Georgia Might Open Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in the Near Future

To this day, Georgia counts itself among the 24 states that have yet to legalize medical marijuana. A new bill seeks to change that, however. According to WSBTV, Senator Curt Thompson from DeKalb County filed a bill last December 3 with the intent of making the drug available to those who need it and thereby generate more revenue that can be funneled toward infrastructure and education. His bill closely mirrors Colorado’s marijuana law, presumably because that’s where some families from Georgia obtain medical marijuana. Should Senator Thompson’s bill weather all opposition and be passed into law, Georgia will be the 24th state to allow medical marijuana dispensaries to operate.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/georgia-might-open-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-the-near-future/

How a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Upholds Pediatric Patients’ Safety

For some children, medical marijuana can be life-changing. A toddler with an epileptic disorder, for instance, can be treated with the drug to minimize the frequency of seizures, thereby leading to a better quality of life. With his or her suffering reduced, the child’s parents can also breathe a sigh of relief. Similarly, the drug can benefit children suffering from cancer and other diseases with elusive cures. Not surprisingly, parents and organizations around the country are advocating for medical marijuana legalization. After all, not a few parents have driven across states just to get the recommended doses for their children. Some families, in fact, have moved permanently to states where they can obtain legal medical marijuana.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/how-a-medical-marijuana-dispensary-upholds-pediatric-patients-safety/

Marijuana Can Ease the Pain of Loneliness?

Loneliness is a disease—it’s far more harmful to health than most people realize. Being lonely could lower the immune system, making a person more susceptible to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and depression. According to science, loneliness could even increase an individual’s chances of an early death by 14 percent.

Indeed—loneliness is a disease, and scientists and psychologists are pretty much aware of that. Many of them have sought and researched a variety of approaches to reduce the effects of chronic loneliness. One of the unexpected findings is that medical marijuana sold at dispensaries can be used to ease the pain of loneliness, social exclusion, and low self-esteem in people.

CBD, THC: Active Ingredients of Medical Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, contains about 60 cannabinoids or compounds that give the plant various properties. Despite the drug’s potential for abuse, marijuana has garnered interest among medical experts over the years because two of its cannabinoids, namely CBD and THC, are known to provide certain medical benefits. Thus, the biggest challenge for the drug’s proponents is how to harness these cannabinoids without any of the side-effects.

Laws on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Cannabis Use are Changing

The new law is definitely an improvement over A6357, which doesn’t specify legal sources of medical marijuana in New York. A6357 only says people must first present a registered ID and a written recommendation from their doctor before they can go to medical marijuana dispensaries. Patients in need of the drug can rest easy once the new law is implemented as it would designate authorized places for drug distribution. The proposed law recommends that marijuana be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (DFA) instead of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), suggesting in effect that the drug be treated the same way as alcohol. Should the Act be passed into law, it would also rename the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) into the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, Firearms and Explosives.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/laws-on-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-and-cannabis-use-are-changing/

For Some, Doses of Legal Medical Marijuana is their Only Hope to Live

At the very least, she hopes that a regular dose of the drug, which can be obtained from legal medical marijuana dispensaries, can minimize the seizures Nicolas experiences every day. Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) seems to think so as well; previous studies regarding the use of marijuana to suppress seizures reveal that the drug is effective on at least 84 percent of children with epilepsy. What Nancy hopes to obtain is a variant of the drug known as ‘Charlotte’s Web’, which is high on CBD, but low on THC. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of all variants of medical marijuana, as the drug can be cultivated to have certain levels of CBD, THC, and over 60 other cannabinoids to provide people with different benefits. The effectiveness of a pure THC marijuana plant in treating epilepsy is one of the things CURE intends to learn more about. This cannabinoid is responsible for the “high” that people experience when consuming the drug.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/for-some-doses-of-legal-medical-marijuana-is-their-only-hope-to-live/

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: Using Marijuana for Cancer Treatment

Marijuana contains unique chemical compounds called cannabinoids that have the power to prevent many aggressive forms of cancer from metastasizing or spreading to other parts of the body. In addition, cannabinoids have also been proven to reduce cancer cells and enhance the immune system. The health benefits of marijuana are multiple, and the medical and scientific studies that confirm them are myriad. If you have a medical condition that you believe is treatable with marijuana, you can talk to a doctor who can advise you accordingly and issue a marijuana card that allows you to obtain the drug from licensed medicinal marijuana dispensaries.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/medical-marijuana-dispensaries-using-marijuana-for-cancer-treatment/

