Apply For Your Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan
Application for your MMJ in Michigan involves a straightforward process of talking to a licensed and approved MMJ physician in the state and getting the approval or guaranteed money back before applying to the state.
Starting the application process takes a short duration. Generally, the effortless process involves signing up, answering a few questions, and booking your appointment.
How to Get Your Michigan Medical Marijuana Card
The authorities provide the same straightforward process for applying for and renewing your medical marijuana card in this state. MI medical marijuana cards have a three-year lifespan. The authorities may take up to 30 days after the application to send your card via mail. Thus, it’ll be essential to start the process soon. You can easily follow the below steps to apply for your card if you’re 18 years and above:
Schedule an appointment
When starting the application process, you have to schedule an appointment with a qualified doctor through HappyMD. After getting the appointment, have an online consultation or evaluation with the physicians. During the 10-15 minutes consultation, the physician will evaluate your health condition, and you can seek any clarification on the MMJ treatment.
Remember that you can always consult the HappyMD customer support team if you have any difficulties.
Consult with a qualified MMJ physician
After scheduling the appointment, you can have a consultation with the doctor. After approval, the HappyMD doctor will complete your MMJ registration at the Marijuana Regulatory Agency within 48 hours after your application. To complete the application, you can log in to the MRA website and navigate to the caregivers or patients page. You'll have to pay a $40 application fee during the online application and have the medical doctor's contacts link with the certification.
Get approval
After finishing the application, the state authorities will provide your new MMJ card via your mail within 2-3 weeks. After getting the card, the authorities allow you to start purchasing medical cannabis legally from any state-approved dispensaries.
After getting your MMJ card, you’ll have to recertify your license after two years, which involves seeing a licensed and qualified MMJ doctor again. HappyMD will always keep in touch after getting the application card to help you set up a proper renewal process and consultation.
Qualifying Conditions for a Michigan Medical Marijuana Card
The MMJ program requires that you have at least one of the state-approved qualifying conditions. These medical conditions include:
● Post-traumatic stress disorder
● Chronic pain
● Cancer
● Arthritis
● AIDS
● Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
● Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
● Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
● Autism
● Colitis
● Cerebral Palsy
● Glaucoma
● HIV positive
● Nile Patella
● Hepatitis C
● Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
● Crohn's Disease
● Inflammatory Bowel Disease
● Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Parkison’s Disease
● Seizures, including the epilepsy characteristics
● Chronic and severe pain
● Severe nausea
● Persistent and severe muscle spasms, including multiple sclerosis symptoms
● Spinal cord injury
● Ulcerative colitis
● Tourette’s disease
Benefits of having the MMJ card
Regardless of living in a recreational-use state, becoming an MMJ patient comes with various advantages. These advantages include:
Fewer restriction
Many states limit the legal marijuana consumption to patients above 21 years and with numerous or strict possession limits. Nonetheless, as an MMJ patient, you can obtain, possess, and use medical marijuana products with fewer restrictions.
Greater selection
A MMJ card allows you to shop for adult-use and medicinal dispensaries. The greater selection privilege allows you to get more products to choose the one that suits your budget and preferences.
More protection
Despite the legalization of medical cannabis, most states allow family courts, landlords, and employers to discriminate against marijuana users. However, the MMJ certification provides essential legal documentation to show that you’re using marijuana for medical purposes. Thus, the MMJ card protects against punitive and discriminatory acts.
Better prices
You can get medical marijuana products at a lower price as an MMJ patient. The state authorities usually exempt medical marijuana patients from the excise taxes they charge recreational users. The privilege allows you to save up to 10% when purchasing your cannabis products.
Allows younger legal consumption age
The card allows any patient to get cannabis products.
Medical Cannabis Card Application
When applying for the MMJ card, the program requires that you have a diagnosis of at least one qualifying condition and be residing in the state. You can prove your residency by having your ID and a valid driver’s license.
You have to schedule an appointment with a qualified HappyMD physician during the process. After the doctor approves your conditions, the authorities allow you to start the application for registering with the state’s medical cannabis program at the Marijuana Regulatory Agency.
