Are you ready to renew your Medical Marijuana Card?

medical marijuana renewal card on your phone

Depending on your state’s requirements, medical marijuana cards need to be renewed every 1 – 3 years.

Whether you initially got your card with Leafy DOC or not, we are here to help you renew your medical marijuana card!

NEW LEAFY DOC PATIENTS RENEW HERE
RETURNING LEAFY DOC PATIENTS RENEW HERE

Medical Card Renewal Process

Most medical marijuana cards must be renewed annually, though a few exceptions exist.  While you can wait until your card has expired to renew, there are benefits to getting this process done before the expiration date.  Current and potential MMJ patients no longer have to spend an entire day at the doctor’s office to continue the certification, as there are safe and secure options online via telehealth. 

As a medical marijuana patient, knowing when your medical card expires is crucial. A lapse in validity can result in a loss of treatment access and can even have legal ramifications.  The great news is that you can renew your medical marijuana card easily and securely with Leafy DOC.

How to renew your Medical Marijuana Card In minutes

These are the steps to renewing a medical marijuana card with the help of Leafy DOC:

medical marijuana card example on leafy doc
signup for medical marijuana card

1. Book Your Appointment

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

Connect With a Licensed Marijuana Doctor

2. Match With a Licensed Marijuana Doctor

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, address your questions and concerns, and then provide a recommendation for medical cannabis via email.

Get your Medical Marijuana Card

3. Get Your Medical Marijuana Card

Each state varies, some states require patients to register with the state after receiving their certification from the doctor, while others do not. Depending on your state, after your state approves your registration, they will email you a downloadable patient ID card you can print or send your card in the mail. Once you have the MMJ card, you can visit your local dispensaries and purchase medicinal cannabis products.

senior woman renewing medical marijuana card on the phone

Renewal Frequently Asked Questions

Your medical marijuana license is an identification card with which you can legally purchase, possess, and use a specific amount of cannabis as long as your conditions qualify for an MMJ recommendation from an approved marijuana doctor. Some states even offer cultivation cards so you can grow cannabis in the privacy of your home. 

Board-certified physicians can prescribe cannabis as a treatment and recommend it to their state cannabis regulatory body to issue a medical marijuana card for a registered qualifying patient. Medical cannabis applicants must provide written documentation from their healthcare providers before applying for a card. Evaluation clinics in every state have an active MMJ program; however, some places now offer those appointments via a telehealth process and a patient portal.

Unfortunately at this time, insurance does not cover cannabis consultation appointments.

Each state has different medical marijuana card application requirements. In some states, it can take several weeks to even a whole year to obtain a medical marijuana card. When available, applying for a marijuana card online can be much faster and more efficient. Some states will have an application fee; some will have a monthly fee.  

Dependent on where medical marijuana patients live, they may be able to use online providers to get a medical MJ card online. Depending on laws, regulations, and resources, the process may be more straightforward in some states than others. This goes for both online and in-person aspects of the application. You can find out if your condition is approved and your state offers an online application process on their MMJ website or at Leafy DOC. 

It’s highly suggested to renew your medical marijuana card thirty to forty-five days before it expires rather than waiting until the expiration date passes. If you wait to restore your MMJ card, a gap between the expiration and renewal approval dates can cause a significant setback in treatment. This is especially critical for patients who regularly use medical cannabis to manage chronic conditions. 

You may be required to be assessed by a licensed doctor before patient certification renewal is approved. As we all know, scheduling an appointment with a doctor can be challenging and tedious. Once you receive the doctor’s approval, you’ll then have to submit the renewal application and wait for approval by the medical marijuana program in your state. It can be a time-consuming process that is best started early. 

Unfortunately, you can no longer purchase medical marijuana legally once your medical cannabis card has expired. Licensed dispensaries are unable to accept expired medical cards. Also, states with online patient registries won’t allow you to enter their medical cannabis dispensaries outside the renewal window, as you are no longer qualified and certified. 

Patients can schedule a renewal appointment with their medical marijuana physician months in advance, so it’s vital to remember that date and time by making a note or adding it to your calendar. With Leafy DOC, you can book telehealth appointments when convenient for you, so these services make that easier for patients.

Some states require patients to meet with multiple recommending physicians for first-time medical marijuana use. However, renewals are typically quick and painless if you get them done before Expiration and can often be done with the same doctor that did the initial patient certification.

Every state with a medical marijuana program offers legal protections to MMJ patients. While cannabis is still illegal under federal law, state protections keep medical cannabis users safe. 

