How Do I Get a Medical Marijuanas Card in MD?

by Haley Mills · September 16, 2022

A step-by-step guide on how to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland. Learn about the requirements, benefits, and how to get started today.

how do i get a medical marijuana card in maryland

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

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.

MD Patient Eligibility

A Maryland medical marijuana patient must be 18 or older to visit a medical marijuana dispensary. Only those who can prove Maryland 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 Maryland resident must also have medical history showing a diagnosis that qualifies a doctor to recommend them as a patient that can legally obtain medical marijuana.

Marijuana Card in Maryland- Qualifying Conditions

Maryland law allows patients with the following qualifying medical conditions to apply for The Maryland medical cannabis program.

 These medical conditions include: 

  • Cachexia, Anorexia, or Wasting Syndrome
  • Severe or chronic pain
  • Glaucoma
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Seizures
  • Severe or persistent muscle spasms
  • Severe nausea
  • Seizures
  • Another chronic medical condition/ chronic or debilitating disease is severe, for which other treatments have been ineffective.

Steps to Apply for a Medical Card

There are a few steps to get a Maryland medical cannabis card with the help of Leafy DOC. First, you’ll select your State to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about the Pennsylvania 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 195 USD for new Maryland medical marijuana patients and renewals in MD. There is a money-back guarantee if you are not approved for Maryland medical use.

Connect with the right 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 as a medical cannabis patient, address your questions and concerns, and then provide a recommendation for medical cannabis via email within two business days.

A person must be registered online at the Department of Health’s portal to administer medical marijuana or participate in the Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Register as a patient or caregiver at https://mmcc.maryland.gov/Pages/patients_regisadult.aspx.

After the State approves your registration, your doctor will email you a digital patient ID card that can be used immediately, and a physical copy will be mailed afterward. Once you have the MMJ card, you can visit Maryland dispensaries and purchase medicinal cannabis products.

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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 MD

Registration fees for the Maryland Medical Cannabis Program may be lowered or waived for some people, including those on supplemental security income, social security disability income, and any MD state resident that is a veteran receiving treatment.

It costs 50 USD for the application fee and Maryland medical marijuana card. Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid do not cover the cost of the physician’s appointment & application.

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. Maryland medical marijuana cards expire one year after the certification date on the physician’s recommendation. New cannabis ID cards are issued upon recertification approval. The application renewal fee is 50 USD.

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. 

Caregivers can apply to help patients in Maryland online once they have met specific requirements. All caregivers must be 21 years old and register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission for a 50 USD fee. A caregiver must also be a Maryland resident, proving their address with a valid driver’s license or state identification card.

Once a caregiver has their valid Caregiver ID Card, they can purchase medical cannabis from Maryland dispensaries and transport it to their patient. Maryland caregivers can assist up to five patients at once, and patients may have two designated caregivers.

Where to Purchase Medical Marijuana in Maryland

Once registered for the Maryland Medical Cannabis program and received your ID card, you may wonder what’s next. There are a few ways to obtain medical cannabis in Maryland as a qualified patient. 

Maryland dispensaries typically offer a large variety of products to choose from, including Chewables, Creams. Flower and Pre-rolls, Extracts, Patches, Tinctures, Tablets, THC – infused drinks, and Topicals. Medical marijuana edibles aren’t legal yet in Maryland.

Last Updated: January 30, 2024

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