You start the application process by creating an online account and filling out an appropriate application form. When filing the forms, you’ll have to verify your address, residency and submit proof of residing. You can use your signed voter registration card, personal identification, or driver’s license number to prove your residency. Nonetheless, you’ll have to provide another valid government-issued document with your birth date and name to prove the voter registration card.
Furthermore, the authorities also require you to provide your physician’s license number and MMJ doctor certification and pay a $40 state application fee. However, the state subsidizes the application fee to $25 per year when you have an SSI or Medicaid.
Caregiver Information for the MMJ Card
Like the patient, the MMJ program requires a primary caregiver to be a resident before applying for the card. The authorities only accept the state ID and driver’s license to prove the residency. Remember that you can’t submit expired identification forms when applying as a caregiver. Additionally, the caregiver must be part of the patient’s registration.
Lastly, the law requires that the primary caregiver be above 21 years and shouldn’t have any felony convictions when assisting the medical marijuana patient. When applying as a caregiver, you have to pay a $40 state fee, which the MMJ program authorities have reduced from $60.
Cultivation and Possession of Medical Cannabis
The authorities in the state will only allow you to possess up to 2.5 marijuana ounces, with 15 grams being cannabis concentrates. Furthermore, after registering as an MMJ patient, you can purchase and possess approximately ten cannabis ounces at your residence. However, any cannabis amount above 2.5 ounces must be in a proper storage container. Remember, the state treats anyone having more than 2.5 to 5.0 ounces of marijuana as a civil infraction. The authorities punish by having a forfeiture for the first offense or a maximum fine of $500.
Furthermore, the authorities also mandate that you can transfer a maximum of 2.5 ounces to another patient as long as you don't promote or advertise the transfer to the public and there is no remuneration.
The state allows the citizens to cultivate cannabis despite not having MMJ cards. You’re eligible to grow 12 cannabis stems when you’re above 21 years.
About Medical Cannabis
In November 2008, voters approved Proposal 1, the "Medical Marijuana Act." The Act recommended the state remove penalties for marijuana possession, cultivation, and use to patients with a physician-approved valid MMJ recommendation.
Later in 2018, the legislature passed the Regulation and Taxation of Cannabis Act to legalize recreational marijuana use. The state dispensaries began the sale of recreational marijuana in December 2019. This Act allows anyone above 21 years to purchase and possess up to 2.5 marijuana ounces in public, a maximum of 10 marijuana ounces at home and grow up to 12 cannabis stems.
Nevertheless, some counties and cities decriminalized marijuana before the legislature passed the Act. For instance, authorities at the College Town of Ann Arbor decriminalized marijuana use in 1972. The other counties and cities took this significant step many years later, like Grand Rapids, Flint and Detroit took the step in 2012, Saginaw and Mount Pleasant in 2014, while Lansing and Jackson in 2013.
Michigan has a unique Social Equality Program. This program is available as a Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA) provision. The program or Act played a key role in promoting and encouraging proper participation in the cannabis industry by individuals from communities that marijuana prohibition has disproportionately impacted.
How to Qualify
Before qualifying and applying for the MMJ card in Michigan, the law requires you to be above 18 years. Nonetheless, minors below 18 years can choose legal caregivers to apply for the card on their behalf. You must present two physicians’ MMJ certificates when applying as a minor.
After the medical doctors have certified your condition, you can proceed with the registration at the Marijuana Program in the state.
How to Get Your MMJ Card
HappyMD is currently offering high-quality and faster telehealth evaluation in the state. Telehealth refers to an online video call you can have with your doctor using your device (tablet, smartphone, or computer). The medical evaluation is the first step in the application process.
You can book the evaluation online or contact the customer service base at 831-454-6257 to help you schedule the appointment. After booking the appointment, you can now start the Video call with the state-approved medical physicians at HappyMD to evaluate your health status and determine whether you qualify for the MMJ program in the state.
Finding a registered and state-approved medical marijuana physician
When applying for a MMJ card, the first step is to find a registered physician to evaluate and certify your qualifying conditions.
