Will it even be worth it?

[throwawaytre3s]

So right now I'm trying to figure out if it's even worth getting my medical card. I'm in New England. I get some pretty severe pain in my back that immobilizes me about once or twice a week. I smoke recreationally, yes, but I also manage the back pain (when it happens) with cannabis as well. Right now, since my Primary Caregiver won't even talk about the subject with me, it'd be about $200-$300 for an evaluation at a clinic. Then it'd be another $75 for the application fee. I hear dispensaries are really expensive in my state, with $250-$500 ounces being the norm, usually between $200-$300 though. I don't know if I'll be able to grow my own, despite the fact that once I move back home, where I'd be getting the card, I'd be living at my dad's house (transferring to a college in my home state, moving out of my own apartment. His house is right near the college I'm attending next semester). I know he smokes and he's fine with me smoking, but I don't know how he'd feel about me growing my own. As far as legal penalties, my state has it decriminalized up to an ounce, and I never really have more than that at a time. What do you guys think? Is it worth it for me to even pursue this path?

 

[DDave]

Briefly researched. You don't state where in New England you are located, so fines range from $100 - $2000 for a "small amount"... Didn't really find clarity on definition of "small".

If you're in an area where fine is $100, don't know if I'd sweat it based on the monetary amount. If $2000, maybe I'd be a bit more concerned.

Then there's criminal classification based on location as well, Civil Violation, Civil Offense, Civil Penalty, or Misdemeanor.

In Calif, we have Prop 215, far less costly it would seem to get "papers" than in your location.

Not sure if this helps, but maybe research for your particular locations.

 

[throwawaytre3s]

Briefly researched. You don't state where in New England you are located, so fines range from $100 - $2000 for a "small amount"... Didn't really find clarity on definition of "small".

If you're in an area where fine is $100, don't know if I'd sweat it based on the monetary amount. If $2000, maybe I'd be a bit more concerned.

Then there's criminal classification based on location as well, Civil Violation, Civil Offense, Civil Penalty, or Misdemeanor.

In Calif, we have Prop 215, far less costly it would seem to get "papers" than in your location.

Not sure if this helps, but maybe research for your particular locations.

I'm in RI, which basically means that it's a civil infraction with no record, unless you get caught more than three times in the span of I think 8 months or so? The fine is $150. What's really attractive to me is the ability to consistently get medicine, knowing where it comes from, and what quality it is. It's frustrating getting half cured bud, never knowing if this particular strain will help. Not to mention not having consistent connections.

 

[DDave]

I'm in RI, which basically means that it's a civil infraction with no record, unless you get caught more than three times in the span of I think 8 months or so? The fine is $150. What's really attractive to me is the ability to consistently get medicine, knowing where it comes from, and what quality it is. It's frustrating getting half cured bud, never knowing if this particular strain will help. Not to mention not having consistent connections.

Yep, a third key factor is consistency, availability, quality of herbs. Please don't mention any specifics in this area, as that is banned conversation subject matter, but in general... dispensaries are more consistent than other questionable sources.

 

[throwawaytre3s]

Yep, a third key factor is consistency, availability, quality of herbs. Please don't mention any specifics in this area, as that is banned conversation subject matter, but in general... dispensaries are more consistent than other questionable sources.

I'll keep this in mind as I go forward. Also I wouldn't dream of mentioning specifics!

 

[DDave]

I'll keep this in mind as I go forward. Also I wouldn't dream of mentioning specifics!

Thanks and good luck in making the right decision on papers!

Sucks having to weigh out benefits for something that should simply be made legal!

 

[throwawaytre3s]

Thanks and good luck in making the right decision on papers!

Sucks having to weigh out benefits for something that should simply be made legal!

I appreciate the luck! I still have a bit before I move back down to RI, so I have time before it's even practical to think of finding a clinic for my evaluation, let alone applying. Right now I think I'll go for it.

 

[howie105]

I get some pretty severe pain in my back that immobilizes me about once or twice a week...I too have a nasty back and MJ helps me manage it better then the class 1 script drugs I was prescribed. So if smoking helps then I suspect vapeing would too.

