How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut
Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 9, 2024
Welcome to the best guide on applying for a medical marijuana card in Connecticut!
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What do I need to know about the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program?
- How do I apply for a Connecticut medical marijuana card?
- What are the CT medical marijuana rules?
All the information on this page comes from the official Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection: Medical Marijuana Program website. So you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s proceed.
Looking for a Medical Marijuana Doctor?
How do I Get Medical Marijuana through the CT Medical Marijuana Program?
Only patients with a medical marijuana card issued by the CT Medical Marijuana Program can buy medicinal cannabis in Connecticut. To register with the CT Medical Marijuana Program, patients must get certified for cannabis use by a medical marijuana doctor in the state.
Getting a marijuana certification is easy through Quick Med Cards.
First, fill out the information form and create your account. Next, schedule an online appointment with a medical marijuana doctor in Connecticut near you. Your consultation will happen on a video call through our telemedicine platform of choice, Doxy. A marijuana evaluation usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. After your appointment, our cannabis doctor will issue you with a marijuana certification that you will need to apply for your medical card on the CT MMP application website.
You should note that the doctor can only recommend medicinal cannabis to patients diagnosed with certain medical conditions as determined by the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program (CT MMP). Often, the doctor will recommend cannabis treatment if you suffer from:
1. A chronic medical condition whose treatment causes severe, debilitating psychiatric disorders.
2. Or a chronic medical illness whose medical treatment may lead to physical or psychological dependence.
Go here to see the complete list of qualifying conditions for a medical card in CT.
How do I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in CT?
Once your medical marijuana doctor certifies you for medical cannabis, you must register as a patient with the CT Medical Marijuana Program. Next, log in to your CT MMP account and complete the CT medical card application.
Before you begin please read the following CT Medical Marijuana Program criteria:
- Adult patients must be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Patients under 18 years old must have a designated and registered caregiver applying on their behalf.
- All applicants must be Connecticut residents.
- Patients must be diagnosed with a medical condition recognized by the CT Medical Marijuana Program.
- Patients must have a recommendation from a Certified-To-Recommend cannabis doctor in CT verifying their diagnosis.
- Additionally, you cannot be an inmate in any facility supervised by the Connecticut Department of Corrections to qualify for enrollment in the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program.
Please note: There’s no state fee for the Connecticut medical marijuana card.
Which documents do I need to submit to the CT Medical Marijuana Program?
When applying for the CT medical marijuana card, you must submit the following documents to have a complete application:
1. Proof of Identity. For example:
- Connecticut ID
- US Passport
- Certificate of naturalization
- Certificate of citizenship
- Connecticut or out-of-state driver’s license
2. Proof of Residency. For instance:
- W-2 form
- Connecticut voter registration card
- Property or excise bill
- Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement
- Computer-generated utility bill
- Social Security Administration or other pension or retirement annual benefits summary statement dated within the current or prior year
- Pre-printed pay stub showing both your name and address plus your employer’s name and address
Get a marijuana certification online from one of our medical marijuana doctors in CT.
Medical Marijuana Card CT Rules
Qualifying patients with a valid CT medical card are not subject to arrest, prosecution, or other penalties related to marijuana as long as they follow the rules set by the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program. Therefore, patients need to abide by all CT medical marijuana rules to enjoy these protections. For example:
- Patients cannot possess more than 5 ounces of medical marijuana in a month.
- Qualifying patients cannot have more than one primary caregiver at a time.
- Cardholders cannot use medical marijuana in a way that endangers the health or well-being of another person.
- Connecticut marijuana law forbids patients from using medical marijuana in a motor bus, school bus, or any moving vehicle.
- Moreover, patients cannot use medical marijuana in the workplace, on school grounds, or in any public place.
- Additionally, patients cannot use medical marijuana in the presence of anyone under the age of 18.
For more information about the medical marijuana card rules and marijuana-related penalties, visit our Connecticut marijuana laws page.
Where to get medical marijuana in CT – Dispensaries
There are 28 marijuana dispensaries in CT where patients and adults aged 21+ can buy cannabis.
In addition to the CT medical card, patients should also take their photo identification with them to make purchases.
Below are some popular Connecticut marijuana dispensaries and their locations:
- Affinity Health & Wellness in New Haven, CT.
- Curaleaf Hartford, Inc. in Hartford, CT.
- Curaleaf Milford, Inc. in Milford, CT.
- Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut in Branford, CT.
- Bluepoint Wellness of Westport in Westport, CT.
- Caring Nature, LLC in Waterbury, CT.
- Compassionate Care Center of Connecticut / D&B Wellness, LLC in Bethel, CT.
- Fine Fettle Dispensary-Newington in Newington, CT.
- Nature’s Medicines in Mansfield, CT.
- Prime Wellness of Connecticut, LLC in South Windsor, CT.
- Still River Wellness in Torrington, CT.
- Southern CT Wellness & Healing LLC in Milford, CT.
- The Botanist in Danbury, CT.
- The Healing Corner/Trulieve in Bristol, CT
- Willow Brook Dispensary in Meriden, CT
When did the CT Medical Marijuana Program start?
In 2012, the Connecticut state government made the first steps in creating legislation concerning the medical use of marijuana through the Connecticut Marijuana Laws. House Bill 5389, signed on May 31, initiated this by requiring every qualified patient to be registered with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). Later that year, on September 23, the CT medical marijuana program came into being. And with the registration portal now available for prospecting patients, medical marijuana in CT was legal. Afterward came the list of medical marijuana qualifying conditions, and several medical conditions have been added to the list ever since. Most recently, as of June 3, 2020, the list now includes chronic pain and all of its related symptoms and diseases. Coming a long way from its modest beginning in 2014, the CT Medical Marijuana Program now boasts numerous dispensaries across its state borders, run by many manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut started accepting patient registrations for the medical marijuana program on September 23, 2012.
