Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland: All You Need to Know
If you need your Maryland medical marijuana card, a licensed doctor will help you apply for it then either approve you or otherwise have your money refunded.
First, sign up and schedule an appointment with a Maryland medical marijuana doctor. The doctor will ask you some questions about your health and medical history. The procedure is quite straightforward and takes just a few minutes.
How to Get a Maryland Medical Marijuana Card
1. Schedule an appointment
By using HappyMD, you can book a consultation with a certified medical marijuana specialist on a day and time of your choosing. Having a doctor examine your ailment and answer your questions regarding medical cannabis treatment will take about 10-15 minutes.
We're happy to assist you in setting up an appointment if needed. Please let us know how we can assist you.
2. Sign up with the MMCC
Register for a patient account with MMCC card by paying a $50 state registration fee. You'll be asked to provide a few basic details along with a photo of your ID with your address and a clear photo of yourself against a white backdrop.
The state requires that patients provide proof that they are a resident before their application can be approved.
3. Get approved
After your consultation with the doctor, you will be approved to obtain a medical cannabis card, the medical specialist will upload an ID card that identifies you approved to use medical cannabis. While waiting for your card to arrive in the mail, you can print out your temporary card and use it to buy marijuana at any dispensary.
The ID card you receive from MMCC will last for three years. It is still necessary to be recertified by a certified MD physician annually. HappyMD will contact you in the event that your certification is close to expiring to arrange an appointment to renew your medical marijuana card.
Benefits of Getting a Medical Cannabis Card
Because marijuana is illegal as a recreational drug , you can only use cannabis legally if you obtain an MMCC card. The state is different from most other states in that you are required to complete an online application before discussing your application with a physician.
How to Qualify for Your MMJ Card
To qualify for a medicinal marijuana card, you need to be 18 to get a marijuana card. If you’re a caregiver, you need to be 21 to apply for a medicinal marijuana card for a minor. It’s worth noting that minors need to have a pediatrician as well.
Those who live out of state but are may apply for an MMJ Card to receive medical treatment here. But, proof of your residency is required when you apply.
Medical Cannabis
To apply for a medicinal marijuana card, you'll need the following items:
· Identification with a photo (U.S. passport, driver's license/permit, or state identification card)
· A proof of address (such as a utility bill, bank statement, a mortgage statement, or rental lease) – to be eligible for medical cannabis, you must be a resident of the state, unless you are temporarily residing and pursuing treatment.
To receive medical marijuana, you must register with the Medical Cannabis Commission. During this stage, you must identify a caregiver if you need one. A patient number will be assigned to you after registration. It will take about three weeks for your application to be approved. With a patient number, you can be certified by a licensed medical marijuana doctor. Telehealth allows you to obtain medical marijuana certification online, so you don't have to travel to a clinic, therefore, avoiding the risk of contracting Covid 19.
When the certificate has been issued, upload it to the MMCC website. Afterward, you will receive a temporary medical cannabis identification card, which you can use for 90 days or before you receive your physical ID card by mail. To keep your physical certification valid, you must recertify every year with a physician.
A medical cannabis card is only available to people who are 18 years old or older. Individuals younger than 18 need to have a caregiver. The minor's parents or legally-recognized guardian must be the caregiver. Applicants over the age of 18 who lack easy access to medical marijuana may appoint a caregiver. Caregivers are required to complete a caregiver application, and after that, they will receive their own identification card.
Conditions Qualifying for Medical Cannabis Card
The qualification process to obtain a medical card is limited to those with specific qualifying conditions.
The qualifying conditions are as follows:
· Severe Nausea
· Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
· Anorexia
· Chronic Pain
· Cachexia
· Cancer
· Epilepsy
· Glaucoma
· Wasting Syndrome
· HIV/AIDS
· Persistent Muscle Spasms
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
· Severe, Chronic, or Intractable Pain
· A medical condition that requires hospice admission or palliative care
If you have one or more of these qualifying conditions, you may be eligible for a Medical cannabis Card.
Additionally, the state allows physicians to determine whether there are other conditions to be considered as well, even if they are not listed.
According to the legislation, if you suffer from any other severe or chronic medical condition that hasn't responded to other treatments, please consult your doctor to determine whether the condition qualifies for a medical card.
A study conducted by telemedicine platform HappyMD shows that chronic pain has been the most prevalent qualifying condition through 2020.
