How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland

Getting a medical marijuana card in Maryland is a straightforward process as long as you are eligible and follow the steps outlined below. Both residents and non-residents of Maryland are eligible to apply for an MMJ card if they meet specific requirements.

Residents

  • Must be aged 18 or older (applicants under 18 must appoint a caregiver, i.e., a parent or legal guardian)
  • Must be or have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition (we will provide a list of qualifying conditions below)

Non-Residents

  • Must be physically present in the state
  • Have been or will be admitted to a Joint Commission-accredited medical facility
  • Have been or will be dispensed medicinal marijuana at the medical facility while an in-patient there
  • Will complete the treatment prior to release
If you meet the criteria outlined above, then follow these steps to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland:
01

Submit an Online Patient Application

Online applications are made to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). The MMCC will assess your application, and if approved, you will receive an MMCC-issued ID number.

You will need to provide the following as part of your online application:

  • Your nine-digit Social Security Number
  • A valid email address
  • An electronic copy of a government-issued photo ID from the United States. Passports, military IDs, Motor Vehicle Administration ID cards, and driver’s licenses are all acceptable forms of identification.
  • Proof of your Maryland address. You will require two documents. A utility bill, property tax bill, bank account statement, or car insurance policy
  • A digital photo taken within the last six months. If you are a hospice patient, instead of a recent photo, you can get a letter from the Attending of Hospice on Record physician.
  • All of the above, except for the photo, must be dated within the previous 90 days.
02

Obtain a Valid Written Certification from a Registered Physician

After you have received your ID number, you next must obtain a valid written certification from a physician registered with the MMCC. There are over 1100 to choose from on the MMCC’s website, so all you have to do is pick one and schedule an appointment with them.

03

Print Your Temporary ID Card

After you have been certified by a registered physician, log into your one-stop account using the username and password you chose during registration and print your temporary ID card. Please note that the temporary ID card must be printed within 90 days of the date of approval.

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How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland
- A Step-by-Step Guide

  • Check your eligibility
  • Submit an online application to the MMCC
  • Be approved by the MMCC and receive an ID number
  • Schedule an appointment with a MMCC-registered physician
  • Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition (see list below) by that MMCC-registered physician
  • Print your temporary ID card within 90 days of being approved

Maryland Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions

To qualify for an MMJ card in Maryland, you need to have been diagnosed with at least one of these qualifying medical conditions:

Patient Qualifying Conditions

  • Cachexia
  • Anorexia
  • Wasting syndrome
  • Severe or chronic pain
  • Severe nausea
  • Seizures
  • Severe or persistent muscle spasms
  • Glaucoma
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • A chronic medical condition that is severe and for which alternative treatments have proved ineffective

General Guidelines

Below we will provide information regarding renewing your Maryland medical marijuana card and also what the rules are for caregivers.

Medical Marijuana Card Renewal in Maryland

The good news is that a Maryland medical marijuana card is valid for six years! However, please note that you must be re-certified annually by an MMCC-registered physician.

To renew your MMJ card, log in to your MMCC account and click on “Renew Registration,” and update your details if necessary. The MMCC will review your renewal application, and if approved, your MMJ card will be valid for another six years.

The renewal fee is exactly the same as the initial application fee, i.e., $25.

Caregiver Rules

A patient can appoint up to two caregivers. They must be aged 21 or older, and they must apply to the MMCC via the Commission’s Caregiver Registry.

Please note that a caregiver can only assist a maximum of five patients with their medical marijuana needs, and the caregiver’s registration is valid for two years.

History of Cannabis in Maryland

Governor O’Malley signed legislation establishing an MMJ program in May 2013. In April 2014, the Maryland Legislature passed HB 881, paving the way for the establishment of an MMJ infrastructure. However, the state postponed the program for more than three years. Finally, in December 2017, Maryland’s medical marijuana program went live.

Over 65% of Maryland residents voted “yes” to Question 4, legalizing recreational marijuana in the state, in 2022. The new law allows for the possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana and the cultivation of two plants at home. It takes effect in July 2023.

Maryland Medical Marijuana Laws and Rules

In 2014, the state decriminalized possession of 10 grams or less. It was a necessary step because Maryland, at the time, had the fifth-highest marijuana possession arrest rate in the country.

Possession of up to 1.5 ounces was decriminalized in Maryland on January 1, 2023. Adults aged 21 and older will legally be able to possess up to 1.5 ounces beginning July 1, 2023.

However, possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute is a felony offense punishable by a five-year prison sentence. Marijuana cultivation is punishable in Maryland as either simple possession or possession with the intent to deliver, depending on the number of plants grown. However, the law has recently changed, and adults over the age of 21 will soon be able to cultivate marijuana at home.

What Types of Cannabis Can I Purchase in Maryland?

Once you have a valid MMJ card, you can purchase a wide array of marijuana products in Maryland! In addition to cannabis flower, you can purchase topicals, vape products, extracts, and edibles.

How Much Cannabis Can I Buy and Possess?

Qualified patients may purchase and possess up to 120 grams of dried cannabis or 36 grams of a THC product every 30 days. However, if you receive a special determination from a doctor stating that you require more, you may be eligible for a larger allowance. Purchases in Maryland are calculated on a rolling 30-day cycle rather than per calendar month.

In addition, cannabis edibles are subject to strict regulations. Unless the MMCC

approves the product, MMJ dispensaries cannot sell edibles containing more than 10mg of THC per dose and 100mg of THC per package.

Where Can I Legally Purchase MMJ in Maryland?

You can purchase MMJ from over 100 state-licensed dispensaries.

Can I Take my MMJ to a Different State?

No. Marijuana is still a federally illegal substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Therefore, traveling across state lines with it in your possession is illegal.

FAQ About Getting an MMJ Card in Maryland

How long does it take to get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland?

If approved, you should receive an email from the MMCC within 45 days. The average time it takes to be approved is approximately 20 days, but some patients have been approved in as little as 5 days.

What if I'm not approved after my initial consultation with a Maryland MMJ physician?

We're pleased to report that MMJCardOnline users have an extremely high approval rate. Please read the information in this guide before applying to increase your chances of success. In the unlikely event that you're not approved, you will get a full refund.

How much is it for a Medical Card in Maryland?
The online application fee to the MMCC is $25. It costs between $150-$250 to be certified by a MMCC-registered physician.
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