By renewing your medical card before it expires, you eliminate the potential risk of being arrested for possession or use. Even if your medical card barely expires, you can still be held liable if your state does not allow recreational use. 

  • Marijuana dispensaries in certain states offer discounts to patients on their renewal anniversary.
  • Medical marijuana patients often have expanded and higher-quality menu options without waiting in line at the recreational dispensary. 
  • There is no sales tax for MMJin certain states, such as California, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
  • Many medical marijuana states allow delivery services with a medical marijuana card.

Absolutely! You can sign up as a new or returning user to apply for medical marijuana card renewal. Reach out to our customer service in the chat with us black button at the bottom of your screen to learn more

woman with laptop renewing medical cannabis card
two young girls having fun after renewing medical cannabis cards
young man on phone renewing medical cannabis card

What are the renewal requirements for my state?

STATEEXPIRATIONREQUIREMENTSLEGAL STATUS
CaliforniaAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyFully Legal
ConnecticutAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyFully Legal
Illinois1- 3 YearsPatients have the option to register with the state for 1, 2, or 3 years. Depending on how long the patient registered with the state will determine how often they need to renew their card with the state. However, Patients DO NOT need to see a doctor for a renewal certification until 3 years have passed, regardless of how long they chose to register with the state.Fully Legal
IowaAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyMedical
LouisianaAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyDecriminalized & Medical​​
MaineAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyFully Legal
MarylandEvery 3 YearsPatients renew every three years and Caregivers renew every two years. Renewal certification with a doctor is required prior to renewing with the state.Decriminalized & Medical​​
MassachusettsAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyFully Legal
MichiganEvery 2 yearsPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state every 2 yearsFully Legal
MinnesotaAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyDecriminalized & Medical​​
MissouriAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyDecriminalized & Medical​​
MontanaAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyFully Legal
New JerseyAnnuallyAnnually patients need to renew their prescription with the Doctor. Every 2 years, they also need to renew the card with the state.Fully Legal
New YorkAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyFully Legal
OhioAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyDecriminalized & Medical​​
OklahomaEvery 2 yearsPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state every 2 yearsMedical
PennsylvaniaAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyMedical
TexasAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyMedical
VirginiaAnnuallyPatients need to renew certifications with the Doctor annually. As of July 2022, VA patients no longer need to register with the Board of PharmacyFully Legal
Washington D.C.Every 2 yearsPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyFully Legal
West VirginiaAnnuallyPatients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annuallyMedical
For the most up-to-date information, be sure the check your state government websites about their medical marijuana programs.

What are the renewal requirements for my state?

California Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal

Connecticut Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal

Illinois Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: 1- 3 Years
  • Requirements: Patients have the option to register with the state for 1, 2, or 3 years. Depending on how long the patient registered with the state will determine how often they need to renew their card with the state. However, Patients DO NOT need to see a doctor for a renewal certification until 3 years have passed, regardless of how long they chose to register with the state.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal

Iowa Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Medical

Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Medical

Maine Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal

Maryland Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Every 3 Years
  • Requirements: Patients renew every three years and Caregivers renew every two years. Renewal certification with a doctor is required prior to renewing with the state.
  • Legal Status: Decriminalized & Medical​​

Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Decriminalized & Medical​​

Michigan Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Every 2 years
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state every 2 years.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal

Minnesota Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Decriminalized & Medical​​

Missouri Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Decriminalized & Medical​​

Montana Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal

New Jersey Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Annually patients need to renew their prescription with the Doctor. Every 2 years, they also need to renew the card with the state.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal

New York Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal

Ohio Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Decriminalized & Medical​​

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Every 2 years
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state every 2 years.
  • Legal Status: Medical​​

Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Medical​​

Texas Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Medical​​

Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew certifications with the Doctor annually. As of July 2022, VA patients no longer need to register with the Board of Pharmacy.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal​​

Washington D.C. Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Every 2 years
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state every 2 years.
  • Legal Status: Fully Legal​​

West Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Renewals:

  • Expirations: Annually
  • Requirements: Patients need to renew their certification with the Doctor and their medical marijuana card with the state annually.
  • Legal Status: Medical

For the most up-to-date information, be sure the check your state government websites about their medical marijuana programs.

MMJ Card Renewals

It can feel uneasy about having your medical treatment hanging in the balance. If you wait too long, you may find yourself waiting by the mailbox or searching for emails. Transit issues happen, and you could even be spending time on the phone tracking your medical card. Don’t let that happen to you at the last minute.  

While it is typically a straightforward process, there is always a possibility of delay, so handling your renewal process up-front will ensure it’s timely.