Legal Medical Marijuana: California Patients Say Pot is Helpful Indeed

California loves marijuana. Well, that’s not exactly true, and may in fact be an overstatement. However, if you ask legal medical marijuana users in The Golden State, you might come to the same conclusion. Doctors may prescribe medical marijuana to treat: muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS); nausea from chemotherapy, poor appetite caused by chronic illness such as AIDS, HIV or nerve pain; seizure disorders; Crohn’s disease; and even depression. Yet in California, as well as other states where medical marijuana is legal, patients can only obtain the drug if the doctor believes it would help their condition, after which a patient will be given a card that permits him to buy marijuana from an authorized medical marijuana dispensary.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/legal-medical-marijuana-california-patients-say-pot-is-helpful-indeed/

Opening Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Illinois? Things to Remember

Owners of state-regulated dispensaries can only sell cannabis to registered patients who suffer from one or more of the 33 listed qualifying medical conditions, from cancer to glaucoma. To be registered, patients have to obtain a written certification from their physician recommending the use of medical cannabis and submit it to their state’s Department of Public Health. The current state of affairs in Illinois shows that opening a medical cannabis dispensary business here can be a smart venture. Illinois-based businesspeople would benefit from learning about state rules and regulations, and turning to experienced dispensary consultants like Medicine Dispensing Systems for guidance. Medical cannabis dispensary consulting companies can provide business owners with the necessary information regarding operations, legal compliance, and others.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/opening-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-illinois-things-to-remember/

Good News for Fired Marijuana Users in Michigan

Can an employee with a medical marijuana card who tests positive for marijuana consumption in a work-related drug test seek unemployment compensation if he/she is fired under his/her employer’s zero tolerance policy? Michigan’s state Court of Appeals says yes.

In an unprecedented decision, the Michigan Court of Appeals recently ruled that workers in the state who are legal medical marijuana patients should receive unemployment compensation if they were laid off from work for being marijuana users.

Legal Medical Marijuana: A Look into the Common Ailments It Treats

MS is a neurological disease that results in patients’ loss of muscle control, balance, and sensation. At times, MS can also lead to eye pain or blurred vision. Cannabis, in the form of cannabinoids, is believed to aid in the management of such symptoms. These are just a few of the ailments where cannabis can help. Enterprising individuals looking into a way to help others while making some profit can consider opening a medical marijuana dispensary. They can approach a full-service dispensary consulting firm like Medicine Dispensing Systems to learn how to go about it and to make sure they comply with state policies and regulations.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/legal-medical-marijuana-a-look-into-the-common-ailments-it-treats/

Legal Marijuana in Focus: Colorado

Just because pot is legal in a state doesn't mean dispensaries are, at least right away. Of the 24 pot-legal areas in the country, roughly half have working dispensaries. For the rest of the areas, some are welcome to grow their own marijuana but not to distribute them or allow consumption in public. There is a bill for legalizing pot and another for allowing dispensaries to do business in a state.

Colorado is one of a handful of dispensary-friendly states, but a closer look at its history reveals a milestone. It was in Denver that the first man in U.S. history was convicted of selling pot.

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Facilitate Responsible Cannabis Use

Several papers pointed to marijuana as a gateway drug, allegedly eliciting the use of dangerous drugs like cocaine (MacCoun's paper being one of them). Although it's not unusual for heavy drug users to have smoked cannabis first, experts say it's not enough to implicate marijuana as the root cause of the perilous chain reaction. A recent peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of School Health also points out that some of the pro-gateway theories do not consider other factors such as where the users got their marijuana. In contrast, legal medical marijuana dispensaries make drug abuse almost impossible as dispensary systems like MedBox are designed to restrict the amount of marijuana distributed per patient.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/medical-marijuana-dispensaries-facilitate-responsible-cannabis-use/

Legal Medical Marijuana in Denver May Be Linked to Drop in Crime Rate

If legalizing marijuana can only spur criminal activity, as critics believe, then why is the crime rate in Denver dropping? Colorado's road to legalizing medical marijuana began in June 2001, when voters approved a referendum delisting its use and possession as a crime. Roughly 13 years later, the capital of Denver opened its doors to the legal medical marijuana industry after passing Council Bill CB13-0570. Various amendments were subsequently made to the Denver Medical Marijuana Code. Four months into the ordinance, crime in Denver has remained relatively static. The number of reported crimes has gone up and down for those months, according to state government data. In particular, based on Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) standards, homicide saw the greatest drop in crime rate at 42 percent compared with the first half of 2013.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/legal-medical-marijuana-in-denver-may-be-linked-to-drop-in-crime-rate/

