Marijuana has long been used as a remedy for medical illnesses. While illegal throughout most of the U.S., some states have permitted its use with a doctor's prescription. Once prescribed, it is available for purchase at medical marijuana "clubs." Here is a guide on how to join a medical marijuana club.

Marijuana has been shown to ease symptoms of a variety of medical ailments, and may be obtained legally in some states with a prescription. However, every state has its own laws regarding the herb, so it is important to do some research before attempting to use or purchase marijuana. If you live in a state that allows you to consume it for medical purposes, there are several steps you need to take before you can join a marijuana club (also called a collective) and legally purchase the leafy stuff.

Marijuana laws are continually changing, so you need to find out if medical marijuana usage is legal where you live. Here are the states that currently have medical marijuana programs:

1. Alaska
2. California
3. Colorado
4. Hawaii
5. Maine
6. Michigan
7. Montana
8. Nevada
9. New Mexico
10. Oregon
11. Rhode Island
12. Vermont
13. Washington
14. New Jersey

There are many health maladies that improve with marijuana, but you need to be sure that yours is one of them. It is a good idea to consult your doctor if you are not sure whether your condition could be improved by marijuana use. Some ailments commonly treated with marijuana are:

1. Glaucoma
2. Anxiety disorder
3. HIV/AIDS
4. Multiple sclerosis
5. Chemotherapy side effects
6. Migraines
7. Insomnia

• Once you have determined that marijuana is legal in your state, and believe that you will benefit from using it, it is time to get a prescription. Most family doctors do not offer marijuana prescriptions, so you will need to find one who does. NORML.org is a great resource for this, and there are other online directories as well.

• Your medical marijuana doctor will give you a physical exam, talk to you about your particular malady, and ultimately decide if the drug is right for you. If it is, the doctor will issue you a special certificate to establish you as a legal marijuana user. Sometimes they will also issue an ID card.

• You can find a club by going to the NORML.org site, or through other websites or word of mouth. When you go for your first visit, you will need to bring the certificate issued by your doctor along with a state-issued ID card. The club will instruct you on its individual policies.

• If medical marijuana is legal in your state and you have a valid medical issue, joining a medical marijuana club will help you obtain the help that you may need. However, it is important to note that federal law still prohibits marijuana, and being a member of a club does not protect you from any potential legal issues. Nonetheless, marijuana has helped many people with their illnesses, and by taking the preceding steps you may be able to enjoy the privileges of marijuana club membership.

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• The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, although it is legalized for medical use in fourteen states. The content in this page is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please do not think that just because it is legal in your state that you can freely smoke. You must have a medical card that allows you to smoke marijuana.