with for a few weeks.
At most, too high a dose of CBD will likely cause lethargy and potentially mild diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to back off on the dose and start small, gradually upping the dose until you notice the most benefit.
As a general rule of thumb, the number of milligrams your dog will need can fall into a weight category. For a 15 lb dog, for example, it’s recommended to dose at 4-5 mg of CBD a day, given 2-4 times daily.
Try this CDB dosage for dogs calculator if you need some more help figuring out the perfect dose for your dog!
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve answered the basic, nagging question “how much CBD oil should I give my dog?”, you can be on the path to peace of mind for both you and your furry friend.
Finding the perfect dose for your dog’s ailment might take some time and trial and error, but the benefits that he/she might gain from CBD will make all the effort worth it.
Try CBD for your pet today!
Follow these four tips for finding a DUI lawyer
Have you ever been pulled over and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol or drug? Of course, this can be very problematic and embarrassing, mostly if you’re with family and friends. Also, not to mention the setback it would cause to your reputation at your workplace. Usually, before a police officer arrests you, he/she will believe that you must have taken some amount of alcohol.
Nevertheless, before the court can convict you, there must be proof that you had a drink. Furthermore, many things can come to play in this scenario. The officers may most likely put you through several intoxication tests. These tests include the National Field Sobriety Tests, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, and more. Though these test may not be very accurate if they administer it, you can’t avoid them. Therefore, you need a good DUI lawyer to fight your case. It’s important not to go for a random lawyer but one with lots of experience and proficiency — one who would expose and uncover the reliability of the said tests.
Nevertheless, there are important basic tips in finding a good DUI lawyer, and we shall be discussing it shortly.
Follow these four tips for finding a DUI lawyer
• Experience and expertise
Gone are those days when you need just a random lawyer handling your case. It’s important to note that every lawyer has their areas of jurisdiction. Therefore it will be of great advantage to contract a lawyer with lots of experience and expertise in DUI cases. More so, a good DUI lawyer knows your right and how to look into the case to your favor. Most certainly, they will be familiar with the kind of arguments which the prosecutor will bring forth in the court. A DUI case could be very complex, but not with an experienced DUI lawyer.
• Do a research
Knowledge, as we say, is power. Therefore, it is very important, and you shouldn’t ignore it. Researching for a good DUI lawyer would give you an edge over the prosecutors. Also, it will save your reputation, time, and resources. You need a good DUI lawyer that would listen to you and has good knowledge about your case. Searching for one could be a bit tedious, but it’s worth it. It’s a good thing we now have the internet and social media platforms for easy access to information. Also, it will be a good idea to get lawyers who your friends and family members recommend. Maybe, they’ve seen the lawyer in the past handling successful DUI cases.
• Arrange a one on one meeting
When the decision of choosing a DUI lawyer faces you, it is important to schedule a one on one meeting. Meet with your potential lawyer gives you the best chance to evaluate if he’s the best fit for your case. Also, it will enable you to find out his personality and determine if you can work with him. In the course of this meeting, it’s also important to find out the number of DUI cases he has won. This will help build your confidence and help you make the right decision. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to ask questions concerning how he intends to go about the case. All of these interrogations and findings would help you to determine if he can handle your case and if you should hire him.
• Examine the attorneys on your list
At this point, what matters is going for only the best. To examine the best attorney entails you to look further to the ethical record of the lawyer. Also, it would be most beneficial to contact a lawyer who’s familiar with the legal settings of the court. A local lawyer would have visited the court severally and would be preferable. More so, the judges and prosecutors would be acquainted with the lawyer. After observations and interrogations, you would have concluded the best representative to handle your case. Lastly, you need to go for an attorney that is affordable and can suit your budget.
Conclusion
The choice of selecting the best attorney is the first step that would either make you win or lose your case. Following the four basic tips above would enable you to find the best attorney for any DUI case. However, if you’re confused about getting a good DUI attorney, you can find a good one here. We can take up your DUI case at an affordable fee. We are happy to share your testimonies and satisfaction.
The DWI Charges and Penalties You Can Expect for Drunk Driving
Were you recently arrested for a DWI?
You are probably feeling a little embarrassed, and if you spent a night behind bars, you might have experienced an evening you’ll never forget.
