5 Reasons You Should Consider Getting a Medical Card in Delaware

Delaware Recreational Weed

Delaware legalized recreational marijuana on April 23, 2023, and in the process, became the 22nd state in the US to do so. It is worth noting that the Delaware weed laws (HB1 and HB2) passed without the Governor’s signature. Gov. Carney opposed the drive, citing concerns over the potential effects on children’s health, road safety, and the state’s image.

Recreational weed becoming legal in Delaware means that residents aged 21 and over can lawfully buy, possess, and use cannabis. Delaware is still hashing out the regulations to govern the recreational program. So, it may take until 2024 for the first round of recreational licenses to be issued and for cannabis products to become available.

The differences between medical and recreational weed in Delaware

Since recreational weed is not available in Delaware yet, a direct comparison with medical marijuana may not be possible. Still, based on the marijuana laws, there are some differences we could expect, for example:

• Medical marijuana in Delaware requires patient registration. Meanwhile, recreational cannabis will be available for anyone over 21 with a valid ID.

• Medical users can possess up to six (6) ounces of cannabis versus one (1) ounce for recreational consumers.

• Recreational users will face a 15% marijuana tax on their purchases. However, medical marijuana is exempt from taxes.
  

• Medical marijuana patients have immediate access to diverse cannabis products and strains from dispensaries. Currently, recreational users must wait for retail license issuance to see what will be made available.

Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Delaware

Even when recreational weed does become readily available, here are some reasons you might want to hold onto your medical marijuana card:

1. Immediate access to Delaware marijuana dispensaries

The most obvious reason to get an MMJ card today is the access it gives you to dispensaries in the state. Presently, all the dispensaries in Delaware are only licensed to sell cannabis to patients with valid medical cards. So, with a medical card, you would have access to cannabis products.

2. Get the best medical marijuana strains

Another benefit of having an MMJ card in Delaware is getting the best medical marijuana strains. Consistently, since 2011, dispensaries in Delaware have supplied potent and effective cannabis products to their patients. 

Besides many strains, you also have a selection of medical marijuana products:

• gummies, 
• tinctures, 
• vaporizers, 
• and concentrates.

3. Medical vs. recreational prices

Recreational weed may not be on the dispensary shelves just yet. However, there could be a significant price difference between medical and recreational marijuana. And medical marijuana is likely to be the cheaper option. 

Why? Medical marijuana is tax-free and remains so even after recreational legalization. Conversely, adult-use cannabis will be subject to a 15% marijuana tax. A 15% bump in price is a significant one. And many things may factor into the cost of cannabis, for instance, the product quality and dispensary location.

It may be too early to say conclusively that medical weed will be cheaper than recreational. Still, the Delaware weed laws, plus data from other states with medical and recreational programs, suggest so. So, a Delaware medical card could be the key to cheaper weed.

4. Greater possession & buying limits

There are different marijuana possession limits for medical and recreational consumers in Delaware. As a patient with a valid medical marijuana card, you can legally have up to six ounces of marijuana. That limit drops to one ounce of recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over.

Why do medical consumers get more marijuana? Patients may need larger amounts of cannabis to treat their debilitating illnesses.

5. No age limits

In Delaware, recreational marijuana is only legal for those 21 or older–a standard age limit for most states. Yet, there is no age restriction for MMJ. Adults below 21 and minors may qualify for medical cannabis in Delaware. 

In the case of patients under 18, their parent or legal guardian must consent to cannabis treatment and act as a caregiver. Moreover, only pediatric specialists can certify patients younger than 18 for medicinal marijuana.

Key Takeaways

• A Delaware medical card gives you immediate access to MMJ from dispensaries in the state.
• Medical marijuana in Delaware will likely be cheaper than adult-use cannabis because of the difference in taxation.
• A Delaware medical marijuana gives you a wide selection of cannabis products.
• Cardholders in Delaware can possess more marijuana than recreational users.
• Medical marijuana is available to patients of all ages, including minors. Recreational cannabis is only for adults aged 21 and over.

Conclusion

When it comes to cannabis use in Delaware, recreational weed is the obvious choice for those looking to unwind and have some fun. However, for individuals with a chronic or debilitating condition, a Delaware medical marijuana card is the superior option. 

The benefits of the Delaware medical card include:

• Immediate access to state-licensed dispensaries.
• A diverse selection of cannabis products.
• Cheaper cannabis.
• Larger possession limits.

Most importantly, those with chronic conditions can receive personalized medical guidance from licensed medical marijuana doctors in the state. 

How to Get a Medical Card in Delaware – The Cheap & Quick Way

Getting a medical marijuana card in Delaware is easy if you meet these requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old. Or be a pediatric patient with parental consent.
• A physician must diagnose you with an illness on the Delaware medical marijuana list of conditions.
• A Delaware cannabis doctor must complete and sign your Health Care Practitioner Certification.
• Finally, you must be a resident of Delaware with proof of residency, for example, a DE Driver’s License or DE State ID.

If you check off all the items in the list above, getting your medical card should be smooth sailing. Follow the prompts below to schedule your telemedicine appointment.

Questions about the Medical Marijuana Card Benefits in Delaware

Do you still have questions about the benefits of a Delaware medical marijuana card? Find the answers below.