Right now, since my Primary Caregiver won't even talk about the subject with me, it'd be about $200-$300 for an evaluation at a clinic...That bites, perhaps you could change doctors seeing that you are moving.

Then it'd be another $75 for the application fee. I hear dispensaries are really expensive in my state, with $250-$500 ounces being the norm, usually between $200-$300 though...No one knows how debilitating your pain is and how deep your pockets are so you are going to have to decide the cost question on your own.

As far as legal penalties, my state has it decriminalized up to an ounce, and I never really have more than that at a time....In some states holding an oz is a different matter than cultivation, you should check the difference out, before you decide on a path.

My take for me, it is cultivation before any form of retail and vapeing over smoking for pain management but everyone’s situation is different. Good Luck

 

[Hashtag46&2]

I lived in Newport RI from the ages of 6 years old until I was 13... Small World, especially considering the Smallest State.

Welcome to FC

I recommend getting "legal" to protect yourself.

If you have a debilitating condition, you have every right to utilize cannabis vs. Opioids to control your pain.

(Isn't it lovely that the Docs are willing to shove OxyContin down a patient's throat, but Cannabis?!?!?... Oh no....that's the devil weed)

It is about quality of life, and worrying about getting fined every time you go anywhere with your meds can't be good for the body and mind.

Hopefully, the rules become more "lax" in your area.

When we first legalized, the cost was pretty high (not nearly as high as NE).. But now it costs about 100$ a year to remain on the MMJ Registry. (Doctor Visits included)

I also wish you luck in your decision



Edit ; I would start reading up on Botany...

Many of the Dispensary Owners are just as sketchy as the BM

 

[throwawaytre3s]

I get some pretty severe pain in my back that immobilizes me about once or twice a week...I too have a nasty back and MJ helps me manage it better then the class 1 script drugs I was prescribed. So if smoking helps then I suspect vapeing would too.

Right now, since my Primary Caregiver won't even talk about the subject with me, it'd be about $200-$300 for an evaluation at a clinic...That bites, perhaps you could change doctors seeing that you are moving.

Then it'd be another $75 for the application fee. I hear dispensaries are really expensive in my state, with $250-$500 ounces being the norm, usually between $200-$300 though...No one knows how debilitating your pain is and how deep your pockets are so you are going to have to decide the cost question on your own.

As far as legal penalties, my state has it decriminalized up to an ounce, and I never really have more than that at a time....In some states holding an oz is a different matter than cultivation, you should check the difference out, before you decide on a path.

My take for me, it is cultivation before any form of retail and vapeing over smoking for pain management but everyone’s situation is different. Good Luck

Well yeah, but I would never consider growing without my MMJ card. 30 years in the pen just isn't worth it, you know? I'll find out if I'll be able to grow once I move back into my house. If I can, then the choice is pretty clear. If I can't, then the cost of the card just doesn't outweigh the other costs, you know?

 

[throwawaytre3s]

I lived in Newport RI from the ages of 6 years old until I was 13... Small World, especially considering the Smallest State.

Welcome to FC

I recommend getting "legal" to protect yourself.

If you have a debilitating condition, you have every right to utilize cannabis vs. Opioids to control your pain.

(Isn't it lovely that the Docs are willing to shove OxyContin down a patient's throat, but Cannabis?!?!?... Oh no....that's the devil weed)

It is about quality of life, and worrying about getting fined every time you go anywhere with your meds can't be good for the body and mind.

Hopefully, the rules become more "lax" in your area.

When we first legalized, the cost was pretty high (not nearly as high as NE).. But now it costs about 100$ a year to remain on the MMJ Registry. (Doctor Visits included)

I also wish you luck in your decision



Edit ; I would start reading up on Botany...

Many of the Dispensary Owners are just as sketchy as the BM

There are only 3 dispensaries in RI, and out of the three, only two are practical for me to visit. The other one is in Portsmouth, actually! Yeah, some doctors offer a discount for re-evaluations. Luckily, from what I understand ( I need to read more ), if you have the evaluation done by an out of state doctor (there's one in Mass I've heard about), you don't need to re-evaluate for two years (or year and a half maybe?) , rather than 6 months. That's how the fine lady at RIPAC explained it to me.