Starting Medical Cannabis Dispensaries in Connecticut: Things to Know

Among the patients eagerly awaiting the dispensary’s opening—the second of a slew of registered medical cannabis dispensaries in the state—is a local by the name of Betsy Glassman who was diagnosed with colon cancer last year. She is hoping that cannabis can help with her cancer treatment. Enterprising individuals looking into opening a dispensary of their own to help fellow locals like Ms. Glassman have things to keep in mind, especially pertaining to state regulations and restrictions.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/starting-medical-cannabis-dispensaries-in-connecticut-things-to-know/

Opening a Legal Marijuana Dispensary: Brief Comparison of State Laws

However, these aspiring dispensary owners should be aware that laws regarding the business vary from state to state, and sometimes even county to county. For instance, in Minnesota, registered patients can have access to legal medical marijuana only in certain forms. This means that while other states allow registered patients to smoke marijuana leaves, Minnesota policies dictate that they only ingest cannabis through the use of pills or oils. They are also allowed to vaporize the compound through e-cigarette-like devices. Apart from that, the state only granted licenses to operate to two dispensaries statewide.
http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/opening-a-legal-marijuana-dispensary-brief-comparison-of-state-laws/

Keeping the Potency of High-CBD Marijuana Strains

Out of more than 70 active chemicals in marijuana, the CBD or cannabidiol has emerged as the cannabis component with optimal benefits. Recent studies on CBD found that it provides the distinct therapeutic effects of medical marijuana, such as relieving some types of inflammation (including pain) and nausea. CBD has even demonstrated cancer-killing properties, as some experiments show that it reduces the growth of tumors.

Are Medical Marijuana Regulations Really Needed?

To this day, the United States has mixed feelings about the distribution and sale of marijuana for medical purposes. While 23 states and the District of Columbia currently allow the use of legal medical marijuana, the federal government frowns upon such an idea and maintains that the drug should still be classified as a Schedule I substance (i.e. a drug with no accepted medical use and with a high potential for addiction).

3 New Amazing Results from Cannabis Testing

Now that the sale of marijuana is legal in a good number of states, those involved in its distribution must see to the quality of the cannabis they offer. This is where cannabis testing comes into play. Cannabis testing involves a process almost similar to how medicine and food products are tested. Take a look at some of the amazing results these tests have yielded.

Marijuana can be used to treat specific types of bowel disorders

A recent study took a look at the effects of cannabis on 1,000 people with moderate stomach problems caused by bowel inflammation. One section was made to consume cannabis, while one section was not. The researchers discovered that those who took marijuana experienced fewer of the symptoms related to their condition.

Marijuana consumption can help keep a person slim and fit

Although marijuana is known to trigger the ‘munchies’—the extreme hunger experienced while under the influence of marijuana—one study suggests that the weed can help speed up a person’s metabolism and thereby stave off fat accumulation. The study’s results revealed that in a group of people with similar diets, those who use cannabis regularly are 20 percent less likely to become obese than those who do not consume it.

Cannabis may help protect the brain after a stroke

Certain studies show that using marijuana after a stroke can help shrink the part of the brain affected by a stroke and thereby reduce damage.

Marijuana Ad Requirements in Washington State

Ever wondered how to promote a new marijuana dispensary on social media, or maybe create a video for it and post it on YouTube? Under many states’ retail marijuana rules, these types of advertising may just be violating the law. Washington State law, in particular, asserts that marijuana cannot be advertised in any form or medium in a publicly owned or operated property. Below are three of the most notable advertising restrictions for medical marijuana imposed in Washington:

Marijuana advertising is not allowed to promote overconsumption of the drug. This law is similar to liquor advertising laws, hence the regular ‘drink responsibly’ slogan you’ll often see in these ads. You may want to include a similar tagline in the marijuana ads that you create.

Truth in advertising. Marijuana vendors cannot make any statements that tout marijuana as a therapeutic or curative drug.

Marijuana ads must not target persons under 21. No marijuana ad can contain a person under 21 or depict any toys, cartoon characters, TV shows, etc. that would appeal to this demographic. In addition, advertisements for marijuana can be placed within 1,000 feet of any facility that caters to those under the age of 21 including schools, libraries, child care centers, public parks, and the like.

