How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Maryland? 2024

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Perhaps Maryland is the only US state where technology has been incorporated to evaluate medical marijuana-focused data to further research about the possible medical benefits of the substance. A major example of this is the development of mobile apps by state university graduates that record and share the effects of marijuana strains with other users.

It is important to note that all of this development has been done after Maryland became a medical marijuana state back in 2015. But that’s just not it as we have another major update to report regarding Maryland’s medical marijuana laws.

Starting from July 1, 2023, recreational use of cannabis is now allowed for the residents of Maryland. This step opens up new doors for the residents of Maryland who want to consume marijuana and benefit from its positive impacts for themselves.

But having a medical marijuana card in Maryland will surely have specific benefits available to only registered medical marijuana users, right? Well, yes, and to help you understand these benefits better, here’s how you can apply for a medical marijuana card in Maryland, the 2023 edition.

Possible Benefits Of Having A Medical Marijuana Card In Maryland

Since the state of Maryland has now started its recreational marijuana program allowing residents who are 21 years of age or older to legally possess some quantity of marijuana, there now arises another question. Why should I get a medical marijuana card when I can use marijuana recreationally?

Well, there are some additional benefits associated with being a registered medical marijuana user in Maryland that aren’t available to recreational users. These benefits include,

• Medical marijuana users are exempted from any sort of sales tax while recreational marijuana users have to pay around 9% sales tax per purchase.
• In Maryland, medical marijuana patients can possess up to 30 days of stock for a specific marijuana product. This roughly winds up to 120 grams of dried cannabis flower and up to 36 grams of THC concentrates. On the other hand, recreational marijuana users can only possess up to 42.5 grams of dried cannabis flower, 12 grams of THC concentrates, and 750 milligrams of THC edibles.

Eligibility Requirements

Just like other US states with an active medical marijuana program, the state of Maryland has set some requirements to determine whether or not you’re eligible for a Maryland marijuana card. As per the general requirements, the patient must be 18 years of age or older, a permanent resident of Maryland, and diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions mentioned by the state.

Apart from this, patients who are minors (younger than 18) can also apply for a medical marijuana card in Maryland as long as they are accompanied by at least one caregiver. As per the law, only one of the parents or legal custodians can act as the patient’s caregiver.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

According to Maryland’s marijuana laws, patients must be diagnosed with one of the following medical conditions to be marked eligible for a medical marijuana card,

• AIDS/HIV
• Chronic Pain (Muscle Pain and Other Types of Pain)
• Cancer
• Muscle Spasms
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Palliative Care (Admittance Into Hospice)
• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Obesity)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

How To Apply? A Step-By-Step Guide

1. The first you need to do is to book a medical marijuana evaluation appointment with a certified medical marijuana doctor practicing in Maryland. Don’t worry, the Kif can help you with that. Plus, you’ll join the appointment online, get evaluated online, and be approved in about ten minutes tops if the doctor believes that medical marijuana-based treatment is the best mode of treatment for your current medical state.
2. Once you get a medical marijuana recommendation, the next step is to gather all your necessary documents, pay the application fee, and apply for a medical marijuana card at the relevant platform.
3. Wait till you get a notification regarding approval of your status as a registered medical marijuana patient. You’ll be further notified regarding how and when to collect your medical marijuana card.

What To Expect During Your Kif Appointment?

We have got some good news for you! If you’re living in Maryland, and not sure when and how to book your medical marijuana appointment, we have got you covered! The Kif allows you to book an online medical marijuana evaluation appointment with a certified doctor practicing in Maryland. We can achieve this amazing feat by combining a telemedicine-powered approach with the will to offer quality services.

Once you log in to your Kif account, you’ll get the chance to select the date and time of your appointment as preferred by you. Once the appointment is confirmed, all you need to do is log in back to your account and join your doctor for an online evaluation. If everything goes right, you’ll get your medical marijuana recommendation in about ten minutes.

We also offer a money-back guarantee in case you don’t get a medical marijuana recommendation from us.

Potential Cost

Apart from the appointment cost, you’ll have to pay a $25 non-refundable application fee to the government of Maryland. But the best thing about it is that the patient registration is valid for six years with only caregivers required to renew their registration every two years.

Plus, the state application fee is completely waived for patients enrolled in the VA Health Care Program and the Maryland Medicaid Program.

Medical Marijuana Reciprocity

Unfortunately, the state of Maryland hasn’t signed any sort of reciprocity agreements with other US states. This means that out-of-state medical marijuana cards are not valid in Maryland and vice versa.

Applying As A Caregiver

The state of Maryland does allow patients who are not yet 18 to apply for a medical marijuana card with the help of a caregiver. The main role a caregiver will have to play will revolve around purchasing medical marijuana products.

As per the state’s regulations, a patient can have up to two caregivers while one caregiver can attend to up to five patients at a time. To apply as a caregiver, you must be 21 years or older, have permanent residency in Maryland, and have a clear criminal record. Also, the caregiver needs to register themselves with the administration before registering the patient if the patient is a minor.

The caregiver will also need to pay a $25 non-refundable application fee and the caregiver registration will be valid for two years.

How & Where To Buy Medical Marijuana In Maryland?

The state of Maryland has a network of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the region from where you can purchase marijuana-related products. The dispensaries facilitate both medical and recreational marijuana users. However, medical marijuana patients are given priority when accessing health-affecting marijuana products.

Is ‘Cultivation’ a better option?

For some individuals, marijuana cultivation is in fact a better option than buying marijuana products from licensed dispensaries. As per the state’s law, recreational marijuana users can cultivate two cannabis plants while medical marijuana users can cultivate up to four cannabis plants. The only condition is that the plantation must not be publicly visible.

Maryland Medical Marijuana Laws That You Should Be Aware Of!

• Both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in Maryland.
• Possession and cultivation limits for both medical and recreational marijuana users differ and the relevant individuals must follow the set limits.
• The state does allow eligible patients to have registered caregivers for aid with marijuana possession and purchase.

FAQs

Are there specific medical marijuana doctors in Maryland who can recommend the card?

• Yes, as per Maryland state law, only a medical doctor with a license to prescribe medical marijuana can recommend a medical marijuana card.

Can I use my Medical Marijuana Card from another state in Maryland?

• No, the state hasn’t signed any reciprocity agreements with other states yet.

How long is the Medical Marijuana Card valid in Maryland?

• The medical marijuana card in Maryland will be valid for six years.

Where can I purchase medical marijuana after obtaining my card in Maryland?

• The state of Maryland has a chain of licensed marijuana dispensaries from where individuals can purchase medical marijuana.

Are there any restrictions on the amount of medical marijuana I can possess in Maryland with the card?

• As per the law, medical marijuana users can possess up to 120 grams of dried Cannabis flower and 36 grams of THC concentrates.

Can I grow my cannabis plants if I have a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland?

• Yes, as a registered medical marijuana patient, you can cultivate up to four cannabis plants.

What should I do if I lose my Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland?

• In such a case, the best possible approach is to contact the relevant department and apply for a duplicate card.