Can I Grow My Own Weed if I Have a Medical Marijuana Card? 

Many people appreciate being able to purchase quality-controlled, professionally produced cannabis for medical use from licensed dispensaries. However, others find the cost prohibitive, or have difficulty accessing a dispensary. Cannabis is generally regarded as “easy to grow.” It is a robust, vigorous plant that needs little other than sunlight and some water. It can be grown indoors under lights or outdoors. It comes in various strains, some of which grow into fairly small plants suitable for a balcony while others grow into tree-sized plants that need some space. 

A common question that arises is whether it is legal to grow your own cannabis for medical use. The laws vary by state.

Maryland

In Maryland, once you have obtained a Medical Marijuana Card, you can purchase cannabis products from approved dispensaries. Every 30 days, you can buy up to 120 grams of dried flowers or up to 36 grams of THC. However, as of July 1, 2023, anyone over the age of 21 can purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries with no requirement for a Medical Marijuana Card. As of July 1, 2023, each household can grow up to two cannabis plants for personal use as long as they are secured from access by anyone under 21. Small amounts of home-grown cannabis products can be shared with friends over the age of 21.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, once you have obtained a Medical Marijuana Card, you can purchase cannabis products from approved dispensaries. You can buy up to 84 grams per month. It is currently illegal to grow marijuana for personal or medical use, but this may change in the near future.

New York

In New York, once you have obtained a Medical Marijuana Card, you can purchase cannabis products from approved dispensaries. You can buy a 60-day supply per visit. Since recreational marijuana is legal in New York, you do not need a Medical Marijuana Card to purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. You also do not need a Medical Marijuana Card to grow cannabis for personal use. Anyone over the age of 21 can grow up to six plants (three mature and three immature) for personal use as long as these plants are in an enclosed space not visible to the public. You cannot share, trade, or sell any home-grown cannabis products with other people.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, once you have qualified for a Medical Marijuana Card, you can purchase cannabis products from approved dispensaries only. You can purchase a 30-day supply at one time (with no limits on the total amount). However, it is still illegal to grow cannabis in Pennsylvania, even if you have a Medical Marijuana Card. This may change in the near future because some state lawmakers have been talking about launching a bill to legalize growing cannabis for personal medical use.

Conclusion

Laws regulating the growth, sale, and use of cannabis are changing rapidly. It is wise to check your local laws regularly to ensure you are in compliance with growing, possession, sharing, and use statutes. The states where growing cannabis was legal at the time of writing are listed below. 

Legal to grow for personal use:

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Maine
• Maryland (after July 1, 2023)
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada (only if you don’t live near any licensed dispensaries)
• New York
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Virginia

Legal to grow for personal medical use:

• Arizona (only if you don’t live near any approved dispensaries)
• Hawaii (growers have to register with the state)
• Illinois
• Missouri
• Montana (growers have to register with the state)
• New Mexico
• Rhode Island
• Washington

Final Thoughts from Compassionate Care Consultants

There is so much we are only starting to understand about the diversity of the cannabis plant. However, the more states grow accepting of cannabis as medicine, the more doors open for research initiatives that offer insight into the differences in different types of plants. Do you need help obtaining your medical marijuana card? Reach out to schedule your consultation with Compassionate Care Consultants.