- A CT medical marijuana doctor must certify you for MMJ and you must register with the CT MMP to get a medical marijuana card.
- There is no state fee for the Connecticut medical marijuana card.
- A Connecticut medical marijuana card lets you possess up to 5 ounces of cannabis every month.
Speak with Our Medical Marijuana Doctor Today
Same-day appointments available.
Common Questions About the CT Medical Marijuana Program
Below are the answers to common questions patients have about the CT Medical Marijuana Program.
Who can become a medical marijuana patient in Connecticut?
Any Connecticut resident diagnosed with a qualifying condition for a medical card in CT may become a medical marijuana patient.
However, inmates confined in a correctional institution or facility under the supervision of the Connecticut Department of Corrections are not eligible. Only Connecticut residents are eligible for a medical marijuana license. When applying for the CT medical marijuana card, patients must provide proof of Connecticut residency. For instance, computer-generated bank statements, utility bills, a Connecticut voter registration card, or motor vehicle registration.
Can the Connecticut MMP refer me to certified medical cannabis physicians?
The Connecticut medical marijuana program does not refer patients to certified medical cannabis physicians.
However, with Quick Med Cards, you have access to certified medical marijuana doctors in CT near you.
Are health insurance companies now required to cover medical marijuana expenses in Connecticut?
Unfortunately, Connecticut marijuana laws do not require health insurers to cover the cost of medical marijuana or related expenses. That is because medical marijuana is not an FDA-approved drug.
Additionally, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance – a drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Are patients allowed to use medical marijuana everywhere in Connecticut?
No. Patients are not allowed to use medical marijuana in most places such as in the workplace, any public space, or in the presence of anyone under 18.
Additionally, it is illegal to use medical cannabis in any private school, dormitory, college, or university property. Moreover, patients also cannot use medical marijuana, in any moving vehicle, including a bus or school bus. Patients should only administer their medicinal cannabis while in the privacy of their own homes.
Can I use my Connecticut medical cannabis card outside of the state?
Yes, you can use your Connecticut medical cannabis card in states with medical marijuana reciprocity.
Because of varying reciprocity laws, you must be aware of the specific details each state has towards medical cardholders from other states before attempting to consume or buy medical marijuana outside of Connecticut.
Can a school or university deny me as a student because I’m a medical marijuana patient in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut marijuana law clearly states that no school may refuse to enroll any person on the sole basis that they are a qualifying patient.
Additionally, the law protects you from discrimination because of your status as a qualifying patient.
Can I ever be refused as a tenant because of my status as a medical marijuana patient?
No. Landlords cannot refuse to rent a dwelling unit just because you are a qualifying medical marijuana patient.
Additionally, the law prohibits landlords from taking action against a tenant because of their status as medical marijuana patients.
Will I be fired or penalized at the workplace for using medical marijuana?
Employers cannot refuse to hire someone just because of their status as a qualifying patient. Moreover, employers cannot discharge, penalize, or threaten an employee because they have a CT medical card.
However, an employer can prohibit the use of marijuana during work hours or take disciplinary actions against intoxicated employees in the workplace.
How is the decision made as to whether a medical marijuana patient needs a primary caregiver in Connecticut?
The certifying practitioner will determine whether a patient needs a primary caregiver.
Minor patients on the other hand are required to have a primary caregiver – this could be their parent or legal guardian.
How do I renew my MMJ certification card in Connecticut?
You can renew your Connecticut MMJ certification 30 days before the expiration date. The recertification process is very similar to the initial registration.
To extend the validity of your CT medical marijuana card:
1. Get your marijuana certification renewed from our medical marijuana doctor in Connecticut.
2. Log into your Connecticut medical marijuana portal account (https://biznet.ct.gov/dcp-mmrp) and apply for a renewal.
3. Pay for your Connecticut medical marijuana card.
Does CT have a medical marijuana card?
Yes. The Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection issues physical medical marijuana cards to approved patients.
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in CT, you must be a resident of Connecticut. Additionally, a licensed medical marijuana doctor in CT must certify that you have a qualifying condition. Certified patients must then apply with the Connecticut medical marijuana program to get their medical marijuana card.
How much does medical marijuana cost in CT?
There are 18 dispensaries in Connecticut, and the cost of medical marijuana varies across each one.
Generally, a trip to a marijuana dispensary in CT may cost as little as $8. For an ounce of cannabis flower, however, patients should expect to pay at least $170. Below are the approximate starting prices for different forms of medical marijuana in CT:
- 2g of cannabis flower from $13
- 28g of cannabis flower from $170
- Pre-rolled cannabis starts at $12
- Vaporizers at $15
- Edibles from $8
- Concentrates from $15
- Topicals at $12
- Tinctures from $12
Can I grow marijuana in CT?
If you have a valid medical marijuana card, you can grow marijuana starting October 1, 2021. You are allowed to cultivate a maximum of six plants; three mature and three immature plants.
However, if you don’t have a CT medical card, you will have to wait until July 1, 2023, before you can start growing marijuana plants legally.
Patient Resources and Forms
Contact details for the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program
State Agency: Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection (CDCP)
Phone: (860) 713-6066
Email: dcp.mmp@ct.gov
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Medical-Marijuana-Program/Medical-Marijuana-Program