Good Excuses to Get a Medical Card: What to Say to Your Doctor

Reasons to Get a Medical Card

Even with the availability of recreational marijuana, below are the benefits of having a medical cannabis card:

• Lower cost: Medical products are usually exempt from taxes imposed on recreational products.
• Higher possession limits: Cardholders can buy and keep larger quantities.
• Stronger formulations: Dispensaries may reserve higher-THC or specialized products for medical users.
• Employment and legal protections: Some states protect patients against discrimination in the workplace.
• Age access: Patients under 21 (or even minors under parental consent) can qualify medically in many states.

What Does “Good Excuses” Really Mean?

The phrase “excuses” can sound dishonest. Yet in medical practice, it refers to legitimate symptoms or diagnoses recognized by state law. Physicians must document a real condition, so honesty is essential. Trying to invent a problem can backfire, undermine trust, and even disqualify you. Instead, focus on the following:

• Current diagnoses and medical records
• Treatment history and why conventional therapies fell short
• Specific symptoms that affect daily life (pain score, anxiety triggers, sleep hours, etc.)

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Weed?

Below are the five conditions most cited in U.S. registries. Each section reviews how MMJ may help and links to supporting research.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is the leading reason for medical cannabis nationwide, with 38.8% to 64.9% of patients reporting it as their primary condition. A meta-analysis in JAMA found cannabinoids increased the odds of achieving at least 30 percent pain reduction compared with placebo.

Patients often report benefits like fewer opioid doses, better sleep, and improved quality of life.

States typically accept neuropathic pain, arthritis, migraine, and post-surgical pain as qualifying subtypes.

Pro tip: Bring past medical records like imaging reports or prescription histories to your appointment.

Anxiety and PTSD

Survey data shows 49 percent of medical marijuana users cite anxiety as a primary reason for treatment. In Pennsylvania, there have been over 1.2 million instances (from 2019 to 2024) where patients got a medical card for anxiety.

Low-to-moderate THC doses may reduce amygdala activity, leading to calmer mood and fewer intrusive memories in patients with PTSD.

High THC can sometimes trigger paranoia. As a result, doctors may recommend balanced THC: CBD products and start-low-go-slow dosing.

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

The FDA approved dronabinol (synthetic THC) in 1985 specifically for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients who failed standard antiemetics.

Clinical trials show that dronabinol and some THC: CBD combinations significantly reduce nausea and vomiting episodes. Many states list cancer treatment-related nausea as an automatic qualifier.

Neurological Disorders (Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s)

THC’s muscle-relaxant and anti-spastic effects may help MS patients walk and sleep better. In placebo-controlled trials of nabiximols (THC: CBD oromucosal spray), participants reported significant improvements in spasticity-related pain and muscle spasms.

Most studies advocate for CBD-rich treatment for epilepsy. However, THC may also become an option in some cases when seizures persist.

Severe Insomnia

Long-standing insomnia can qualify in states like Oklahoma and California. Survey research shows 47 percent of medical marijuana users report insomnia as a primary treatment reason.

Patients often note waking less during the night and feeling more rested. Even so, clinical evidence on sleep parameters remains mixed and requires further study.

What to Say to Your Doctor to Get a Medical Marijuana Card

Knowing what to say to get a medical card can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Before your visit, use these simple steps to organize your story so you can explain your symptoms, past treatments, and goals:

• Prepare notes: Log symptom frequency, severity (1-10 scale), and how they affect your work or family life.
• Share prior treatments: Highlight side effects or lack of relief from opioids, SSRIs, or sleep aids.
• Be clear about goals: Pain relief, fewer panic attacks, or better sleep.
• Ask about risks: Discuss potential for dizziness, impaired driving, or dependency.
• Follow up: Schedule a check-in to adjust dose or product type.

What not to say: “I just want legal weed.” Physicians must see a medical need, not recreational intent.

State Qualifications for a Medical Card

Every program has its own application fee, ID rules, and list of qualifying conditions. Even so, most share these core requirements:

• Proof of residency: Driver’s license or state ID.
• Medical documentation: Records or physician forms confirming the condition.
• Physician certification: Approval by an MMJ doctor to use medical cannabis as a treatment option. Quick Med Cards offers secure telemedicine appointments in 25+ states.
• Online registry: Submit your doctor’s recommendation, pay the state fees, and wait for a digital or physical card.
• Renew annually: Some states require follow-ups every 6 or 12 months.

Check your state department of health website before applying. Quick Med Cards keeps an updated guide for each jurisdiction.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card with Quick Med Cards

Below are four reasons why you should choose Quick Med Cards to get your medical marijuana card:

• Licensed physicians in over 25 states
• Same-day appointments with evening and weekend options
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Fast approvals with digital cards available within 24 hours (depending on your state)

Although state processes vary, here’s a general overview of how to get your medical card:

1. Create a Quick Med Cards account.
2. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors.
3. Attend your marijuana evaluation over a video call.
4. Receive your medical cannabis certification.
5. Apply for your medical marijuana card through your state’s cannabis program.
6. Receive your medical marijuana card.

Join thousands who have secured safe, legal access through Quick Med Cards.

Key Takeaways

• Medical cannabis cards offer lower costs, higher possession limits, and access to stronger formulations than recreational options.
• Chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia are the most common qualifying conditions.
• Knowing what to say to get a medical card starts with describing how your symptoms affect daily life.
• Honesty with your doctor matters more than finding the “right excuse”; physicians need to document real symptoms and treatment history.
• Quick Med Cards provides same-day telemedicine appointments in over 25 states with digital certifications available within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions on what to say to get a medical card.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Cannabis effects vary, and state laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed health professional and verify regulations in your jurisdiction before using medical marijuana.