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Highlighting the Benefits of Medical Marijuana
The body of research on medical marijuana continues to grow as more states take steps toward implementing marijuana legalization. If you’re considering forming a business for medical cannabis in Rockville, it’s worth your time to explore the clinical studies and learn about the potential health benefits of the drug.
Cancer
Marijuana has long been touted as a drug that can help ease nausea and vomiting among patients undergoing chemotherapy. This not only improves quality of life for these patients, but it also bolsters their ability to maintain their weight during the treatment. Recently, however, researchers have been focusing their efforts on the use of medical marijuana as an anti-cancer drug, rather than just a medication to alleviate side effects. It has been discovered that cannabis may help stop cancerous tumors from growing by interfering with the expression of a gene that cancer cells need to spread. Researchers conducting similar studies have concluded that cannabis may even induce cancer cell death.Seizures
Many patients have consulted an attorney about cannabis laws because they’re interested in using medical marijuana to control seizure disorders. For years, researchers have known that cannabinoids attach to certain receptors in the brain, which results in the reduction of seizure episodes in epilepsy patients. Cannabis is also known to manage the symptoms of Dravet’s syndrome, which causes developmental delays along with seizures.Lung Capacity
Some opponents of medical marijuana argue against legalization laws because they believe it will only result in increasing cases of lung problems. In fact, research demonstrates that the opposite effect occurs. One study found that although people who smoke cigarettes have a decrease in lung capacity, those who smoke marijuana have an increase in lung capacity over time.Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders. Although there are medications available to treat it, these can be habit-forming and they may cause adverse side effects. Medical marijuana may be one option for people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other anxiety disorders. -
Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card
To obtain cannabis in Rockville , you will need a medical marijuana prescription and card. Your first step is to make sure you thoroughly understand your state’s marijuana legalization laws. Consider contacting our office of experienced attorneys to discuss the new medical cannabis laws in your state . Next, you’ll need to talk to your doctor. Before you can obtain marijuana legally, a physician must determine that the drug will help your qualifying medical condition. Then, he or she can provide you with a prescription for medical marijuana.
To hear about the next steps in the process, watch this video . You’ll hear about the documentation that you may need to obtain and the application you’ll fill out. This video reminds viewers to submit any required fees along with the application and to use medical marijuana cards in compliance with state and local laws.
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Help for Business Owners with Medical Marijuana Regulation Compliance
Staying abreast of the latest regulations regarding cannabis services can be challenging. For cannabis business owners; however, it is essential to remain in full compliance with local and state laws. This is one reason why investors in medical marijuana near Rockville have turned to the Medical Cannabis Law Group for guidance. At our law firm, we walk investors through every step of the process, from filling out applications and obtaining permits to handling claims made against your company. We handle matters pertaining to cannabis-related business formation and ongoing operational concerns. Our attorneys can offer expert legal representation in the event your business is ever alleged to have committed a violation of medical marijuana law.
By partnering with the Medical Cannabis Law Group, your cannabis-related service team can plan for short-term and long-term success without worrying about regulatory compliance. Our attorney can keep you up-to-date on the latest regulation changes and related issues that may affect your business to let you focus on your bottom line.
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Understanding the Changes to Marijuana Possession Regulations
Marijuana laws are changing around the country, including right here in Maryland. Residents are who possess up to 10 grams of marijuana will be fined and cited instead of being arrested and put behind bars. Watch this news clip to learn more about Maryland’s changing marijuana possession regulations.
Marijuana laws are extremely complex, especially when it comes to the issue of medical marijuana in Maryland. If you currently own or operate a medical marijuana dispensary or are thinking about entering cannabis business, make sure to build a relationship with a criminal law attorney in Rockville who specializes in medical cannabis law . A marijuana law group may also provide you with strategic advice to help get your cannabis business off the ground and make sure you adhere to Maryland’s complex marijuana laws and regulations.
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Reasons Physicians May Prescribe Medical Marijuana
Although recreational users have had a big impact on the country’s marijuana laws, the changing marijuana landscape in the United States is largely due to physicians and other health professionals who have recognized the medicinal benefits of marijuana. If you are thinking about venturing into the world of medical marijuana dispensaries, it’s important to know as much as you can about the medicinal properties of marijuana. Read this article to learn more about the top conditions treated with medical marijuana, then contact a cannabis lawyer in Rockville to find out everything else you need to know about Maryland’s cannabusiness.
HIV/AIDS
Although medical marijuana is not a cure for AIDS patients, the cannabinoid drug effects of marijuana is extremely effective at treating wasting syndrome. Nausea, loss of appetite, pain, and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting syndrome that can be mitigated by marijuana.Alzheimer’s Disease
In a 2006 article titled “A Molecular Link Between the Active Components of Marijuana and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology,” Dr. Lisa M. Eubanks of the Scripps Research Institute and Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology states that THC is a considerably more effective inhibitor than donepezil and tacrine (two approved Alzheimer’s disease treatment drugs) and may treat both the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.Multiple Sclerosis
Americans For Safe Access (ASA) state that many MS patients report a starling and profound effect on muscle spasms, tremors, balance, bladder control, speech, and eyesight after taking cannabis. Some studies have even shown that cannabinoids may halt the progression of the disease altogether.Cancer
Cancer treatments and medications can produce symptoms that significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. Fortunately, medical marijuana has been shown to improve all cancer treatment-related symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, anorexia, constipation, sexual function, sleep disorders, and general pain and discomfort.These are just a few of the diseases and conditions treated or managed with medical marijuana. If you want to provide medicinal marijuana to those who need it most, contact a marijuana lawyer in Rockville to learn the ins and outs of running a marijuana dispensary in Maryland.
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What are the Penalties for a Second DUI in Maryland?
