How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland

Legalization of medicinal marijuana took place in Maryland in 2014, while recreational legalization happened through the ballot in November 2022, and thus, marijuana is legal for individuals aged 21 and above. Medical and recreational marijuana are regulated by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), a self-governing authority established in 2023.

Though recreational marijuana is legal, getting a medical card helps because one benefits from increased possession limits, lower taxation, the ability to buy marijuana at the age of 18, and employment protection, among others.

The medical cannabis program is run by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA).

• Contact phone number: (410) 487-8100
• Patient portal: cannabis.maryland.gov 
• Application portal: OneStop Portal at onestop.md.gov 

Qualifying for the Maryland Medical Cannabis Program involves the following steps:

• Residency of Maryland
• Aged 18 years or above (minors can be eligible with one of their parents/guardians as caregivers)
• Certification of a qualifying illness from a registered MCA provider

No felony exclusions apply to Maryland’s medical cannabis program.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

Maryland recognizes the following conditions, plus a broad catch-all provision:

• Cachexia, anorexia, or wasting syndrome
• Severe or chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures (including epilepsy)
• Severe or persistent muscle spasms
• Glaucoma
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Any other chronic medical condition that is severe and for which other treatments have been ineffective

The catch-all provision gives doctors the freedom to prescribe marijuana for any severe illness that is not on the list and cannot be treated using conventional medicine. Public petitions can be made for other illnesses to be added to the list; the petitioned illness will be considered within one year.

Who Can Certify Patients?

Only physicians licensed under the MCA who are also in good standing with their respective state medical boards can certify patients for cannabis use. Certified physicians may include MDs/DOs, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and podiatrists.

Step 1: Register on the MCA OneStop Portal

Before making an appointment with your physician, you have to register as a patient on the website at onestop.md.gov of Maryland OneStop. So in that sense, it is a little different from the general process because here the registration will occur before physician certification, and not afterward.

Please fill out the application in one session; it cannot be saved in between. The following items should be kept ready:

• A valid Maryland driver’s license/ID card/military ID or US passport
• Residency proof in Maryland (utilities bills/bank statements/MVA paperwork/property tax receipts)
• Passport-sized photograph
• Where applicable, medical assistance program participation in Maryland or the VA Maryland health care system (for free waiver of fees)

Last but not least, email confirmation and receipt of the MCA Patient ID number (in 1-2 working days).

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment With an MCA-Registered Provider

After receiving your Patient ID, schedule a visit with a board-certified doctor/nurse practitioner. Telemedicine is fully acceptable. The following actions will be performed by your healthcare provider:

• Evaluate your record and determine if you qualify for the MCA program
• Prepare your electronic certification if you fit the qualifications

It normally takes 24-48 hours for this process.

Step 3: Download Your Temporary Card and Pay the Fee

After submitting your application:

• Make sure to print your MCA ID card immediately, since its online version can be used at any licensed dispensary
• Ensure that you pay $25 for the ID card (the amount is non-refundable)

You will not have to pay for the ID card if you have previously received benefits under the Maryland Medical Assistance Program or in the VA Maryland Health Care System. Children and terminally ill individuals are exempt from the card fee.

Step 4: Receive Your Official Card

The MCA card will be physically mailed out within 7 to 10 working days after the completion of the payment process for the fees. The validity period for the MCA card is 6 years; however, patients must undergo certification annually from their physician.

Carry your MCA ID card with you at all times while shopping for cannabis at a licensed dispensary in Maryland. The ID card gets validated at the dispensary through the MCA system before proceeding with the transaction. Through a valid ID card, one can purchase a 30-day quantity of cannabis.

Benefits Over Recreational Access

There are several benefits that the medical card gives over purchasing cannabis for recreational use in Maryland:

• Reduced tax – Medical cannabis is subject to reduced taxation compared to the recreational variety.
• Possession limit – The amount that the medical patient can carry around is larger than the recreational one.
• Age of access – Recreational cannabis requires that you be 21 years old.
• Employment protection – In Maryland, an employer cannot refuse employment based only on your being a medical cannabis patient.
• Caregiver system – Patients can nominate someone to buy for them.

A patient over the age of 18 years may appoint one caregiver who will take care of him/her. All caregivers must be at least 21 years old, register via the OneStop portal, and obtain an MCA Caregiver ID card that costs $25. The number of patients per caregiver can be up to five.

Up to four caregivers can take care of a minor patient – his/her parent/legal guardian plus two other adults chosen by him/her. No fee is charged for registering a minor patient.

Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are not accepted in Maryland. Out-of-state residents are prohibited from purchasing their medication in Maryland dispensaries; however, Maryland residents can obtain a regular card.

Your Maryland Medical Cannabis ID Card expires after 6 years, but your certification must be updated yearly. To keep your card valid, you must annually receive your certification from an MCA-registered health care professional. The process of renewing your certification can take place through telemedicine.

• Register in the OneStop Portal before visiting your provider; never after.
• Fill out your application in one sitting; your progress will not be saved.
• Telemedicine can be used for certification and renewals.
• An instant digital card is available; a physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
• The card lasts for 6 years; certification needs renewal annually.
• Card cost: $25; free if Medicaid/VA, minor, or hospice patient.
• Medical marijuana cards issued by other states are not recognized in Maryland.
• Legal protection at the workplace for registered medical patients.