Many patients find it daunting to find the appropriate physician to certify them. Nevertheless, you can consider the HappyMD telemedicine platform for online visits and evaluation to find a proper medical cannabis physician from the safety and comfort of your house.
You can easily qualify for the certification if you have at least one of the qualifying symptoms or conditions and prove the diagnosis. You’ll have an online evaluation of your conditions, and the physician will also review the medical documentation you provide during the evaluation process. After the evaluation and approval, the physicians will issue you a certification you can use for the next application step.
Register Online and receive your MMJ card
You can register at the Marijuana Regulatory Agency after getting the doctor’s approval. You can access the MRA registry online after the approval to help complete your MMJ card application and pay the state application fee. The authorities will send you the MMJ card through postal mail within three weeks of approving your application. After receiving the MMJ card, you can begin accessing medical marijuana from the numerous dispensaries available.
Requirements for Michigan Medical Marijuana card
Residency and age requirements
You can only qualify for the MMJ card if you’re a resident. The law doesn’t provide age requirements for applying for the card. Nevertheless, if you’re below 18 years, you need to have a legal caregiver when applying for the card.
Do you have to be residing to become a legal medical cannabis patient?
Before becoming a MMJ patient, the law requires you to present a valid state ID or driver’s license to prove to be a resident. Furthermore, you can use signed voter registration to prove your residency. Still, you’ll need to submit it along with a valid government document bearing your date of birth and name for proper verification.
How do you apply for the medical cannabis card?
When applying for the card, you’ll have to start by logging into the HappyMD website to have a proper medical evaluation and certification from a licensed MMJ physician. After the approval, the physician will provide a recommendation letter and start filling out the marijuana program application forms.
HappyMD has a state-approved and qualified physicians network, enhancing a high approval rate. Nonetheless, if the physician doesn’t approve your condition, the telemedicine platform guarantees your fees back.
Medical Documentation
The authorities require you to have at least one qualifying condition and provide appropriate medical documentation when applying for the program. These medical documents include pill bottles, medical records, diagnosis letters, or office visit summaries.
How long does it take to apply for the Michigan MMJ card (including the initial evaluation or consultation)?
When for the MMJ card, the initial consultation takes 10 to 15 minutes. However, after the first appointment, the remaining process may take approximately two or three weeks.
Can your family or primary care doctor recommend you for the medical cannabis program in the state without being registered?
The program only allows certified MMJ program physicians to approve and recommend you for the MMJ program.
When having your Michigan medical marijuana card, does the law provide limitations for marijuana possession?
Yes, authorities only allow non-patients or patients above 21 years old to possess a maximum of 2.5 medical cannabis away from home or have up to 10 marijuana ounces at the homestead.
What is average total cost of having a physician consultation at HappyMD?
The cost of having a proper evaluation and consultation from a certified and qualified HappyMD MMJ physician is $199. Alternatively, you can pay $379 for proper certification of you and your friend or family member.
Can you find a dispensary near you?
You can purchase your medical cannabis at any of the numerous dispensaries in the different locations in the state.
Michigan MMJ Card Information from the Physician
The authorities have allowed numerous MMJ dispensaries to open their doors and provide various strains of medical cannabis. It’s a huge relief for the patients who have been waiting for the appropriate time and place to get these marijuana products. Despite the gaining momentum of the medical marijuana program and dispensaries, MMJ patients have found it challenging to understand the appropriate process of applying for the MMJ card. Nonetheless, HappyMD has provided the appropriate help and support to over 70000 patients through the confusing application process.
How do you become a Legal Michigan Medical Marijuana Patient?
You’re most likely to qualify as a legal MMJ patient in the state if you’re a resident having at least one of the qualifying conditions. The first step is to have a proper evaluation from a licensed and qualified MMJ physician. After the approval, the authorities will provide you with a patient’s ID card to allow you to purchase and possess medical cannabis products legally.
How do you schedule an appointment with a Licensed MMJ Physician?
You can visit the HappyMD website or contact the support team at any time to help you book the appointment.
What should you provide During the Evaluation Appointment?
