How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland
Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 9, 2024
Program | Requirements | How to Apply | Renew | Dispensaries | Recreational | Benefits | Key Takeaways | FAQs | Resources
Welcome to our detailed guide on applying for a medical marijuana card in Maryland.
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What should I know about the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)?
- Does Maryland have a medical cannabis program?
- How do I apply for a medical marijuana card in MD?
All the details on this page come from the official Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) website. So, you can trust that you are reading accurate and up-to-date information. Let us begin.
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The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)
The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), initially established as the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) in 2014, has evolved into an independent agency as of 2023.
Initially founded to craft policies and regulations for the state’s medical cannabis program, the Administration now oversees a broader scope. It is in charge of licensing, registration, inspection, and testing for both medical and adult-use cannabis in Maryland.
Additionally, the MCA ensures that medical cannabis remains accessible to qualifying patients and extends its regulatory oversight to adult consumers, healthcare providers, cultivators, processors, dispensaries, testing labs, and related businesses. The Administration continues to manage the Medical Cannabis Program, aiming to provide safe and effective cannabis use within the state.
Did you know?
There are currently (September 2024)
- 110,337 patients
- 6471 caregivers
- 1,438 providers
registered with the Maryland medical cannabis Program.
Requirements for a Medical Card in Maryland
There are two requirements to get a medical card in Maryland:
1. Maryland residency.
2. A recommendation from a medical marijuana doctor in MD that confirms you have a qualifying condition.
The qualifying conditions for a medical card in Maryland include:
- Anorexia
- Cachexia
- Glaucoma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures
- Severe nausea
- Severe or chronic pain
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms
- Wasting syndrome
- or another severe chronic medical condition for which other treatments have been ineffective
If you meet the requirements above, you can apply for your medical marijuana card by registering with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) as a patient.
When completing your Maryland medical marijuana card application, ensure you have the following documentation and information:
- A valid and accessible email account.
- Social Security Number
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of Maryland residency
- A passport-style photo
The digital Maryland medical marijuana card, which you can print, is free, while the physical card costs $25.
Minor Patient Information
Minors (patients below 18) can also get medical marijuana in Maryland. However, the requirements are different from those of adult patients.
Minor patients must have at least one caregiver, who must be their parent or legal guardian, overseeing their participation. Children can have up to four caregivers, including two parents or guardians and two additional adults over 21, chosen by the parent or guardian.
To enroll, the caregiver must first register with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) and obtain an MCA ID number. Next, the caregiver should register the minor by submitting a digital notarized Minor Patient Form plus official proof of guardianship.
There is no state fee for minor patients participating in the program.
Maryland Caregiver Application
Caregivers play a crucial role in the Maryland Medical Cannabis Program. They help registered patients in obtaining and transporting medical cannabis.
A caregiver can serve up to five registered patients simultaneously. However, each cardholder can designate at most two caregivers. Minor patients can have four.
Caregivers must be at least 21 years old. Moreover, they must register with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) and get a valid MCA Caregiver ID card. This card enables them to legally buy, possess, and transport medical cannabis to their patients.
Caregiver applicants must provide a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID and a recent, clear photograph. If the caregiver is registering on behalf of a minor patient, they must also be the parent or legal guardian.
Does Maryland accept out-of-state medical cards?
Currently, Maryland does not recognize out-of-state medical cards. However, there is a specific provision for non-residents to access medical marijuana.
A non-resident must be physically present in Maryland and admitted to a medical facility accredited by a joint administration. The registration allows the visiting patient to get medical cannabis during their inpatient stay, with the understanding that the treatment will be complete before getting discharged.
How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland
You can complete your Maryland medical card application in two simple steps. First, complete the medical marijuana card application on the OneStop portal. And second, get certified for medical marijuana by a cannabis doctor in MD.
You should complete the Maryland medical card application on the OneStop portal in one sitting since you cannot save your progress to complete later. So, ensure you have all the requirements ready before starting the application process.
