Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card: Everything You Need To Know

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining 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 card 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 conditions.
  
  

How to Apply for a Pennsyvlanial 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.

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.
  
  
  

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.

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.

Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Purchase & Possession Limits

Medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania may purchase up to 192 Medical Marijuana Units in a 90-day period. Medical Marijuana Units are:

• 3.5g of medical marijuana flower.

• 100mg of THC-infused products, such as pills, capsules, oil, liquids, tinctures, or topicals.

• 1g of medical marijuana concentrates.

Patients are allowed to possess no more than 192 Medical Marijuana Units.

FAQs About Medical Cannabis in Pennsylvania

While the Pennsylvania Department of Health does a great job explaining the ins and outs of the medical marijuana program, we still find patients have a few questions. We’ve answered a handful of them here.

Is medical marijuana legal In Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016. Recreational marijuana is still not allowed in the state.

How can I be prescribed medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, there is no prescription for specific medical marijuana products. Rather, you must be certified as a medical marijuana patient by an approved physician and register with the PA Department of Health. Once you have your medical marijuan patient ID card, you can purchase the medical marijuana products that work best for you. We recommend all medical marijuana patients consult their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate medical marijuana regimen.

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.

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.