I don't really carry my meds on me, unless I know I'm going to be out all day long. But it's still nerve wracking, you know?

Edit: Also, like I mentioned before, I absolutely refuse to cultivate unless I can legally, it just isn't worth the risk. I'm hoping that once I move back in, my living situation will allow for it by the time I get my card. If it doesn't, then I'll be stuck with apparently exorbitantly expensive dispensaries, or trying to find a non-sketchy caregiver.

 

[CarolKing]

I'm assuming that you would have your name down in a registry. So you have that factor to consider.

It was awesome when I received my med cannabis certification. The strains from the dispensaries are wonderful. For the first time I could pick the strains to use.

I would guess that in a year or so there will be more dispensaries around your area.

We had just strictly medical cannabis here until a little over a year ago. A gram usually goes for $8 - $10 at the dispensaries without the 48% tax.

The lawmakers have labeled our cannabis with a 48% tax. That will also include the medical cannabis. Come July first most of the med dispensaries will be closed or turned into a state operated stores.

We can't grow here unless we become part of a medical cannabis registry and we could only grow 6 plants. We would only save 10% on product at the state run stores with a medical card.

We need to obtain a med cannabis card from our family physicians now. We had been going to a clinic that dealt with strictly cannabis certification. Most regular doctors don't want to deal with medical cannabis cards. If a doctor gives out more than 30 cards in a month the doc needs to call the state and report it.

It's not worth getting a medical card here unless I were to grow my own. I would save $200 yearly in the taxes is all, I figure buying at the state run stores. I don't know if I want to be part of a state medical cannabis registry.

I think the state is hoping that most folks won't get a med cannabis card and will just pay the 48% tax. Probably for folks growing illegal cannabis there will be stiff fines and jail sentences. The law makers want to discourage any black market selling because that would reduce the state's profits.

I have never set foot in a state cannabis store yet. The prices are too high. This summer I won't have much of a choice. I will be forced to buy cannabis that is grown at large facilities not by independent small farmers that grow organic. There will be organic cannabis available but at what price? I'm on a rant.....

 

[throwawaytre3s]

I'm assuming that you would have your name down in a registry. So you have that factor to consider.

It was awesome when I received my med cannabis certification. The strains from the dispensaries are wonderful. For the first time I could pick the strains to use.

I would guess that in a year or so there will be more dispensaries around your area.

We had just strictly medical cannabis here until a little over a year ago. A gram usually goes for $8 - $10 at the dispensaries without the 48% tax.

The lawmakers have labeled our cannabis with a 48% tax. That will also include the medical cannabis. Come July first most of the med dispensaries will be closed or turned into a state operated stores.

We can't grow here unless we become part of a medical cannabis registry and we could only grow 6 plants. We would only save 10% on product at the state run stores with a medical card.

We need to obtain a med cannabis card from our family physicians now. We had been going to a clinic that dealt with strictly cannabis certification. Most regular doctors don't want to deal with medical cannabis cards. If a doctor gives out more than 30 cards in a month the doc needs to call the state and report it.

It's not worth getting a medical card here unless I were to grow my own. I would save $200 yearly in the taxes is all, I figure buying at the state run stores. I don't know if I want to be part of a state medical cannabis registry.

I think the state is hoping that most folks won't get a med cannabis card and will just pay the 48% tax. Probably for folks growing illegal cannabis there will be stiff fines and jail sentences. The law makers want to discourage any black market selling because that would reduce the state's profits.

I have never set foot in a state cannabis store yet. The prices are too high. This summer I won't have much of a choice. I will be forced to buy cannabis that is grown at large facilities not by independent small farmers that grow organic. There will be organic cannabis available but at what price? I'm on a rant.....

Where exactly are you located that does that? I'm assuming not in the US? My name would go on a state registry, but I don't mind. They legally can't share it with anyone.

