To get a medical cannabis card in Maryland, you need to follow a specific process that includes registration, consulting with a certified provider, and purchasing from licensed dispensaries. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the rules and processes for obtaining a medical cannabis card in Maryland.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
To qualify for a medical cannabis card in Maryland, you must meet certain criteria:
- Residency: You must be a resident of Maryland and provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or utility bill.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old. For patients under 18, a caregiver (usually a parent or legal guardian) must register on behalf of the minor.
- Qualifying Conditions: Medical cannabis is available for patients with certain qualifying conditions, including but not limited to:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Severe nausea
- Glaucoma
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
- Any other condition that is severe and resistant to other treatments, as approved by a certifying provider
2. Register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC)
Before consulting with a certified provider, you need to register online with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC).
- Step 1: Visit the MMCC website and create an account. You’ll need to provide basic personal information and upload a copy of your proof of residency and photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
- Step 2: Upload a clear photo of yourself (similar to a passport photo) that will be used on your medical cannabis card.
- Step 3: After submitting your registration, you will receive an MMCC patient ID number via email. This number is important as you’ll need it to get certified by a medical provider.
3. Consult a Certified Medical Cannabis Provider
Once you have your MMCC patient ID, the next step is to schedule an appointment with a certified provider who can recommend medical cannabis. In Maryland, only certain licensed doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists, and podiatrists can certify patients for medical cannabis.
- Step 1: Find a certified provider by checking the MMCC’s list of approved healthcare professionals or using directories from websites like Weedmaps or Leafly.
- Step 2: During your appointment, the provider will evaluate your medical history and current symptoms to determine if medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition.
- Step 3: If the provider determines you are eligible, they will issue a written certification for medical cannabis through the MMCC portal. This certification is valid for up to one year.
4. Purchase from a Licensed Dispensary
After receiving your certification, you are eligible to purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries in Maryland. You do not need a physical card immediately to make purchases because dispensaries can verify your status online with the MMCC.
- Step 1: Visit a licensed dispensary. You can find a list of registered dispensaries on the MMCC website.
- Step 2: Bring your MMCC patient ID number and a government-issued ID when visiting the dispensary.
- Step 3: Purchase medical cannabis in the form that best suits your needs. Maryland dispensaries offer a variety of products, including flowers, oils, tinctures, capsules, and topical creams.
5. Receive Your Medical Cannabis Card
While you don’t need the physical card to start purchasing, you can request one through the MMCC portal. You’ll be mailed a physical card after you complete the registration and certification process.
6. Rules and Restrictions
There are several important rules and restrictions that apply to medical cannabis use in Maryland:
- Amount: Maryland law allows patients to purchase up to a 30-day supply of medical cannabis, with the actual amount determined by the certifying provider.
- Possession Limits: Patients can legally possess up to 120 grams (approximately four ounces) of dried cannabis or 36 grams of THC extract unless otherwise specified by the provider.
- Consumption: Medical cannabis cannot be consumed in public places. Patients are advised to use it in private settings.
- No Home Cultivation: Patients in Maryland are not allowed to grow their own cannabis. All medical cannabis must be purchased from a licensed dispensary.
7. Caregiver Registration
If you are a minor or an adult unable to visit a dispensary, you can designate a caregiver to assist with purchasing and administering medical cannabis.
- Step 1: The caregiver must also register with the MMCC and complete their own application.
- Step 2: Caregivers must undergo a background check and be approved by the state.
8. Cost of a Medical Cannabis Card
- MMCC registration fee: As of recent updates, MMCC registration is free, though this may be subject to change.
- Provider consultation fee: Patients typically pay for the initial consultation with the certified provider, which can vary from $100 to $300 or more depending on the doctor.
- Natural Green Healing costs only $150 for consultation and processing.
- Dispensary costs: Medical cannabis is not covered by insurance, so all cannabis purchases are out-of-pocket.
9. Renewing Your Certification
Medical cannabis certifications in Maryland are valid for one year. To renew, you must schedule another visit with a certified provider for reevaluation and re-certification before your current one expires.
The process of getting a medical cannabis card in Maryland involves registering with the MMCC, consulting a certified healthcare provider, and purchasing cannabis from a licensed dispensary. With growing acceptance and use of medical cannabis for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and more, patients can access legal, regulated cannabis to manage their health. Practices like Natural Green Healing (if available in Maryland) offer psychiatric and holistic care that could complement medical cannabis treatment. By following the steps outlined, you can obtain your medical cannabis card and start improving your quality of life.