Benefits of Having a Medical Marijuana Card in a Recreational State like Maryland
April 27, 2024
The Maryland medical marijuana card has not lost its usefulness after the state legalized recreational weed recently. In fact, the benefits of having a medical card in Maryland are still noticeable even with the presence of adult-use cannabis.
And don’t take just our word for it. Thousands of patients we have helped get medical cards have voiced their opinions. So, what are the reasons to get a medical card in Maryland?
- Cheaper cannabis.
- Possess more marijuana.
- Grow more cannabis plants.
- Obtain more potent cannabis products.
- Priority service from dispensaries.
These are just some of the advantages medical users have over recreational users in the state.
Join us as we explore what the Maryland medical card can do for you. These advantages are worth paying attention to, especially if you need cannabis for your health.
Looking for a Medical Marijuana Doctor?
Maryland Recreational Marijuana
Maryland joined the growing list of states legalizing recreational marijuana on July 1, 2023. Now, adults aged 21 and over can lawfully buy, grow, possess, and use limited amounts of cannabis.
Recreational weed in Maryland is still green, but there is a lot of optimism about the impact it will have in the state.
In just a few months, adult-use cannabis has already made its mark. For instance:
- The legalization spurred the expungement process for minor cannabis-related cases.
- Maryland marijuana dispensaries sold over $58 Million of recreational cannabis in February 2024.
Still, while recreational marijuana is legal in Maryland, it is not a free-for-all. There are rules that Marylanders should follow. For example, using cannabis in public, on federal property, and in vehicles is illegal.
Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis in Maryland
Below are some key differences between medical and recreational marijuana in Maryland.
Medical Marijuana in Maryland:
- Exempt from Sales and Use Tax.
- Available for those below 21 and qualifying minors.
- Purchase requires a valid medical marijuana card.
- Approval from a state-licensed cannabis doctor is required.
- Allotment is set by the certifying physician. (The standard MMJ allotment is 120 grams of dried flower or 36 grams of THC product)
- Users can grow up to 4 marijuana plants.
Recreational Marijuana in Maryland:
- Subject to a 9% sales tax.
- Only for those aged 21 and above.
- Purchase requires a government-issued ID for age verification.
- No healthcare provider approval is needed.
- Possession limits: 1.5 ounces of flower, 12 grams of concentrate, or up to 750 mg THC in edibles.
- Users can grow up to 2 marijuana plants.
Reasons to Get a Medical Card in Maryland
1. Cheaper Marijuana and Lower Taxes
Accessing cheap marijuana is one benefit of having a medical marijuana card in Maryland.
Medical marijuana is cheaper than recreational cannabis, mainly due to the difference in taxation. Recreational weed in MD is subject to a 9% sales in addition to use tax. Meanwhile, medical cannabis is exempt from both sales and use tax.
Also, dispensaries in Maryland often offer special discounts to cardholders, giving them even more cost savings.
2. Larger Allotment
Another upside to the Maryland medical marijuana card is the ability to possess more weed than recreational users.
The legal weed limit for recreational users is:
- 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower,
- 12 grams of concentrated cannabis,
- or edibles not exceeding 750mg of THC.
Conversely, for patients the MMJ allotment is determined by the certifying cannabis doctor. The standard is usually 120 grams (4.2 ounces) of dried flower or 36 grams of THC products.
As a medical cannabis consumer, a higher possession limit has several benefits. For instance, you can have an adequate supply of cannabis without needing to restock often. Also, you do not have to worry about going over the legal limit if you need larger doses of cannabis for your condition.
3. Grow More Marijuana
A Maryland medical card lets you grow double the number of cannabis plants as recreational users.
While recreational users can grow only two (2) weed plants, medical consumers can grow up to four (4).
As a cardholder, growing more plants means you save more on cannabis costs with fewer trips to the dispensary. Additionally, you gain greater autonomy and control over the marijuana you consume. Besides the material benefits, growing marijuana can also be a therapeutic and enjoyable endeavor.
4. More Potent Marijuana Strains and Products
A cannabis card in Maryland gives you access to high-potency cannabis products which aren’t available to recreational users.
Often, medical marijuana is more potent and it allows for a more targeted approach to symptom management.
Potency is critical when it comes to using marijuana for therapy. With a Maryland med card, you can get medical-grade cannabis tailored to your needs. As a result, it will be easier to find a strain that works for you rather than experimenting with recreational options.
More potent marijuana also means reduced consumption. Consequently, you save more money since it takes less cannabis to achieve the desired results. Additionally, you reduce your exposure to the risks of consumption methods like smoking and vaping.
5. No Age Limit for Medical Weed
The Maryland medical card enables patients under 21 to enjoy the healing benefits of medical marijuana.
