Medical marijuana is a drug derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and can be used to treat many kinds of illnesses—from chronic pain to psychological conditions such as epilepsy and depression.
Today, 37 states have legalized medical marijuana, and some of them, like California, even allow people to purchase medical marijuana using only their state-issued ID card to prove that they’re over 21 years of age.
In Pennsylvania, however, anyone who wants to purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary and use it for treatment must hold a valid medical marijuana card (MMJ card). With Black Friday coming up, there may be medical marijuana products on sale that you can get for your treatments, but you’ll need a medical marijuana card first.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying for a medical marijuana card and getting it delivered to you.
1. Register online
First and foremost, you need to be no younger than 18 years old and you must be a resident of the state of Pennsylvania in order to get a valid medical marijuana card.
If you meet these criteria, you need to log on to the Patients and Caregivers Registry and create a patient profile and divulge all necessary information, such as your legal name and address.
After this, you’ll need to visit a licensed doctor who is registered with the state’s department of health. Before you go to visit your doctor, make sure that you have all the necessary documents, such as your previous medical reports.
2. Get a doctor’s recommendation
When you visit your doctor, they will give you a recommendation, depending on whether or not your medical condition is treatable with medical marijuana under Pennsylvania law.
According to the Legislation in House Bill 1393, you must have a bonafide physician-patient relationship with your chosen doctor. This means the doctor should have carried out a full assessment of your medical history and your current medical condition, and also carried out a physical examination.
Once you got your doctor’s recommendation, it’s time to visit the Patients and Caregivers Registry again.
3. Pay for your medical marijuana card application
Log into the Patients and Caregivers Registry, complete your application, and pay the required fee. The payment needs to be made with either a Visa or Mastercard and you must also upload an electronic copy of your photo ID.
If a person under your care who is below 18 years of age requires medical marijuana for treatment, you must complete the application and the state’s Safe Harbor on their behalf.
After all of this is done, you’ll receive your new medical marijuana card via mail. This may take about 21 days.
Restrictions for medical marijuana patients
Even when you hold a valid medical marijuana card, there are many things you’ll still not be allowed to do, these include:
- Selling or giving medical marijuana to anyone
- Smoke medical marijuana (you can only inhale it in vapor form using a vaporizer).
- Using medical marijuana at work
- Buying edibles that are infused with medical marijuana
These restrictions are currently exclusive to Pennsylvania and some of these may be allowed in other states that have legalized medical marijuana.
Additionally, you cannot use your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card in other states.
You may also face federal charges if you try to take medical marijuana between states, —even if you cross into another state that has legalized it.
Types of medical marijuana you can buy
Since smoking medical marijuana is still not allowed in Pennsylvania, you can only use other forms of the drug, such as:
- Capsules
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Creams and lotions
- Dry plant material for nebulization
You’ll also be allowed to have a 30-day supply of medical marijuana, as per your doctor’s recommendation.
Get your medical card today
Over the years, medical marijuana has proven to be a good herbal alternative to many kinds of medication, and it has helped many people find relief from the symptoms of their conditions.
If you’re thinking of trying medical marijuana to help you with your condition, apply for an MMJ card today.
