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Earlier this month, something big happened in Maryland. The Cannabis Reform Act was passed and is pending signature from the Governor. This new legislation expands the legal use of marijuana in the Free State to include adults over 21.
This isn’t Maryland’s first go-around with legalizing the plant for personal use. Medical cannabis has been legal in Maryland for nearly a decade.
If you’re wondering whether you should still pursue a medical cannabis card in Maryland, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between medical cannabis cardholder laws and recreational use in Maryland. And then, we’ll cover the process to get your card.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
With adult use cannabis being recently legalized, there will likely be a few kinks in the system to work out. Adult Marylanders won’t be able to purchase non-medical marijuana legally over the counter until July of this year. While you’re waiting, you might be considering whether a medical cannabis card is a better route to go.
The path for patients to obtain medical cannabis in Maryland has been established for quite some time (since 2014). And there are some advantages to getting your medical card for cannabis as opposed to relying on the new adult use law.
Check out the legal differences in the table below.
Medical Cannabis vs. Recreational
| Medical Marijuana Cardholder | Recreational Use (Adult Use) | |
| Effective Date |
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| Quantity Allowed in Possession |
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| Cultivation Allowed |
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| Price and Taxes |
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| Age Requirement |
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A quick look at the numbers above shows that getting your medical card for cannabis in Maryland can pay off. With a medical cannabis card, you’ll have fewer restrictions on your possession limits and pay no tax on your medical marijuana.
If you’ve decided that you want to pursue a medical cannabis card in Maryland, the first step is to check whether your condition qualifies.
Maryland has approved the following debilitating medical conditions and symptoms that are deemed legal and appropriate to use medical marijuana for therapeutic relief.
Your doctor can also approve other chronic medical conditions if other treatments have been ineffective. If you qualify, continue reading to find out the steps to get your card for medical marijuana in Maryland.
The process to get a medical card for cannabis is simple. You’ll need three things to get your card:
The first step in Maryland to get your medical cannabis card is to begin the application process with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Start here to begin the application process in the OneStop online portal. You’ll need your approved application so that you can provide your patient ID number to your doctor during your appointment in the next step.
In Maryland, your regular (bona fide) doctor will need to provide written approval that certifies your medical condition. Check with your doctor to make sure they have an active registration with the Commission prior to your appointment. Then, schedule an appointment in person to get a doctor’s evaluation for medical cannabis in Maryland.
Your doctor will sign & complete a state-specific registration called the physician’s certification, which will allow you to pick up medical cannabis at a dispensary immediately after your appointment.
Paying for a medical cannabis card in Maryland requires two separate payments. One to the MMCC during the application submission, and a second payment to your medical provider. While medical provider costs vary and may be covered by insurance, the state fee is currently only $25 for patient registration and ID card.
While My Virtual Physician may not be able to certify you for medical marijuana as a Marylandian due to in-person visit requirements, we can help you manage your medical conditions and get symptom relief. Schedule an appointment today to see one of our board-certified physicians online.
