Cannabis Laws by State

Below is a comprehensive list of states which have medical marijuana programs (MMPs). Through these programs, residents may get access to medical marijuana if they’re eligible. To find out if you’re eligible, you should read through the requirements and list of qualifying medical conditions for your state. If you meet the criteria, you will then need to consult with a certified medical marijuana doctor, who can verify your diagnosis and give you an official recommendation for cannabis treatment.

Most states mentioned below require qualified residents to register with the state MMP and apply for a state-issued patient ID card, also known as a medical marijuana card.

A valid medical marijuana card allows patients to lawfully buy, use, and in some cases, plant medical marijuana (MMJ) at home. Additionally, cardholders enjoy legal protection when in possession of medical cannabis.

Each state has a unique application process for a medical marijuana card. And the qualifying conditions for a medical card vary from state to state. Moreover, every state has different medical marijuana rules. So, getting familiar with this information is crucial for those seeking a medical marijuana card.

We have written the following information as a guide to enable effortless medical card applications for our patients. The following pages tackle crucial topics like, finding a licensed marijuana doctor, how to get a medical card, which marijuana laws apply to you, lists of qualifying conditions, and info about medical marijuana programs.

First-time medical marijuana patients should be aware that doctors cannot prescribe medical marijuana in the same way as regular medication. Instead, the doctor can write a recommendation for cannabis treatment for their patient. In most states, only doctors who have been certified by the state and who hold a special license may recommend medical marijuana to patients. Before writing a recommendation, the doctor must verify that their patient suffers from one of the medical conditions outlined by the state to be suitable for medical marijuana treatment.

Additionally, patients can only make purchases from medical marijuana dispensaries in place of regular pharmacies.

Every state with a medical marijuana program has rules that every patient should follow. These rules help protect patients and those around them, besides promoting the responsible use of medicinal cannabis. Knowledge of your state’s medical marijuana laws is necessary to ensure that you have legal protection when it comes to cannabis possession and consumption.

Your status as a registered cannabis patient protects you as long as you follow the rules set by your state’s medical-marijuana program. For example, even if your home state allows smoking marijuana, public consumption is still prohibited, and doing so may land you in trouble with law enforcement.

If you are not sure of the medical marijuana rules in your state, please review the appropriate cannabis law page for more information.

As a registered physician, certifying your patient for medical marijuana should not pose a risk. According to a well-documented Medscape report on medical marijuana, no physician has ever faced charges of medical malpractice because of recommending marijuana treatment to their patients.

The Medscape data also highlights the recommendation by the U.S. Department of Justice protecting physicians from legal action for recommending medical marijuana.