Legal Marijuana in Focus: Alaska

Cannabis may not survive in the frigid Alaskan north, but the use of this herb remains sunny in the Final Frontier. In fact, southern parts of the state provide the right climate for cultivation.

Over half of Alaskan voters voted in favor of Ballot Measure 8, which legalized of the drug in 1998. Like Oregon, Alaska is racing to become the third state to legalize marijuana for recreational use this November. So far, it's a neck-to-neck race, but it will all come down to who can formalize the legalization first.

Guidelines to Medical Marijuana Use in Illinois

The legislation that authorizes the use of medical marijuana in Illinois was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on August 1, 2013. Enterprising individuals in the state keeping an eye on a promising venture can look into their option of establishing a medical cannabis dispensary. However, they have to ensure they follow the standards when doing so. Here are the three priorities to keep in mind:

How Oregon Embraced Medical Cannabis Legalization

At the moment, medical marijuana is legal in a total of 22 U.S. states and Washington, DC. However, Oregon still holds the distinction of being the first state that decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis. In 1998, the state passed Measure 67 that allowed patients to possess, cultivate, and use medical marijuana, and since then, the industry has flourished.

However, Senate Bill 1531 being signed into law on March 19, 2014 is certainly a game changer. SB 1531 allows local governments to impose certain regulations and restrictions on medical marijuana dispensaries. To ensure that these operating businesses are compliant to said directives, state regulators make unannounced visits to the establishments. This way, a thorough inspection and evaluation can be made.

Recently, one medical cannabis dispensary in Portland was discovered to have committed violations like having unlocked doors or allowing the use of the substance within the premises itself, and was thus ordered closed. However, there is no final word yet on whether the dispensary’s license to operate will be revoked.

As such, those planning to operate medical cannabis dispensaries here are recommended to rely on consulting services to ensure that their establishments comply with local laws. Consulting firms will guide these future owners and operators in properly controlling inventory and accurately documenting transactions. Compliance to regulations and restrictions is key to their success.

How U.S. States Regulate Legal Medical Marijuana

Legal medical marijuana in the U.S. has a rather lengthy history. The drug was once regulated in at least 35 states in the 1930s, thanks to the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act. Much has changed since then, as various states have either abolished or reformed their marijuana laws to ban or control the use of the drug, respectively. As of June 27, 2014, 23 states allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

In general, medical marijuana can only be obtained through dispensaries and/or licensed medical practices in the U.S., though the specifics actually differ in each state. Patients in Nevada, for example, are required to present an ID card indicating that medical marijuana was recommended (not prescribed) by their doctors to treat their ailment(s), although they aren’t allowed to get the drug from dispensaries. Minnesota, meanwhile, allows dispensaries to provide marijuana but only as liquid extracts.

Regardless of how states regulate the distribution of the drug, the federal government maintains the position that marijuana is a dangerous narcotic. At present, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug (Controlled Substances Act of 1970), with high potential for abuse. The debate on whether or not the federal government should interfere with state laws on marijuana, even for medical purposes, continues to this day.

Even ‘Weed Fairy’ Can’t Break Laws for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Aspiring owners or managers of medicinal marijuana dispensaries have to be aware of state laws pertaining to business operations. Before they can even start a medical cannabis dispensary business, they must first obtain a state license and comply with zoning regulations.

Another item worth noting is that, compared to other states where medical cannabis is legal, Washington State patients need not have a marijuana card to use the substance. However, they need a written recommendation from authorized health providers, such as medical doctors, physician assistants, osteopathic physicians, osteopathic physician assistants, naturopathic physicians, and advanced registered nurse practitioners.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/even-weed-fairy-cant-break-laws-for-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/

Three Things to Consider when Opening a Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Restriction laws on locations of legal medical marijuana dispensaries vary from state to state. General restrictions stipulate that the dispensaries should be at least 500 feet away from schools, universities, or any other places where young members of the community like to hang out.

Licenses and Permits

As with any business venture, entrepreneurs need to have their medical cannabis dispensary business registered and licensed before they can set up shop. Individuals can refer to the guidelines set by the Small Business Administration or SBA to register a business.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/three-things-to-consider-when-opening-a-medical-marijuana-dispensary/

Qualifying to be a Medical Marijuana Patient

Do you suffer from arthritis, glaucoma, or fibromyalgia? Is conventional medicine not exactly doing you much good? Perhaps you might want to seek medical marijuana dispensaries to receive an alternative form of treatment. That said, only those who are qualified to be medical marijuana patients can have access to the drug. You may or may not meet the requirements, depending on where you live.

