How Do I Get a Medical Cannabis Card?: A Comprehensive Guide

• By TMCC Admin Team
• July 30, 2022November 15, 2023
• Medical, Blog, Health and Wellness

Your Complete Guide to Getting a Medical Cannabis Card

Are you considering medical cannabis as a treatment option but unsure how to get started? This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, from eligibility criteria to consulting your physician and from registration to finally receiving your medical cannabis card.

Whether you’re in Alabama, Alaska, all the way to Vermont and Wyoming, we’ve got you covered.

How Do I Get a Medical Cannabis Card?

The procedure for obtaining a medical cannabis card varies in each state but generally follows the same pattern. If you’re interested in receiving a card in your area, here’s a general sense of what to expect.

While marijuana usage is still illegal on the federal level, 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have legalized it. 

Currently, anyone with a qualified medical condition can consume medical cannabis. Medical cannabis is a popular therapy option for people suffering from severe pain or other ailments. 

While medical cannabis isn’t considered strong enough to replace prescription medications after surgery, it has been shown to aid with persistent aches and pains, particularly those associated with aging.

Medical cannabis is less addictive than opioids and can be used instead of ibuprofen or paracetamol.

It is used to treat nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, and aids in the stimulation of appetite in these individuals, as well as those suffering from AIDS and anorexia

Here’s what you need to know about receiving a medical  cannabis card if your state authorizes it:

Conditions for Eligibility

The first thing you should know about obtaining a medical cannabis card is that you must have one of the specific ailments allowed by your state for medical cannabis use.

So, first, check your state’s list of qualifying conditions, which is usually available on the state health department’s website.

Medical cannabis regulations differ from state to state, as do the conditions that qualify for its usage. In general, states that allow medical cannabis use consider it to be useful for:

• Cancer
• AIDS and HIV
• Glaucoma
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Lou Gehrig’s disease (a type of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS))
• Seizures and epilepsy
• Chronic discomfort
• Serious nausea
• Parkinson’s illness
• Anorexia
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic problems that are affecting your quality of life or symptoms that prohibit you from carrying out daily tasks or endanger your safety or mental or physical health are usually included.

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Consult With Your Primary Care Physician

Consult your primary care physician or doctor before applying for a medical cannabis card. Your doctor will assess if it is necessary for your condition and will discuss any potential risks or side effects with you.

There are instances where documents from your regular doctor are needed to be certified to use cannabis for certain medical conditions. MRI results, X-rays, and doctor’s notes are examples of these documents. 

While each state’s procedure differs, most will require you to register for the state’s medical cannabis program.

You will, however, be required to produce proof that your doctor has approved medicinal cannabis for the treatment of your symptoms as part of the registration process.

If your current primary care physician is not willing to certify you for a medical card, or you do not feel comfortable having that conversation with them, you can get certified through our network!

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Registration and Application Process

Depending on your state, you may need to register with your state’s existing medical cannabis program. Some states may require you to create an online account in order to complete your registration. Making an online account keeps your information accessible in case you ever lose or need to renew your medical cannabis card.

If you’re applying for a card alongside a caregiver, they’ll need to provide their information as well. Each state has its unique set of restrictions and procedures. Always check your state’s medical cannabis program for instructions. 

Application for a Medical Cannabis Card

Medical cannabis patients who wish to register with their state’s medical cannabis program can do so online in most states. These portals are also used to process medical cannabis card applications for both patients and caregivers. Paper forms may still be acceptable depending on which state’s program you’re applying to. However, online applications are generally faster and more convenient than submitting applications in person.

Role of Cannabis Caregivers

The role of the caregiver is to administer or assist a patient with their medication. They must be able to obtain it for the patient, either through an ordering process or by personally transporting it. It’s critical that both the patient and the caregiver are aware of the patient’s medicine use and any side effects. In some states, caretakers are permitted to grow the plant on their own. A caregiver’s ability to grow a certain number of plants is limited, and they must adhere to the legal limit.

A person who wants to be the patient’s medical marijuana caregiver must be at least 18 years old. He or she may also need to pass a background check, complete a certification course, and submit an application to the agency that oversees the program.

Payment and Fees

Medical cannabis cards will almost certainly require payment. Pricing varies by state, and most of the states already accept online payments. 

Receiving Your Medical Cannabis Card

Your physical card from your state health department will most likely take a few weeks to arrive. All applications are reviewed and are subject to approval. If the forms and requirements are incomplete, the application may be disqualified, so double-check your application is correct before submitting.

