Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania

Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated May 28, 2024

Qualifying Conditions   |   Requirements   |   How to Get a Medical Card   |   Caregiver Qualifications   |   Key Takeaways   |   FAQs   |   Resources

Qualifying for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is easy. It requires only two things: PA residency and a cannabis certification from a state-licensed medical marijuana doctor.

By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:

  • What are the PA medical marijuana conditions?
  • What are the requirements for a medical card in PA?
  • Do I qualify for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania?

We’ve sourced all our information directly from the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. So, you can rest assured that you’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date details. Now, let’s find out if you meet the qualifications for a PA medical card.

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What Conditions Qualify for PA Medical Marijuana?

The following are the PA medical marijuana conditions eligible for MMJ treatment in the state:

Common Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in PA

1. Medical Marijuana for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders plague millions of Americans annually. Thankfully, residents of Pennsylvania who are suffering from this condition can now seek cannabis treatment. Thanks to a successful petition, anxiety became an approved PA medical marijuana condition on July 20, 2019. Could medical marijuana be a natural alternative to traditional anxiety medication? Quite possibly, as research suggests that MMJ is an effective remedy with fewer side effects.

    2. Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia

    Living with fibromyalgia can be a daily struggle, with chronic pain and fatigue taking a toll on your well-being. Fortunately, studies show that medical cannabis can be therapeutic for patients with fibromyalgia. For instance, medical cannabis may effectively ease pain, headaches, and nausea in patients. And unlike traditional medications for fibromyalgia, patients report fewer adverse side effects when using medical marijuana. You may have noticed that Pennsylvania doesn’t list fibromyalgia as a qualifying medical condition. However, chronic pain is a hallmark of fibromyalgia. And as a result, physicians can recommend cannabis treatment on that basis if they think you would benefit from this form of treatment.

      3. Medical Marijuana for Chronic Back Pain

      Chronic back pain can be debilitating, often robbing individuals of the ability to do everyday tasks. Fortunately, Pennsylvania residents dealing with this type of pain can access MMJ for relief. Even though chronic back pain isn’t specifically listed as a PA medical marijuana condition, those afflicted can still get a medical card. How? PA recognizes severe chronic or intractable pain in any form as a qualifying condition independent of cause. So, with the doctor’s approval, those struggling with relentless back pain can tap the healing powers of MMJ in PA.

        Medical Card Requirements in PA

        Meeting the following requirements is essential to obtaining a medical card in PA:

        1. You must be a resident of Pennsylvania with a PA driver’s license or state-issued ID.

        2. A medical marijuana doctor in PA must certify you for medicinal cannabis.

        3. If you are younger than 18 years, then you must have a caregiver apply for the PA medical card on your behalf.

        How to Get a PA Medical Card

        Quick Med Cards is the cheapest and fastest way to get a PA medical card. And you can complete the entire application process from anywhere in Pennsylvania!

        1. Create your account on the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program Registry.

        2. Next, create your account with Quick Med Cards and pick an appropriate time for your consultation.

        3. Attend your telehealth appointment via video call. Our PA cannabis doctor will certify you if they believe you could benefit from cannabis therapy.

        4. Log in to your PA Medical Marijuana Program account and pay for your med card.

        5. Receive your PA medical card in the mail.

        6. Buy medical marijuana from any dispensary in Pennsylvania with your medical marijuana card.

        What documents do I need for my PA medical card?

        Besides a working email address to register an account with the PA Medical Marijuana Program, you also need proof of Pennsylvania residency. For example:

        • A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
        • Or a Pennsylvania state-issued ID

        Additionally, it costs $50 for the PA medical card. But you may qualify for a no-cost PA medical marijuana card if you take part in the following programs:

        • Medicaid
        • PACE/ PACENET
        • CHIP
        • SNAP
        • WIC

        Caregiver Requirements for a PA Medical Card

        Anyone can designate a caregiver as long as they have a PA medical card.

        Therefore, every patient can access the medical cannabis they need regardless of their prevailing condition. The process of designating a caregiver is simple. But the role of a caregiver is of great importance to patients in the Pennsylvania medical marijuana program.

        Caregivers are especially vital for: 

        • minors, 
        • home-bound patients, 
        • and those who benefit from assistance. 

        Meeting the following qualifications is necessary to become a caregiver in PA.

        • You must have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or PA state-issued ID card. 
        • You must be 21 or older unless authorized otherwise by the department. 
        • Moreover, you must complete and pass a criminal history background check.
        • If your patient already has a PA medical card, you will need their name, date of birth, and patient ID number.

        Caregiver qualifications for minor patients in PA

        Minors must have a caregiver register on their behalf to access MMJ in PA. As the minor’s parent or legal guardian, you can register as their caregiver by selecting the appropriate option on the registration site. 

        You do not belong in either category? Then, you must complete and submit an authorization to designate a third-party caregiver form. This form is available for download from the caregiver’s profile.

        Key Takeaways

        • There are 24 qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in PA.
        • A Pennsylvania medical marijuana doctor must certify you before you can get an MMJ card.
        • A PA medical marijuana doctor can certify you for cannabis online over a video call, thanks to telemedicine.
        • You must be at least 21 to become a caregiver in Pennsylvania.
        • Minors may qualify for medical cannabis in PA, but their parent or legal guardian must register as their caregiver.

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        Common Questions about the PA Medical Marijuana Conditions

        Do you still have questions about the PA medical marijuana conditions and requirements for a med card? Then you may find the answers below.

        How do you qualify for a medical card in PA?

        Overall, qualifying for a medical card in PA comes down to two things.

        1. Being a resident of Pennsylvania. 
        2. Having a certification from a qualified physician confirming that you have a qualifying medical condition.

        Can I get my PA medical marijuana card online?