Legal Medical Marijuana is Nothing New

In the U.S. and some parts of the world, the idea of using legal medical marijuana remains a hotly debated issue. Both proponents and opponents of the idea have laid down a lot of good points, so much so that the public is still divided on the matter. Regardless of public perception, however, it is important remember that using marijuana for medical purposes is nothing new.

Establishing Lucrative and Efficient Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

More advocates and political figures are rallying to legalize medical marijuana. With this and the increasing demand for the drug, the industry can potentially grow into a 10 billion-dollar “green rush” soon. With that said, establishing medical cannabis dispensaries can be more lucrative than ever.

In order to start an organized business dispensing medical marijuana, preparation is key. Entrepreneurs should set up proper facilities and use professional equipment, such as a medical cannabis dispensing machine distributed by consulting firm Medicine Dispensing Systems. This machine stores inventory drugs in optimal conditions and helps in regulating the transactions with patients.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/establishing-lucrative-and-efficient-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/

Legal Medical Marijuana Machines Can Dispel Anxiety in Connecticut

Connecticut’s ruling on establishing a legal marijuana dispensary and the role pharmacies play in distributing the drug should reinforce the idea that legalizing marijuana is for medical purposes only. In some states, marijuana dispensaries incorporate additional safety measures by installing automated dispensing systems that control access to the drug. The MEDBOX, for example, is a medicine dispensing system placed in a restricted area of marijuana dispensaries. It is not directly accessible to patients.

Turnkey consulting firms, such as Medicine Dispensing Systems, can install an automated medicine dispensing machine like MEDBOX. The company can also assist in establishing a legally compliant medical marijuana dispensary and cultivation center. Only those with prescriptions can receive the drug in the proper dosage.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/legal-medical-marijuana-machines-can-dispel-anxiety-in-connecticut/

Enhancing Medical Marijuana Dispensary Security

There are currently 21 states plus the District of Columbia that allow the sale of medical marijuana. Cultivation centers and dispensaries are needed for the growth and distribution of cannabis, which raises concerns about security for these facilities. Medical marijuana dispensary robberies are becoming alarmingly common, so if you’re planning to go into this type of business it’s vital that you implement basic security measures.

Maintain confidentiality of your marijuana garden

Be very careful who you invite to visit your marijuana garden. Although it’s exciting to show the inner workings of your business to friends, know that doing so opens you up to potential risks.

Use applicable security devices

There’s a wide variety of digital security gadgets available; choose the appropriate system that will help you monitor the safety of your garden. For instance, you can get security cameras which are very affordable. Security alarms are also great safety additions, since loud noises are often enough to scare off a robber.

Have a security threat and contingency plan

It pays to be prepared, so it’s imperative that you have a plan in case your place of business gets robbed. Some security agencies offer consultation, even help in training and implementation to protect medical dispensaries like yours from such attacks. It’s in your best interest to talk to them.

Legal Marijuana in Focus: California

Legal medical marijuana continues to shape the country, bringing much needed relief to those who really need it. If you really want to see these changes, however, you'll need to look closer, as in by state. Follow this special report on how states have come to legalize the controversial drug.

First on the list is "ground zero." California, where it all began.

The Golden State became the first state in the U.S. to legalize pot in 1996 via Ballot Proposition 215. The proposition, which was eventually known as the Compassionate Use Act on November 5th, was met with criticism about the lack of details. Democrat senator Diane Feinstein was one of Proposition 215's staunchest opponents.

However, the fate of the proposition wasn't determined by the legislature; it was determined by the people. More than five million Californians, roughly 56 percent of the entire state, voted for the legalization of medical marijuana. Soon enough, every county in California wholeheartedly, if not halfheartedly, accepted the voice of the people.

California followed with Senate Bill 420, which took effect in 2004 as the Medical Marijuana Program Act. Under the Act, a qualified patient may possess no more than eight ounces of dried pot and six (mature) or twelve (immature) pot plants. The Act also provided state protection for medical marijuana dispensaries, given that they dispense products with due requirements.

As of 2012, California remains as having the largest medical pot community in the country, with more than 553,000 patients (based on voluntary registration).

