How Do I Get a Medical Marijuanas Card in Maine?

Whether you’re a Maine resident considering applying for an MMJ card or if you are a current cardholder looking to move to ME, there are steps you can take to secure your medical marijuana card online. The Maine medical marijuana card process can be done entirely online. 

One will first need to obtain a certification from a licensed physician that they have a qualifying condition. Once certified by a medical professional, patients can go through the application process online, either through the state website or telehealth providers. Read on as we go over the steps to apply, renew, and become a caregiver in Maine. 

The United States and Legal Medical Cannabis

In the United States, medical marijuana programs have been legalized in thirty-six states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medical marijuana programs allow patients with specified conditions to own, grow and utilize cannabis products to aid in managing their condition, even if recreational cannabis users are not authorized.

Approved requirements vary by state, and many programs will require patience to apply for a medical cannabis card. This process will typically include a consultation and evaluation by a physician. A primary care provider can often suggest it for medical cannabis patients with long-term or chronic conditions.

Medicinal Cannabis Use

Over fifty peer-reviewed medical studies have been conducted on the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis and its many cannabinoids and terpenes. The consensus that emerged from these studies is that cannabis can provide medical benefits for many different conditions.

While most of these studies have focused on the help of the specific cannabinoid CBD, other major and minor cannabinoids, in conjunction with terpenes, show significant promise in treating both physical and mental ailments.

Maine Patient Eligibility

A Maine medical marijuana patient must be 18 or older to visit a medical marijuana dispensary. Only those who can prove ME residency can apply for a patient id number and a license for the medical marijuana program (valid state-issued driver’s license, Government ID). A Maine resident must also have medical records showing a diagnosis that qualifies a doctor to recommend them as a patient that can legally obtain medical marijuana.

Qualifying Conditions in Maine

In 1999, voters approved a ballot initiative legalizing medical cannabis for patients suffering from serious health conditions.

 These medical conditions include: 

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV or AIDS
• Huntington’s disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Nausea
• Nail-patella syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Legislation approved in 2018 amended the state law so that a physician, at their sole discretion, may recommend medical marijuana use to any patient they believe it will benefit.

Steps to Apply for a Medical Card

There are a few steps to get a medical marijuana card in Maine with the help of Leafy DOC. First, you’ll select your State to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about the Maine medical marijuana card process.

Skip the wait at the doctor’s office and schedule your evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home. Submit an intake form with a few personal details and a summary of your medical history; then, we’ll help you book an on-demand telehealth appointment or schedule a convenient time for later.

An online recommendation with Leafy DOC starts at 79 USD for new patients and renewals in Maine. There is a money-back guarantee if you are not approved for Maine medical use.

Connect with a licensed medical marijuana doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video. Our licensed physicians will evaluate your qualifying condition, address your questions and concerns, and then provide a written certification form approving your need for medical marijuana.

With your portal, you’ll be able to communicate with the Leafy DOC team easily throughout the process. Once you’re approved by a medical professional, we’ll ship your certification within five to ten business days. When you receive your medical marijuana certification, you can visit medical marijuana dispensaries. Registration with the state of Maine is optional but not necessary.

Can Leafy DOC help?

Absolutely! Not only can Leafy DOC provide a way to see a doctor via telehealth and obtain your medical card, but we also offer access to knowledgeable and helpful customer support and a personalized health coach that can guide you before and after the MMJ card process.

Our mission at Leafy DOC is to provide a seamless customer experience, educate people about cannabis, and ultimately help people get medical cards quickly and efficiently.

Additional MMJ Card Fees in ME

There isn’t a fee for medical patients to apply for or renew a medical cannabis card in Maine. There is a small replacement fee for lost or stolen cards.

The Renewal Process

It is recommended to renew around a month before the expiration date to have time to complete the renewal appointment and application. Maine medical marijuana cards expire one year after the certification date on the physician’s recommendation. New cannabis ID cards are issued upon recertification approval. There is no renewal fee for Maine.

How to Apply as a Caregiver

A primary caregiver is an adult over 21 legally allowed to purchase, transport, educate, and administer medical cannabis to medical marijuana patients with a valid medical card.

Over thirty states have legalized medical marijuana programs, allowing caregivers to assist qualified patients. In these locations, state legislation provides legal protection for the patient and the caregiver from criminal penalties. 

Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Have no qualifying drug offense on a criminal background check.
• Must submit registration with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and pay the required registration fee.

Process:

Step 1: The patient must be a cardholder or registered for medical use of marijuana.

Step 2: The qualified patient must designate a caregiver to assist with the medical use of cannabis

Step 3: The patient will provide their designated caregiver with a form to register with the DHHS.

Where to Purchase Medical Marijuana in Maine

Once registered for Maine’s Medical Marijuana program and received your ID card, you may wonder what’s next. There are a few ways to receive legal, medical marijuana in Maine as a qualified patient. You can visit a licensed Maine dispensary or order online for pickup/ delivery in some areas. There are dispensaries with a wide variety of cannabis products across the state.