 

[Wizsteve]

yes go medical get your card and if you check local you find someone to grow for you

 

[Tstat]

My son and I have cards here in RI. I think it's worth it just for piece of mind. I like that if my son got caught with a joint, nothing would happen legally. People still get busted here when caught without a card.

As for dispensaries, we don't use them due to the tax. An ounce of top shelf is almost $400 which is nuts, IMO. As patients, we can grow 12 plants each (in flower) so we do it ourselves. If you can grow, go for it. If not, I still think it's worth getting legal.

Good luck. You should talk your dad into getting a card, too. Then you guys can bond, have fun growing out different strains, and saving money. Of course, he would have to have a qualifying condition. For me it's severe back and neck problems. My son nearly lost his foot in an accident and MMJ helps with his pain and discomfort.

 

[throwawaytre3s]

My son and I have cards here in RI. I think it's worth it just for piece of mind. I like that if my son got caught with a joint, nothing would happen legally. People still get busted here when caught without a card.

As for dispensaries, we don't use them due to the tax. An ounce of top shelf is almost $400 which is nuts, IMO. As patients, we can grow 12 plants each (in flower) so we do it ourselves. If you can grow, go for it. If not, I still think it's worth getting legal.

Good luck. You should talk your dad into getting a card, too. Then you guys can bond, have fun growing out different strains, and saving money. Of course, he would have to have a qualifying condition. For me it's severe back and neck problems. My son nearly lost his foot in an accident and MMJ helps with his pain and discomfort.

That's one of the biggest things, whether or not I'll be able to grow. It's something I need to talk to him about, you know? See how he feels about it. If I can't, then I suppose I could always try and find a caregiver to grow for me, although I have no idea what that process looks like, how I'd find one. Either way I'll probably get one. One of the biggest problems otherwise is simply inconsistency.

 

[CarolKing]

I live in WA state. They have had medical cannabis since 1998. A little over a year ago recreational cannabis became legal with high taxes. The medical had been free of taxes and had been running fine the way it was. Now the state wants to close down the existing dispensaries. The state wants folks to buy at a state sanctioned stores with the 48% tax.

I just got my med mj certificate May of 2014. It was absolutely one of the best things I ever did. I still feel like a child in a candy store when I'm at the dispensaries. I'm really dreading the changes. Not really sure about what will be available for the medical user?

If we get a medical mj card we would pay 37% tax and we could grow 6 plants. The medical patients rights have been severely restricted with the new laws. Certain medical cannabis products will no longer be available after July 2016. Most of the growers that the medical patients have been depending on will no longer exist. The state stores buy their products from large cannabis grows.

So be careful what you wish for with legal cannabis. I wish we just had medical in my state. Maybe not all states will fuck it up like WA.

The state basically wants complete control of the cannabis and they want the tax money. They are making it difficult for the medical patients in leu of the revenue that the cannabis can generate. It's pure greed.

 

[throwawaytre3s]

I live in WA state. They have had medical cannabis since 1998. A little over a year ago recreational cannabis became legal with high taxes. The medical had been free of taxes and had been running fine the way it was. Now the state wants to close down the existing dispensaries. The state wants folks to buy at a state sanctioned stores with the 48% tax.

If we get a medical mj card we would pay 37% tax and we could grow 6 plants. The medical patients rights have been severely restricted with the new laws. Certain medical cannabis products will no longer be available after July 2016. Most of the growers that the medical patients have been depending on will no longer exist. The state stores buy their products from large cannabis grows.

So be careful what you wish for with legal cannabis. I wish we just had medical in my state. Maybe not all states will fuck it up like WA.

The state basically wants complete control of the cannabis and they want the tax money. They are making it difficult for the medical patients in leu of the revenue that the cannabis can generate. It's pure greed.

I think what's happening in WA is a shame, you know? It's sad. I mean, at least you'll have the ability to grow 6 plants with a medical card. That isn't an option for everyone though, and it isn't fair to restrict everyone else based off that. I think CO and OR are doing things right.