Establishing Profitable Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Illinois

The perks of owning a medical marijuana dispensary

Medical marijuana is a booming business opportunity in Illinois and the 19 other states that have legalized the substance. According to data, established medicinal marijuana dispensaries have the ability to gross over $20 million in a single year. The effort involved in developing a successful dispensary application may appear overwhelming, and based on the info above, it’s sure to cost you. However, with a little fortitude and the right kind of help, you can reach your goals.

Opening a dispensary in Illinois

The state of Illinois is giving away only 60 dispensary permits, so expect the application and acceptance process to be fiercely competitive. Firms like Medicine Dispensing Systems offer consultation services and dispensing products that will help turn your dispensary application into a profitable investment with unlimited earning potential.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/establishing-profitable-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-illinois/

NY EO Aims to Make Medical Marijuana Legal for Hospital Distribution

Unfortunately, federal law is a high hurdle for proponents to jump over. Marijuana remains illegal under federal regulations, although individual states are not prohibited to establish their own laws on it. Hospitals, being federally-licensed medical facilities, may face shutdown or funding cuts if they distribute medical marijuana without proper approval. Even if hospitals don’t get shut down by the federal government, they’ll need to find funding to make this drug safe for medical use.

In light of this fact, medical marijuana dispensary systems, like the ones Medicine Dispensing Systems work with, may serve as a better alternative to hospital distribution, for two reasons. First, it dispenses medical marijuana products made from freshly cultivated marijuana. Second, the dispensary units are operated by separate facilities staffed with personnel who are strictly instructed to follow protocol before releasing the products.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/ny-eo-aims-to-make-medical-marijuana-legal-for-hospital-distribution/

Dosage Done Right: The Value of Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

    The resolution asks the state to “take up this matter with urgency, by having legislation passed which restores the liberty of Alaskan patients easily to have marijuana prescriptions filled.”

As stated in the article, the absence of a legal marijuana dispensary would force patients who need the drug for medication to purchase it from the black market; obviously, this is a problem that needs to be rectified immediately. Dispensaries are one of the safest ways to sell medicinal marijuana without the negative connotations. Medical cannabis businesses looking to make their operations legitimate should consider using automated medical marijuana dispensaries.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/dosage-done-right-the-value-of-legal-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/

Common Regulations in Running a Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensary

In some U.S. states, prescribing legal medical marijuana to people suffering from medical conditions—such as muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis, pain due to arthritis, and nausea due to chemotherapy sessions—is permitted. Unfortunately, the state of Florida is yet to be included among these states. However, Kyle Swenson, writing for New Times Broward/Palm Beach, states that legalization of medical marijuana in Florida can take place soon after it received funding and support from a low-profile philanthropist, Barbara Stiefel, who had lost some family members, including her father, to cancer.

Most Florida locals may still have the “don’t count your eggs until they are hatched” attitude when it comes to the legalization of medical cannabis. However, chances are strong that the once-unthinkable can happen as support and funding for the cause have become stronger than before. Thus, local health care providers and medical practitioners may find it useful to explore how they can operate a legal marijuana dispensary in their facilities.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/common-regulations-in-running-a-legal-medical-marijuana-dispensary/

Ensuring the Complete Safety of Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

    “Those stores that kept both recreational and medical marijuana sides faced a problem. Recreational pot shops can sell only to people 21 and over. But medical marijuana dispensaries can serve younger customers. If a store wants to keep selling to under-21 medical marijuana patients, state law requires it to build a wall between the two sides and give them separate entrances.”

The sale of medical cannabis might be legalized, yet business owners will have to tread carefully and meet the law’s strict regulations regarding the drug’s sale and distribution. This is not only to avoid breaching rules, but also to help do away with the stigma attached to cannabis, and encourage its healthier uses. To enforce all guidelines and ensure that all transactions made are safe and legal, proprietors can utilize automated machines for medical marijuana dispensaries sold by companies like Medicine Dispensing Systems.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/ensuring-the-complete-safety-of-legal-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/

Promoting Alternative Health with Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

    The state said that159 applications were filed last fall, but a state selection committee narrowed it down based on criteria including business plans, financing and community support. The licenses granted go to standalone dispensaries, standalone cultivation facilities and combined facilities.”