To apply for your Maryland medical marijuana card, follow the steps below:
1. Create your account on the OneStop portal and register for a medical card.
2. Book an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in MD.
3. Attend your marijuana evaluation online over a video call.
4. Receive your cannabis certification after approval.
5. Download your Maryland medical marijuana card.
Quick Med Cards is the cheapest and fastest way to get your Maryland medical marijuana card online.
Speak with Our Medical Marijuana Doctor Today
Same-day appointments available.
How do I Renew my Medical Card in Maryland?
Your Maryland medical card will expire six years after the MCA approves your application. Meanwhile, caregiver cards are only valid for two years. The renewal is free for the digital card and $25 for the physical card.
You can renew 60 days before your current medical card expires. While your MD medical marijuana card is valid for six years, you must renew your marijuana certification annually.
To renew your Maryland medical card:
1. Log into your Maryland OneStop portal account.
2. Complete the renewal application.
3. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in Maryland.
4. Receive your cannabis certification after approval.
5. Download your Maryland medical marijuana card.
You can still use Quick Med Cards to renew your Maryland medical card even if another doctor certified you befor. We pride ourselves on being the most affordable option for medical cards in Maryland.
Dispensaries in Maryland
Getting marijuana from dispensaries in Maryland is the safest way to buy cannabis. Since marijuana is legal for medical and recreational use in Maryland, dispensaries serve both groups of consumers. While recreational cannabis is available to all adults aged 21 and older, you need a medical card to get medical-grade marijuana.
Accessing MMJ from Maryland dispensaries requires that you have a medical marijuana card. However, accessing recreational cannabis is open to adults aged 21 and older.
Currently, there are 98 licensed dispensaries in Maryland where consumers can buy marijuana. Some of the most popular dispensaries include:
- RISE Dispensary in Silver Spring
- Remedy Dispensary in Baltimore
- Story Cannabis Dispensary in Hyattsville
- Cookies Cannabis Dispensary in Baltimore
- Bloom Medicinals in Germantown
As a medical user, ensure you carry the following when buying cannabis from Maryland dispensaries:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Maryland medical marijuana card or patient ID number
To obtain medical cannabis for minor patients, registered caregivers must provide their:
- Government-issued ID
- MCA Caregiver ID Card
- The minor’s medical card ID number
For recreational users, it’s more straightforward. They only have to show their government-issued ID to prove that they meet the recreational age limit of 21 years.
Marijuana Limits/ Allotment
In Maryland, both medical and recreational cannabis users have specific possession limits.
Patients with an MD medical card can possess up to:
- 120 grams (approximately 4.2 ounces) of dried flower
- or 36 grams of THC in cannabis-infused products.
- Additionally, cardholders aged 21 and over can grow four marijuana plants.
Patients can log into their OneStop account to check their marijuana allotment and track their consumption.
Recreational users possess up to:
- 1.5 ounces of cannabis,
- 12 grams of concentrated cannabis,
- or cannabis products containing up to 750 milligrams of THC.
Growing Marijuana in Maryland
Both medical and recreational users aged 21 and over can grow cannabis in Maryland. Recreational users can grow two marijuana plants. Meanwhile, cardholders can cultivate up to four marijuana plants.
It is worth noting that the plants must not be visible to the public. Additionally, they should be secure from unauthorized access. Lastly, you can only grow cannabis on a property you own or with explicit consent from the property owner.
Recreational Cannabis in Maryland
Maryland voters approved a referendum to legalize marijuana for adult use in November 2022. The Maryland Legislature passed the accompanying Cannabis Reform Act in spring 2023. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law on May 3, 2023. Later, on July 1, 2023, recreational cannabis sales commenced.
Under the MD cannabis laws, adults aged 21 and older in Maryland can legally possess, use, and grow cannabis. While possession and use are now legal within specified limits, exceeding the permitted amounts can result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the quantity involved.
Did you know?
Maryland sold over $73 Million worth of recreational marijuana in August, 2024.
Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in MD
You may be wondering “Why should I get a medical marijuana card in Maryland?”
Here’s how your Maryland cannabis card benefits you compared to recreational users:
1. Cheaper marijuana. Recreational cannabis products in Maryland are subject to a 9% marijuana tax, while medicinal cannabis is exempt.
2. Purchase and possess more cannabis. Recreational consumers can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of dried cannabis. Meanwhile, cardholders can possess up to 120 grams of dried cannabis, which translates to about 4.2 ounces.
3. Grow more marijuana plants. Medical users can grow four cannabis plants versus only two for recreational users.
4. Lower age limit for access. Medical marijuana is available to minors and adults aged 18, while recreational cannabis is only for those aged 21 and over.
5. Gain access to more potent medical cannabis products.
6. Enjoy medical cannabis in states with reciprocity.
7. Benefit from the advice of healthcare providers to ensure your cannabis regimen brings you relief from your medical condition.
Still not convinced? Check out our reasons for a medical marijuana card in MD.
Key Takeaways
- The Maryland Cannabis Administration, formerly the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), runs the state’s medical cannabis program.
- You must complete an application on the OneStop portal and get certified by a cannabis doctor in MD to get a medical marijuana card.
- The digital Maryland medical marijuana card, which you can print, is free, while the physical card costs $25.
- The Maryland medical card is valid for six (6) years.
- Both adults and minors may qualify for medical marijuana in Maryland.
- Caregivers in Maryland must be at least 21 years old.
- Medical and recreational marijuana is legal in Maryland.
- There are several benefits to getting a medical card in MD, for instance, access to cheap cannabis.
Common Questions about the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)
Do you still have questions about the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)? You may find your answer below.
Does Maryland have a medical marijuana program?
Yes, Maryland has a medical marijuana program. The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), initially established as the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) in 2014, runs the medical cannabis program. This agency develops policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure that medical cannabis is safely and effectively available to qualifying patients.
As of 2023, it has expanded its scope to become an independent agency overseeing licensing, registration, inspection, and testing for medical and adult-use cannabis throughout Maryland.
Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Maryland?
Any Maryland resident with a qualifying condition is eligible for a medical marijuana card. The illnesses eligible for medical cannabis in Maryland include anorexia, cachexia, glaucoma, PTSD, seizures, severe nausea, severe or chronic pain, severe or persistent muscle spasms, wasting syndrome, or any other chronic medical condition unresponsive to conventional treatments.
How old do you have to be to get a medical card in Maryland?
You must be 18 years old to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland. Still, minors (patients below 18) can get medical cards with the consent of their parents/ guardians, who must register as caregivers.
Can you get a same-day medical card in Maryland?
No. The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) processes medical marijuana card applications in 1-2 business days. So, while getting a same-day medical card isn’t possible, it generally takes a very short time. With Quick Med Cards, a cannabis doctor in MD can certify you for medical marijuana in just a few minutes.
Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Maryland?
You don’t need a medical card to go to dispensaries in Maryland. However, recreational users must present their government-issued IDs at dispensaries to prove they meet the minimum age limit.
As a medical user, you must present your government-issued ID and your Maryland medical card (or patient ID number). Caregivers must present their government-issued IDs, caregiver cards, and their patients’ medical card IDs.
Is it legal to grow marijuana in Maryland?
Yes. Recreational consumers can grow two marijuana plants, while medical users can cultivate four. Most importantly, the plants must be out of public view and inaccessible to unauthorized parties. Moreover, only those aged 21 and over can grow cannabis in MD.
How many marijuana plants can I grow in Maryland?
Recreational users in Maryland can grow two (2) marijuana plants, and medical users can cultivate four (4).
Patient Resources and Forms
How to Contact the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)
State Agency: Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)
Phone: 410-487-8100 or 1-844-421-2571
Email: mca.infoandregistration@maryland.gov
Address:
Maryland Cannabis Administration
849 International Drive
Linthicum, MD 21090
Website: cannabis.maryland.gov