 In the meantime, you may be issued a temporary medical cannabis card, which you can use to acquire medical cannabis from dispensaries.

Finding a Medical Dispensary

You can only buy medical cannabis from approved dispensaries in your state after you’ve obtained your medical cannabis card. Depending on the state, possessing a medical card may allow you to purchase cannabis products with higher THC levels or in larger amounts. You may even be allowed to cultivate marijuana plants in your home for personal use, depending on your condition and the state.

The dispensary’s personnel, often known as budtenders, can also answer questions regarding the goods they sell. You should bring your doctor’s recommendations with you, but keep in mind that different dispensaries carry different items, so yours might not have exactly what your doctor recommended.

Also, remember to carry your card with you while visiting a dispensary. Because not all dispensaries accept credit cards, you may also need to bring another form of identification and cash.

How to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in My State?

Curious how you can apply for a medical cannabis card in your state? Here is a brief overview of how patients can apply for a medical cannabis card in each state with a legal medical cannabis program.

State Specific Guidelines for Medical Cannabis

ALASKA

• The original signed form of the physician’s statement stating that the patient has been diagnosed with a qualifying debilitating medical condition and the conclusion of the patient’s physician that the patient might benefit from the medical use of marijuana. A certified copy of that documentation is also acceptable.

FEES: 

• $25 – Application fee 
• $20 –  Renewal fee

Additional requirements for minor patients:

• Completed Medical Marijuana Reviewing Physician Certification for Patients Under 18 (for minor patients)
• Signed and dated Medical Marijuana Custodial Parent and Legal Guardian Attestation form
• A current photograph, fingerprint, and copy of ID  of the caregiver

FEES: 

• $150 – Initial or a renewal registry identification card for a qualifying patient
• $75 – Initial and renewal cards if they currently participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
• $200 – Initial or a renewal registry identification card for a designated caregiver. 

Once successfully submitted through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) online system, ADHS will review your application. If approved, you will receive an automatically-generated email indicating your approval. Upon approval, your registry identification card will be mailed to you at the address you provided in the application.

Patients can register and apply for an ID CARD by creating an account on their online state portal. 

Patient applications may take 10-14 days to process. Incomplete applications will be returned.

FEES:

• $50  (non-refundable) – for patient medical marijuana card application
• $50  (non-refundable) – for caregiver medical marijuana card application

CALIFORNIA

You must complete an Application/Renewal Form and file it in person in the California county where you live. You must submit the following current documentation with your application:

Medi-Cal beneficiaries will receive a 50% discount on the application fee (not to exceed $50), and the fees shall be waived for indigent patients who are eligible for and participate in the County Medical Services Program.

COLORADO

• Make sure you have your caregiver’s registration ID number if you’re applying with them. In order to be listed on your card, your caregiver must sign a caregiver agreement.

Online applications with all required information are approved in 1-3 business days. You can access your card through your online account once it has been accepted.

FEES:

• $29.50 – Non-refundable and must be submitted with each application

CONNECTICUT

In order to start the process for a medical marijuana card in Connecticut, you must first schedule an appointment with your doctor. Only your doctor can start the process by certifying to the Department that you have a medical condition that qualifies you for a medical marijuana registration certificate.

To apply, you must submit your registration and  application online with these requirements: 

• Valid ID such as Connecticut or Out-of-State Issued Driver’s License, US Passport or Passport Card or Permanent Resident Card
• Proof of Connecticut residency

FEES:

• $100  – registration fee

DELAWARE

Applicants can use the Department’s online portal  to submit their applications, or they can print them off and mail them to the Delaware Public Health Division. The qualifications and requirements are the following:

• Register with the system. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Medical Marijuana Card online
• Must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions
• Must have a certification from a Delaware licensed health care practitioner
• Must submit a proof of age and residency
• Minors need parental approval, with a copy of a parent’s or caregiver’s Delaware issued driver’s license or State issued ID with your application.

The Department will approve or deny a complete application within 45 calendar days of receipt after verifying the information contained in the application. Your registry ID card from the Medical Marijuana Program will be valid for one year from the date of issue.

FEES:

• $50 – Non-refundable fee for all who apply

District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)

Residents of the district of Washington D.C who are at least 21 years old are able to apply for patient cards that will provide them access to any of the seven district-based dispensaries without a doctor’s prescription for medical marijuana. Medical Cannabis Patient Applications for adult patients must still be submitted online, via mail, or in-person.

