How To Join The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program
Medical marijuana became available in Pennsylvania in 2018, providing patients throughout the commonwealth with access to state-approved products. The application process can be tricky, and the order of the steps is very important. Follow our step-by-step guide below, or visit one of our many dispensaries throughout Pennsylvania to speak with a medical marijuana expert.
Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Qualifications
Before you begin the medical marijuana application process in Pennsylvania, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- A Pennsylvania resident; AND
- 18+ years old OR a minor with an adult caregiver; AND
- Suffer from at least one qualifying medical condition.
How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card [3 Steps]
If you meet the above requirements, you’re ready to begin the application process. Follow these steps to become part of the state’s medical marijuana registry.
Step 1: Register with the State of Pennsylvania
The first step in the medical marijuana application process is to create a profile in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program Registry. You’ll need to have one of the following pieces of identification:
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license; OR
- ID card issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Make sure the address you provide during registration is exactly the same as how it appears on your state-issued identification.
Step 2: Get Certified By An Approved Physician
Only medical practitioners who are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health are able to certify a patient for medical marijuana use. Once you create your account, meet with a registered physician to obtain certification that you suffer from one of the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana use.
If you qualify for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, the physician will issue your patient certification directly with the state.
Step 3: Complete Your Application
After you’re certified by an approved physician, log in to your Medical Marijuana Registry account to complete your application and submit the $50 fee. The state will mail your medical marijuana card to the address you provided during registration. (It can take several weeks for your card to get to you, so you may need to be patient.)
You are able to visit a Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensary as soon as you have your physical card.
Renewing Your Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania
The state will send an email 60 days before your patient certification and medical marijuana card expire. The renewal process is the same as the initial application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The medical marijuana application process can be confusing. Here are the most common questions we hear at our locations.
How much does a medical marijuana card cost in Pennsylvania?
The state charges a $50 fee to register for the medical marijuana program, as well as each year you renew.
What are the qualifications for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania?
The state has a list of medical conditions that allow for a patient to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program, including cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, and more.
How long does it take to get a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card?
Once your application is approved and you pay the $50 fee, it can take several weeks for the state to mail your medical marijuana card.
How much medical marijuana can I purchase in Pennsylvania?
Medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania may purchase up to a 90-day supply or products, as directed by the patient’s certifying healthcare practitioner.
Can I use an out-of-state medical marijuana card at a Pennsylvania dispensary?
No, PA dispensaries are only able to accept medical marijuana cards that are issued by the commonwealth.