Unfortunately, self-recognizance and a sleepless night is rarely the only penalty for Driving While Intoxicated.
In the months and sometimes years following DWI charges there will undoubtedly be plenty of disruption in your life.
Besides all of the court dates and other scheduling, you could face fines and court costs well over $10000 and in some states a minimum of 10 days in jail for your first offense.
If you have recently been charged, here are the DWI charges and penalties you can expect for drunk driving.
Lost License
Every state in the country will put severe restrictions on your ability to drive a car after a DUI.
Typically, your physical driver’s license is revoked after your arrest. In the days, weeks and months that follow you may be able to get a hardship license to continue driving back and forth to work, court and medical appointments.
So, long as it is your first offense, you should be able to regain your driving privileges within 60-90 days, but it could be as much as a year.
A DWI defense attorney will help you arrange for a minimal amount of disruption to your life, but you should expect some serious driving restrictions for sure.
Court Costs
While the fines associated with drunk driving can be as little as $500, there will also be court costs, including paying for your lovely night in the slammer.
Expect to pay somewhere between $2500 and $10k in fines and costs before your case is resolved.
Of course, navigating the legal system with the help of a professional may end up costing less even including legal fees.
Insurance Costs
In addition to the penalties and fees that the court will charge you, prepare to have your insurance premiums raise a good deal.
Your car insurance company will consider a DWI to be equal to or greater than a reckless driving ticket.
Prepare to have your rates doubled, or even tripled and to be dropped entirely from your carrier in some cases.
Plenty of Lost time
Expect to take a good deal of time away from your regular schedule to deal with a DWI.
There will probably be multiple court dates to deal with, and every jurisdiction has a different process for dealing with a driver convicted of a DWI.
Chances are you can expect a multiple-day course in safe driving and alcohol abuse.
If you don’t have to spend any more time in jail, you will almost certainly have to do some community service as well.
What To Expect with Your DWI Charges
As you can see, if convicted of a DWI you can expect lost money, lost time and loss of freedom.
DWI charges can result in the most restrictions of all non-felonies.
However, by using this resource for finding an expert, you may be able to avoid some or all of the costs and penalties mentioned above.
Driving Under the Influence: 6 Reasons Never Ever to Do It
You have been aware that driving under the influence is one of the worst things you could do, but still every now and then you succumb to the pressure and have “one more for the road”. In order to finally make yourself quit that dangerous habit of yours (yes, if it happened more than once, it is already a habit, mind you), carry on reading why exactly it is absolutely abominable to drive under the influence.
It’s your fault
First of all, face the fact that if you find yourself in the middle of a car accident, you will be pronounced guilty despite following all the traffic rules (apart from the one about not taking alcohol). Even if you’ve got the tiniest trace of liquor in your body, you will be declared as a driving hazard and the main culprit. The driver who actually caused the accident and was completely sober will have it much easier regardless of the offence. In the eyes of the law, you’ll always be the guilty one.
Impaired vision
You may think you’re perfectly able to drive because your vision isn’t blurred, but that is hardly a reliable indicator of your state. Excessive alcohol consumption affects how you estimate the distance between the vehicles, and sometimes it will be difficult to control your eye movement as well. What is more, your peripheral vision will be impaired, too.
Slow reactions
Have you ever seen an athlete compete after they’ve been drinking? Of course not. One of the reasons is that motor skills are suffering. Your eye, hand and foot coordination will not be of the desired level, so you’d better call a taxi in that case.
Bad concentration
Drinking and driving seriously messes with your good judgment. Your ability to concentrate will deteriorate, which has delayed decision making as a consequence. A similar thing happens if one is driving under the influence of cannabis. It takes longer to press the brake or to track your own speed because you’re subconsciously dilly-dallying. However, one wrong decision is all it takes for an accident to occur.
Costly mistake
If all of the above seems a bit far-fetched, as you keep convincing yourself it never happens to you, how do you feel about paying a fortune for a couple of shots? Because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing if you drive under the influence. Having worked hard to buy your ride, would you so willingly give it all up? Not to mention when you are forced to pay for the repairs of another driver. In addition, even if it’s just a minor scratch that money could’ve been spent in a much better way.
