How To Get A Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card? (Complete Guide)

Pennsylvania has legalized medical cannabis use with several strict measures and guidelines.

However, the recreational use of cannabis is still illegal in the state, but marijuana is decriminalized for medical use only if the patient qualifies under the state’s strict guidelines.

About Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania

Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3 on April 17, 2016, to decriminalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania and establish the state’s MMP. The SB permitted the qualified patients having at least one of seventeen qualifying medical conditions to apply for the cannabis treatment.

The bill also established the rules for processors, patients, dispensaries, growers, and even caregivers.

On February 15, 2018, the dispensaries opened their doors with the first marijuana sale in the state. Until 2018, only non-smokable cannabis forms were permitted to be sold. However, it was later eliminated by permitting the qualified state residents to purchase up to a 30-day supply of various forms of cannabis products, including edibles, topical and smokable.

Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program Highlights

The entire Medical Marijuana Program in Pennsylvania is administered and overseen by the Department of Health.

Any adult with a qualifying medical condition and a permanent state resident is eligible for the program. However, the essential thing required for becoming a medical cannabis patient in the state is a written recommendation from a licensed medical doctor.

With a valid medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania, you can easily purchase medical cannabis products from the licensed medical dispensaries in Pennsylvania, devoid of any legal issues. The state permits you to purchase up to a 30-day cannabis supply at a time.

Since recreational cannabis use is strictly prohibited in the state, the department also restricts the home cultivation of marijuana.

The DOH not only provides the cannabis treatment permissions for the adult patients only but also allows the minor patients to access it all with the help of a designated caregiver assigned to administer the cannabis products on the eligible patient’s behalf.

What is a Medical Marijuana Card Pennsylvania?

A Medical Marijuana Card Pennsylvania allows a qualified patient to access the medical marijuana PA. This includes consuming and possessing medical cannabis products to treat the debilitating condition.

Benefits of obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in PA

• Lower Age Access: Legally, Medical Cannabis is only available to patients 21 years or older, but with a valid Medical Marijuana Card, underage patients can also access Medical Marijuana treatment.
• Marijuana Tax Exemptions: Several states offer lower sales taxes for medical cannabis, and consequently, with a valid 420 evaluations, you will need to pay lower prices for the preferred medical cannabis products.
• Access to State-Licensed Dispensaries: A valid medical marijuana card not only allows you to consume it legally but also lets the patients buy quality marijuana products from state-licensed dispensaries.
• Access to higher THC Products: Several patients with certain debilitating health conditions might require high-potency marijuana products to treat the medical condition right with a valid Medical cannabis card access to higher THC potent products.

Medical Marijuana Laws and regulations Pennsylvania

The possession of marijuana for recreational use is still illegal and could subject an individual to criminal penalties for its possession.

However, the permitted patients with a valid medical marijuana card can acquire up to a 30-day supply of the following cannabis products.

• Creams
• Cannabis flower
• Liquids
• Gels
• Pills
• Ointments
• Tinctures

Out of all the permitted forms, cannabis flower is the recent addition to the list that was previously not available. However, it is essential to note that the smoking of cannabis flowers is still illegal in Pennsylvania.

Qualify Conditions to Get Medical Marijuana Card in PA

Not every person is permitted to use medical cannabis. Only patients with qualifying medical marijuana Pennsylvania conditions can use PA medical marijuana. This includes:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Addiction Substitute Therapy
• Autism
• Crohn’s Disease
• Cancer
• Damage to spinal cord’s nervous tissues
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Spastic and Dyskinetic movement disorders
• HIV/ AIDS
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Huntington’s Disease
• Intractable Seizures
• Neuropathies
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Chronic or intractable or severe pains of neuropathic origin
• Terminal illness
• Sickle cell anemia

An individual using medical cannabis devoid of an appropriate prescription for any of the above-listed medical conditions could face strict penalties.

Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Laws!

Medical Marijuana Consumption Laws

Medical Marijuana cannot be consumed anywhere in the state.

Even if you are a qualified patient and have all the legal permissions to access medical cannabis treatment, you must follow several strict consumption laws. Only private residences and homes are allowable locations for medical cannabis consumption.

Medical Marijuana Transportation in Pennsylvania

A qualified patient or a caregiver is permitted to transport medical cannabis within the state line as long as it’s within the approved 30-day supply limit.

Medical marijuana must be kept in a closed and sealed container with an essential consideration to keep it out of reach from children.