To be legal, marijuana dispensaries need to offer the drug strictly as a medication. They must also follow specifications as to how the drug should be sold. Perhaps the most convenient and safe way for businesses to fulfill these regulations is to use an automated legal medical marijuana system.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/promoting-alternative-health-with-legal-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/

The Importance of Marijuana Dispensing Equipment

After years of research and political lobbying efforts, medical marijuana laws have now been passed in 20 US states and DC, where stores and patients can access the drug. Both the licensed medical marijuana dispensaries and patients would benefit from a storage system for marijuana stocks. Here are some of the basic advantages in using special marijuana dispensing equipment:

Potency Preservation

Potency is a medication’s quality to produce its intended effects. In order to preserve this potency, drugs usually require precise storage conditions. Medical marijuana needs to be protected from heat, air and moisture, which is why commercial dispensing equipment are made with opaque, airtight and waterproof materials.

The Strange Story of Marijuana’s Aliases

Marijuana is a drug of many names: pot, weed, smoke, Mary Jane, and so on. There are around 100 names, although some are dubious and profane. How marijuana got their alternative names is a mystery in itself. However, some historical accounts point to how the most common names came to be.

What Happened Before the Early 1900s Marijuana Ban

The story of medical marijuana has come full circle. From a tumultuous period of prohibition and outlawing, renewed interest in making the drug legal for medicinal use once more has resurged in the 1970s. It basically ended more than 60 years of prohibiting marijuana, which began when Massachusetts became the first state to outlaw it in 1911.

By “full circle,” however, it means modern society’s take on medical marijuana returned to the pre-prohibition period. Records of marijuana use for treating ailments existed as early as 2900 B.C., particularly during the Zhou Dynasty. Emperor Fu Xi described cannabis (“ma” in Chinese) to “possess both yin and yang.” The Chinese are known for taking yin and yang seriously.

Legalization of Medical Marijuana: Where It Stands

A wide variety of benefits come from the use of medical marijuana to treat certain illnesses. Medical cannabis may be prescribed to treat seizure disorders, muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis, pain due to arthritis, and even nausea as a result of cancer chemotherapy sessions. Unfortunately, despite these numerous medical advantages, only 20 US states so far have legalized medical marijuana.

The Value of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

One of the most controversial topics that have split society is the use and legalization of marijuana. Some quarters are up in arms against it while others are in full support, at least when it comes to medical marijuana. As laws differ for every state, some allow dispensaries to be put up in order to give easier access for patients who have legitimate medical conditions that require medical marijuana. 

Through dispensaries, patients can get hold of medical marijuana that are cultivated under proper monitoring and the right environment. Licensed dispensaries are expected to provide high-quality medical marijuana while adhering to state and local laws. Moreover, they only provide the supplies to patients who have complete requirements and recommendations coming from their attending physicians, in order to ensure that no abuse of the substance will take place. 

Additionally, these dispensaries also allow accurate tracking and inventory of the marijuana supplies, as well as documenting the sales of the providers. This advantage allows providers to save and maximize their time, which leads to better productivity and management of their respective businesses. 

Although the plant may not get the nod in some states just yet, its proper use and distribution, through the help of dispensaries, will play major roles in the years to come.

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Give Relief to Chronic Pain Sufferers

In the U.S., a total of 20 states currently permit the use of marijuana for chronic pain treatment. For those who have tried every other pain medication to no avail, the option to use legal medical marijuana is a welcome solution. In any case, medical marijuana users are advised to be responsible with the use of the substance and to stick to their prescribed doses in accordance with the legal requirements in their respective states.

Meanwhile, registered medical marijuana dispensaries have a duty to ensure the highest standards of security and quality when it comes to the distribution of this substance. Among other things, these facilities must see to it that qualified patients obtain no more than the maximum legal limit, which varies from state to state. In Illinois, for instance, a patient is allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis for a period of 14 days.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/info-article/medical-marijuana-dispensaries-give-relief-to-chronic-pain-sufferers/

The Race to Authorize the Use of Legal Medical Marijuana in the U.S.

Certain medical studies have since supported prior claims that cannabis has the ability to relieve chronic pain, nausea, and other ailments, particularly among the terminally ill. Some states accordingly permit the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of certain conditions, albeit under a doctor’s supervision. CNN's Kristina Sgueglia and Greg Botelho report that the local government of New York is also set to make legal medical marijuana available soon.

A total of 20 states—including Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Jersey—now permit the use of medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. These states have their own restrictions regarding the maximum amount of medical cannabis a patient may possess. In New Jersey, for example, a patient is only entitled to a maximum amount of 2 ounces within a 30-day period.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/the-race-to-authorize-the-use-of-legal-medical-marijuana-in-the-u-s/

Other Options? Maybe Medical Marijuana Can Help

The body works in mysterious ways. Despite the wonders of medical technology, there remains to be a lot of illnesses that remain impervious to remedies. Long-known and tried and tested medicines don’t react as they should on some people, making for a very hopeless scenario. 

