How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Maryland
A MD Marijuana Card, or MedCard, is a state issued identification card that enable qualified patients to legally purchase cannabis based CBD and THC products in Maryland for treatment. Medical marijuana cards are issued by the state after patients are certified by a qualified doctor. To qualify, patients must have a listed qualifying condition and have received a medical marijuana card from the state.
Get Started:
Get Certified for Medical Cannabis In Maryland:
For potential Maryland medical marijuana patients we make it easy to connect with a recommending MedCard doctor. You will also receive updates & news relative to marijuana in Maryland. If you are interested simply fill out the patient registration form and a clinic representative will contact you as available. Legal Residents Only Please.
Patient Registration Form
Maryland Qualifying Conditions for Legal Medical Marijuana
Chronic Pain
Nausea
Seizures
Glaucoma
PTSD
Severe or persistent muscle spasms
Cachexia, Anorexia, or Wasting Syndrome
Furthermore, the law permits medical professionals to recommend marijuana to patients who are diagnosed with any condition for which other medical treatments have been ineffective as well as to patients who have been admitted to hospice or are receiving palliative care.
Brief History Of Medical Marijuana In Maryland
Did you know that it took almost five years for medical marijuana to become available in Maryland once it was legalized? Maryland’s medical marijuana program was voted into law in 2012. However, it did not become operational until December of 2017.
Today nearly 100,000 Marylanders are now card-carrying medical marijuana patients. Moreover, more than 500 Maryland doctors, nurses, and even dentists have signed on to the program to be able to recommend medical marijuana to their patients.
One of the reasons that medical marijuana is so popular in our small but mighty state is that marijuana is still illegal for recreational use in Maryland.
Although it has been decriminalized in the state since 2014, if you are caught with more than 10 grams of marijuana — which is not a lot, about three-eighths of an ounce — you’re committing a crime that comes with potential jail time and hefty fines.
As a result, a lot of Maryland residents opt to go the medical marijuana route in order to avoid run-ins with the law.
It took three years for the state to fully develop Maryland medical marijuana regulations. But by September 2016, more than 800 businesses had applied for a dispensary license. However, only 94 licenses are available — two per state Senate district.
Maryland’s medical marijuana program finally became operational in December of 2017.
Fifteen applicants were awarded preliminary licenses to grow medical marijuana and another 15 licenses were awarded to process medical marijuana. Another 7 companies were licensed to grow and process.
And by September 2019, Maryland had licensed 18 growers and 82 dispensaries.
How to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland
The first step to getting a medical marijuana card in Maryland is to register online as a patient with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.
You’ll need a scan of your government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport or military ID), plus proof of address, a clear recent photo, and the last four numbers of their Social Security number.
If you don’t have one, you can get a proper photo by visiting your local drug store photo counter.
Once you’ve registered with the state, you’ll need to get a written certification from a qualified medical professional that is also registered with the state.
Patients under age 18 may also be registered by a parent or legal guardian.
Interestingly, you don’t actually need a medical marijuana card in Maryland. A written certification is sufficient to buy medical marijuana. However, if you would like a patient ID card, you can get one for $50.
Once you are approved you must purchase some medicine within 120 days otherwise your certification will be revoked.
Telemedicine/Telehealth
In the state of Maryland, marijuana doctors are required to establish a bonafide relationship with the patient prior to recommending a treatment program. Although the first visit must be conducted in person, all subsequent visits can be done online or over the phone.
What is Maryland Marijuana Telemedicine?
Additional Considerations
Keep in mind that medical marijuana is not covered by health insurance in Maryland.
Also, keep in mind that driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and can result in DUI charges and revocation of your license.
Furthermore, many workplaces forbid the use of medical marijuana and require mandatory drug testing.
Furthermore, Maryland’s medical cannabis laws do not protect patients against discrimination by landlords.
And finally, Maryland law does not permit residents to grow their own marijuana. Sorry!
