How to get an MMJ card as a Caribbean citizen
19 October, 2023
If you are a Caribbean citizen living in the United States, you’ve probably heard of MMJ cards, or Medical Marijuana ID cards, and you may be wondering if it’s possible for a Caribbean citizen to get an MMJ card. Let’s take a look.
What are the benefits of having an MMJ card?
First things first, what is an MMJ card and why would a Caribbean citizen want one? An MMJ card is a card assigned to you by the state on the recommendation of a doctor and it grants you access to purchase medical marijuana. MMJ cards are not free to acquire but they unlock a range of benefits which are well worth it to many people.
As a holder of an MMJ card in the US, you will be able to purchase medical marijuana from a range of suppliers and also benefit from tax reductions. This reduction often cancels out the fee paid to obtain the card and continues to save you money throughout the year. MMJ card holders can also legally possess and grow more marijuana than recreational users.
Can I get an MMJ card as a Caribbean citizen?
The answer is yes, but the requirements depend on where in the US you are! US laws on medical marijuana do not stipulate that you need to be a US citizen in order to obtain an MMJ card. As a general rule, as long as you have a physical address and state-issued ID in the state in which you are applying for the MMJ card then you will be eligible for consideration. In some states such as California, non-residents can also apply for an MMJ card so you don’t need a permanent address.
MMJ card regulations are set at a state level so it varies depending on where in the US you are. In certain states, you must have lived there for a certain period of time so check out the specific laws on the state you plan to apply for an MMJ card in.
How to get an MMJ card
There are a number of routes you can take to get an MMJ card, but the cheapest and easiest way to do so is to use an online platform such as https://mmjcardonline.com/. With MMJ Card Online, you simply enter your details and arrange a phone consultation with one of their partner doctors who will review your records and determine whether or not medical marijuana will be beneficial to you. You will find out if they will recommend MMJ for you at the end of the call.
Depending on which state you live in, you may be able to obtain an MMJ card straight away with this recommendation, or you may have to apply through your state’s system. Once you receive your medical marijuana ID card you can begin purchasing medical marijuana and enjoying the benefits immediately.
Important considerations for Caribbean citizens
As a non-US resident you must consider the future implications of obtaining an MMJ card. As cannabis is still a Schedule I illegal substance, use and possession of cannabis is still an offense at a federal level which includes federal immigration law. Proof that you have been involved in the use, distribution or manufacturing of marijuana products can be grounds to decline citizenship applications due to showing a lack of good moral character, and possession of an MMJ card is considered ample proof that you are or have been a marijuana user.
This is unfortunately the case regardless of whether or not it was recommended to treat a medical condition or it is legalized in the state in which you used marijuana.This must be carefully considered if you intend to apply for citizenship or residency in the future. You will need to weigh up the benefits of an MMJ card against the risk. It is best to speak to an immigration lawyer to receive specific advice based on your personal situation.
A US MMJ card does not grant you permission to take legally acquired weed back to the Caribbean as it is still deemed a Schedule I controlled substance. The legality of marijuana use varies in each country in the Caribbean; in some it has been legalized for medical use, in others for recreational use too, and in some remains illegal in all forms.
The bottom line
The bottom line is that it is absolutely possible to get an MMJ card as a Caribbean citizen and it can be a quick and simple process. If you are granted an MMJ card, you will be able to access all the same benefits as US residents. Just make sure you do your research and understand the implications of obtaining an MMJ card.
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