Guilt factor
You may serve your sentence and be set free. You may buy a new car or fix everything and make it look as good as new. However, how comfortable would you be living with the fact that you’re sheer irresponsibility caused death? The feeling of guilt does not disappear just because your punishment is over, nor does the pain for losing someone. By DIU you’re risking everybody’s lives. In case you’re living in a small environment, you can expect your reputation to crumble and to be constantly reminded of your crime. Essentially, that is exactly what DUI is – a serious crime.
Finally, post traumatic stress is something you can expect to struggle with if you’re driving causes any kind of an incident.
Hopefully, we have deterred you enough from drinking and driving. In this regard, it’s much, much better to be safe than sorry.
What Does the Future of Cannabis Legalization Look Like in America
Marijuana or THC or Weed whatever you prefer to call it is becoming a booming industry in the United States. From dispensaries to fertilizer and light suppliers to online headshops that sell bongs and dab rigs, many business are now thriving. And while the flood gates have yet to be completely opened, legally, most people feel that the day for that to happen is coming soon.
Marijuana was banned in the United States in 1937 when the Marijuana Tax Act was passed.
Many experts are unsure if the United States will ever fully legalize it on a national scale as Canada has. Unless those in Congress and their lobbyists realize that it will put more money in their pockets as the pharmaceutical or oil industries have. That all remains to be seen so let’s take a look at what the future of Marijuana is or may be in the United States.
Marijuana is illegal according to federal law and is considered a Schedule 1 drug. While on the other side of that coin the statewide legal marijuana industry is said to have 250,000 people working in it and running at over $10 Billion. There are 33 states that have legalized medical marijuana and 10 that have legalized it recreationally.
According to a recent New York University study, 9% of adults aged 50-64 use marijuana and for those 65 and over they report 3% use. That means in the past decade marijuana use has increased in those groups by double and 7 times over respectfully.
62% of Americans now feel that marijuana should be fully legalized according to a Pew Research study. That is up from 31% in 2000. This is probably what prompted Vivian Azer a Cowen analyst to predict that by the year 2030 the tax revenue from marijuana will be at $17.7 Million.
One of the reasons the stigma of marijuana is being shattered at an extremely fast pace is CBD. CBD is non-hallucinogenic or in other words, it won’t get you high. Its purpose is to relieve, stress, and anxiety. It also helps you get a good nights sleep and is even said to help fight against cancer.
In June of last year, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved CBD. Also in June of 2018, the Farm Bill was passed which included legislation allowing the sale of hemp. Hemp is what CBD is made from. CBD has been a beacon of light for many Americans coming around or changing the stigma of marijuana not too mention helping them break addictions to pharmaceutical drugs.
However, it should be noted that there are heavy restrictions on hemp For instance, there can’t be more than 0.3% of THC in it per section. On top of that, there are serious hoops to jump through for anyone wanting to cultivate and sell hemp. Such as tons of paperwork and a few different agencies need to approve everything.
Weed Stocks: The Legal Risks and High Rewards
Does anyone else remember the cryptocurrency craze that sent bitcoin stocks soaring? At its peak, prices rose by 2,000 percent. There were many self-made millionaires that made bank on their decision to invest.
Now, a new potential money maker is emerging: weed stocks. There are a lot of questions surrounding such an investment. Is it legal? What are the risks and rewards?
Read on to find out.
The Legality of Investing in Marijuana Stocks
There’s no doubt that investing in marijuana is a confusing area of the law. It remains a federal crime to get caught with weed, yet many states have decriminalized it.
The legality of owning weed stocks is a gray area. Indeed, investing is a conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substances Act. Despite this, a prosecution is very unlikely.
Many companies including Heineken and Molson Coors Brewing Co. have joined the game. They’ve both announced coming cannabis-infused products.
Could their investors get charged with a crime now? Most lawyers agree that it’s not likely, and it has never happened in the past.
How have marijuana businesses thrived despite the law? The federal government has declined to pursue charges against marijuana businesses. They haven’t targeted them because of policies set in place by former President Obama.
President Trump has hinted at policies allowing states to set their own weed laws. It seems evident that a reversal in the policy at this point isn’t what the public wants.
