Most American states have legalized marijuana, thanks to its numerous health benefits. The medical cannabis industry is equally booming as more patients turn to marijuana as an alternative to pharmaceutical treatments. Here are ten rookie mistakes to avoid after signing up for California’s medical marijuana card program:
Operating Machinery
Although medical marijuana has a low CBD content, it still leaves you with a mild high. When under the influence of cannabis, it’s best to avoid operating machinery. The cognitive effects of marijuana diminish your short-term recall abilities and memory encoding, thus putting you at the risk of potential harm when operating machinery.
Carrying a Weapon
It’s never a good idea to carry a weapon when under the influence of cannabis, even if you’re a licensed firearm holder. Medical marijuana may affect your mood and judgment, thus your ability to operate the firearm safely.
Driving
There’s a high risk of getting involved in an accident when driving under the influence of marijuana. Although marijuana-related road accidents are not as prevalent as alcohol-related accidents, marijuana still puts you at the risk of causing accidents.
Overconsumption
Marijuana is just like any other drug that doctors prescribe. Typically, medical marijuana doctors describe the drug as per patients’ requirements. Most cannabis-related emergency room visits arise from overdosing. Although it won’t kill you, overdosing on marijuana can cause anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and other adverse side effects.
Not Having Your Marijuana Card With You
A medical marijuana card permits you to purchase and possess a specified amount of marijuana. Although your details will be stored in the state’s marijuana registry, you need to present your card whenever required.
Smoking in Public
Having a medical marijuana card doesn’t give you the privilege of smoking it in public or even in your car. In most states, users are also barred from smoking cannabis in or near dispensaries. Driving while smoking marijuana is also prohibited. If found, you’ll be charged as per your state’s DUI laws.
Failure to Renew Your Marijuana Card
In most states, medical marijuana cards are issued for a specified period. Thus, you need to get a renewal once the period lapses. Failure to renew your marijuana card means you could be possessing and consuming marijuana illegally, which is a punishable offense. It’s best to renew your medical marijuana card 30 days before its expiry date.
Supervising Children
You should avoid using medical cannabis if you have to babysit or supervise children. These tasks require your judgment and motor skills to be at their best. Marijuana impacts your judgment, and therefore, it isn’t safe to spend time with kids when using it. The effects of cannabis, such as falling asleep, may set in, which means you won’t be able to provide the necessary care.
Buying What You Don’t Need
As a new medical marijuana user, it’s possible to get overwhelmed by the variety of products in a dispensary. Often, many end up purchasing what they don’t need. Thus, you should identify a dispensary that stocks the marijuana strains and products that are helpful for your condition.
Swimming
It’s never a good idea to use marijuana before you go swimming since it impairs your judgment. You should always consume it in a safe environment where there’s little risk of harming oneself and others.
