Can You Get Medical Marijuana for Stress in Your State?

Stress is a common reaction experienced by most individuals across all age groups. Despite its prevalence, some may be surprised to discover that stress is not a specific component of any state's medical cannabis program. Instead, states may qualify patients for conditions that cause stress or through various alternatives. So, can you get medical marijuana for stress anyway?

What are Qualifying Conditions?

In the United States, a qualifying condition is any medical condition recognized by one or more State medical cannabis programs.¹ Each state sets its own list of qualifying conditions, meaning that what may meet the criteria in one state may not be in another. 

Despite the spread of access via adult-use laws, having a medical cannabis card is still important. Depending on the state, a medical cannabis card can offer several perks and benefits to patients, including: 

• Access to higher-dose products
• Higher possession limits
• Home grow access 
• Sales priority 
• Tax breaks
• Other potential perks 

Furthermore, reciprocity laws can allow patients to travel to other states and still legally obtain medical cannabis. Plus, medical cannabis cards are the only legal way a minor can legally consume in the U.S., providing legal protections to parents and guardians administering the cannabis in the process. 

How Can I Find My State's Qualifying Conditions?

Finding out your state allows medical marijuana for stress-related symptoms or any other condition starts with understanding its medical cannabis regulations. In some states, learning about cannabis laws and regulations is a relatively easy task.

In addition to NuggMD, readers should turn to trusted cannabis advocacy leaders for state and national information. Groups like NORML, the Marijuana Policy Project, and Americans for Safe Access are three of many that stay on top of developments–mostly because they are on the front lines of the drug war, fighting for legislative change. 

Which States Have Stress as a Qualifying Condition?

Medical cannabis laws aren't so clear in America, as each state is allowed to decide its own regulations. The differences in rules extend to qualifying conditions. When it comes to using medical marijuana for stress, no state explicitly lists it as a qualifying condition. 

The exclusion isn’t a slight disservice to the millions living with stress. Instead, its omission is because stress isn’t a medical condition. Stress is a natural response that is often a symptom of other conditions, such as anxiety, acute stress disorder, and many others. 

Everyone would qualify if stress were considered a qualifying condition because stress is a normal response to daily challenges. However, stress-induced consumers may still potentially qualify for a medical cannabis card.

If My State Doesn't Have Stress as a Qualifying Condition, Can I Still Get a Medical Card?

Some states, like California, broadly interpret qualifying conditions. Instead of specifically covering stress, the state approves anything that could limit or hinder “a person's ability to conduct one or more major life activities.” 

Similarly, Massachusetts law includes a parameter that approves any “debilitating conditions as determined in writing by a certified physician.” 

Others, like Maryland, qualify for any medical condition considered chronic and severe and that cannot be treated by other treatments. States like New York, Oklahoma, and Virginia defer to physician discretion when determining if medical cannabis could improve an individual’s medical situation and quality of life. Washington, D.C., goes one step further, allowing self-certification.  

Some states, like Florida, also allow patients to qualify if their condition is comparable to any listed in the state’s program. In Arizona and several other states, potential patients can appeal for an exception to include their condition in the program’s qualifying conditions list. 

While finding medical marijuana for stress isn't clear-cut in any state, many find legal ways to qualify.

Do Any Symptoms of Stress Count as Qualifying Conditions?

Many conditions related to stress qualify under several state medical programs.

For example, stress is often linked to high rates of chronic illnesses and mental health disorders like anxiety, which is found on many state programs' qualifying conditions lists. PTSD, as its name implies, is a common condition linked to stress. It is included in every state's medical cannabis program except for Alaska. 

Additional medical conditions may allow patients to qualify for most or all state medical programs legally. Potential patients should familiarize themselves with their state’s laws and qualifying conditions to assess their options. Speaking with a trusted medical professional is also always encouraged.

References

1. Boehnke KF, Gangopadhyay S, Clauw DJ, Haffajee RL. Qualifying Conditions Of Medical Cannabis License Holders In The United States. Health Aff (Millwood). 2019;38(2):295-302. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2018.05266
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.