Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland
Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 14, 2024
Getting a Maryland medical marijuana card is a great way to experience wellness through cannabis treatment. Here’s what you need to know about accessing medical cannabis in the state.
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What qualifies for a medical card in MD?
- What are the qualifying conditions for a medical card in Maryland?
- How do I get a medical marijuana card in MD?
All the information on this page comes from the official Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) website. So, you can trust that you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let us proceed.
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What are the Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Maryland?
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
- Any other severe chronic medical condition unresponsive to treatment.
Maryland Medical Marijuana Card Requirements
You qualify for a medical marijuana card in Maryland if you meet these two requirements:
1. Maryland residency
2. You have one of the qualifying conditions for a medical card in Maryland.
If you meet those two qualifications, you can apply for a Maryland medical marijuana card through the OneStop portal. Afterward, a medical marijuana doctor in MD must certify you for medical cannabis.
Requirements for Minors
Minors can access medical marijuana in Maryland. However, their parent/ legal guardian must consent to the cannabis treatment. Additionally, the parent/ guardian must register as the child’s caregiver.
Before minors can receive their Maryland medical marijuana card, their parent/ guardian must apply as a caregiver and get approval. Only then can the parent/ guardian submit the child’s application for the Maryland medical marijuana card. Also, a licensed physician must certify the minor patient for medicinal cannabis.
Minors can have up to four caregivers. Two should be the patient’s parent/ guardian, and the other two can be people over 21 designated by the parent/ guardian.
Parents/ guardians of minor patients must meet the following requirements to be their child’s caregiver:
- Must be the parent or legal guardian of the minor patient.
- At least 21 years old.
- They must register with the Maryland Cannabis Administration as caregivers.
- The MCA must approve the caregiver application.
The following documentation and information are necessary during the minor patient’s application process:
- Caregiver’s government-issued ID
- A clear passport-style photo of the minor patient
- Proof of the caregiver’s relationship to the child. For example, birth or adoption certificates.
- A notarized minor patient form
- The last four digits of the patient’s social security number
- The caregiver ID number
The state fee for caregivers is $25. However, there’s no state fee for minor patients.
Requirements for Caregivers
Adult patients have the option to choose one caregiver to help them with their medical marijuana treatment. Caregivers must apply and receive a caregiver card to lawfully buy, possess, and transport medical cannabis to their patients.
To become a caregiver in Maryland, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Register with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)
- Receive approval from the MCA
During the Maryland caregiver application, caregivers should submit the following documentation and information:
- Social Security Number
- Government-issued ID
- A clear, passport-style photo
The state fee for the MCA caregiver ID card is $25.
What Documents do I Need for the Maryland Medical Card?
You must provide the following details and documents when applying for a Maryland medical marijuana card:
1. Social Security Number
2. Government-issued ID
3. Proof of Maryland residency
4. A clear, passport-style photo
The digital Maryland medical marijuana card, which you can print, is free, while the physical card costs $25.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in MD
Getting a Maryland medical marijuana card is essentially a two-step process. First, complete your medical marijuana card application on the Maryland OneStop portal. Next, consult a licensed cannabis doctor in MD and receive a cannabis certification.
Follow these steps to get your Maryland medical marijuana card online:
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 over a video call. You will receive your cannabis certification if you are approved.
4. Log into your OneStop portal account and download your free digital medical card.
Schedule your appointment with Quick Med Cards today and receive your certification from a Maryland medical marijuana doctor in minutes. We will get you a step closer to getting your MD medical card for the cheapest fee in the state!
Maryland Medical Marijuana Card Renewal
The Maryland medical marijuana card is valid for six years. However, you will still need to renew your medical marijuana certification annually. Getting recertified for MMJ is simple with Quick Med Cards. Start by scheduling an appointment with one of our physicians in MD and get certified in minutes, thanks to telemedicine.
You can renew your Maryland medical marijuana card 60 days before it expires. Follow the steps below to complete your Maryland medical card renewal:
1. Log into your OneStop portal account.
2. Complete and submit your renewal application.
3. Book an appointment with one of our MMJ doctors in Maryland.
4. Download your new Maryland medical card.
Quick Med Cards can help you renew your Maryland medical marijuana card even if another physician certified you before.
