What are the disadvantages of a medical card?

Asked by: Isidro Pfeffer Jr.  |  Last update: May 29, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (63 votes)

Disadvantages of Having a Medical Marijuana Card
  • You Can't Work in a Federal Government Job.
  • You May Be Excluded from Federal Government Housing Assistance.
  • You May Be Barred From Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License.
  • You Can't Buy a Firearm.
  • You'll Need to Pay a Renewal Fee Every One or Two Years.

What are the downsides to having a medical card?

Obtaining a medical marijuana card can result in higher application fees, potential side effects of cannabis use, legal consequences under federal law, and limitations on possession compared to recreational marijuana users, impacting medical marijuana patients and their healthcare practitioners.

What rights do you lose with a medical card?

Yes, generally you lose your gun rights if you have a medical card. However, in many cases, it depends on the specific laws of your state and the reason for your medical card. Federal regulations restrict gun ownership for individuals using certain controlled substances.

Can my job fire me if I have a medical card in Florida?

According to the Florida Medical Marijuana Employee Protection Act, which was filed in 2019 (but has not yet been passed), employers can't take adverse action against an employee or job applicant who is a qualified patient using medical marijuana, unless the job involves safety-sensitive duties.

Does having a medical card affect your health insurance?

MMJ is regulated at the state level whereas health insurance rules are typically national, so one doesn't affect the other. Please note: You should always consult knowledgeable experts before making decisions about health insurance and MMJ patient status.

Five Things Medical Marijuana Won't Tell You | Medical Marijana

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Does a med card go on your record?

Medical marijuana cards can only be obtained through a doctor, meaning HIPAA law prevents this information from being disclosed. Because medical marijuana cards are technically part of a candidate's health records, this information cannot be shared.

Will my doctor know if I have a medical card?

Fortunately, just like any other medical record, your medical cannabis card and the information surrounding it are generally confidential due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 or HIPAA.

Does having a medical card show up on a background check Florida?

Your status as a holder of the card will not show up in any background check. It's perfectly reasonable to worry about the access your potential employers could have to your medical marijuana use. However, you needn't suffer. Employers will never know about your medical cannabis card holder status.

Should I tell my employer I have a medical card?

If you're wondering if you should disclose your medical cardholder status to your employer, consider whether you'll receive any benefits, whether your employer conducts periodic drug testing, and how safety-sensitive your workplace is. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.

What happens if you fail a drug test but have a medical card in FL?

In Florida, employers are allowed to require job applicants to submit to random drug tests, and they are allowed to fire employees at will for failing those drug tests—even if workers have a valid medical marijuana card.

Can you buy a firearm in Florida if you have a medical card?

Apply for gun ownership before the medical marijuana card – Since Florida has no medical marijuana patient registry, patients can legally obtain firearms first before applying for their marijuana prescription card. However, purchasing future guns would still be prohibited for medical marijuana patients.

Can the ATF see if you have a medical card?

Currently, the ATF cannot retrieve a state's MMJ card information, but MMJ cardholders commit perjury if they untruthfully say "no" to using cannabis on ATF Form 4473, question 11f.

Can you own a gun after your medical card expires?

The answer to this question is yes — you can legally own or purchase a gun if you have an expired medical marijuana card, in any state.

What can you not do with a medical card in Florida?

Florida Medical Marijuana Laws prohibit you to use your high-THC medication in public or on public transportation. It is still legal to possess in public, just not use in public.

Is it worth getting a medical card in Florida?

Obtaining a Florida medical marijuana card is a straightforward process with significant benefits for your health and wellness. From legal access to medical cannabis to greater product variety and cost savings, the advantages are undeniable.

How much is a medical card OK?

The standard application fee is $100. Patients who provide acceptable proof of Medicaid (SoonerSelect) or Medicare enrollment or status as a 100% disabled veteran will pay a reduced fee of $20. Application fees must be paid by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit or debit card.

What are the negatives of a med card?

Disadvantages of Having a Medical Marijuana Card
  • You Can't Work in a Federal Government Job.
  • You May Be Excluded from Federal Government Housing Assistance.
  • You May Be Barred From Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License.
  • You Can't Buy a Firearm.
  • You'll Need to Pay a Renewal Fee Every One or Two Years.

Does a medical card show up on a background check?

Your medical records are privacy protected. They are not part of a Federal or State background check. HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. It is a is a Federal Act which prevents medical personnel from disclosing your records.

What happens if you fail a drug test but have a medical card in MA?

Can You Get Fired for Failing a Drug Test with a Medical Card in Massachusetts? Massachusetts laws provide some protections for medical marijuana cardholders from getting fired for failing workplace drug tests.

How far back does a medical background check go?

Under this act, most information can only be reported for seven years. However, the limits do not apply for jobs that pay salaries of at least $75,000. Many states also have laws that restrict the reporting period for certain types of information.

Do dispensaries share information with the government?

In states like California, dispensaries are legally required to verify age and eligibility but are generally prohibited from sharing personal data with third parties or the federal government without customer consent​.

Does a medical card show up on insurance?

No, having a medical card has nothing to do with your health insurance. So having a medical card does not affect your health insurance. Keep in mind that Medical cover is generally provided to FDA-approved drugs.

What happens if I refuse my employer access to my medical records?

Although your employer has no legal right to obtain your medical records, reviewing them would provide an efficient way to evaluate your condition. If you are unwilling to provide the records, your employer could require you to undergo an independent medical examination to secure the same information.

Can doctors see your prescription history?

Most times yes. There are instances where a patient's medical records may not be accessible without an additional signed consent from the patient. Again though, yes, clinicians can see what has been prescribed for patients.

Can a doctor prescribe CBD?

Currently, the only CBD product approved by the Food and Drug Administration is a prescription oil called Epidiolex. It's approved to treat two types of epilepsy. Aside from Epidiolex, state laws on the use of CBD vary.