February 19, 2021 | Should I Keep My Medical Card After Recreational Legalization?
By, Lauraine Kanders, ANP, ACNP-BC
“We’re ready. Let’s negotiate this, let’s get this done.”
In the past, multiple bills have been introduced attempting to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the state of New York. In fact, this is the third year in a row Governor Cuomo has proposed such legislation. Each previous attempt failed for various reasons, but it feels a little different this time around. The quote above came from Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes just days ago when asked about the chances of the latest proposal being enacted into law.
Suppose 2021 is the year recreational marijuana use will be legalized in New York. In that case, that doesn’t mean that it’s time to turn in your medical card and stop seeking professional medical treatment altogether. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the state of medical and recreational marijuana for states that have already made the jump to legalization.
Cost Concerns
Each state has its own unique rules when it comes to imposing taxes on recreational marijuana. For the sake of staying local, let’s look at the state of Massachusetts. All retail marijuana purchases include a tax rate of 10.75%, the standard state sales tax of 6.25% and an optional local excise of 3%. That totals to an effective tax rate of 20%! The tax rate for Medical Marijuana cardholders? 0%.
While New York plans to tax marijuana by weight, the effective tax rate is still expected to be around 20-24%. Naturally, this signifies that sticking with your medical card to purchase marijuana could end up saving you hundreds of dollars per year.
Traveling Made Easier
If you are someone who travels from time to time, it will be in your best interest to continue your medical treatment once recreational legalization occurs. This is because the vast majority of other medical states will allow you to purchase or possess marijuana when you are within their borders. The following states accept out of state medical cards:
- Alaska
- Arizona (possession only)
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri (possession only)
- Nevada
- New Hampshire (possession only)
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Washington D.C
Age Requirements
In every state with legalized recreational marijuana usage, there is an age requirement of 21. Thus, if you are under 21, you will be unable to purchase any marijuana in the state of New York without your medical card. Alternatively, those 18 and older are fully eligible to apply for their medical card. If you are under the age of 21 and benefit from the usage of marijuana, you should be sure to continue seeking medical treatment even after recreational legalization occurs.
Expert Medical Advice
Clearly, there are several compelling reasons to continue using your medical card even after legalization. Above all, you can’t beat the expert advice and guidance that certified practitioners provide. Our patients say it best!
“Lauraine Kanders was very patient with me and informative. She explained everything about the process, what to expect, how to medicate and was able to answer any questions I had. This was exactly what I needed since I don’t know much about medical marijuana at all. Now I do!”
Lauraine Kanders, ANP, ACNP-BC Can Provide Guidance for Medical Marijuana Use
Lauraine Kanders offers online counseling and telemedicine to patients coping with chronic pain, PTSD, mental health difficulties, epilepsy, and other conditions. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call us at (516) 570-7565. Live your best pain-free life with help from Lauraine Kanders.