Effective August 8, 2022, DC residents may immediately purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries using their temporary patient registration approvals. Temporary registrations are valid for 30-days and may be used while an applicant’s application is under review. Registrations are free through December 8, 2022.

Minors must legally be recommended to acquire, possess, and use medicinal cannabis.

The requirements to have a medical cannabis card are:

• A healthcare practitioner recommendation dated within two years of the application submission date, if not self-certifying.
  • Applicants 21 years of age or older may self-certify in lieu of providing a recommendation.
• Social Security Number or a copy of an affidavit if you don’t have a social security number
• A recent 2×2 photo
• A copy of ID such as: DC DMV REAL ID, photo ID issued by the government or a proof of residence in D.C.

FEES: 

Patient and caregiver registration fees are waived through December 8, 2022. Previously paid fees are non-refundable.
Patients who were issued a one (1) year registration on or after November 10, 2020 may request a new registration valid for two (2) years at no cost.

• $100 – New registration
• $25  for reduced fees – To qualify for a reduced fee, applicants must provide proof of being a current Medicaid or DC Alliance recipient or documentation verifying their total gross income with their completed application. Income verification is required for each renewal or replacement card request.

FLORIDA

You can apply for a Medical Marijuana Use Registry identity card in two ways: online or by mail.

The requirements needed for application are the following:

• A completed Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card Application form 
• A copy of your Florida driver license or Florida identification card, or other proof of residency
• A  full-face 2×2 passport-style photo 
• A designated caregiver and a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card
• Caregiver Application (for minors)

To keep an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card, patients and caregivers must submit an application every year. Renewal applications are only accepted starting 45 days before your card expires. Online applications take an average of 10 business days for approval. If you are submitting an application by mail, please allow an additional 3-5 days for postal delivery of your application.

FEES:

• $75 

HAWAII

Create an online account using a valid email address in the Medical Cannabis Registry Program online portal. Fill out the online application and have the following documents ready to be uploaded:

• Valid state ID, driver’s license, or passport
• Copy of your Caregiver’s photo ID (if you have one)

Submit your online application to your certifying physician/APRN in Hawaii. The Physician/APRN certifies your condition and submits your application to Hawaii Department of Health for review and approval.

FEES:

• $38.50 – 1 year registration
• $77  – 2 year registration, if eligible

ILLINOIS

Patients can register and apply to the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System (ICTS). To register, the patient must complete the following information and requirements:

• Must be a resident of the State of Illinois at the time of application and remain a resident during participation in the program
• Must have a qualifying debilitating medical condition
• Must have a certification electronically submitted by a Health Care Professional for the use of medical cannabis
• Should not hold a school bus permit or Commercial Driver’s License
• Should not be an active duty law enforcement officer, correctional officer, correctional probation officer, or firefighter.

FEES:

• $50 – Regular Patient Application Fee
• $75 – Regular Patient Application Fee with One Caregiver
• $25 – Designated Caregiver Fee

LOUISIANA

Patients in Louisiana will not be required to carry a medical card, unlike in other states with medicinal marijuana programs. Instead, they will need a prescription from any Louisiana doctor and will be able to pick up their medicine at any of the state’s nine dispensaries.

MAINE

Qualifying patients are not required to register or to possess a registry identification card, but they must possess a written certification from their medical provider and a proof of identity to access medical cannabis.

Registration is not required for the primary caregiver who provides assistance to patients who are family or household members.However, a primary caregiver who provides assistance to a patient who is not a family or household member of the primary caregiver must register and receive a registry identity card for each patient. A registered primary caregiver may receive up to five registry cards

MARYLAND

Any Maryland resident whose doctor recommends medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for a qualified medical condition is entitled to register as a patient with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC).

A registered patient may designate up to two carers, who must be 21 years old or older. 

Minor patients (those under the age of 18) must have at least one caregiver at all times, who is the minor’s parent or guardian. A minor patient can have up to four caregivers: two parents/guardians and two extra persons over the age of 21 who have been selected by a parent or guardian. Before registering a minor patient, the caregiver must first register with the Commission.

