Frequently Asked Questions for Medical Marijuana

Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has approved 21 medical conditions that qualify patients to access medical marijuana treatment in Pennsylvania.

​

Why Do I Need a Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card?

A Pennsylvania Marijuana Card demonstrates that you are registered with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry by a licensed Pennsylvania medical marijuana doctor. With this card, you can:

1. Purchase medical marijuana products from licensed dispensaries in Pennsylvania

2. Possess medical marijuana products in Pennsylvania

3. Consume medical marijuana products in Pennsylvania

 

How Do I Get a Pennsylvania Marijuana Card?

In order to obtain a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, you need to have a certified Pennsylvania doctor confirm that you are diagnosed with one or more of the qualifying conditions. Patients are able to meet with a doctor and get approved for medical marijuana treatment through our telemedicine platform. Our staff at Pennsylvania Marijuana Card is here to simplify the process, connecting you with a certified physician, and file all your required paperwork!

Am I Guaranteed for Approval to Get a Pennsylvania Marijuana Card After Seeing a Doctor?

We cannot guarantee approval, as the physician determines whether or not a patient qualifies for medical marijuana. Before your appointment, you will need a submit a copy of the medical records that documents your qualifying condition. If you need assistance obtaining your records, we have a dedicated medical records team available to help secure documentation, at no extra cost. If you, for whatever reason, are not approved by the doctor, you do not have to worry as the entire cost of an appointment will be a nominal fee.

 

What Conditions Make a Patient Eligible for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania?

The statute defines a “serious medical condition” as any one of the following:​

​

• ALS

• Anxiety disorders

• Autism

• Cancer (including remission therapy)

• Crohn’s disease

• Nervous tissue damage to the brain/spinal cord (CNS damage)

• Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders (spasticity)

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• HIV/AIDS

• Huntington’s disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Intractable seizures

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Neurodegenerative diseases

• Neuropathies

• Opioid use disorder

• Parkinson’s disease

• PTSD

• Intractable / Chronic pain

• Sickle cell anemia

• Terminal illness

• Tourette syndrome​

 

What Do I Do After I Receive My Recommendation From the Doctor?

Once you receive your written recommendation from a medical marijuana physician, you must register with the medical marijuana program through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's website. Patients must pay a non-refundable $50 fee to the state to register for their card.

​

When Will I Receive My Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card?

After your registration has been approved, the Pennsylvania Department of Health will mail your medical marijuana card to your address. It takes approximately seven business days to receive your marijuana card.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Get My Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card?

Some doctors charge far too much just for an initial evaluation. At Pennsylvania Marijuana Card, we feel strongly that if you qualify for medical marijuana, you shouldn't have trouble accessing it due to cost. We offer discounts for veterans, as well as SSI / SSDI recipients. After the first appointment, all required follow-up appointments are free for 12 months. 

​

​Where Can Patients Purchase Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania?

Once you have received your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, you are able to purchase medical marijuana at any licensed dispensary location across the state of Pennsylvania.

 

Can I Smoke Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania?

No. It is prohibited to smoke medical marijuana in Pennsylvania and dry bud and flower are not sold at dispensaries. The state also prohibits medical marijuana in the form of edibles. Most dispensaries in Pennsylvania specialize in vape, capsules, and tinctures.

​

How Much Medical Marijuana Can Be Purchased at Pennsylvania Dispensaries?

Patients are allowed to purchase up to a 30-day supply of prescribed medical marijuana, depending on limitations determined by their physician.

​

Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania?

No. It is prohibited for patients to cultivate their own medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.

 

Will My Insurance or Medicaid Pay for Medical Marijuana?

We encourage you to contact your insurance provider or Medicaid official for an answer; however, we are not aware of any insurance providers that cover the costs of medical marijuana at present.
 

How Much Will Medical Marijuana Cost at Dispensaries?

The cost of medical marijuana varies depending on each dispensary. To view prices, take a look at the menu of a dispensary near you.

 

Does Pennsylvania Have Reciprocity with Other States?

Pennsylvania does not offer reciprocity with other states. Medical marijuana ID cards from other states are not accepted.

​What Is a Designated Caregiver, and How Many Can I Have?

A "caregiver" who is designated by the patient and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health is able to purchase and administer medical marijuana on behalf of a patient. A certified medical marijuana patient can have up to two caregivers and caregivers can serve up to five patients.
 

How Do I Apply to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Pennsylvania?

Caregivers must register on the Pennsylvania Department of Health's website and have their designated patient(s) name, date of birth, and patient ID number. Caregivers need to undergo a background check and must also pay a $50 non-refundable fee to register.

​

How Long Does Caregiver Approval Take in Pennsylvania?

It can take four to six weeks after the caregiver's fingerprinting and background check to receive an answer regarding the caregiver's application.

​

Is My Personal Information Kept Private?

The privacy of our patients is a top priority. All patient information is kept confidential in our HIPAA-compliant file and data storage systems.