Possession and Growing
According to the Md medical cannabis law, medical marijuana patients may possess any of these quantities of cannabis:
· Flowers: No more than 120 grams per 30 days, although a physician may prescribe more in some cases.
· Concentrates: No more than 36 grams of THC extract a month. In the state, edibles are prohibited in dispensaries.
It’s worth noting that patients who receive medical marijuana treatment are not permitted to grow cannabis even if they possess a mmj card.
Medicinal Cannabis: A Background
The MMCC was initially referred to as the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Commission was established in 2015. Graduates of state universities developed apps to monitor the effects of marijuana strains and report them to other marijuana users. In creating the app, Smith III collaborated with a team of developers that drew on their personal experiences.
According to The Gazette, upon registering with the MMCC, Smith found the number of products available to him in an effort to cope with pain following a 2003 car accident he was involved in, overwhelming!
Cannabis is making its way into progressive apps while the state overhauls the arrest protocol. A judge ruled in 2020, July that police officers cannot arrest anyone based on the odor of cannabis alone.
As reported by the Sun, the court also banned police officers from searching and arresting a person who possessed less than 10g of marijuana, which falls within the decriminalized range.
In the wake move to legalize medical marijuana and decriminalize it, residents have been enjoying the plant's medicinal benefits openly.
How to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in MD
Obtaining your mmj card requires three steps. Make an appointment with a physician to examine your medical status. Additionally, you will need to fill out the MMCC's new patient registration form and submit a photo of a state-issued ID or passport or driver's license, passport with residency address clearly displayed. Finally, you must pay $50 to the state.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Medical Card?
To obtain a medical card, you must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Applicants aged 18-20 years may apply for a medical card without the consent of their parents or guardians.
Do I Need to Create My Own MMJ Patient Profile?
Medical card registration is slightly different. A patient must first register with the MMCC and create their profile– this takes about 10 minutes. When you create your profile with MMC, you can then proceed to plan for the marijuana health examination.
It is now time to find a physician to perform the health examination. A physician should review a patient's medical history, past medical treatment, lifestyle, etc. The doctor will decide whether the patient can utilize cannabis to manage their symptoms.
If your doctor approves your application for a medical card:
· Your doctor will require your patient identification number. You were assigned this number when you registered for your account on the MMCC portal.
· Your doctor will upload the certification to the online portal for you.
· Obtaining your medical card is the final step in the application process. You must log in to the MMCC portal and enter additional details, such as proof of residency.
· A $50 fee is required as well.
You'll be able to download the temporary medical card after completing these steps. Using the card, it is possible to obtain a thirty (30) day supply of medical cannabis at a dispensary. It takes about four weeks for a permanent card to arrive.
You must use your medical card within 120 days of becoming certified for it to remain valid. You'll also need to complete a new medical evaluation and apply again.
How long until my medical card expires?
The validity period for certified medicinal marijuana cards obtained after Jan. 1, 2019, is three years. If you received a medical card before Jan. 1, 2019, it would expire on the date stated on it.
medical cardholders who received their cards before Jan. 1, 2019, will have their card extended by three years when it is renewed.
How can I become a caregiver for MMJ in MD?
To register as a caregiver for a patient over the age of 18 or a minor patient, you need to be at least 21 years of age.
In the state, caregivers are eligible to apply online if they meet certain criteria for helping patients. Medical cannabis caregivers are required to meet the minimum age requirement of 21 to register with MMCC then pay a $50 registration fee. Additionally, caregivers must be residents and be able to prove their residency by presenting their driver's license or ID card.
The caregiver identification card allows caregivers to obtain medical marijuana from dispensaries. After this, the caregiver is allowed to transport the cannabis to the patient (when needed). Caregiver capacity is limited at five patients on a go. Patients can only have two caregivers assisting them at a time. A minor patient must, however, always be assisted by at least one person, and that caregiver must be either the minor's parents or guardians. It’s worth noting that caregivers need to create an account at the MMCC before registering the minor.
The steps to apply as a caregiver are:
· Apply online at the MMCC and submit the form.
· Await the approval of your application. If approved, you will receive an email notification.
· You will have two years to use the caregiver card if it's approved.
· Currently, no fee is required for applying to be a caregiver.