Recreational weed is only available to adults aged 21 and older. However, adults younger than 21 and even minors can access medicinal marijuana in Maryland.
It may be impractical for a young adult suffering from a chronic illness to wait until they are 21 to get cannabis for their health needs. Where traditional medications fail, medical cannabis can be a life-changing alternative. And often, patients experience an improvement in their quality of life.
Minors with certain debilitating conditions can also get marijuana as a treatment option. Still, the consent of their parent or legal guardian is necessary. Moreover, children need a caregiver to guide them with their cannabis regimen.
6. Priority from Marijuana Dispensaries in Maryland
Marijuana dispensaries in Maryland offer priority services to patients with a medical card.
With your med card, you do not have to worry about long lines at the dispensary. The Maryland marijuana laws require dispensaries to have separate operating hours for cardholders. In addition, they must have dedicated service lines for patients. For this reason, you can expect expedited service when buying your medicine.
Also, Maryland weed laws obligate dispensaries to maintain an adequate stock of MMJ to prevent stock-outs. So, a medical card guarantees you have continuous access to your medication.
Dispensaries in Maryland also offer discounts and promotions to medical users to ease the cost of marijuana. So, an MD medical card lets you enjoy the perks dispensaries offer only to medical users.
7. Doctors’ Recommendations
Perhaps the most important benefit of the Maryland medical marijuana card is access to a physician well-versed in cannabis treatment.
Consulting with a cannabis doctor and receiving an MMJ certification is a necessary step in getting a medical card in MD. The evaluation is more than just getting approved for medical marijuana. For example, our doctors at Quick Med Cards ensure patients get the most from their cannabis regimen.
Our doctors offer product suggestions, dosages, and consumption methods based on your unique needs. This way, you end up experiencing the relief you sought when opting for medical marijuana. Recreational users may not have access to such professional and personalized recommendations.
Conclusion
Though the days of strict regulations may be over, the benefits of the Maryland medical marijuana card are undeniable. The recent legalization of marijuana will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to Maryland. Still, the medical marijuana card maintains its appeal even in this new recreational era. As a cardholder in Maryland, you can expect:
- Cheaper marijuana
- Larger cultivation and possession limits
- More potent weed
- No age restrictions
- Preferential treatment from Maryland dispensaries
- Doctor’s guidance.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in MD
To enjoy the benefits of an MD medical card, you must register with the state’s medical marijuana program. To qualify:
1. You must be a resident of Maryland.
2. You must receive a marijuana certification from a state-licensed cannabis doctor. This certification confirms you have one of the qualifying conditions for a medical card in Maryland.
Quick Med Cards is here to smooth your application process. We are the cheapest and most convenient medical marijuana card providers in Maryland. Getting your certification will only take minutes!
Speak with Our Medical Marijuana Doctor Today
Same-day appointments available.
Questions about the Benefits of a Maryland Medical Marijuana Card
Do you have more questions about the benefits of a medical marijuana card in Maryland? You may find the answers below.
Is weed legal in Maryland?
Yes. Weed is legal for both medical and recreational use in Maryland. Maryland legalized medical marijuana in 2014. Nine years later, recreational cannabis became available on July 1, 2023.
Does Medicare/Medicaid cover medical marijuana?
No. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the cost of medical cannabis because cannabis is still illegal under federal law. However, you may get coverage for FDA-approved prescription drugs that contain cannabinoids like dronabinol.
Find out more about health insurance and medical marijuana.
Does Maryland accept out-of-state MMJ cards?
No. Maryland does not accept out-of-state MMJ cards.
Can out-of-state residents buy recreational weed in Maryland?
Yes. Out-of-state residents can buy recreational weed from dispensaries in Maryland. But, visitors must be at least 21 years old and have a government-issued ID from their home state.
Is there weed delivery in Maryland?
Yes. Licensed dispensaries in the state can deliver marijuana to both medical and recreational users. However, you can only order, not buy, cannabis online. Instead, a dispensary agent must verify your age upon delivery; then, you can pay for your weed.
Can you grow marijuana in Maryland?
Yes, both recreational and medical users can grow marijuana plants in Maryland.
How many marijuana plants can I grow in Maryland?
You can grow two (2) marijuana plants at home if you are 21 and older as long your plants are not visible to the public eye. The two-plant limit remains even if more adults live in the same household.
You can cultivate at most four (4) plants if you have a valid Maryland medical marijuana card.
Please note that landlords and property owners may prohibit growing cannabis on their properties.
How much marijuana can you buy in Maryland?
As a recreational user in Maryland, you can buy up to:
- 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower,
- 12 grams of concentrated cannabis,
- or a total of 750 mg THC in edible products.
As a medical user, your certifying marijuana doctor will determine your limit. Usually, the standard amount for medical users is 120 grams (4.2 ounces) of dried flower or 36 grams of THC product.