How to Get a Medical Marijuanas Card in PA  

In 2018, medical cannabis became available to the residents of the state of Pennsylvania. Considered a long-overdue change, this access made it possible for people with serious medical conditions to obtain a medical marijuanas card to purchase their medicine at medical dispensaries. If you have a serious medical condition, you may qualify to become a patient. Take a look below at how to get a medical marijaunas card in Pennsylvania.

How to Get a Medical Marijuanas Card in PA

The medical marijuanas program in PA is overseen by the state Department of Health. The state clearly outlines what steps must be taken to complete registration.

1. Make Sure You Have a Qualifying Condition

The state of Pennsylvania has a list of two dozen qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana. Before setting out to get certified and get your card, it is best to make sure you do have one of the listed conditions. Some of the conditions PA recognizes include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Neuropathy
• Opioid use disorder
• PTSD
• Tourette syndrome
• Severe chronic pain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Glaucoma

2. Register with the Medical Marijuana Registry

Once you are certain that you have one of the qualifying conditions, you will need to create a profile by registering with the Medical Marijuana Registry. During your registration process, you will provide your basic information, such as your address and contact information. In order to create your profile, you will need to provide a valid Pennsylvania-issued driver’s license or adult ID provided by the Department of Transportation in PA.

3. Obtain Your Physician Certification

After you have completed your registration, you will need to visit a state-approved doctor that can certify that you have one of the listed qualifying medical conditions. Only physicians that have been registered with the PA Department of Health can certify medical marijuanas patients. Once the doctor evaluates your medical status and determines you are eligible for medical marijuanas treatment, they will submit your certification information directly to the state system.

4. Pay to Obtain Your Medical Marijuanas Card

In PA, the fee to obtain your medical marijuanas card is $50. After you have visited the physician and they have submitted your certification to the state, you will go back to the Medical Marijuana Registry online to finish the application process and pay the fee. Once your application is approved, you will receive a patient ID number and your card will be mailed to the address given in your profile.

PA Medical Marijuanas Card FAQs

How long does it take to get a medical marijuanas card in PA?

Once you have completed all the aforementioned steps, your medical marijuanas card will be mailed to you within three weeks. If you have not received your card after three weeks, you may need to request a replacement through your patient profile.

How old do you have to be to get a medical marijuanas card in PA?

You can obtain your medical marijuanas card in PA as long as you are 18 years of age or older. Parents can become designated caregivers if their minor child has a qualifying medical condition that warrants medical marijuanas treatment as well. The same process to register as a patient is required, but the child’s caregiver will complete the application process on behalf of the child and may have to prove guardianship. Adults can also designate a caregiver who can shop for medical marijuanas on their behalf.

How long will your PA medical marijuanas card be good for?

A PA medical marijuanas card must be renewed annually. You will receive an email to remind you to renew 30 days prior to the expiration of your existing card. If you do not renew by the expiration date, your current card will no longer work and your profile will be deactivated. Annual renewal will require paying the $50 renewal fee and visiting an approved doctor to recertify your medical condition.

Need Help Getting Your Medical Marijuanas Card in PA?

At Compassionate Care Consultants, we can walk you through the process so you can get your medical marijuanas card in PA as quickly as possible. Reach out to learn more about how we can help or to schedule an appointment.