When approved as a caregiver, you should log into your MMCC profile and select your patient. A patient must possess a valid marijuana medical card and must be registered for the caregiver can be designated.
To receive the caregiver ID card, the caregiver needs to register for $50 for each patient they are providing assistance to. On receiving the card, the caregiver is allowed to legally acquire, transport, and dispense medical cannabis.
The state's medical marijuana caregiver program was modified in 2021. Starting on Apr. 20 2021, neither the caregiver nor the patient's picture will appear on the medicinal marijuana cards. The cards that had been issued prior to that date remain valid.
To purchase medicinal products from a dispensary, the caregiver is required to present a valid government-issued ID and their MMCC identification card or caregiver card.
How Do I Renew My MD Medical Card?
Medical card renewal is quick and easy! You just have to pay attention to the expiration date.
In MD, the medical card is granted for a period of three years for some newly registered patients. Your medical card may soon expire if you obtained it before the three-year renewal period was enacted.
Just sign in to the MMCC patient portal and pay the $50 renewal fee. The new card will then be sent to you. You should renew your card at least 45 days prior to the expiration date to prevent any issues.
What if I Lose My Medical Card?
When you lose your medical card, you must pay $100 for a replacement.
It is your responsibility to report any card loss or damage to the MMCC immediately. You can easily do this by logging into your online account. You will not be able to purchase cannabis legally at any dispensary until you receive your new medical card, which could take 4 to 6 weeks. If you intend to purchase, use or possess medical marijuana, you must always carry your medical card and a valid photo ID.
What Kind of Proof of Living Do I Need to Provide?
There are two forms of proof that patients must present to prove that they reside in the state full-time. As stipulated by the MD Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), each of the two documents of residence must be different and not issued by the same company or government agency.
Here is a list of documents that are acceptable as proof of residency by the MMCC:
1. Selective Service Card
2. Federal, state, or local government mail issued by the state such as social security or social services
3. Bank account statement
4. Major credit card bills such as Visa, MasterCard, Target, and Wal-Mart
5. MVA registration card or title
6. State of Health Insurance issued documents such as Medicare, Medicaid Health Connection.
7. MVA change of address card
8. Mortgage statement or proof of homeownership such as Title, Deed or Bill of Sale
9. Property tax bill
10. Car insurance policy
11. Utility, telephone, satellite TV bill, or cable bill
12. W-2 statements
13. Paystubs dated within 90 days
14. A residential rental contract such as a fully-signed lease or rental contract
The documents submitted for proof of MD residency and as part of the medical card application must be no older than 90 days. In other words, for the MMCC to review and accept the provided proof of residency documents, they must be recent.
When Did Medical Marijuana in MD Become Legal?
House Bill 881 legalized medical cannabis in 2014. As a result, the Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) was created.
In its full name, the MMCC is the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission. Natalie LaPrade is a perfect example of why should adopt compassionate care policies. A revised title was given to the commission on June 2014– Acts of 2014, Chapters 240 and 256. The name honors Delegate Cheryl D. Glenn's mother, who passed away from kidney cancer.
To register, patients must provide a valid driver's license or state identification card, along with one or more qualifying medical conditions, and pay a $50 registration fee.
MD only registers residents for the statewide program. Still, anyone visiting and wants to receive medical care may be issued a written certification and be able to obtain medical cannabis. Other states medical ID cards are not accepted.
Possession and Cultivation Limits
residents may possess up to the amount recommended by their doctors. The state notes that the doctor's certification specifies how much THC and dried flowers a patient may buy in 30 days.
As of now, law prohibits caregivers and patients with medical marijuana cards from cultivating their own marijuana.
FAQs
What is the process of obtaining a cannabis card if I am a qualified patient?
The process is simple. Just fill out the form at the top of this page to start, and HappyMD will match you with a doctor who will examine you and see if you have a qualifying condition.
Is there a MMCC card cost associated with this?
HappyMD offers medical marijuana evaluations and approvals for $199, backed by a guarantee that in the event you are not approved, your money will be returned. Application and registration for the medical ID card cost $50, although there is no guarantee of acceptance.
Can MD connect me with a medical marijuana physician who is certified?
Md does not provide physician referrals, which is why HappyMD has opened an office in the state in order to assist residents with getting a medical marijuana card.
Does the state recognize chronic pain as a qualifying condition?
Sure. The state recognizes chronic pain as a qualifying condition.
