How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland [2024 Guide]

how to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland

Medical cannabis has been legal in the state of Maryland since 2013, though the state program only became operational in December 2017.

In 2014, then-Governor Martin O'Malley decriminalized possession of 10 grams of cannabis or less. This decriminalization lowered possession charges to the status of a minor infraction, similar to a traffic ticket, with a $100 fine for first-time offenses and $250 for the second offense. From there, all subsequent violations result in a $500 fine. 

Two years later, in 2016, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill to decriminalize the possession of cannabis paraphernalia and the smoking of cannabis in public. Like possession offenses, violations would result in $500 fines. 

In 2022, Maryland became the 20th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. The measure allows adults to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to 2 plants. As of January 2024, the sale of both medical and adult-use cannabis is available to Maryland residents.

How Do You Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland: Step-by-Step

medical marijuana doctor

Becoming a medical cannabis patient in Maryland is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is follow these easy steps:

1.) Enroll in the Maryland Cannabis Administration Registration Portal 

The first step is registering with the Maryland Cannabis Administration. Doing so will give you an MCA Patient ID number, which will ultimately be necessary for your medical evaluation. This medical cannabis patient state registration must be renewed every six years (and every two years for caregivers). 

2.) Receive a Medical Cannabis Evaluation by a Maryland Physician 

Once you have your Maryland Patient ID number, you can receive the necessary medical evaluation by a state-licensed doctor. You can get your medical cannabis evaluation online and from the comfort of your own home using NuggMD for just $109!

3.) Your Evaluating Physician Will Upload Your Written Certification

When you're approved for medicinal cannabis use, your evaluating physician will use your Patient ID number to upload your certification to the MCA patient registration portal. From there, all you need to do is wait for the state to process and approve your written certification. Remember that you do not need to wait for your medical marijuana card to arrive in the mail to start using Maryland dispensaries. As soon as the state approves you, you can print a temporary patient ID card, and you’ll be good to go!

Get Your Maryland Medical Card Online Get approved today in minutes with the nation's #1 trusted medical card provider. Get Your Card No appointment needed. Only billed if approved.

How Do I Renew a Medical Card in Maryland?

Medical cannabis cards in Maryland expire after six years for patients and after two years for medical cannabis caregivers. After this, patients must re-register with the MCA. 

Nevertheless, patient evaluations are only valid for one year. You will need to be re-evaluated by a state-licensed physician annually to keep your medical cannabis card active.

Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland?

Anyone who is a permanent resident of Maryland and who has a written certification from a state-licensed physician for medicinal cannabis use qualifies for the state’s medical cannabis program.

Minors are also allowed to become medical cannabis patients in Maryland. However, they are required by law to have at least one parent or guardian act as their caregiver. A patient can have up to two caregivers.

How to Find a Medical Marijuana Doctor in MD for a Medical Cannabis Evaluation

doctor for medical cannabis card evaluation

Some Maryland patients may find it challenging to find a state-licensed physician in their local area who is willing or able to issue medical cannabis certifications. 

However, Maryland residents can easily connect with evaluating physicians using the NuggMD platform. All NuggMD evaluations occur entirely online using our secure telemedicine platform. 

MD residents must have their medical records on hand for their physician's review. These may include:

  • Patient charts  
  • Current prescriptions  
  • Physical therapy records (when applicable) 
  • Medical test results  
  • Hospital records  

If you don't know where to start or don't want to physically visit a doctor's office, visit NuggMD Maryland to receive a medical evaluation from the privacy of your own home.

Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online: The NuggMD Process

mmj card

It's never been easier to get your necessary medical evaluation using NuggMD! Here's how Maryland patients can do it:

  1. Sign up on nuggmd.com/maryland

Complete a 30-second questionnaire, upload all available medical records, and choose your payment method (you’re only charged if you are approved for medical cannabis).

  1. Connect with and meet your evaluating physician.

Wait for a moment in our virtual waiting room, then meet with your physician after they’ve had the time to evaluate your records.

  1. Wait for your medical cannabis certification to be processed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration.

Your doctor will upload your certification to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, and you’ll receive a confirmation when your application is approved. Once you are approved, you are eligible to begin shopping for medical cannabis (even before your physical med card arrives in the mail).

That's all!

Get Your Maryland Medical Card Online Get approved today in minutes with the nation's #1 trusted medical card provider. Get Your Card No appointment needed. Only billed if approved.

What to Expect When Talking to a Maryland Medical Marijuana Doctor on NuggMD

Despite the remote nature of a virtual evaluation, you can expect the process to be mostly identical to that of a physical examination.

