It has been possible to get a medical marijuana card in New Mexico for a very long time. The state legalized MMJ in 2007, and in 2021, marijuana advocates were thrilled to learn that recreational weed also became legal in NM.
MMJ is linked with a huge array of benefits. Indeed, the majority of medical marijuana programs have at least a dozen qualifying medical conditions. In recent times, there has been a growing movement towards using the substances to help with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These include panic attacks, nightmares, and self-destructive behavior.
Below, I outline how to get a medical marijuana card in New Mexico while also highlighting the evidence in favor of using weed to help with PTSD symptoms.
Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in New Mexico
Believe it or not, it was theoretically possible to get MMJ in NM in the late 1970s thanks to the passage of the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act. In practice, it was exceptionally difficult to avail of the program, with fewer than 300 people receiving weed in an almost decade-long period.
MMJ was finally legalized in 2007, and getting a medical marijuana card in New Mexico is fairly straightforward these days. The process is broadly similar to most state programs. First and foremost, you need to contact a medical professional for a consultation.
Organizations such as MMJCardOnline can help make this process simple by doing the legwork for you. They can ensure you complete the doctor’s appointment online, ensuring you don’t need to leave your home.
If the doctor believes you’re a suitable candidate for MMJ, they will provide you with a written certification. At this point, you can register online with the state’s Medical Cannabis Program (MCP). It’s important to know that you must complete this process within 90 days of receiving the certification. Send the application and wait for the state program to approve it and send you a medical marijuana card in New Mexico.
In 2021, the state legalized recreational cannabis, and sales began the following year. As such, you can now possess up to two ounces of weed if you’re aged 21+. Yet, if you’re found with more than this amount and don’t have a New Mexico medical marijuana card, you could receive a one-year prison term. So, if you intend to use MMJ for PTSD or any other medical issue and plan to purchase more than a couple of ounces, you need the card.
How Medical Marijuana Can Help with PTSD
There is a growing body of research that suggests MMJ could prove valuable in the fight against PTSD symptoms. One systematic review of studies concluded that cannabis was associated with a reduction in various PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, the substance was tolerated in most cases, although side effects such as headaches, agitation, and dry mouth were reported.
There is also evidence of how marijuana works to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. It seems as if the cannabinoids in weed help reduce activity in the amygdala. This is significant because the amygdala is the part of the brain linked with fear responses to threats. It is also possible that marijuana’s cannabinoids could help people forget traumatic memories.
Yet, since marijuana remains a controlled substance, there remains opposition to its use for any purpose. For instance, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs has tried to downplay the benefits of the substance.
Meanwhile, a disabled veteran who used marijuana for PTSD was imprisoned for possessing MMJ in 2016. After a 10-month ordeal, he was released after originally being sentenced to five years in jail. It is important to note that he got the marijuana via Arizona’s MMJ program but was caught in possession of the substance in Alabama.
Final Thoughts on PTSD for Medical Marijuana
If you live in NM, you can buy marijuana recreationally. However, to avail of a higher limit, it’s necessary to get a medical marijuana card in New Mexico. For a significant number of people living with PTSD, cannabis offers hope. The substance is linked with an improvement in several debilitating PTSD symptoms, but its status as a federally illegal substance ensures it remains out of the reach of a host of people who badly need it.
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