When you register as a medical cannabis patient in Maryland, you will need:

• A valid and accessible email account
• Full 9- digit Social Security Number
• An electronic copy of a valid government-issued photo ID 
• A proof Maryland residency

FEES:

• $50 – for new applications and renewal

MASSACHUSETTS

You may be qualified to enroll in the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMUMP) if you live in Massachusetts, have a qualifying medical condition, and apply with the following proof:

• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must be certified as a qualified patient by visiting a registered Certifying Health Care Provider.*
  • Minor patients must be certified by two Certifying Health Care Providers, one of whom must be a pediatrician or pediatric specialist
• A valid driver’s license or government-issued ID
• A passport-style photo or photo from your Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) record

*Once you’ve been certified by your Certifying Health Care Provider, you’ll receive an email from the MMUMP that includes your four-digit PIN registration number, as well as instructions on how to complete your patient application online.

FEES:

• There is no longer a fee to apply for a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts. 
  

MICHIGAN

To apply for a medical cannabis card in Michigan, a qualifying patient must submit the following:

• Application Form for Registry Identification Card
• Physician Certification Form
• Proof of Michigan Residency for the patient.
• If you are designating a caregiver, you must include a copy of the caregiver’s valid state-issued driver license or personal identification card. Only the front is required.

For minor patients, you may use this form including these additional requirements:

• Declaration of Person Responsible for Minor Patient
• Two Physician Certification Forms
• Proof of Michigan Residency for the designated caregiver. Only the front is required.
• Proof of parentage or legal guardianship document. Any additional document(s) to reflect legal name change(s), if applicable.

FEES: 

• $40  – this can be a check or money order payable to: State of Michigan-MMMP

MINNESOTA

To apply for a medical cannabis card in Minnesota, you must start the process by contacting your health care practitioner who has responsibility for your care connected to your qualifying condition.

You must also be a Minnesota resident in order to be certified for medical cannabis.

The Office of Medical Cannabis will send you an email as soon as your practitioner certifies that you have a qualifying ailment.

The email will include a link to register online. Your certification will expire if you do not complete your enrollment in 90 days.

In order to register, you will need these additional documents:

• Government-issued ID: state of Minnesota ID or driver’s license
• Your government medical assistance plan document (if applying for the discounted annual registration fee)
• Digital camera or mobile phone to capture an image of your ID and medical assistance plan document, if applicable
• Parent/legal guardian or spouse ID and birth certificate/marriage certificate, if patient is minor.
• Credit/debit card or checking/savings account routing information to pay annual enrollment fee

FEES:

• $20 – 1 year full fee
• $50 – 1 year reduced fee*

*If applying for the discounted fee, you will need to show proof of receiving Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability, medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, IHS, Railroad disability, VA dependency, and indemnity compensation, or Veteran’s disability benefits. 

MISSISSIPPI

Before you apply for a medical cannabis card in Mississippi, you must visit a physician, nurse practitioner, or optometrist participating in the medical cannabis program.

One of these medical professionals will need to determine whether you have a qualifying medical condition, and if one does so, you must register your certification for medical cannabis use with the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.

Before submitting an application, you’ll have to register with the Medical Cannabis Portal. You’ll need a valid email address to register, and will use it to create an account name and password.

Within 60 days of medical certification, you must apply to the Medical Cannabis Program as a patient. You also need to provide the following:

• Identification issued by the State, such as driver’s license, or a state-issued ID
  
• Proof of residency in the State of Mississippi 
  
• A clear, color photograph of the head and top of shoulders that was taken in the last six months. It must be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
  
• An attestation, signed and dated by the applicant, that the information provided is true and correct and pledging not to divert medical cannabis or medical cannabis products to any individual or entity

For minors, the following additional documentation must be provided:

• Parental or legal guardian consent for the minor to participate in the medical cannabis program
• An attestation, signed and dated by the applicant and parent(s)/legal guardian(s), pledging not to divert medical cannabis or medical cannabis products to any individual or entity

You’ll receive an electronic identification card that can be used at a medical cannabis dispensary.

FEES:

• $25  – standard nonrefundable fee 
• $15  – nonrefundable fee for a Mississippi Medicaid participant shall be (Medicaid status will be verified at the time of application)
• $25  – for  Designated Caregiver Registry Identification Card

MISSOURI

To begin, patients will need the Physician Certification Form completed by an MD or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in good standing in the state of Missouri.

Patients that are under the age of 18 will also need to complete and submit a Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form with their application.

Applying caregivers will need a Patient Authorization Form and the patient’s license number, which the patient will receive once their application is approved. This number will begin with PAT.

To complete an application, patients will need to register with the Complia application portal.

Only applications submitted through the online registry will be accepted. The department has 30 days to process all submitted applications and processes them in the order they were received.

