Understanding the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)

Related

• How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland
• The Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Maryland
• Recreational vs. Medical Marijuana in Maryland
• Maryland Marijuana Laws

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 (March 2024)

• 126, 322 patients 
• 7,530 caregivers
• 1,469 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

It is worth noting that the state fee for the Maryland medical card is $25.

How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland

You can complete your Maryland medical card application in two simple steps. First, get certified for medical marijuana by a cannabis doctor in MD. And second, complete the medical marijuana card application on the OneStop portal. 

Please note, you must 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 the necessary documentation and information ready before starting the application process.

To apply for your Maryland medical marijuana card, follow the steps below:

1. Book an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in MD.

2. Create your account on the OneStop portal and register for a medical card.

3. Pay the $25 state registration fee.

4. Attend your marijuana evaluation online over a video call.

5. Receive your cannabis certification after approval.

6. Print your Temporary medical marijuana card.

7. Receive your Maryland medical marijuana card.

Quick Med Cards is the cheapest and fastest way to get your Maryland medical marijuana card online. While you may not get a your physical medical card on the same day, the MCA processes medical card applications in only 1-2 business days. Therefore, you won’t have to wait long.

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 costs $25 and 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. Select “Renewal Form” from the Licenses Information page.

3. Pay the $25 state fee to renew your Maryland medical card.

4. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in Maryland.

5. Receive your cannabis certification after approval.

6. Print your temporary medical marijuana card.

7. Wait for your new MD medical card.

You can still use Quick Med Cards to renew your Maryland medical card even if you used another provider previously. 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 96 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.

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 $64 Million worth of recreational marijuana in March 2024.

Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in MD

You may be wondering “Why should I get a medical marijuana card in Maryland?” Well, here are the benefits your Maryland medical card will give you over recreational consumers:

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 state fee for the Maryland medical marijuana card is $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.