What are the Steps to Secure a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland

While the medical marijuana program was introduced in Maryland in 2013, it was not until 2014 when the state moved to decriminalize marijuana possession (for 10 grams or less). It would take another three years before the first dispensaries opened.

Now, it is estimated that there are 70 marijuana dispensaries scattered around Maryland. But the industry is quickly expanding.

According to Baltimore Magazine, between 100 and 500 people are applying for a Maryland Medical Marijuana Card every day. Of course, the Commission will not approve all applications. Each case will be assessed to make sure the patient meets all the criteria to be given the privilege of purchasing cannabis for an ailment or disease.

Here are some of the steps to get a Maryland Medical Marijuana Card:

1.    First, you need to set up an appointment with a doctor who should be an accredited medical marijuana specialist.

2.    You need to register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission. For minor patients (below 18 years old), they need to have their parents or legal guardians manage their accounts. Caregivers must first register with the MMCC before enrolling their ward. They may need to submit several forms, and one document needs a lawyer’s notary.

3.    When you are registered, you have to secure a written certification from a registered provider. You also need to establish a patient-doctor relationship, which means the physician must be familiar with your medical history and how cannabis can help you.

The qualifying conditions that are listed by the MMCC include:

-    Anorexia
-    Cachexia
-    Chronic pain
-    Muscle spasms
-    Seizures
-    Post-traumatic stress disorder
-    Glaucoma
-    Wasting syndrome
-    Severe nausea

Those are examples, of course. There are some medical conditions where the patient will benefit from cannabis treatment. The vital requirement is that the physician has pursued other forms of therapy with no success.

4.    Go to the licensed medical marijuana dispensary -- Once you secure your certification from the MMCC, you can now head over to the nearest marijuana dispensary. You will have to present your ID card and the certificate. The dispensary will also confirm your documents online to make sure you are listed in the MMCC database. However, you can only purchase a month’s worth of supply.  Your certification issued in Maryland may not be accepted elsewhere. Also, the certification will expire within four months from the date of issuance.

Maryland’s medical marijuana industry is set to double in size this year compared to 2018. At the end of July 2019, for instance, cannabis sales almost reached $130 million. The state registered an average of $18.4 million per month in sales. According to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, the market is on pace to surpass $220 million in 2019.

Doctors are encouraged to register with the Commission if they want to be a licensed provider. They must first have a physician license, and they must enjoy a good standing in the community. The doctor must first ask for the ID issued by the MMCC before issuing a certification for medical cannabis.

To make the process easier, you can also connect with a service provider who will link you with the licensed providers. They will take you through the whole procedure to get the stress out of the entire thing.

This is a guest blog entry.