The consumption of medical marijuana was first legalized in the year 1996 in the state of California. However, the decriminalization of marijuana possession in Maryland came into force in 2014, and its usage was restricted only to medical purposes. It is still not legalized for recreational purposes, and you could make use of medical marijuana only if you have a valid Maryland medical marijuana card. 

The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) has undertaken various projects to prevent the misuse of medical marijuana in the state. And strict rules follow while gaining access to an MMJ card in Maryland (MD).

The following steps will help you in getting an MD medical marijuana card.

Your Medical Condition Should Qualify

Maryland had 409 arrests per 100,000 residents in the year 2010 for illegal possession of marijuana. After that, strict rules were formulated to curb illegal practices. Firstly, your medical condition should come under the category where the traditional medical treatments have failed to deliver the desired results. It is common in chronic ailments like cancer, HIV/AIDS, Epilepsy, or Alzheimer’s disease. Medical marijuana acts as a supporting medicinal substitute to the traditional method of treatment.

The other medical conditions also include PTSD, seizures, glaucoma, cachexia, severe muscle spasms, etc. If you suffer from any of these terms, only then you will be granted a medical marijuana card by the MMCC.

Apply on Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission Website (MMCC)

In 2016, around 172 practicing physicians had registered themselves to participate in Maryland’s medical marijuana program. These registered physicians can act as your healthcare provider. For more details, you must visit the MMCC’s website and read the instructions thoroughly before applying for the card. You need to gather all the information related to your health condition and personal details like:

  • A valid email account to apply for the Maryland medical marijuana card
  • An electronic copy of your photo taken recently and not older than six months
  • Two valid documents as proof of your address, either of the following are required, a bank account statement, property tax bill, utility bill, or car insurance policy
  • An electronic copy of a US government-issued photo ID that can be either a passport or a driver’s license

Registration at MMCC

At present, Maryland has 18 licensed growers, 82 licensed dispensaries, and 70,000 registered patients, and these numbers are growing at a faster rate. Once you visit the website, you will get detailed information about licensed dispensaries and registered healthcare providers. 

The account registration is valid only for two years. You only need to add a few details, and there’s no need to upload the medical documents at this stage. Just create the account at MMCC and get the account verified.

A Written Certification from a Registered Physician

After the application submission on the MMCC website, the application is reviewed by the commission. In the mean-time, the reviewing process takes place, and you will have to wait. It takes a minimum of seven days or a maximum of 45 days for the reviewing process. Once the reviewing is complete, you will receive a follow-up email from MMCC. 

This email contains the patient’s ID number, which will help you in getting a written certification from a registered physician. The physician can be your healthcare provider, but he/she should have registration with MMCC. Once you receive a valid certification, you can visit a licensed dispensary in Maryland to buy medical marijuana. 

The Maryland General Assembly has already passed SB 517 in the year 2016, which decriminalizes the possession of the rolling paper, pipes, bongs, etc. and also smoking of marijuana in public places.