The following documents must also be provided as part of the application:

• Proof of Missouri Residency 
• Physician Certification Form
• A legible copy of the qualifying patient’s photo identification issued by a state or federal government entity
• A Parental/Legal Guardian Consent Form for minor qualifying patient
• A clear, color photo of the qualifying patient’s face taken within the prior three (3) months.
• Signed and dated attestation statement

FEES:

• $25.94 – New Patient Application
• $25.94 – New Caregiver Application

MONTANA

All applications must be completed through the TransAction Portal (TAP) and submitted together with:

• A physician’s recommendation signed by a Montana licensed physician (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy) within 60 days of application submission
  
  • Minor applicants must use the Physician Statement for Minors form. Minor applications require the approval of two physicians, unless the minor’s treating physician or referral physician is an oncologist, neurologist, or epileptologist

• A clear, colored photo taken from the shoulders up. The background must be plain and light colored and must be taken within the last six months
  
• Proof of Montana Residency such as Montana driver’s license, Montana state or tribal identification card, voter registration form, or Montana hunting or fishing license
  
• Proof of Legal Guardianship (Required for Guardians of Minor Applicants)

FEES:

• $20  – New or renewal cardholder registration

NEVADA

Login or register as a Cardholder in the online portal. Cardholder applications may be submitted through the online portal or by paper together with:

• Completed relevant application form: Adult or  Minor
  
• Copies of the front and back of the patient’s driver’s license or State ID 
  
• If there is a caregiver, also include copies of the front and back of the caregiver’s driver’s license or State ID

FEES:

• $50  – 1-year registration term 
• $100  –  2-year registration term; Registration term is determined by the healthcare provider

NEW HAMPSHIRE

To become a medical cannabis cardholder in New Hampshire, an applicant must be a state resident and diagnosed by a medical provider as having a qualifying medical condition.

The process and paperwork for a medical cannabis card in New Hampshire is the same each year, whether you are a new applicant or renewing your card:

• A completed Patient Application or a Minor Application Form 
• Guardianship Patient Application Form (if adult patient has a designated caregiver)
• A completed Written Certification from your healthcare provider 
• Proof of NH Residency. This must include your name, your NH address, and a date. 

The application will be reviewed within 10 days of receiving the application. If your application is approved, a card will be mailed within 3 weeks.

FEES:

• $50  – Application Fee 

NEW JERSEY

To initiate a registration and start applying for a New Jersey Medical Marijuana Card, patients and caregivers (if applicable) need to create user accounts in njmcp.nj.gov using the information on their Attending Health Care Practitioner’s Statement provided to them by their medical cannabis health care provider.

If patients require help getting their medicine from an Alternative Treatment Center, they can nominate up to two caregivers during registration. Once the program has approved a patient’s or caregiver’s registration, the patient or caregiver will get an email with payment instructions.

The following paperwork must also be submitted:

• A recent full-face, front facing photograph, taken within the last 60 days against a plain, white background
• A government-issued photo ID, such as unexpired NJ driver’s license or New Jersey County ID showing patient’s name and current address
• A proof of New Jersey residency, such as utility bill from the last 90 days

FEES:

• $100  – Standard fee
• $20  – Reduced fee (You will also need proof of government assistance if seeking the reduced registration fee)
• Free to parents and guardians of minor patients

NEW MEXICO

The application process for first time and returning patients is the same. The patient needs to complete the Medical Cannabis Patient Application or submit an application via the New Mexico Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program Online Portal.

If mailing in a paper application, applicants must send it with a copy of your current New Mexico driver’s license or state identification card. Temporary New Mexico IDs are accepted. Patients must also include a medical practitioner’s medical record supporting a qualifying diagnosis.

Patients who need extra help can select a primary caregiver who will need to fill out a Primary Caregiver Application form signed by your doctor.

Patients are required to submit an application every year to keep their card active.

FEES:

• $30 – Application fee/ Annual renewal fee

NEW YORK

Contact your health care provider to see if medical cannabis may help. Your health care provider will give you a certification if medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition. Health care providers must meet certain requirements to certify patients.

The fastest way to register and purchase medical cannabis products is to enter your New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) ID number from your driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID into the DMV ID field while registering.

If you do NOT have a NYS DMV ID, you can still register by logging in and registering to the MY.NY.gov account. 

Submit the following paperwork upon registration:

• Proof of NY State residence, such as utility bills
• Head and shoulders passport-style photo on a plain background
• Proof of identity such as driver’s license

Effective October 5, 2022, certified patients and designated caregivers twenty-one years of age or older who are registered with the Medical Cannabis Program may cultivate cannabis at home for a certified patients’ personal use.

