Marijuana enables many people across the country to regain their health and productivity while living with severe and chronic medical ailments that affect them daily. Many Maryland residents experience pain, nausea, and other debilitating conditions approved by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) for medical cannabis recommendations.
To learn about requirements and the application and approval process, continue reading this guide on Maryland medical cannabis patient recommendations.
Maryland requires medical marijuana card applicants to be 18 years old. It is unlawful for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or use marijuana for any reason. However, there is an exclusion for minors under 18 who may benefit from using cannabis medicinally for their ailments.
Minors eligible to become medical cannabis patients must have a caregiver. Their caregivers must also meet the following criteria:
To become a medical marijuana patient in Maryland, applicants must meet the criteria for medical necessity. They must also have medical certification or documentation that includes one of the following health conditions.
Many symptoms and illnesses cause comparable symptoms as those listed above, including debilitating, degenerative, and terminal diseases. Though these conditions are not listed outright, the state’s medical marijuana registry program does approve patients with severe or chronic medical conditions that are treatment resistant to conventional therapeutics or require palliative or hospice care for medical cannabis access.
Medical providers may make recommendations for additional health conditions to be added. The state routinely reviews the list of acceptable qualifying conditions and those suggested by physicians and reserves the right to make amendments as deemed necessary. Maryland recognizes veterans’ right to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, veterans must contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to receive authorization from an unbiased, certified medical provider indicating that medical cannabis or marijuana therapy poses no risk to their position.
Medical marijuana card costs vary by state. In Maryland, the application fee for new and renewal medical marijuana cards is $50. However, an evaluation by an approved cannabis doctor is required to get approved. Medical marijuana evaluation costs typically range from $100 to $300 and are dependent on the physician performing the service.
When combined with the application fee, the total cost for a Maryland medical card may seem expensive. Qualifying patients can lower their costs by using an online medical marijuana evaluation and recommendation network like Marijuana Doctors.
Marijuana Doctors enable medical patients to get their cards faster so they can start using medical marijuana for relief much sooner.
Eligible medical marijuana applicants must be no younger than 18 years of age, have a qualifying medical condition, meet residency requirements, and undergo evaluation by a state-approved marijuana physician.
Potential qualifying patients can apply online through the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission website. Applicants must create a profile to receive a unique patient identification number that they’ll need for their medical evaluation. A profile and patient ID number are necessary to continue the medical marijuana online application process.
Applicants should print a copy of their patient number for their records. Once their profile is complete, the next step is to see a Maryland-approved marijuana physician for a health assessment and cannabis recommendation.
Patients should bring a copy of their patient identification number and all relevant medical records to their appointment. During the evaluation, patients can expect to review their medical history and current health concerns, discuss whether cannabis is safe for them to use in their treatment plans, and learn how it may help them achieve their health goals. Patients learn of their approval status at the end of their medical marijuana evaluations.
Evaluation approvals are not valid until the physician uploads the certification online. Patients must go back online to upload documentation proving age, residency, life, etc. To complete the last step of the process, patients must submit their application fee. Once processed, patients can view and print out a temporary card until their physical card arrives within four weeks. Temporary cards are only valid for 30 days and are accepted at licensed medical marijuana dispensaries across the state. Temporary cards allow one 30-day supply of medical cannabis.
*Exceptions apply for certain out-of-state residents and veterans.
We’re here to make getting medical marijuana cards in Maryland quick and convenient. Please take a moment to review some frequently asked questions medical cannabis patients often have about the process.
Many Maryland patients find the process a bit tedious, exhaustive, and confusing. Marijuana Doctors is here to help so patients can access the medical marijuana and cannabis therapeutics they require to manage their symptoms and health. Use the Find a Doctor Locator to see cannabis medical providers in your area.
Maryland marijuana recommendation cards are valid for three years from the issue date. Renewals must be completed before the expiration date for patients to retain legal access to medical cannabis in Maryland. Patients should complete the renewal process 45 days ahead of the expiration date on their cards. Medical cannabis card certifications also expire 120 from the date of issue if there are no purchase transactions at any state licensed medical cannabis dispensary.
Accidents and life happen, unfortunately so do lost, stolen, or damaged medical marijuana recommendation cards. Patients can replace their cards by contacting the MMCC or logging in to their account online and paying the $100 replacement fee.
The standard amount of cannabis flower authorized for patients is 120 grams. Medical cannabis patient limits are listed on their certifications. Individual limits and medical marijuana product types are determined during a medical evaluation with an approved medical marijuana doctor. Personal patient limits may differ from the standard.
Below are the types of marijuana Maryland medical patients can purchase.
Patient limits also include purchases of up to 36 grams of THC products within a rolling 30-day window. Medical marijuana certifications dictate the type of marijuana products patients may purchase at licensed Maryland dispensaries. Patients may exclusively purchase medical marijuana in dried flower form or as marijuana or cannabis products within a 30-day window.
A caregiver is legally authorized to procure medical cannabis from approved licensed Maryland dispensaries across the state for their patients. The fee for a caregiver identification card is $50. To become licensed caregivers, applicants must:
Adults with valid medical marijuana cards must have at least one designated caregiver but may have up to two caregivers. Minors are allowed a maximum of four caregivers; however, only two are required. Only parents and legal guardians are eligible to become medical marijuana caregivers of minors. All caregivers, regardless of type, must be 21 years old or older and are allowed a maximum of five patients at any time.
Maryland currently has 103 active state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries across the state. Medical marijuana patients are not limited in their dispensary choice and can shop at any dispensary in their area. Click the link to find Maryland dispensaries near you.
Many medical conditions and other health problems often require multiple trips to the doctor before diagnosis occurs. It’s very common to experience symptoms throughout the diagnosis process, leaving many people unsure how to get medical marijuana cards in Maryland. The first step involves discussing your symptoms with a primary physician or family doctor.
No matter where you are in your health journey, Marijuana Doctors offers support and guidance to patients ready to incorporate medical cannabis into their treatment regimens. Whether you’re a new or renewing marijuana card applicant or a patient looking for personalized cannabis strain and product recommendations, look no further than Marijuana Doctors.