What Other Risks Are Involved?
While you shouldn’t sweat criminal charges, investing still comes with risks. Marijuana stock risk includes the possibility of the company going south.
If the federal government started cracking down on cannabis, then things may change. You’ll need to keep up-to-date with the weed stock news as an investor.
Keep in mind that there are many marijuana-related industries like:
- Hemp products
- CBD Oil
- Medical marijuana stocks
- Biotech companies
Investors always face the risk of an economic downturn.
If you’re interested in the current stock market, then you’ll want to follow the Dow today. These companies help give consumers a broad overview of how the general economy is doing.
What Are the Benefits of Investing in Weed Stocks?
Right now, there are at least six public marijuana stocks:
- Aurora Cannabis Inc.
- Cronos Group Inc.
- Apharia Inc.
- Canopy Growth Corp.
- Tilray Inc.
- GW Pharmaceuticals PLC
These companies are the biggest players, but there are dozens of similar businesses.
The most obvious benefit of investing is the potential money you can make. The industry will continue to explode as marijuana legalization efforts continue.
Big gains are always a possibility in emerging markets. The Canadian Bank CIBC believes the market will top $6.8 billion CAD by 2020.
So, Is It Safe to Invest?
Investing in weed stocks does carry risks, but there are also rewards. The legality of marijuana makes many investors skeptical. These concerns are legitimate, but it’s unlikely such investments would cause an arrest.
Does investing in marijuana sound appealing to you? What are your thoughts? Join the conversation by leaving your comment below.
Is CBD Oil Legal in All States? A Guide to Federal and State CBD Laws
In 1996, California became the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use. This was a small step of a much more treacherous journey.
Since then, 33 states and the District of Columbia have joined California. Some have even made recreational marijuana legal.
One area of concern at the moment is that of a small molecule known as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD comes from the cannabis plant but doesn’t always contain the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Does that mean it’s not legal in those other 13 states where the law still forbids the cannabis plant? Is CBD oil legal in all states?
The truth is a bit complicated. Keep reading to learn more about the legal status of CBD and CBD products.
Why Is CBD Oil so Popular?
CBD products of all sorts seem to be everywhere. You may see them in health food stores and online.
CBD is a cannabinoid many people believe may have therapeutic effects. Some of the common ailments it may benefit include anxiety, seizures, inflammation, and more.
Although researchers need to delve deeper into the details of the matter, we can be certain there is potential. Many doctors and patients alike have faith in the healing power of CBD.
Still, lawmakers across the country battle over the legal status of CBD and other cannabis-derived products.
Hemp vs Marijuana
From a horticultural perspective, hemp and marijuana are two different species within the cannabis family of plants.
Marijuana is the term used to describe strains of the cannabis plant which contain high concentrations of THC. In other words, marijuana is the plant you might smoke if you seek a psychoactive high.
Many people cultivate different varieties of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes.
In contrast, hemp is a strain of the cannabis plant which contains little to no THC. This plant has been around for centuries and may have even preceded marijuana.
Hemp has been used to make sails, rope, textiles, and even food.
From the perspective of the law, there’s a different story to be told about the differences between hemp and marijuana.
The Legal Perspective
Federal law made cannabis illegal beginning with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. This new law levied a tax against anyone who dealt in the cannabis industry.
From there, cannabis laws continued to become more restrictive and enact harsher penalties.
Today, medical and recreational marijuana is legal in some but not all 50 states. What about the remaining states?
Federal law still defines hemp as a cannabis plant, even if it contains little to no THC. Because of this, CBD and other hemp-derived products are still illegal under federal jurisdiction.
A Schedule I Drug
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is in charge of classifying substances. The DEA continues to classify all forms of cannabis as a Schedule I drug.
This means it has no accepted medical uses and a high potential for abuse.
This puts cannabis and all cannabis-derived products in the same category as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
While some people believe this is an unfair classification, this is the way it is. If you live in a state where cannabis is illegal, you may find yourself in a sticky predicament if you possess, sell, buy, or cultivate any cannabis plant.
Changing Times and Changing Attitudes
You can see the legal status of cannabis, CBD, and all cannabis-derived products is a confusing subject. The confusion doesn’t end there.
