Since quitting and deciding to help others to do the same I am frequently asked the hotly contested 'Is cannabis addictive?' question. It is a subject that fiercely divides most 'experts' and even those who spend their entire adult lives inhaling it. So let's attempt to establish whether or not cannabis is addictive.
Starting with a 'hard' drug just to make addiction easier to identify, read the following passage and decide for yourself if you think the person is or isn't addicted to heroin:
"When I can't get hold of heroin or if I know that I will be unable to have any for that night, I immediately turn into a different person. I am angry and emotional and I feel so depressed that I wont get that sense of relaxation and calmness from the heroin. I really hate feeling like I need it to make myself feel better."
In your opinion, is it reasonable to assume the person is hooked on heroin?
In my view there is no doubt whatsoever. I'd stake my mortgage and life on it!
Okay, re-read that same statement but this time the drug has now changed to cannabis.
"When I can't get hold of cannabis or if I know that I will be unable to have any for that night, I immediately turn into a different person. I am angry and emotional and I feel so depressed that I wont get that sense of relaxation and calmness from the cannabis. I really hate feeling like I need it to make myself feel better."
With only the name of the drug altered is it reasonable to assume that person is hooked on cannabis?
Remember only the name of the drug has changed!
The statement you have just read is in fact REAL and comes from a young woman who recently contacted me via who was clearly desperate for help - not because she was addicted to heroin but hooked on our 'friend' cannabis. I am not implying cannabis is comparable to heroin addiction (of course not!) or even that there are physical withdrawal symptoms when we attempt to quit, but there is still that sense of desperation and need for cannabis when circumstances force us to go without it for longer than we'd like. Like when your dealer is nowhere to be found and you can't relax or find enjoyment in anything you do. That sense of missing/needing cannabis is clearly a symptom of psychological addiction.
Imagine heroin or cocaine as a maximum-security jail and cannabis a low-security open prison. Regardless of the regime and conditions found inside the prison, the bottom line is; in spite of how thin and flimsy the walls are or how weak the security at the main gate is, the function of a prison is to restrict freedom. In this case, your happiness and enjoyment of life. Don't worry! Once you accept cannabis is addictive it becomes even easier, not more difficult to quit!
If you think that you are a candidate for a program in your state, the only way to know for sure is by seeing a doctor and being evaluated so that you can get your medical marijuana recommendation. You can't just buy a card, or hold onto a doctor's note and think that you are protected. All of the states that have legalized medical marijuana have created medical cannabis cards to track patients who are using this medicine lawfully. The only way that you are legally protected is by holding a valid medical cannabis card that has been issued by the state in which you reside, after your doctor has seen you and recommended you for medicinal marijuana for your medical situation. How to obtain a Card is an important step you have to follow here.
Top Five Things to Know About Medical Cannabis
There are some important things that you should be aware of with regards to medical marijuana. To better help you be as prepared as possible, here are the top five things to know about it before you get your medical cannabis card.
1. Medical cards are only issued in 15 states and in DC - check with your state to find out if yours is on the list.
2. You can't get a prescription for marijuana, only a card that offers you legal protection in your state and affords you access to marijuana dispensaries.
3. It's illegal to drive or operate machinery when using this; the laws are same with regards to alcohol use.
4. Getting a Medical Cannabis Card is only valid for a year after it has been issued, then it must be renewed.
5. Your medical cannabis card is only valid for the state in which it was issued, no other states, even if they have a medical cannabis program.
Checklist for Your Medical Cannabis Appointment
Once you have made an appointment to be evaluated for a Medical recommendation by a doctor, there are some things that you will want to make sure that you bring along with you. This way you are as best prepared as is possible, and you can ensure that your appointment goes as smoothly as anticipated. Make sure to take some notes on these important items that you should bring with you, prior to your appointment. Also, if you are seeing a new doctor, don't forget to bring along your medical history so that they can review it while examining you for a medical marijuana evaluation.
Photo ID/Proof of Identification: Make sure that you bring any of the following to your appointment to provide proof of your identity: current and valid state driver's license or current and valid state ID card, current military issued ID card, passport, and proof of residency (current utility bill, mortgage statement or bank statement, etc.).
Medical History: This includes any recent medical records that you have, any prescriptions that you are currently using, any test results including X-rays or blood work, and information about your most current doctor.
Form of Payment: Make sure that you bring a credit or debit card with you or cash to pay for your appointment costs.
Other: If you are under the age of 18 to Get Medical Cannabis Card, you will need Informative post to be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian and or have proof that you are emancipated.