Like many of you, we at Green Goods were thrilled by the 2022 ballot initiative allowing recreational sales in Maryland. In the time since, we’ve helped countless locals relax and kick back the all-natural way. But that’s not to say the state’s medical cannabis program has simply dried up and blown away.
There are many benefits of having a medical marijuana card in Maryland, and you may be missing out if you opt to purchase recreational cannabis exclusively. If a broader availability of products, higher potency, and lower taxes sound enticing, then you’re in the right place. We’ll also guide you through the steps to obtaining your own card—there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Medical Marijuana in Maryland: Who Qualifies?
In 2013, Maryland enacted legislation that established a medical marijuana system; since then, roughly 162,000 Marylanders have signed up to take advantage of their state’s cannabis program. If you’re interested in obtaining a Maryland medical marijuana card for yourself, here are the five basic steps required:
- Potential patients must be 18 or over and suffer from one or more of the qualifying conditions recognized by the state.
- Prospective patients must register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) and pay the $25 non-refundable fee.
- When signing up, you must have: A valid and accessible email account, your full 9-digit Social Security Number, an electronic copy of a valid government-issued photo ID, and proof that you are a resident of Maryland.
- A state-certified medical care provider must then assert, in writing, that they and the patient have a “bona fide patient-provider relationship” and that they recommend the use of medical cannabis to treat their patient’s qualifying condition(s).
- After MMCC issues the registration, the patient will receive an ID card they can then use to purchase medical cannabis through Green Goods or any other medical cannabis dispensary in Maryland.
For a more detailed explanation of how to get your card, check out our explainer article, which covers the nuances and offers in-depth information on becoming a medical cannabis patient in Maryland.
Benefits of Having an MMJ Card in Maryland
Though Maryland’s approval of recreational cannabis has made it more available than ever, there are still fairly significant benefits to holding a medical marijuana card in the state.
Cost
Let’s face it: saving money is on everybody’s mind these days, and medical cannabis is no exception. One of the most obvious benefits of having a medical marijuana card is that cardholders get to skip the 9% excise tax that’s automatically applied to Maryland’s recreational cannabis sales.
Purchase and Possession Limits
In Maryland, medical cannabis patients may purchase and possess up to four ounces of cannabis flower or 36 grams of a processed THC product (such as a concentrate, tincture or topical) over a rolling 30-day cycle—as opposed to 1.5 ounces of flower or 12 grams of a concentrated cannabis product for recreational customers.
Delivery on Medical Purchases
There are plenty of compelling reasons to apply for a Maryland medical marijuana card, but Green Goods’ ability to deliver your purchases has got to be a top choice. We started by caring for medical cannabis patients, so we offer a few side benefits that sweeten the deal even further.
When you order from our Hampden or Rockville dispensaries, you qualify for free delivery on orders totaling $50 or more—it doesn’t get more convenient than that.
Medical-Only Deals and Discounts
If you check the medical cannabis menu at any of our Maryland dispensaries, you’ll see a list of weekly deals designed just for our medical marijuana customers. From daily specials on exciting new products to cumulative bonuses on larger purchases, we want our medical customers to know we’re always looking out for them. Stop by today and let our knowledgeable budtenders help guide you to your new favorite products.
Maryland Medical Marijuana Card: FAQs
Still wondering if you should get an MMJ card? We’ll help you out. Here are a few responses to some of the most-asked questions we hear at our family of Maryland dispensaries. For a deeper dive, visit our FAQ page.
How easy is it to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland?
Obtaining a Maryland medical marijuana card is fairly straightforward. Once prospective patients have established that they are affected by one or more of the state’s qualifying conditions and have registered with the state’s Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), they must establish a caring relationship with a state-certified medical care provider who can recommend medical cannabis for their condition(s).
Can I use my Maryland medical cannabis card outside of the state?
Unfortunately, many states do not offer reciprocity regarding medical cannabis cards. However, you can use your Maryland medical marijuana card in neighboring New Jersey and the District of Columbia. Other states, such as Oklahoma and Hawaii, allow visitors to use their home-state medical cannabis cards, but they must first apply for a temporary or out-of-state license.
How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in MD?
While several variables can affect the approval process, it generally doesn’t take more than a few days. What’s more, once your application has been approved, but before your physical card has arrived, you can use a temporary card and a valid ID to purchase medical cannabis from any licensed Maryland dispensary until your actual card arrives.
How long does a Maryland medical card last?
A Maryland medical marijuana card is good for six years from the time of issue. However, patients must be recertified by a state-certified medical care provider each year to maintain their access.