You’ll have to submit a completed intake form and a valid photo ID during the appointment. Furthermore, it'll be necessary to see your primary physician help you get proper medical documentation for your qualifying condition.
How do you submit your Medical Documentation and ID for the Online Medical Evaluation?
The platform will send you a confirmation email shortly after booking your telehealth appointment. This email will provide a link to your application or intake form. You’ll fill out the necessary medical information and upload all the medical documentation and ID for the evaluation.
Do HappyMD Physicians Guarantee Medical Marijuana Approval?
HappyMD doesn’t guarantee you approval for the MMJ certification as they’ll have to access and evaluate your condition before approving. Nevertheless, if the physician doesn’t approve your application, the platform will offer you a 100% refund. The friendly and knowledgeable support staff plays an essential role in enhancing your approval caches as they help you prepare for the evaluation.
What Happens During the HappyMD Evaluation, and How Long Does the Evaluation Take?
During the appointment, a licensed and certified MMJ physician will examine your condition, review the medical documentation you uploaded and then assess your medical history. The process is usually precisely taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The HappyMD will also maintain your records and make needed follow-ups.
Who Is a Caregiver?
A caregiver is an individual that provides essential services to MMJ patients who don’t wish or can’t go to a dispensary to get the appropriate medical cannabis. The caregiver can purchase medical cannabis on the patient’s behalf and even help with administration. Remember, only patients will appoint the caregivers (who must be above 21 years and register with the authorities as a caregiver).
Does Insurance Cover the Processing, Consultation, and Application of the MMJ Application?
Insurance companies and agencies don’t cover any MMJ card applications as they’ll conflict with federal law.
What is the Maximum Marijuana Quantity That an MMJ Patient Can Possess at a Time?
The law outlines that an MMJ cardholder can only possess a maximum of 2.5 cannabis ounces in public, but you can have up to 10 ounces of marijuana at home.
What are the Common Marijuana Forms Available in Dispensaries?
Marijuana dispensaries have virtually all types of medical cannabis forms, including concentrates, raw flowers, transdermal patches, tinctures, edibles, etc. Furthermore, you can also get clones, seeds, and additional growing products at these locations.
Can anyone find out if you’re a MMJ Patient?
The HIPAA protects all medical patient records; No one can realize you’re an MMJ patient. HappyMD prioritizes the security and privacy of patients’ confidential details. The telehealth platform won’t reveal the information to anyone unless you openly tell the individuals or have a marijuana drug test.
Does the Law Allow Employers to Administer a Marijuana Drug Screening for Cardholders?
Yes, the state currently doesn’t have legislation protecting MMJ patients or cardholders from workplace marijuana screening. Thus, your employers can administer the drug screening and provide necessary disciplinary action after the drug screening results. Therefore, it’ll be important to understand your employer’s drug screening policies before proceeding with the application and medical cannabis use.
Can You Renew Your Card at HappyMD if you had the Initial Evaluation with a Different Doctor?
Yes. The program doesn’t restrict you to having an evaluation with the same doctor annually. You can still switch to HappyMD telehealth regardless of your initial evaluating physician.
How to Get Your MMJ
Schedule an appointment
Book an appointment by filling out the application form or contact the platform at 831-454-6257 to set the appointment over the phone.
Talk to a physician
You’ll have a 10-15 minute evaluation with qualified doctors to determine whether your conditions qualify you as an MMJ patient.
Receive the card
After the doctor's approval, the physician will register you with the state’s marijuana regulatory agent in 24 hours. After which, you can access the Registry online and complete your application before getting the card.
Getting Your MMJ evaluation
Licensed Physicians at HappyMD will provide you with a proper evaluation based on medical history, medical documentation, and current health status. If the physicians approve your application, they’ll instantly register or provide your details to the state's Marijuana Regulatory Authority. After which, you can access the Registry online and pay the state application fee to complete the application. The state will send your card three weeks after approving your application through the postal mail. After getting your card, you can start purchasing medical marijuana from the numerous dispensaries across the state. The above provides an essential guide to help you start your MMJ card application.
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