However, the best way of transporting it is in the car’s trunk or at the back of the vehicle in case there is no trunk. Maintaining appropriate safety measures while transporting may lead to DUI charges.

Above Maximum Limit Possession Charges

If a patient possesses the marijuana amount above the permitted limit or fails to follow the medical cannabis laws, they may face the following penalties.

1. Possession of 30 gms or less of cannabis: The possession of 30 gms or less of cannabis is considered a misdemeanor that carries the penalty of 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
2. Possession of more than 30 gms of cannabis: The possession of more than 30 gms of cannabis can result in up to the sentence of one year and a fine of up to $5000.

Purchasing Limits

A qualified medical marijuana patient can purchase up to a 30-day supply of cannabis medicine from licensed medical cannabis dispensaries.

However, the patients can “re-up” their supply in the last seven days of the amount they have to get the medicine refilled on time.

If you possess a more than 30-day supply amount, you will likely indulge in several strict criminal penalties.

Documents Required Before Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card

1. Patient ID Number
2. Identity proof
3. State Residential Proof
4. A written recommendation obtained from a licensed medical doctor

How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card in PA?

• Register Online for the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program
  Register online with the Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Program with appropriate details and information.
• Get evaluated by the PA Medical Marijuana Doctor
  The Pennsylvania Department of health permits specific licensed medical doctors to recommend patients for medical cannabis treatment. The medical doctor will examine your health condition and determine the qualification for the medical marijuana program.
• Receive your medical cannabis recommendation and complete the registration
  After the medical doctor’s approval, they will provide you with a written recommendation and proceed you to the PA Department of Health to register as a patient.
• Register as a patient and receive your medical marijuana card
  Register as a patient with the state, and after submitting the registration, the state authorities will email your card within 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know if I am a qualified patient of the Medical Marijuana Program?

The Federal law restricts medical cannabis use; however, a qualified patient must take note of the following:

• A qualified patient cannot consume the medicine openly; only the personal space is the best place to consume.
• Driving under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited.
• Crossing the state lines with medicine is strictly prohibited or may put you in legal trouble.
• Mishandling of medical marijuana can lead to losing all legitimate rights.
• Appropriate packaging of medical marijuana is essential while transporting it.

Can I make a Medical Cannabis Card appointment online?

Yes, you can, With Medical Cannabis Card Pennsylvania, you can easily make scheduling appointments with a licensed medical doctor.

How long does it take to get your medical card in the mail PA?

Post-approval and scrutinizing the application of the patient, the medical card is generally sent through the email within 14 days from applying.

How to get a medical cannabis card in Pennsylvania?

Getting a medical cannabis card in Pennsylvania is way easier than ever. MMJ Doctor in Pennsylvania has made it easier for you by providing the entire process online. All you need to do is fill up an online evaluation form, choose the feasible timings to connect with the medical doctor’s PA, post approvals, get yourself registered as a patient with the state, and receive your medical cannabis card in your mail within 14 working days. As easy as it sounds!

How much does medical marijuanas cost in PA?

The cost of medical marijuanas PA is wholly based on the strain and product you have selected for consumption. However, a medical marijuana card can help you access the higher quality strains or marijuana products at affordable costs by allowing you to save on taxes.

How can I get the specific and relevant information about my health condition or determine whether the medical marijuana treatment is appropriate for dealing with the health condition?

If you are considering the PA Medical Marijuana treatment for your health condition, you must talk to your medical doctor to get a complete piece of information. The medical doctor will evaluate the health condition and determine whether it is the best fit treatment for your health condition or not.

What dosage amount and consumption forms of medical cannabis are allowed in Pennsylvania?

As per the state act, medical cannabis is available in several forms, including oil, pill, creams, topical, ointments, tincture liquids, and the methods that are medically appropriate to administer the nebulization or vaporization.

Even with a medical cannabis card Pennsylvania, only the no smoke-able forms are allowed. The dosage amount generally varies from person to person that the medical doctors determine. However, the patients may receive up to a 30day supply at a time.

How can I get the PA medical marijuanas card renewal?

PA Medical Marijuanas Card can be easily renewed from the home’s comfort.

The entire renewal process is similar to the process that is followed while obtaining a new one. Follow the four steps and receive your medical cannabis card in your email. Start with filling up the form with accurate details, get evaluated by the state-licensed medical doctors, post-approval register yourself as a patient with the state, and receive your medical card in your registered email id within 14 working days.