First, your NuggMD evaluating physician is a licensed professional approved by the state of Maryland to conduct your examination. Your doctor will ask you about current medications and treatments. Uploading as many of your medical records as possible during your account sign-up will ensure that your evaluation is as thorough and speedy as possible. 

During your evaluation, you will also have the opportunity to ask your physician any questions you may have about medical cannabis. Don't hesitate to discuss anything with your NuggMD doctor. Our medical team is more than happy to take the time to answer any questions you might have about the potential pros and cons of medical cannabis use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Cannabis in Maryland

Can You Get a Same Day Medical Card in Maryland?

You can see a NuggMD doctor the same day you sign up; no appointment is needed! If your doctor recommends medical cannabis, they will upload your certification to the MCA for state approval. While the state may not approve your medical card status the same day, patients in Maryland are able to begin shopping as soon as they’re approved by the MCA by printing a temporary card (no need to wait for a physical card to arrive in the mail). 

What Cannabis Consumption Methods Are Available in Maryland?

There are currently no restrictions on the types of medical cannabis products sold in the state. Maryland medical cannabis patients can purchase anything from flowers and concentrates to edibles, capsules, tinctures, and topicals.

What Does Cannabis Feel Like?

In most cases, people feel more relaxed, happy, or uplifted after consuming cannabis. However, the effects of cannabis could differ depending on the strain and the individual user. The usual effects of using cannabis are:

  • Lowered energy (couchlock), 
  • An increase in laughter or boosted humor,
  • Perception of time may speed up or slow down,
  • Difficulty concentrating, 
  • Increased calm and relaxed,
  • Minor memory lapses or temporary memory loss,

While consumers consider most effects of cannabis to be positive, it must be remembered that it is possible to feel several unpleasant side effects if the dosage is too high. In fact, too much cannabis could produce many of the symptoms a patient sought to avoid or alleviate (including anxiety or nausea). The best way to avoid any adverse or uncomfortable effects of cannabis is always to start low and go slow! 

Because everyone's individual physiology can differ substantially, it's difficult to deduce a recommended starter dose that would work for all users. As a result, you'll find a range of suggestions online, from 2.5mg to 10mg of THC for first-time edible users. Some patients may not feel much at substantial dosages, such as 10mg. For others, 2.5mg may still be too much.

The onset of cannabis's effects can vary widely from person to person. Edibles, for example, could take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours to kick in, if not longer, and can last up to 12 hours, depending on the consumer and the product. 

If you haven't used cannabis before or haven't used it that often, it may be a good idea to have a friend or loved one – preferably one who has experience using cannabis products either recreationally or as a medical cannabis patient – act as a “sitter” when you try it. They'll be in a position to help if you start feeling adverse or uncomfortable side effects.

What if My Recommended Dose Is Too Strong?

If you start feeling uncomfortable because you've consumed too much cannabis, don't panic! Try not to feel embarrassed, considering it happens to everyone from time to time. Not only that, it's improbable that too much weed will cause any dangerous medical effects. For a majority of consumers, the worst case scenario is that you'll feel uncomfortable or anxious temporarily. 

Still, feeling overwhelmed is never ideal, and there are steps you can take to help sober up if you’ve taken too large a dose.

If your prescribed dosage is too high, contact your physician to get it adjusted. 

Have More Questions About How to Apply for a Medical Card in Maryland?

Learn more about Maryland's medical cannabis rules and regulations and state-provided medical cannabis patient information, or browse our extensive set of patient resources:

Also, don't hesitate to reach out to the NuggMD customer service team. They are always ready to help medical cannabis patients through the often confusing state registration system. 

NuggMD has helped 1,300,000 patients around the country access evaluating physicians so they can explore medicinal cannabis treatments. Every medical marijuana doctor on our platform is licensed in their state and has received all the necessary certifications.

Get Your Maryland Medical Card Online Get approved today in minutes with the nation's #1 trusted medical card provider. Get Your Card No appointment needed. Only billed if approved.
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The NuggMD Promise

We are a team of cannabis and technology professionals focused on connecting you with state-licensed doctors. We believe all people deserve access to medical cannabis if they think it might improve their quality of life. Since our founding in 2015, we’ve held ourselves and our partners to the highest standards to ensure every patient we serve is able to access reliable cannabis information, trustworthy medical practitioners, and proactive updates on the cannabis healthcare ecosystem and legislation that may affect their experience as a medical cannabis patient.

Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or thinking of becoming a first-time medical marijuana patient, our network of doctors will listen to your needs and give you an honest opinion about whether they think cannabis can help.

Billed only if approved.