Here comes the need for alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is a practice that veers away from conventional medicine by prioritizing less mainstream methods of healing. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal medicine are popular off-track go-to's. 

Back in ancient China, a “magical” herb is highly recommended for its calming and hallucinogenic effects on the user. Americans today recognize this herb as cannabis or simply, marijuana. As more and more states are legalizing – or at the very least, decriminalizing – the popular leaf, its useful qualities are being magnified more. Today, medicinal cannabis is being favored as an alternative choice for healing certain ailments. 

Due to the euphoria it induces to dull one's senses, legal medical marijuana may help ease symptoms of nausea and vomiting. It is also able to relax muscle tension and even provide an analgesic quality to those ill with chronic pain. Anxiety and certain sleep disorders like insomnia may be relieved by the pain-reducing and soothing effects of the herb. Marijuana also helps in stimulating appetite as it leads one to consume more calories. 

Despite its many purported benefits, however, one would still need a prescription and proper guidance from a doctor. Used as a medical aid, marijuana could give much hope for relief, but nonetheless, should only be used properly.

Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in California

California has no state regulation or set standard when it comes to the cultivation and/or distribution of medical marijuana. Rules, regulations, and guidelines are the responsibility of each county in The Golden State. As of May 2013, only three counties do not implement their own medical marijuana programs, namely Mariposa, Sutter, and Colusa. In Colusa, medical marijuana dispensaries are completely banned.

In any case, here are the steps on how to register for a medical marijuana card elsewhere in California:

Legal Medical Marijuana Regulations in Arizona

In the US, a total of 20 states now permit the use of medical marijuana for certain conditions. Regulations on medical marijuana use vary from state to state. In Arizona, for example, patients with qualifying conditions are allowed to possess no more than 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis within a 14-day period.

In the Future, You Might See Legal Medical Marijuana Everywhere

The issue of marijuana abuse still remains. However, a legal marijuana dispensary system can be the only hope for some people who are stricken with debilitating diseases and conditions. Chronic pain, for example, is known to affect those who are recovering from amputation, spinal surgery, HIV, cancer, and the like, and cannabis is one of the few drugs known that can alleviate it. Insomnia and depression can actually have a negative impact to a person’s health and these psychological disorders can be remedied with the soothing effects of cannabis. Incidentally, long before the medical community discovered the benefits of cannibis, old civilizations have been using it to treat certain conditions. The Ancient Egyptians and Chinese have prescribed cannabis to treat a myriad of ailments like vomiting, nausea, and anxiety. It’s only recently that the medical community formally recognized its potential.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/in-the-future-you-might-see-legal-medical-marijuana-everywhere/

Legitimate Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: Helping Ailing Patients

California came under heavy fire when it became the first state to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes in 1996. Controversies aside, nowadays a lot of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries can be found in convenient locations, like office buildings, residences, and alternative clinics. These legitimate medical marijuana dispensaries provide for the needs of various patients. Despite the negative reputation marijuana has racked up over the years, it is undeniable that medical marijuana can help patients struggling with various conditions like severe pain, nausea, cancer, seizures, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS. Cannabinoids are a diverse class of chemical compounds found in cannabis, and have a positive effect on the aforementioned ailments. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive chemical found in marijuana, can reduce the tumor growth in lung cancer patients by 50 percent.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/legitimate-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-helping-ailing-patients/

The Ever-Changing Playing Field for Legal Medical Marijuana Usage

In a video that accompanies the news article, it is clear that Patterson has a severe speech impediment, which can be alleviated by the consumption of medical marijuana. Medical marijuana can also help patients manage pain, relieve nausea, stimulate the appetite, and reduce the severity of seizures. Advocates of legal medical marijuana consumption state that medical cannabis can be used to treat patients who have HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, severe migraines, and chronic pain. The public's opinion of medical marijuana is slowly changing, and 20 states plus the district of Columbia are now supporting public medical marijuana programs. No marijuana-induced fatalities have been documented, making cannabis an attractive medicinal option. This does not deny the fact, however, that there are still 30 states that have not legalized medical marijuana.

http://www.cannamedbox.com/blog/industry-news/the-ever-changing-playing-field-for-legal-medical-marijuana-usage/