In 2014, the federal legislature passed a farm bill allowing for the cultivation of industrial hemp across the nation. Many people will cite the 2014 Farm Bill as justification for their cultivation or sale of cannabis and CBD.
However, there is some confusion surrounding the bill. Officially, anyone who wishes to cultivate the cannabis plant must have permission from a state program for academic research.
Many people are still unsure whether or not the bill allows for the sale of CBD products.
To Make Confusion More Confusing
To make matters more confusing for us all, the FDA recently approved a cannabis-based product for medical use. The administration approved the prescription drug Epidiolex for the treatment of two rare types of epilepsy.
Epidiolex is used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The active ingredient in this medication is cannabidiol (CBD).
Nonetheless, the DEA classified the prescription medication as a Schedule V substance. Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse according to the drug scheduling system.
Still, you should only use Epidiolex under the guidance of a physician. They’ll help you determine whether or not you should take it, dosage, and more.
Up to Interpretation?
Each state has its own laws concerning the legality of cannabis and all cannabis-derived products. Under federal law, you can consider the plant wholly illegal.
If you live in a state where medical or recreational marijuana is legal, you may not have a huge problem. Those who might face problems are those who deal in the cultivation and distribution of any cannabis products.
If you use the products in the comfort of your own home, you should generally be fine.
If you live in a state where cannabis and all cannabis products are illegal, the story may play out differently. In these cases, you don’t have state laws to protect you.
You should do your part to stay informed about your home state’s laws.
Federal, state, and local court cases may continue to shape the way we view cannabis and CBD. In addition, medical research may reveal more and accepted medical uses for CBD.
Is CBD Oil Legal in All States?
State and federal cannabis laws can be confusing and difficult to navigate. If you and your doctor agree you might benefit from CBD, you should check to make sure it’s legal in your state.
Is CBD oil legal in all states? Not quite.
Federal law still considers cannabis and all cannabis-derived products to be illegal. If you live in a state where cannabis is illegal, you may not benefit from state protections against federal law.
If you need any legal assistance, search for a lawyer near you who can help.
Cannabis Laws State by State
All the states in the United States have decriminalized the use of cannabis but not all of them have legalized them. Apparently, decriminalization and legalization are two different things as decriminalization only reduces the legal sanctions of possessing pots while legalization means they can legally possess, use and even grow cannabis. However, cannabis laws vary state-by-state either for recreational purposes or medical uses or both.
Medical vs. Recreational Use and Limitations of State-by-State Cannabis Laws
California was the first to permit the medical use of cannabis for medical purposes in 1996 and from there; other states have also established comprehensive public medical cannabis programs. As of today, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states including Washington D.C. The use of cannabis is allowed in some states as a treatment option but with limitations. In Florida, cannabis can be used to treat cancer and epilepsy but only those with a low level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a chemical responsible for the psychological effects of marijuana. In Maine, only up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis can be possessed and it is only legal for adults 21 and above. On the one hand, only a handful of non-medical dispensaries are allowed in Massachusetts. Minnesota only allows cannabis use for specific qualified conditions and they come as liquid extract products. Some states do not recognize out-of-state MMJ cards such as Vermont, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, North Dakota, New York, New Mexico, Montana, Missouri, Maryland, Chicago, and Connecticut.
While the medical use of cannabis is allowed in many states, other states also have laws that permit the possession and use of cannabis for recreational purposes. These include California, Alaska, Maine, Colorado, Nevada, Massachusetts, Oregon, Vermont, Washington State and District of Columbia. People in Alaska, California, Colorado can now possess up to an ounce of cannabis once they turn 21. They can also grow six plants for each person. In Main, adults can also grow up to six plants and use up to 2.5 ounces. Oregon also allows up to an ounce of cannabis and a maximum of four plants in each household. In Nevada, only those people who live 25 miles from the closest dispensary can grow plants at home. In Washington State, adults can carry an ounce of cannabis but can only grow plants for medical purposes while a commercial sale is banned in the District of Columbia.