If you have been arrested and charged with your second DUI, it’s important that you consult with an experienced DUI lawyer in Rockville. The penalties for a second offense are significantly worse than the penalties for first-time offenders, which are still quite severe in their own right. If you are convicted of a second DUI, you face up to $2,000 in fines and penalties, license suspension for one year, a mandatory ignition interlock device, and up to two years in jail.
When searching for a DUI defense lawyer in Rockville , look for an attorney who has completed a law enforcement course in DWI/DUI detection. This certification enables criminal defense attorneys to challenge a DUI arrest using the same methods and testing procedures as those used by the police.
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Get the Facts About Maryland’s Medical Marijuana Regulations
On April 14, 2014, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley signed HB 881 and SB 923 into law, officially making MD the 21 st state with an effective medical marijuana program. While these new laws and regulations provide the framework and infrastructure for medical marijuana, cannabis entrepreneurs still face numerous obstacles. Fortunately, there are criminal law attorneys in Rockville who specialize in medical marijuana and can help you comply with Maryland’s complex marijuana regulations.
Medical Marijuana Regulation
MD’s medical marijuana program is regulated by the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commissions. The Commission is an independent group that functions within the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The 15-member committee oversees the implementation of the state’s medical marijuana program.General Marijuana Provisions
HB 881 and SB 923 allow qualifying patients to possess up to a 30-day supply of medical marijuana. The twin bills also establish the process by which patients can qualify for and obtain medical marijuana. There is no limit to the number of dispensaries that the Commission may license, so contact a marijuana lawyer if you are interested in setting up a dispensary in Rockville.Qualifying Medical Condition
In order to qualify for legal protection under the new law, a patient must have a written recommendation from a qualified physician certifying the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana. A patient can qualify for medical marijuana if he or she suffers from a medical condition or treatment that causes wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, or severe or persistent muscle spasms.Dispensaries/Cultivators
Medical marijuana can only be legally obtained in Maryland from a licensed dispensary or directly from one of the 15 licensed medical marijuana growers in the state. Beginning June 1, 2016, the Commissions may increase the number of licenses marijuana growers to meet demand. If you are interested in becoming a licensed cultivator, consult with a law firm in Rockville that specializes in medical marijuana law. -
Will a Dismissed Felony Case Be on Your Background Check?
Marijuana legalization has opened the door to dynamic business opportunities. However, the requirements to become a licensed grower or dispensary operator are extremely strict, with good reason. If you’re considering launching a business for medical marijuana near Rockville, you should consult an attorney at law, especially if you have ever had criminal charges filed against you. When applying for a license, you will have to provide sets of legible fingerprints and personal information to the Director of the Central Repository so that a criminal background check may be conducted.
As you’ll learn by watching this video, it may be possible that the background check will reveal felony charges, even if the case was dismissed. This depends upon the extent of the background check. However, since the case was dismissed, it may not necessarily be held against you. It’s best to consult a lawyer for personalized legal guidance.
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A Brief History of Maryland’s Marijuana Laws
In 1951, federal laws were enacted that required offenders convicted of marijuana possession to serve a minimum sentence of two to 10 years and to pay a fine of up to $20,000. Today, the marijuana legalization movement continues to gain momentum with the addition of more states that allow it for medical uses or recreational purposes. The laws regarding medical marijuana near Rockville continue to evolve quickly. Entrepreneurs looking to cash in on the marijuana legalization movement should work with an attorney at law to become informed about the latest regulations.
Medical Marijuana Legalization
2014 was quite a year for marijuana policy reform in Maryland. Multiple bills concerning marijuana legalization were signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley, including two bills that allowed certain patients with qualifying medical conditions to obtain access to medical marijuana in a legal manner. Patients can apply for a medical marijuana card issued by the Medical Marijuana Commission and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Along with the application, patients must submit medical documentation of their qualifying condition and their physician must hold a special license to recommend medical marijuana.Marijuana Possession Decriminalization
Along with legalizing medical marijuana, Maryland has now decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana with the passage of SB-364. Now, the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana is considered a civil, rather than a criminal offense. Before this bill was signed into law, offenders found guilty of possessing up to 10 grams of marijuana could be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail and $500 in fines.Possession Records Modification
Despite the changing climate in favor of marijuana policy reform, those who already had convictions of non-violent misdemeanors like marijuana possession may continue to face repercussions. The Second Chance Act was recently submitted to Governor Hogan’s desk. If signed into law, it would shield these non-violent criminal records from background checks requested by schools and potential employers. However, the applicant cannot take advantage of this until three years have passed after his or her sentence was served. -
A Look at Maryland’s Marijuana Paraphernalia Bill
In the latest in a series of actions to advance marijuana legalization , Maryland lawmakers approved a bill regarding marijuana paraphernalia. This latest bill is a logical addition to last year’s law that decriminalized the possession of certain amounts of marijuana. Now, the possession of marijuana paraphernalia has also been decriminalized. Lawmakers noted that the bill was necessary to resolve a discrepancy; while marijuana possession is now considered a civil offense, paraphernalia possession was still a criminal offense. The approval of the bill by both the Senate and the House of Delegates is likely to be welcome news to those who seek to capitalize on the legalization of marijuana in Rockville by developing a marijuana business. In fact, prospective cannabusiness owners may wish to consult an attorney at law to determine how the bill might affect them.
In addition to decriminalizing the possession of marijuana paraphernalia, the bill fixes another flaw in last year’s bill. It establishes a maximum civil fine of $500 for those who are found to have used marijuana in a public place. In related news, another bill is making its way through the Maryland legislature. This bill would clarify the possession of small amounts of marijuana and it would establish penalties for using marijuana while driving.