FEES:

New York state has eliminated the application fee for medical cannabis cards. It used to be $50 per year before 2020.

A registry ID card will be mailed to you after your application is approved. A temporary registry ID card can be printed and used immediately. 

NORTH DAKOTA

The Division of Medical Marijuana has recently implemented electronic ID cards for patients, designated caregivers, and agents.

Electronic ID cards work the same as a printed card, except that they are accessible on your mobile device.

The electronic ID card will only be available after the Division has approved an application and the status of that application is “issued.”

Applications  must be completed and submitted online via the BioTrack system using this link: https://mmregistration.health.nd.gov/:

You’ll need to provide the following as part of the application process:

• A colored full-face photo taken on a plain background
• A copy of the front of the applicant’s ND state issued driver’s license or ND state-issued non-driver identification card
• Name and email address of health care provider who will be completing the written certification
• Minor applicants must have a designated caregiver

FEES:

• $50 – non-refundable application fee 

OHIO

Obtaining medical marijuana through Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program involves three steps. 

1. Consult a certified physician who can confirm you have one of the medical conditions that qualifies you for medical marijuana. 
   
2. Have the physician create your profile in the Patient & Caregiver Registry, which they have access to. Upon submitting their recommendation, the physician will need the patient’s and caregiver’s ID. 
   
3. Complete your registration for the program through the registry. Lastly, pay for the fee.

FEES:

• $50  – patient
• $25  – caregiver

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma adult patients must be at least 18 years old to be licensed as medical marijuana patients.

Patients who require a specific licensed caregiver must make sure the doctor signing the Physician Recommendation Form fills out the part certifying the patient’s requirement for a caregiver.

Patients must sign the Caregiver Designation Form together with their caregiver. 

An Oklahoma medicinal marijuana minor patient license is available to people who are 17 years old or younger. The application must be signed by the minor’s parent or legal guardian, who must also submit valid identification. 

Adult patients and minor patients are required to submit as part of their application:

• Recommendation form completed by a physician licensed and in good standing in the State of Oklahoma 
• A personal photo
• Proof of identity, such as an Oklahoma Driver’s License or U.S. Passport 
• Proof of residency
• Caregiver designation form (if applicable)

For minors, these additional requirements must be produced

• Parent/Guardian’s Proof of ID & signature
• Parent/Guardian’s Proof of Oklahoma residency

FEES:

• $100  – standard fee
• Fee reduced to $20 with proof of enrollment in Medicaid (SoonerCare) or Medicare

OREGON

Applicants for an Oregon medicinal marijuana card must have a qualified medical condition and an Attending Provider’s Statement for medical marijuana from an attending clinician. This form must be signed by the provider within 90 days of the application date. 

Additionally:

• Patients must be Oregon residents and must submit a proof of current residency like an Oregon-issued driver’s license or identification card
  
• Government-issued photo ID such as Driver’s License, State ID, Military ID or US Passport
  
• If you are submitting an application for a minor, you must submit a completed Minor Declaration Form

If applying online, create an account at ommpsystem.oregon.gov and upload the documents listed above.

FEES:

Application Fee

• $200  – Basic Application Fee
• $20  – $60 Reduced Fee

PENNSYLVANIA

In order to join, you’ll first need to have a doctor certify that you have one of the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana.

Then you’ll create an account and register at the Medical Marijuana Registry. You will be required to complete a profile that includes basic information such as your legal name, current address, and contact information.

Additionally, you must have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or an ID card issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. 

Qualified patients can designate up to two caregivers to assist you in obtaining medical marijuana.

Caregivers can be a spouse, a parent, or even a friend. Patients under the age of 18 are required to have a caregiver.

Caregivers also have to register for the medical marijuana program. All caregivers must complete a background check before being approved. 

FEES:

• $50  – Fee reductions may be available for patients who engage in assistance programs such as Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP, and WIC.

RHODE ISLAND

Check with your doctor to see if your medical condition qualifies you to apply and to see if medical marijuana makes sense for you. If it does, have your doctor fill out a Practitioner Form to allow you to apply.

Applicants must be Rhode Island residents and must submit proof of residency. 

Register as a Medical Marijuana Patient using the patient application form.

Application forms will not be accepted via email or fax. The phone number or email address indicated on your application form will be used to schedule a photo identification card if your application is approved.

You are required to come in to have your photograph taken for the ID card, at which time you must present a current RI Driver’s license or RI State I.D. 