Maryland MedCard Q&A
Other Important Information about Maryland Marijuana Cards
How Much Does a Maryland Medical Card Cost To Get From The State?
$50
How much does a Recommending Marijuana Doctor in Maryland Cost?
The Average Cost to visit a Certified Ordering Doctor is $150 – $200 for the initial visit and $75 – $150 for the follow up visit.
Can doctors prescribe medical marijuana?
Doctors are actually not permitted to prescribe medical marijuana to their patients. However, if they are registered by the state, a doctor can recommend medical marijuana and approve their patients for access to the drug.
When I get my MD MMJ card, can I grow my own marijuana?
No.
Where can I find a marijuana doctor near me in MD?
Check out our marijuana doctors map to see if any are listed near you.
Maryland Marijuana FAQ's
Frequently asked questions we receive regarding MD cannabis.
Can I Smoke Weed in Maryland Once Qualified?
Yes
Can I Take My Medical Marijuana to a Different State?
No. According to current laws patients who obtain a medical card should use medical marijuana in California only. Medical marijuana patients may face federal and local charges of transporting marijuana if they cross state lines with the drug. This is true even if the states between which they are traveling allow medical marijuana. Should you need to travel with your marijuana it would be best to contact the state’s Bureau of health to understand the exact laws of the state you are traveling to in order to not risk breaking the law.
How Much Medical Marijuana Can I Possess?
Maryland medical marijuana patients are permitted to possess up to 120 grams (about four ounces) of dried flower, or up to 36 grams of THC in other types of products. That’s considered by the commission to be about a 30 day supply for most patients.
However, if your physician determines you will require more than that you can get an increase.
Is Recreational Weed Legal?
No.
I see CBD Oils for sale on commercials, online, and at stores around town, is this CBD Oil legal in Maryland?
Hemp derived CBD oil is legal.
Will CBD Oil, hemp, or cannabidiol get me high?
No. CBD is a product that has no THC if derived from hemp and very little if derived from cannabis. THC is the chemical compound that creates the “high”. CBD products are available for patients that have a need for non-euphoric treatment.
Is CBD for Pets really a thing?
Yes, CBD for Dogs, CBD for Cats, and CBD for pets in general is becoming a popular treatment for caring for pets that have arthritis, chronic pain and other ailments. The efficacy and safety of CBD for dogs, cats, and other pets have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA only evaluates foods and drugs, not supplements like these products.
Where can I get CBD for pets?
You can find CBD for pets at pet stores, retail and at holistic shops.
Are THC Infused edibles allowed in Maryland?
No
What marijuana products are legally available in Maryland?
In addition to dried flower for the purpose of smoking or vaping, Maryland medical marijuana dispensaries also offer tinctures and oils, concentrates such as wax, topical skin creams, and capsules.
The one thing that is not available in Maryland is edibles. However, you are permitted to purchase flower or concentrates and make your own edibles at home.
Can I use Medical Marijuana Anywhere?
Similar to all states Maryland medical cannabis card holders have to be responsible. It is important to remember that when smoking in public, it may be assumed that you are using it for recreational use, which is illegal on a Federal Level. Maryland medical marijuana card holders are advised to consume their medicine responsibly, in the safety of their home or in a private residence.
How Much Is Medical Marijuana in Maryland?
The price range for medical cannabis in MD is around $10 per gram and $125-$225 per ounce.
How Much Should I consume?
You should always consult with a Maryland marijuana doctor before using and that doctor will set the course of treatment.
Additional Resources
- Maryland Medical Medical Cannabis Commission – Process to Legally Obtain Medical Cannabis
- Americans for Safe Access – Maryland Medical Marijuana Cannabis Laws
- NORML – Maryland Medical Marijuana Law
- WBAL 11 – medical marijuana products come to Maryland, so do regulations
- Baltimore Magazine – Maryland Medical Marijuana Guide
- Baltimore Sun – FAQ: What you need to know about medical marijuana in Maryland