Upcoming Medical Marijuana Products in Tennessee
Tennessee is slowly turning the page in having an official medical marijuana program. Although 3/4ths of the Country have legalized medical marijuana in some capacity, Tennessee is entering the cannabis conversation in 2021 with hopes to have a program up and running by the time cannabis is rescheduled federally.
While dispensaries haven’t opened just yet, Tennessee recently expanded their approved conditions for medical marijuana cards when they passed the most recent medical marijuana bill, allowing more patients to be approved for medical marijuana.
Included in the bill was an allowance for medical marijuana products that contain less than 0.9% THC, and in this article, we’ll cover the difference between black market marijuana, and medical marijuana that will be available in Tennessee.
Medical Marijuana Products in Tennessee
Tennessee passed their version of a medical marijuana bill earlier this year, allowing patients with certain qualifying conditions to obtain low-THC oil containing less than 0.9% THC.
Cannabis oils with less than 0.9% THC can come in many different product types including topicals, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and even sprays and lotions.
Because the THC content will be so low, many other compounds from the cannabis plant will be used in the products, such as cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN, as well as terpenes like pinene, limonene and caryophyllene.
These types of products are notable for their lack of cerebral influence, or lack of a “high”, while focusing on the treatments provided from other compounds rather than THC. All products from dispensaries will be held to strict regulatory and safety protocols that make sure the product that ends up on the shelf is not only safe to consume, but also beneficial for its consumer.
The list of qualifying conditions for Tennessee medical marijuana cards is exclusive to chronic and terminally ill patients, or those with conditions that are expected to be permanent or life-ending.
Because those who are approved for medical marijuana in Tennessee all suffer from a chronic or terminal illness, the number one priority for cultivators and dispensaries will be the health and safety of patients.
Black Market Marijuana
Black market marijuana, or cannabis products that are not purchased from a legal dispensary or cultivator, are not held to the same production standards as medical marijuana.
While black market marijuana can come in a variety of product types as well, what is sold on the street is almost never grown or processed with medical patients in mind.
Finding products like salves, lotions, capsules, or Rick Simpson Oil can be very difficult on the black market, and often the products you can find will have either come from a medical marijuana dispensary or have been cooked up from a home operation without industrial equipment.
Products from the black market typically lack any appropriate labeling for dosages or ingredients, and often the THC percentage is not even knowable, which can make a great impact on how a patient uses the cannabis as medication.
While cannabis purchased illegally could be considered safe, often there is great motivation for black market growers and cultivators to use harmful chemicals that speed up and boost flowering like PGRs, additives like vitamin E acetate in vaping cartridges, and even adding powders like baking soda to the surface of buds that mimic the appearance of trichomes.
In reality, the only way to know if your cannabis was grown and processed in a safe manner that is healthy to consume is if you grow it yourself, or if you purchase it from a legal dispensary that is clear about their products.
Why Medical Marijuana is Better than the Black Market
At the end of the day, the main difference between black market marijuana and medical marijuana is the consumer.
Many people in the U.S use cannabis recreationally and safely.
And more states are beginning to legalize recreational cannabis across the Country, allowing access to safe cannabis products.
While the motivation to squeeze as much profit as possible obviously exists, it’s balanced by regulatory authorities and agencies acting to make sure those recreational cannabis products are safe for consumption.
But cannabis that is purchased outside of a medical or retail setting can be risky, and for medical patients that risk is often much higher. For those with chronic or terminal conditions, unclear ingredients and uncertain cultivation practices might be too dangerous to entertain.
While both recreational and medicinal cannabis can be purchased legally in many states in the U.S, Tennessee hasn’t opened any dispensaries just yet, although they are in the process of implementing the medical marijuana program right now.
While Tennesseans are patiently awaiting the arrival of dispensaries, other states with reciprocity that will accept Tennessee medical marijuana cards might be a viable option for medical marijuana patients in the near future.
In the meantime, while patients are waiting for legislators to be clear on how, when, and where Tennessee medical marijuana patients will be able to access their medicine, it’s our hope that the Volunteer state will pick up the pace, as thousands of patients are anticipating the arrival of the full Tennessee medical marijuana program.
Medical Cannabis in Tennessee
Tennessee cannabis patients will soon be able to legally purchase low-THC oil and see the relief they need organically.
Reserve your appointment today and get $25 off when we start processing applications!
Being a Tennessee cannabis patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you.
We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way, feel free to give us a call at (833) 781-5611 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical cannabis card in Tennessee.
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
At Tennessee Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 781-5611, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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