You may choose to designate a caregiver. Parents are usually designated on behalf of any medical cannabis patients younger than 18 years old. 

FEES:

• $50  – non-refundable application fee
• $25  – reduced application fee. Recipients of Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Federal Railroad Disability benefit or Veterans’ Disability are eligible for reduced application fee. 

SOUTH DAKOTA

In South Dakota, a physician decides whether medical cannabis would help the patient with their condition. If it does, a medical certificate is issued to the patient via an online portal.

Physicians must first register at the online portal medcannabisapplication.sd.gov to submit a written certification.

A patient will receive an email to set up an account on the online portal. They will be required to submit a copy of an unexpired form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or government-issued ID card, along with a passport-quality photo.

Once their registration is complete, the patient must wait for his/her application’s approval. 

Some applications, including minor patient applications, require caregivers to be registered. Caregivers will receive an email to create an account on the same online portal.

Once the application is complete, the caregiver must wait for approval.

Once the patient or caregiver gets Department of Health approval, a medical cannabis card will be mailed to the patient or caregiver.

The cardholder may then purchase cannabis from a certified dispensary.

FEES:

• $75  fee. $75  – non-refundable standard fee 
• $20  – non-refundable fee for  low-income applicants*
• $20  – fee for additional caregivers after the primary caregiver designation
• *Low-income individuals (those with gross monthly household income <130% of the federal poverty level) can request a reduced fee by providing documentation of household income.

UTAH

To access medical marijuana in Utah, you’ll need to first locate a qualified medical provider who is registered with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) to determine if your qualifying condition may benefit from medical cannabis treatment.

All patients must first create a Utah ID account by going to id.utah.gov. before registering in the Electronic Verification System (EVS)

Once a patient has initiated their application online, their medical provider must log in  to the EVS and complete their section of the patient’s application, which includes the recommendation for medical cannabis treatment.

The patient then returns to their profile in the EVS and pays their medical cannabis card application fee online. At this point, the completed application will be submitted online to UDOH.

The UDOH will review the patient’s medical cannabis card application and confirm whether all requirements have been met.

For adult patients ages 21 and older with a qualifying condition, the application review process will be completed within 15 days from the application is submission date.

If all requirements have been met, the UDOH will issue the card and email the patient a copy of their medical cannabis card. The patient can then save the medical cannabis card on their smartphone or print it out.

FEES:

• $15  – initial application
• $15  – renewal fee* 
• *Your medical provider will determine if you are a candidate for a renewal card after you have held a cannabis card for one year

VERMONT

To qualify for medical cannabis in Vermont, a patient must be a Vermont resident who is suffering from a debilitating medical condition. Initial applicants may apply online or may submit a printed application.

Applicants must complete the Patient Registration Application Form together with their clear and colored full face-and-shoulder photo.

You should hear back from the Medical Cannabis Control Board in writing within 30 days of receipt of a completed application and will be told if your application has been approved or denied. If the application is approved, you will receive a registry identification card at the mailing address you provided with your application. 

FEES:

• $50  – non-refundable application fee for your ID card, to be included with each initial or renewal application. Checks and money orders must be made out to the Cannabis Control Board.

VIRGINIA

Medical cannabis may be possessed by a patient, parent, guardian, or registered agent who has a valid written certification from a health practitioner registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. 

The written certification from a registered medical cannabis practitioner must be presented with a government ID at the dispensary. Documentation of registration with the Board of Pharmacy is no longer required.

A patient, parent, or legal guardian is no longer required by law to register with the Board of Pharmacy, but they are still able to get a registration card for medicinal cannabis. The optional card can be obtained by submitting:

• the online form
• a copy of the Written Certification for Medical Cannabis Use
• proof of age, identity, and residency

A full application should be processed in about 60 business days. Applications cannot be processed if they are submitted with missing information.

A tangible medical cannabis registration card will be shipped to the patient’s, parent’s, or legal guardian’s address listed on the application once the registration has been granted.

FEES:

• $50  – registration card for the optional registration with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy

WASHINGTON

A Washington resident who has been diagnosed with a qualifying ailment and who has received a medicinal marijuana authorization from their health care practitioner can apply for a medical marijuana card.

After receiving a medical marijuana authorization from their doctor, the patient should contact a nearby medically-endorsed store to set up an appointment with a qualified consultant who will:

• inspect the authorization for accuracy and completeness
• compare the data to the patient’s state identification card
• take a photo of the patient’s face and, if applicable, the designated provider
• enter patient information and upload a photo in the medical marijuana authorization database
• make the medical marijuana card, print it, and laminate it
• return the patient’s authorization, identity, and medicinal marijuana card

FEES:

• Adult patients who want to participate in the state registry must pay a one-time fee of $1 for a medical marijuana card. Note that the law allows retail stores to charge more than $1.
• Depending on which retailer you go to, each card can cost anywhere from $1 to $10 (or more).

WEST VIRGINIA

To obtain a medicinal marijuana patient card in West Virginia, you must first find a physician in your area who can certify your need for medical cannabis based on the list of qualifying medical conditions.

Apply for your medical cannabis card on the registration portal once you obtain your physician’s Patient Certification form. 

You may need to submit the following documents:

• Digital photo of passport quality
• Photo ID, such as a copy of your driver’s license
• Proof of West Virginia residency

Your application will be reviewed within 30-60 days and you will receive an email regarding the status of your application. If your application is approved, your WV Medical Cannabis patient card will be issued.

FEES:

• $50  – patient card fee

If you are requesting a fee waiver​ based on financial hardship (income below 200% of the federal poverty level), you must provide acceptable proof of income, such as W-2, recent pay stubs, proof of benefit eligibility, etc. Please do not send payment if you are requesting the fee waiver. If the waiver is not granted, you will be notified that you must submit the fee at that time. 

How to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in U.S. Territories Where It Is Legal?

While still being completely under the control of the US Congress, the US Territories have their own governments. Congress has the authority to repeal any laws that the territory legislature passes, despite the fact that the territories have the ability to elect their own legislators.

Each government entity (state or territory) is free to enact its own marijuana laws. Each has specific guidelines about the conditions for which cannabis can be prescribed, the dosages, and the process for approving medical marijuana cards for eligible residents.

PUERTO RICO

To apply for a medical cannabis card in Puerto Rico, you’ll first need to get a medical cannabis recommendation by visiting a licensed physician.

After recommending medical cannabis, the licensed physician will send the recommendation through Puerto Rico’s online registration portal.

You’ll then create an account by entering your basic information on this portal.

You can create a request for a new card or a renewal or duplicate of your current card. After choosing which type of card you are applying for, look for the medical recommendation sent by your physician.

Once done, you need to submit the sign the privacy policy digitally and then upload a 2×2 photo.

You will obtain your medical marijuana card within 30 days if you are authorized. You can use your receipt as a temporary card for 30 days while you wait.

Your certificate will be valid for one year from the date of issue.

FEES:

• $25  – standard fee

GUAM

The patient must be 18 years of age or above, or in the case of a minor, a primary caregiver must apply with Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Medical Marijuana Program to serve as the Primary Caregiver for the Minor.

Contact and schedule an appointment with your health practitioner and request a written certification allowing you to use medical cannabis for your condition.

Use Form 2A for your practitioner’s recommendation. Your practitioner must transmit a copy of the signed written certificate to DPHSS within 24 hours after certifying either by fax or email.

Complete the Application for Medical Cannabis Qualified Patient (Form 1A), and schedule an appointment to submit your application by calling and emailing DPHSS. Submit your application together with a valid government-issued photo ID.

You will be contacted to pick up your medical cannabis registry card after completing the preceding requirements.

Cannabis for Medical Purposes Written Certifications are valid for one year from the date of the practitioner’s certification and must be kept in the custody of the Qualified Patient when transporting medical cannabis.

FEES:

• $15  – initial fee
• $100  – caregiver initial fee

US VIRGIN ISLANDS (USVI)

The Virgin Islands Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs Office of Cannabis Regulations enforces and regulates the emerging Medical Cannabis industry in USVI.

As of mid-2022, the department is not yet accepting or offering applications for medical cannabis patients or businesses.

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (CNMI)

A Homegrown Marijuana Registry card is a card granted by the CNMI Cannabis Commission to a person who is 21 years old or older, or a medical marijuana patient who has been given permission to use cultivate, process, preserve, or store marijuana grown at home or in a production facility, for non-commercial use only. 

The card applicant must submit a completed application form together with a written, valid recommendation by a doctor or other medical authority that recommends the applicant use marijuana in the treatment of a debilitating medical condition or any other medical condition.

FEES:

• $75 

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Getting a medical cannabis card might seem like a daunting task, but with this guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate the process. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us.

Ready to take the next step? Get your medical cannabis card, or check out our list of approved medical dispensaries to get started.

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