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Key Takeaways
- You must be a resident of Maryland ailing from a qualifying condition to be eligible for a medical card.
- The qualifying conditions for a medical card in Maryland include anorexia, cachexia, glaucoma, PTSD, chronic pain, and more.
- You must complete your medical card application on the OneStop Portal and get certified for medical marijuana to get your cannabis card.
- Both adults aged 18+ and minors can get a Maryland medical card.
- Caregivers assist patients with their cannabis treatment. Caregivers must be at least 21 years old.
- 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 years. However, patients must renew their certifications annually.
Common Questions about the Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Maryland
Do you still have questions about the qualifying conditions for a medical card in Maryland? You may find your answer below.
Is marijuana legal in Maryland?
Yes, marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in Maryland. Maryland legalized medical marijuana in 2014. In November 2022, Maryland voters voted in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis. Afterward, the Maryland legislature passed the Cannabis Reform Act, which Governor Wes Moore signed on May 3, 2023.
What qualifies for a medical card in MD?
You qualify for a medical card in MD if you are a resident with 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
- Any other severe chronic medical condition unresponsive to treatment.
How hard is it to get a medical card in Maryland?
Getting a medical card in Maryland is easy. First, create an account on the Maryland OneStop portal and complete your medical card application. Next, schedule an appointment with one of our cannabis doctors in Maryland. Now, attend your marijuana evaluation over video call and receive your cannabis certification. Finally, log into your OneStop portal account and download your temporary medical marijuana card. It’s that simple!
Can you get your medical card online in Maryland?
Yes. You can complete every step needed to get a Maryland medical card online.
First, complete your medical card application online through the OneStop Portal. Afterward, book an online appointment with one of our cannabis physicians and get certified over a video call through telemedicine. Finally, download your medical card from your OneStop portal account.
How much does it cost to get a medical card in MD?
The digital Maryland medical card is free, while the physical card is $25. You will also need to pay for your consultation and certification with a medical marijuana doctor.
Quick Med Cards is the cheapest option in Maryland. We charge $45 – $149 for telemedicine appointments with cannabis doctors in Maryland.
How old do you have to be to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland?
18 is the minimum age for adults to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland. Patients below 18 may also get a Maryland medical card. But minors must have the consent of their parent/ legal guardians first. Additionally, the parent/ legal guardian must apply as a caregiver.
Do you still need a medical card in Maryland?
No, if you want to buy recreational marijuana. Yes, if you’d like to purchase medical cannabis.
There are many reasons to get a medical card in MD, even though recreational cannabis is available.
With your Maryland medical marijuana card, you enjoy benefits that do not apply to recreational users. For example:
- Cheaper marijuana
- Larger allotment
- Grow more plants
- Higher potency
- No age restriction
Explore more benefits of a medical marijuana card in Maryland.
Does chronic pain qualify as a condition in Maryland?
Yes, chronic pain is a qualifying condition for a medical card in Maryland. Medical marijuana works well for chronic pain because of its active compounds. THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain perception. As a result, you may experience reduced pain signals. Additionally, medicinal cannabis can have anti-inflammatory effects that may dull severe pain. There is also the added benefit of improved sleep. Better sleep can alleviate chronic pain indirectly by promoting better rest and recovery.
How long does it take to get approved for a Maryland medical card?
The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) takes 1-2 business days to process medical marijuana card applications.
How long does a Maryland medical card last?
The Maryland medical card is valid for six years. However, patients must get certified for medical marijuana annually.
Does a Maryland medical card work in other states?
Some states may accept the Maryland medical card. However, reciprocity laws vary across states, so it is best to be familiar with the laws of the state you intend to visit. States that may accept the Maryland medical card include:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Washington, D.C.
Does Maryland accept out-of-state medical cards?
No. Maryland does not accept out-of-state medical cards. As a result, visiting patients cannot access medical marijuana in the state.
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