Medical Marijuana Reciprocity
Though some states do not accept out-of-state cards for cannabis, medical marijuana reciprocity laws allow the reciprocal exchange of goods and services between states including weeds. This is helpful for medical marijuana patients when they are visiting other states. When they go to Arizona, they don’t have to worry about confiscation as long as they bring only up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana. In California, Hawaii, Michigan, and Nevada, marijuana patients from other states can buy marijuana legally from licensed medicinal dispensaries even without out-of-state cards. However, public consumption in Michigan is sternly prohibited. Medical marijuana reciprocity is also practiced in Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
Where to Purchase and Consume Cannabis
Because marijuana is not yet legal in all the states in the US, it is still difficult to purchase it. Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug alongside ecstasy, heroin and other addictive drugs so if one is traveling to other states, they still have to consider federal laws on cannabis use. This is also why it can’t be purchased through debit or credit cards. To buy marijuana in medical marijuana legal states, one should have medical cannabis qualifying conditions. Each state has specific medical conditions that can be treated legally by marijuana and one should get a prescription from their physician. The common approved health conditions for marijuana use include cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS and Crohn’s disease. Once you are qualified for marijuana authorization in your state, you can get your medical cannabis card from your doctor. You can purchase cannabis in nearby dispensaries and choose from flowers, concentrates, edibles, pre-rolls and other legal forms of cannabis. Whether for medical or recreational use, adults and patients should only consume marijuana based on what their state allows. If not, there will be appropriate consequences and sanctions that the perpetrators have to face.
How to Get a Medical Card
If you want to take advantage of medical marijuana use and medical marijuana reciprocity, you can get a medical card but this also varies from state to state. In Oklahoma, online patient applications are allowed but it is important to obtain the signature of your physician and for minors, they will need two physicians’ signatures. In Florida, you will need the recommendation of a qualified doctor and show your medical records as well as your Florida ID. You can talk to your doctor about your options and register at the medical marijuana registry. In Massachusetts, you have to get a written recommendation from a licensed physician before you apply for a medical card. You are likely to get qualified if you are suffering from any of these conditions: cancer, glaucoma, ALS, hepatitis C, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and HIV or AIDS.
Tools to Help You Avoid a DUI Charge
While Richmond Hill DUI lawyers can help you if you find yourself facing an impaired driving charge, the best way to keep yourself out of legal trouble is to take steps to make sure you don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated in the first place. This becomes especially true if you have a previous impaired driving charge on your record, as a second or third offence means more trouble in the future. To avoid a DUI charge, consider the following tools and tips.
Portable Breathalyzers
If you find yourself in trouble with a DUI charge, one of the first things that your Kitchener DUI lawyer may ask is what the results of your breathalyzer tests at the police station were. This is because using a breathalyzer test is one of the most effective ways to determine the level of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. With this in mind, you can help prevent a DUI before it happens by investing in a portable breathalyzer. Many outlets in both the United States and Canada offer these devices. While they are not permissible as evidence in court, they serve as a good way to judge whether you are too intoxicated to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Select a Designated Driver
Without investing in new equipment and fancy technology, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by selecting a designated driver before you go out to a social event where there will be alcohol served. Most social groups who drink regularly institute a rotating system where the designated driver changes with each new event. This allows everybody to enjoy an event with alcohol while also remaining safe. If you don’t think you can get a designated driver, remember that public transportation can benefit you. In the Toronto area, public transportation is more robust than in many other parts of Canada and can thus help keep you from behind the wheel of a car if you have too much to drink.
Ignition Interlock Device
If you have multiple DUI charges, the court may require you to fit your vehicle with an ignition interlock device. This device requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece before the vehicle can be driven. This provides an extra layer of security to make sure that nobody can drive the vehicle unless they would pass a sobriety test should they get pulled over. While you are no longer required to keep an ignition interlock device in your vehicle after you finish your court-mandated term, It isn’t always a bad idea to have one handy just in case. Some people find the device to be embarrassing, but it is a worthwhile safety measure for those who demonstrate repeated risky behavior.
There are many tools available to people who ardently want to avoid getting a DUI charge. If you have faced impaired driving problems in the past, your DUI lawyer may even recommend some of these ways to keep you on the straight and narrow going forward.
Mass Tsang LLP
1810 Avenue Road, Suite 200
Toronto
ONM5M 3Z2
Canada
(416) 781-1148
