The process for obtaining a medical marijuana card varies by state, but generally includes the following steps:
- Get diagnosed with a qualifying condition To be eligible for medical marijuana, a doctor must diagnose you with a qualifying medical condition
. WebMD provides more information about medical marijuana and approved conditions
- Find a qualified physician In Florida, for example, you must visit a qualified physician who has completed the necessary training
. The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) can provide a list of qualified physicians in Florida
. In Pennsylvania, a patient must be certified by a participating doctor
. New Jersey requires that you maintain a bona fide relationship with a healthcare provider who participates in the medicinal cannabis program
- Receive physician certification In Colorado, you need a new provider certification each time you apply
. Your health care provider will write it for you and submit it electronically
- Register with the state's medical marijuana program In Pennsylvania, you must register on the state's website
. You will likely need to provide proof of residency, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID
. In New Jersey, you'll need an Authorizing Provider Statement from your healthcare provider, which includes a reference ID number and a registry ID number to set up an account
- Apply for a medical marijuana card In Florida, patients and caregivers can apply for a Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card online or by mail
. Online applications take an average of 10 business days for approval
- Pay the required fee In Florida, you will need to submit payment information for the $75 processing fee
. Colorado requires a $52 check or money order
- Wait for approval Mailed applications in Colorado take approximately 6-8 weeks to process
. You can check the status of your application by calling the provided phone number or through the online registry
- Receive your card and purchase medical marijuana Once your application is approved, you can purchase medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary or treatment center
. In Maryland, you must present a valid government-issued photo identification in addition to your medical cannabis card when purchasing medical cannabis at a licensed dispensary
