Our company was founded by Laura and Zach, two medical cannabis patients. The benefits of medical marijuana and state programs are near and dear to our hearts here at The Healing Rose. We wanted to take a moment to share why we think people who want to use cannabis as a wellness tool – should get their medical marijuana cards if your state has a program.

Why You Still Need a Medical Marijuana Card Even if Weed is Legal in Your State

With recreational cannabis becoming more widely available, many people wonder whether getting a medical marijuana card is still necessary. After all, why go through the process of obtaining a doctor’s recommendation when you can simply walk into a dispensary and buy what you need? While the convenience of recreational cannabis is undeniable, the reality is that holding a medical marijuana card offers a range of benefits that recreational users don’t have access to.

A medical marijuana card can make a big difference, including cost savings, stronger product options, legal protections, and personalized medical guidance. This is most helpful to those who use cannabis for health and wellness. But beyond the typical reasons, there are some lesser-known perks to being a registered medical patient that might surprise you.

Let’s dive into the reasons why getting a medical marijuana card is still a wise choice—even in states where recreational cannabis is entirely legal.

Save Money & Get Exclusive Perks

One of the most well-known advantages of having a medical marijuana card is the potential for significant tax savings. In many states, recreational cannabis purchases come with high taxes, which can add anywhere from 10% to 30% to the total cost. Medical patients, on the other hand, often pay reduced taxes or none at all.

Beyond taxes, medical marijuana programs often offer exclusive patient perks that can help users save even more money. Many medical dispensaries provide discount programs, bulk purchase discounts, and patient loyalty rewards that recreational customers cannot access. Some dispensaries even offer compassionate care discounts for patients with financial hardships, veterans, or those on disability.

Stronger Products & Tailored Medicine

Many recreational cannabis products are designed for casual or social use, which means they tend to be lower in potency and standardized for general consumer appeal. In contrast, medical marijuana patients often require higher THC or CBD concentrations to manage chronic conditions such as pain, inflammation, and neurological disorders.

Medical dispensaries frequently carry stronger, higher-potency products that are not available to recreational users. This includes:

• High-dose edibles that exceed recreational potency caps
• THC and CBD capsules designed for long-lasting relief
• Targeted formulations for conditions like epilepsy, PTSD, and autoimmune disorders
• Strain-specific and terpene-rich products for customized effects

Additionally, medical patients often have access to alternative cannabis delivery methods that aren’t as common in recreational dispensaries. For example, transdermal patches, sublingual strips, and specialized tinctures provide long-lasting, consistent relief without requiring inhalation.

For individuals who rely on cannabis as medicine, these high-potency and specialized products can make a massive difference in the effectiveness of their treatment. Read here to understand the differences between CBD and THC.

Higher Purchase & Possession Limits

One major drawback of recreational cannabis laws is that they often limit how much you can buy and possess at a time. Many states cap recreational purchases at an ounce of flower or a limited amount of concentrates, which can be inconvenient for those who use cannabis regularly.

Medical marijuana patients, however, are usually allowed to buy and possess larger quantities of cannabis. This means fewer trips to the dispensary, greater flexibility in managing their treatment, and the ability to stock up on medicine when needed.

Example in Massachusetts:

• Recreational limit: 1 ounce of flower, 5 grams of concentrate
• Medical limit: Up to 10 ounces every 60 days  

This increased limit provides convenience and allows medical users to take advantage of bulk pricing and discounts that recreational consumers can’t access.

Legal Protections & Employment Rights

Even though recreational cannabis is legal in many states, employers, landlords, and legal authorities still have the right to penalize or discriminate against cannabis users in certain situations. Medical marijuana patients, however, may be legally protected from some of these risks.

Some states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York have employment protections for registered medical marijuana users. This means that employers cannot fire or refuse to hire someone solely based on their legal medical cannabis use. This is especially important for individuals who rely on cannabis for managing chronic pain, PTSD, or other medical conditions.

Additionally, some rental agreements specifically allow medical cannabis use but prohibit recreational use, giving cardholders more housing security. In legal disputes, having a medical marijuana card can also serve as proof of legitimate medical use, which can be beneficial in custody battles, tenant disputes, or legal proceedings involving cannabis possession.

For those who worry about the potential consequences of cannabis use in their professional or personal life, a medical card can offer an added layer of security.

Medical Patients Get More Control Over Their Medicine

Unlike recreational users, medical marijuana patients often have more flexibility in how they obtain their medicine. This includes home delivery services in states like Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. These services allow patients to order cannabis legally and conveniently—something that isn’t always available for recreational customers.

Another major advantage is that many states, like Massachusetts, Illinois, and Missouri, allow medical marijuana patients to grow their own cannabis. Whereas recreational users are often prohibited from home cultivation. This is a game-changer for individuals who:

• Want to save money by growing their own medicine
• Need specific strains that aren’t always available in dispensaries
• Live in rural areas with limited dispensary access

Growing your own cannabis not only provides a cost-effective alternative to dispensary purchases but also allows complete control over quality, potency, and strain selection.

Reciprocity: Use Your Medical Card in Other States

Another overlooked benefit of having a medical marijuana card is state reciprocity. If you travel frequently, your medical card may allow you to purchase cannabis in other states that have reciprocity agreements for out-of-state patients.

For example, states like Nevada, Hawaii, and Michigan recognize valid medical marijuana cards from other states, allowing patients to access medical dispensaries while traveling. This is a massive advantage for medical users needing consistent treatment but not always in their home state.

Before traveling, it’s essential to research the specific reciprocity laws in your destination state to ensure you can legally purchase and possess medical cannabis.

Is Getting a Medical Marijuana Card Worth It?

If you use cannabis regularly for pain relief, anxiety, sleep, or other health conditions, getting a medical marijuana card is still one of the best decisions you can make—even if your state allows recreational sales.

• A medical card gives you:
• Lower costs & tax savings
• Access to stronger, medical-only products
• Higher purchase & possession limits
• Legal protections & employment rights
• More control over your cannabis supply
• Access to cannabis in other states

While recreational cannabis offers convenience, it doesn’t provide the same benefits, protections, and quality of care that medical marijuana programs do. For those who depend on cannabis for wellness and treatment, the advantages of being a medical patient are too valuable to ignore.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card at Medwell Health 

Thinking about getting a medical marijuana card? The process is now faster and easier than ever with Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. We offer hassle-free, secure telemedicine appointments to help you get your medical marijuana card quickly and affordably. Contact us and take control of your health and wellness with medical cannabis!