Must I be a resident to obtain a license for medical marijuana?
Definitely, you are required to present either an ID card or state driver's license to prove you reside at a specific address in order to qualify for a medical cannabis license.
Does my MD marijuana card work outside of MD?
It depends on the state you are visiting. As the law varies from state to state, you must check with the state you will be visiting to discover its medical cannabis laws.
Where do I start in order to get my MD Cannabis Card?
You need to first register with the MMCC to receive your Patient ID number.
After obtaining a patient ID, an approved physician will update your records at MMCC, allowing you to visit a dispensary and legally purchase cannabis.
Is it still possible to get a recommendation from a primary care provider even if they are not registered?
The answer is no. Only practitioners who are members of the MD Medical Cannabis Commission can authorize the use of medical marijuana.
Does it take a long time for a consultation?
It takes 10 to 15 minutes for the medical evaluation to be completed.
What are the qualification requirements to obtain medical cannabis in MD?
In order to be eligible to receive medical marijuana in Md, you must be over 18 years old, a state resident, hold a valid government-issued ID, and have a qualifying medical condition.
What happens if my application for medical cannabis is denied?
HappyMD will provide a free consultation if you are not approved. We offer a very high approval rate; however, if your application is not accepted, you will be refunded fully.
What dispensaries are in MD? Is there one near me?
The state already has a large number of dispensaries. Here is a list of Md dispensaries.
Visit These Places in MD after Enjoying Your Medical Cannabis
the state is adjacent to Columbia in the southeast, a fascinating place to visit and live. Other than Ocean City's beaches, the major city has National Harbor, a famous shopping and dining destination.
The state is one of the most beautiful states in the country and it is also home to some of the best medical cannabis around. So after you enjoy your medicine, consider visiting these 3 places to find good times and unforgettable experiences.
Ocean City
Ocean City, Md, is one of the Eastern Shore's most popular destinations. It has one of the best boardwalks you can find in the country.
There are so many water sports to enjoy in this laid-back setting. In fact choosing from activities such as canoeing, fishing, surfing, kayaking, boogie boarding, water skiing, etc. can prove challenging. With Sunset Park party nights, beach movies, fireworks, and beach games for the whole family, each visit to Ocean City becomes an unforgettable experience.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium, located in the largest city in the state, is one of the oldest and most popular aquariums in the United States. It opened in 1981 with the goal of preserving the ecosystem by educating the public about its marine life. With over 800 species and 20,000 animals on display, the aquarium has a wide variety of exhibits representing aquatic life from around the world.
National Harbor
At National Harbor, you'll find a food and shopping paradise along the river, with more than 150 stores and 40 restaurants for you to visit. There are many attractions around National Harbor offering daily atrium shows and summer festivals each year. The National Harbor offers a Vegas-style experience (gaming, dining, and dancing) in a coastal location.
Visiting these locations will enhance your medical marijuana experience and is definitely a great way to deepen your appreciation for nature.
The History of Medical Marijuana in Maryland
Since 2003, Md has been decriminalizing and working towards enacting new compassionate care laws. Below is a list of some of the state's historical milestones regarding legalizing medical marijuana.
· May 2003: Bob Ehrlich signed the first piece of legislation decriminalizing medical marijuana. This was a huge step toward decriminalizing marijana all over the country. Despite the new laws, the state didn't set up a patient registry.
· May 2011: The Md Senate passed Senate Bill 308. The legislation outlined conditions for which medical marijuana could be used.
· March 2013: HB 702, also called the Darrell Putman Compassionate Use Act, was created. The act established affirmative defenses for patients who use marijuana for medical purposes. The legislation reduced the legal protections available to cannabis patients with less than an ounce of cannabis in their possession. The possession charge was reduced to a $100 fine for those without criminal records.
·September 2014: The Md legislature passed HB 881. The bill would begin the legalization process. As a result, the medical cannabis program was launched, and medical cannabis cardholders were legally protected.
In HB 881, a maximum of thirty days of cannabis supply was imposed on patients. House Bill 881 is the critical marijuana legalization law, which is amended whenever necessary.
·May 2016: HB 104 was passed. By passing this law, more licensed doctors could write certifications for patients who qualified to receive medical cannabis.
Medical marijuana has a long history in the state, and the state has been at the forefront of medical marijuana reform in the Country.
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