        Looking to get your PA medical marijuana card without leaving the comfort of your home? Look no further. We support telemedicine appointments for our Pennsylvania patients.

        So, you can get certified by a PA cannabis doctor over a video call. And later, you can complete your registration on the PA Medical Marijuana Program Registry. It’s that straightforward! You can get your PA medical card online with Quick Med Cards.

          Is it hard to get approved for a medical marijuana card in PA?

          If you’re a resident of Pennsylvania with a valid PA driver’s license or ID, getting approved for medical marijuana is not a hassle.

          Additionally, there are 24 PA medical marijuana conditions. So, if you’re experiencing a medical issue, there’s a good chance it’s on the list. More importantly, you need a PA medical marijuana doctor to confirm you are suffering from one of these conditions. The process of acquiring your medical card is effortless with Quick Med Cards. Once you book and attend your online appointment, you will receive your certification after the doctor’s approval. Afterward, you can complete your registration on the PA Medical Marijuana Program Registry and pay for your card. It’s that easy!

          What disqualifies you from getting a medical marijuana card in PA?

          To obtain a medical marijuana card in PA, you must meet specific qualifications. Non-residents of PA are not eligible for a medical card.

          And those who do not suffer from one of the 24 conditions specified by PA medical marijuana laws cannot apply. Furthermore, minors need the consent and involvement of a caregiver, who can be either a parent or a legal guardian, to receive a med card. Failing to meet the requirements above is an automatic disqualification from receiving a PA medical card.

          Do you have to be a resident of PA to get a medical marijuana card?

          Yes, being a resident of Pennsylvania is a non-negotiable requirement for a PA medical card.

          And you must submit a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or state-issued ID as proof of residency during your application.

          How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in PA?

          Getting your medical marijuana card in PA is a pretty quick process.

          First, getting your certification from a PA cannabis doctor only takes about 15-20 minutes. And once you pay for your med card on the PA Medical Marijuana Program Registry, you can expect it to be printed within seven (7) days and delivered directly to your door in 14 days.

          What are the qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in PA?

          These are the 24 qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in PA:

          1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
          2. Anxiety disorders
          3. Autism
          4. Cancer, including remission therapy
          5. Chronic Hepatitis C
          6. Crohn’s disease
          7. Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with the objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity and other associated neuropathies.
          8. Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders
          9. Epilepsy
          10. Glaucoma
          11. HIV / AIDS
          12. Huntington’s disease
          13. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
          14. Intractable seizures
          15. Multiple sclerosis (MS)
          16. Neurodegenerative diseases
          17. Neuropathies
          18. Opioid use disorder for which conventional medical interventions are ineffective.
          19. Parkinson’s disease
          20. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
          21. Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain.
          22. Sickle cell anemia
          23. Terminal illness
          24. Tourette syndrome

          Can you get a medical card for anxiety in PA?

          Yes. Anxiety does qualify for a medical card in PA because it is among the 24 qualifying conditions.

          So, if you have been diagnosed with anxiety, you can obtain a marijuana certification from an MMJ doctor in PA. And you can legally purchase and use medical marijuana as part of your treatment plan. So, take control of your anxiety today and explore the benefits of medical marijuana.

          Can you get your medical card while pregnant in PA?

          Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana laws do not explicitly bar pregnant patients from obtaining a medical card. Still, getting a certification may prove difficult.

          Physicians only certify patients who may receive therapeutic or palliative medical benefits from cannabis. So, they may not certify pregnant patients out of concern for potential complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Therefore, those seeking to get a PA medical card while pregnant may face challenges.

          Can you get a medical card for chronic back pain?

          The answer is yes. The state’s medical marijuana program recognizes severe pain of neuropathic origin or intractable pain as qualifying conditions.

          So, if your back pain is chronic, you may be eligible for a PA medical card. MMJ can be a powerful tool to help ease the debilitating effects of chronic back pain, giving you a chance to live your life more fully and comfortably.

          Can you get a medical card for fibromyalgia?

          The answer is yes, you can get a medical card for fibromyalgia in Pennsylvania.

          For those living with fibromyalgia, the potential benefits could be life-changing. Medical marijuana may offer a chance to reduce and manage the constant pain that often permeates their bodies.

          Can you get a medical card for schizophrenia?

          Yes, you can get a medical card for schizophrenia.

          While it does not feature among the 24 qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in PA, it is a neurodegenerative disease. Neurodegenerative models describe schizophrenia as a disease that worsens over time. So, you can still get a medical marijuana card.

          Do migraines qualify for medical marijuana?

          Migraines don’t feature on the list of PA medical marijuana conditions. However, chronic pain does, so a doctor can decide to recommend treatment on that basis.

          Are you a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from severe and debilitating migraines? Then there is a chance medical marijuana may help you. And it’s worth exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis as an alternative therapy for migraines. Recent studies suggest that MMJ could ease the onset and duration of intense headaches in adults. So, can you get a medical card for migraines? Yes, it’s possible.

          Can you get a medical marijuana card for arthritis in Pennsylvania?

          Yes. While arthritis isn’t explicitly listed as a qualifying condition, chronic pain, which can be caused by arthritis, is.

          Studies show that about one in four adults with arthritis experience severe joint pain, while nearly half have persistent pain. So, if you are battling arthritis, you may be eligible for PA medical marijuana to help relieve your chronic pain.

          Patient Resources and Forms

          How to Contact the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program

          State Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Health

          Phone: 888-733-5595

          Mailing Address:

          Pennsylvania Department of Health
          Health and Welfare Building
          8th Floor West
          625 Forster Street
          Harrisburg, PA 17120

          Contact Form: https://forms.health.pa.gov/health-contact-us/

          Website: https://www.health.pa.gov

          The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program Registry

          PA Department of Health Caregivers & Patients FAQs