If you need medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, there’s good news: Obtaining a medical marijuana card is simple. In just a few straightforward steps, you can join the more than 70,000 Pennsylvanians with secure access to medical marijuana. Whether you’re seeking relief from a qualifying medical condition or looking to support a loved one as a caregiver, this guide covers the essential steps to get your medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania with ease.
Step 1: Register with the State of Pennsylvania
The first step to getting your medical marijuana card is registering with the State of Pennsylvania through the state Department of Health’s website. To register, you’ll need proof of identification that shows current Pennsylvania residency and a valid email address for communication. Accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania driver’s license or a state-issued ID card. It’s important to ensure that the ID displays your current address.
After your information is validated, you will be prompted to create a username and password. Once you have created the username and password, you will see a screen that displays your account information, including your Patient ID number. Take note of the Patient ID, as the physician may ask for it during certification.
You are now registered in the program. You will receive an email confirming your successful registration and detailing your next step, which is to obtain a patient certification from an approved practitioner.
Step 2: Get Certified By an Approved Physician
Once you’re registered with the State of Pennsylvania, the next step is to obtain certification from a physician approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. To do so, schedule an appointment with a medical professional who is currently participating in the state’s medical marijuana program.
During this consultation, the physician will assess your medical history and determine if you qualify to purchase medical marijuana to treat a “serious health condition” as defined by Pennsylvania law. (For a list of the qualifying conditions in Pennsylvania, see below.) The physician may ask you to provide your patient ID, which can be found on the PA DOH website on which you registered.
Be sure to ask any questions you have during your appointment to fully understand the benefits and risks of medical marijuana. It’s especially important to discuss any prescription medications you’re currently taking before adding medical marijuana to your routine.
Step 3: Complete Your Application
After the doctor certifies you in the system, you will receive an email confirmation with your next steps on how to pay for your medical marijuana ID card. This can be done online through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s website. There will be a fee, typically $50 annually, unless you qualify for a waiver based on certain assistance programs.
Once payment is submitted, you will receive your medical marijuana card in the mail within 10 to 14 days, allowing you to purchase medical marijuana products from licensed dispensaries in Pennsylvania.
Medical marijuana card eligibility in PA
Make sure you meet the following requirements before you begin the medical marijuana application process in Pennsylvania.
- You must be a Pennsylvania resident; AND
- 18+ years old OR a minor with an adult caregiver; AND
- Suffer from at least one qualifying medical condition
The qualifying conditions for the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana program include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;
- Anxiety disorders;
- Autism;
- Cancer, including remission therapy;
- Chronic Hepatitis C (added to the list due to lobbying by our own Vytal pharmacist!);
- Crohn’s disease;
- Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and other associated neuropathies;
- Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders;
- Epilepsy;
- Glaucoma;
- HIV / AIDS;
- Huntington’s disease;
- Inflammatory bowel disease;
- Intractable seizures;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Neurodegenerative diseases;
- Neuropathies;
- Opioid use disorder for which conventional therapeutic interventions are contraindicated or ineffective, or for which adjunctive therapy is indicated in combination with primary therapeutic interventions;
- Parkinson’s disease;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder;
- Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain;
- Sickle cell anemia;
- Terminal illness; and
- Tourette syndrome.
Ways to get a medical marijuana card in PA
In person
You must have a consultation with a physician or medical professional to get registered with the state’s medical marijuana program. The doctor must be licensed in PA and have experience in evaluating patients for medical marijuana.
You can find a qualified doctor to meet in person by searching the PA DOH website or through local medical practices that specialize in medical marijuana evaluations. This option may be more expensive, but it provides a more in-depth experience with a physician.
Online
There are various online services available in Pennsylvania to assist you in obtaining your medical marijuana card. These services typically guide you through the application process, connect you with licensed physicians, and provide necessary resources. They can streamline the experience, making it easier to get your card without needing to visit a clinic in person. They typically encompass short calls with a physician and cost less.
How old do you have to be to get a medical marijuana card in PA?
You must be at least 18 years of age to get a medical marijuana card in PA, but people under 18 can get a certification issued. Their account must be associated with an over-21-year-old, approved caregiver.
Cost of medical marijuana cards in PA
The cost of a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is $50 annually. Individuals on assistance programs, such as WIC, Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, SNAP, and CHIP, may qualify for a fee waiver.
If you’re not already seeing a state-approved medical marijuana doctor, the initial visit could cost up to $200. Fees are due upon application and must be paid annually for renewal. Fees for renewals are generally under $100, but deals can be found through events and dispensary partnerships.
What is a caregiver, and how do they help patients get medical marijuana?
A caregiver is someone authorized to collect medical marijuana from a dispensary on behalf of their patient(s). To qualify, a caregiver must be at least 21 years old and registered in the program. While any adult patient has the option to designate a caregiver, minors are mandated to have one. Caregivers can assist an unlimited number of patients.
How to register as a caregiver in the PA medical marijuana program
To participate in the program as a caregiver, you must register on the PA DOH website. After registering, you’ll need to complete a criminal background check and pay for an ID card if approved to serve as a caregiver.
Medical marijuana shopping limits in PA
Pennsylvania dispensaries can provide a maximum of a 90-day supply to a patient or caregiver. The specific quantity that constitutes a 90-day supply is not precisely defined by Pennsylvania law and is typically determined by physicians and pharmacists based on the patient’s needs.
How to renew a medical marijuana card in PA
Medical marijuana cards in PA are good for one year. You will receive an email reminder that it’s time to obtain a new patient certification 60 days before expiration. You can get a new patient certification from any registered physician; you are not required to see the same doctor who issued your original certification.
- Doctor’s Certification: After your new certification is completed, log into your PA DOH account and ensure that your annual payment is up to date.
- New Card Issuance: A new medical marijuana card will be printed and mailed to the address listed in your patient portal under “profile settings.”
Put your new medical marijuana card to use at Vytal Options
Once you’re approved as a patient or caregiver under Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, stop by Vytal Options. We offer highly knowledgeable, friendly staff who can walk you through our vast selection of medical marijuana products and find the best possible choice for your needs. At Vytal Options, you never have to shop alone — we’ve got your back when it comes to your medical marijuana wellness journey.
