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Since legislation passed in 2018 making marijuana legal for Missouri residents with a state medical card, the conversation surrounding cannabis has shifted. As a matter of fact, over 160,000 state residents have active medical marijuana cards. Nevertheless, the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding marijuana use are still out there.
Whether you are one of the multitudes of Missouri residents already experiencing the benefits of cannabis or are someone who is still considering getting your state marijuana card, you may be wondering how to talk to others about cannabis use.
If your family, friends, or employers still subscribe to the false narrative that’s surrounded cannabis use for the past century, you’ll want to arm yourself with information about the many benefits that medical marijuana can provide.
You shouldn’t have to defend your decision to get relief, and you shouldn’t have to hide it either. Your friends, family and/or co-workers may not realize how effective medical marijuana is at treating hundreds of conditions, especially if their opinions stem from the way marijuana users have been portrayed by pop culture.
Here are some tips to help you when having those conversations about using medical marijuana:
Cannabis is Medicine
It’s called “medical marijuana” for a reason. The word “medical” should be the start of your conversation. Cannabis is medicine - plain and simple. As a matter of fact, it is currently ONLY legal in Missouri for medicinal use. In order to legally purchase marijuana in the state, you’ll need a valid medical card, which you can only get after going through an evaluation with a physician.
Dispensaries and cannabis cultivators are also highly regulated and monitored by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to ensure the quality and safety of medical marijuana grown and distributed to patients throughout the state.
Medical marijuana actually helps people exercise and lose weight
Forget about the idea of the lazy stoner stereotype. Marijuana can be an effective tool that helps reduce pain and increase focus, allowing people to step up their fitness game. As a matter of fact - many elite athletes use cannabis as part of their training and recovery regimen.
When most people think of cannabis and eating, they think of the munchies. Yes - marijuana can be known to increase appetite. But, certain strains can actually act as an appetite suppressant. For those who have a nutrition plan in place, cannabis can actually help you remain on course and make healthy, focused eating choices.
Medical marijuana is more effective than sleeping aids
Getting regular, quality sleep is one of the most important factors in decreasing the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, mental illness, and stroke.
For those having a difficult time with sleep, cannabis could be the key to finally getting the regular rest their body needs to wake up and recharge. And, studies have shown that most patients prefer cannabis to traditional, over-the-counter sleep aids.
You can use marijuana without smoking
Many people may not realize how many smokeless options are out there for cannabis patients. Smoking is only one of many ways you can get your medicine.
Vaping marijuana is more discreet than smoking and is probably better for your lungs. You can also try edibles, which are marijuana treats you can eat. You can get pre-made edibles at your local Missouri cannabis dispensary, or try some cannabis recipes at home.
Some other options include tinctures - THC-enhanced liquid that is dispensed via a dropper. You can also get relief with marijuana-infused beverages, and even topicals - cannabis lotions, balms oils and creams.
Using Medical marijuana does NOT make you any less professional
As long as you aren’t going to work impaired, your medical marijuana use has no impact on your level of professionalism. As a matter of fact, marijuana can help lessen chronic pain, increase focus, decrease anxiety, and allow you to be better at what you do.
You can receive the benefits of medical marijuana without being impaired
First of all - there is nothing wrong with enjoying the effects of your medicine. But, there are many more benefits to using marijuana than the feeling of wellness that can come with the sensation of being high. Many marijuana patients are using microdosing to get the benefits cannabis provides without becoming too impaired to be their very best.
Cannabis is legal because it is medicine
Medicinal cannabis is state regulated to ensure safety and quality standards. Before marijuana was legal, the only way to get it was to purchase it on the unregulated black market, leaving patients open to unsafe, low quality cannabis, not to mention potential legal ramifications.
Now that cannabis is legal, you can purchase it in licensed facilities and rest assured that the medical marijuana you are purchasing meets the strict safety and quality standards to allow you to get your medicine in a safe, legal way.
Remember - YOU control the conversation!
When it’s time to tell others that you are using cannabis, remember that you are the one in charge. There’s no shame in getting natural, legal relief. Conversely, it’s also important to remember that the people in your life may have a biased view of marijuana use.
Explain the reasons that you use medical marijuana - the conditions you are dealing with and how cannabis helps to treat them. You don’t need to apologize, but you should be prepared with information to assuage any misgivings they may have.
And remember - after nearly a century of stigma, it may take a little time for people to get over their bias when it comes to cannabis use. Be patient. Be kind. And remember, you’re planting the seeds of truth. Give them time to grow.
Talk About Relief!
Now that you’re armed with information about the benefits of medical marijuana, it’s time to get the relief you deserve. To do so, you’re going to need a Missouri medical card. We can help you with that. Our medical team is standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri!