Maryland’s Qualifying Conditions

Annette Folgueras MD » Medical Marijuana in Maryland

Who is eligible to register as a Patient?

There are numerous medical conditions for which a Marijuana Doctor in Maryland can prescribe medicinal marijuana:

Cachexia
Anorexia
Wasting syndrome
Severe or chronic pain
Severe nausea
Seizures
Severe or persistent muscle spasms
Glaucoma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) OR
Another chronic medical condition that is severe and for which other treatments have been ineffective.

Any patient that meets is a Maryland resident over the age of 18 whose provider recommends medical cannabis as a treatment option for a qualifying medical condition is eligible to register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) and purchase medical cannabis in the state of Maryland. Please register with the state first and then call us with your patient registration number to speed up the process. Call us if you need assistance.

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What Ailments Qualify For a Medical Cannabis Card in Maryland?

Cachexia
Anorexia
wasting syndrome
severe or chronic pain
severe nausea
Seizures
severe or persistent muscle spasms
Glaucoma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) OR
Another chronic medical condition that is severe and for which other treatments have been ineffective.

A non-resident may register as a patient if the individual:
(1) is physically in the state,
(2) is admitted to a joint commission accredited medical facility
(3) will be dispensed medical cannabis at the medical facility during an inpatient stay, and will complete the treatment prior to release.
In addition, if younger than 18 years of age, the individual must also have a caregiver who is a parent or legal guardian. A non-resident may not register as a patient unless they are receiving inpatient care at a joint commission credited facility in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a certification?

A patient needs an in-person visit with a registered provider with whom the patient has a “bona fide provider-patient relationship.” If the patient meets the provider’s criteria for treatment with medical cannabis, the provider will issue a certification.

What happens if I am stopped by law enforcement?

Patients do not have to disclose that they possess medical cannabis and do not have to consent to a search. However, if a search is conducted and medical cannabis is found, the patient should present their patient ID card or direct law enforcement to our database.

Where can I legally travel with medical cannabis?

A legal patient may travel to any location in the state of Maryland (other than federal government property when in possession of medical cannabis). Possession of cannabis is a violation of federal law, and Maryland residents should carefully read the current state statutes regarding the use of medical cannabis and be aware that taking cannabis across State lines is a federal offense. Cannabis is also illegal on federal government property. The State of Maryland laws cannot authorize you to travel to other states, jurisdictions, or countries with this medicine in your possession.

If you have a qualifying medical condition you are afforded legal protection under the Maryland Medical Marijuana law, as per the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission:

Once you receive your medical card you can visit any of these Maryland state-approved dispensaries and purchase cannabis products.

Are medical cannabis patients and caregivers in Maryland protected against federal prosecution?

Possession and use of medical cannabis is a violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act, and compliance with Maryland State medical cannabis laws is not a legal defense to a violation of federal law. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has the authority to enforce federal cannabis laws, even in states with authorized medical cannabis programs. However, federal budget legislation passed in 2014, subject to reauthorization each year, prohibits the DOJ from interfering with the implementation of State medical cannabis programs. Courts have consistently interpreted this statutory provision to protect “individuals who engaged in conduct permitted by state medical marijuana laws and who fully complied with such laws.” U.S. v. McIntosh, 833 F.3d 1163 (9th Cir. 2016).

Are patients required to pay $50 for an MMCC ID card?

Beginning January 1, 2019: All NEW patients must purchase MMCC ID cards at registration
Expiration date extended to 3 years for MMCC ID cards issued after January 1, 2019.

How do I get a certification?

A patient needs an in-person visit with a registered provider with whom the patient has a “bona fide provider-patient relationship”. If the patient meets the provider’s criteria for treatment with medical cannabis, the provider will issue a certification.

What is a “bona fide provider-patient relationship”?

Maryland law defines this term. Essentially it is a treatment or counseling relationship between a provider and patient in which the provider reviews the patient’s relevant medical records, completes an in-person assessment of the patient’s medical history and current medical condition, creates and maintains medically standardized records, expects to monitor patient program, and takes any medically indicated action to follow up.

What do I do after I get the certification?

The patient may go to any licensed dispensary to pick up medical cannabis.

How long will it take to obtain a certification?

After the provider has examined the patient and the patient’s records, the provider may issue the patient a certification immediately.

Where can I obtain medical cannabis?

A Maryland patient can only obtain legal medical cannabis from a Maryland-licensed dispensary.

How much cannabis can I purchase today?

The certification issued by a provider for a patient identifies the amount of dried flower and THC that the patient may purchase in a 30-day period. The limit is calculated as a ROLLING 30-day limit- not by calendar month.

How many caregivers can one patient have?

A patient may designate up to two persons as caregivers.

Can patients cultivate their own cannabis? Can a caregiver cultivate cannabis for patients?

No, Maryland law does not allow this.

My child needs medical cannabis. Can he or she get it legally?

Children who meet their provider’s criteria for treatment can become legal patients in Maryland. However, children must have a parent or guardian serve as a caregiver.

Is there financial relief for patients who can’t afford medical cannabis?

Providing any financial relief for patients will be a decision made by individual dispensaries.

Will health insurers cover the cost of medical cannabis?

Health insurers are not required to cover the cost of medical cannabis.

What fees do patients have to pay the Commission to get medical cannabis?

Patients pay $50.00 at time of registration for an ID card.

How do I register as a patient or caregiver?

A patient or caregiver must submit an application on this website.

Are there special reduced fees for seniors?

There are no reduced fees for seniors.

Can you provide me with information on replacing opioids with medical cannabis for treatment of chronic pain?

That is a medical question that the Commission cannot answer. You need to discuss this question with your physician.

Does the patient need to be registered with MMCC before the provider visit in order to obtain a certification?

Yes.

For any questions or further information, feel free to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you.

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