How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card (State-By-State)

If you have a medical marijuana card, it will expire, and when it does, you'll lose all the benefits that come along with it, including legal access to cannabis, if recreational cannabis isn't legal in your state.

No matter what state you're in, though, keeping your card current is simple, especially if you have the right support.

How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card: A General Overview

Renewing a medical marijuana card is important for anyone seeking ongoing, legal access to medical cannabis in their state of residence. 

While it can vary by state, the process typically involves: 

• Scheduling a renewal appointment with a licensed cannabis doctor.
• Gathering essential documents.
• Submitting an application, typically online. 
• Renewing 30 to 60 days before expiration, depending on state rules and recommendations.

Renewing patients are advised to be aware of any upcoming expiration dates. Depending on the state, it might be best to start planning for a renewal two to three months before a current card is set to lapse.

While the process may seem like a lot, it’s often quite simple. Numerous states allow the entire renewal process, including medical evaluation, to be conducted online. Telemedicine services like NuggMD help streamline the experience while helping patients with any renewal questions they might have.

Why Renew Your Card?

Renewing a medical marijuana card maintains access to legal dispensaries and program participation. In some cases, this may include lower taxes. It may also, or instead, include access to higher-potency products or more allowances. However, program terms differ widely, and patients should review their state’s current laws.

Some states provide specific legal protections for medical cannabis patients. These may include safeguards against workplace discrimination or allowances for cannabis use as part of a medical treatment plan.¹ However, laws vary widely by state, and not all workplaces or situations are covered. Patients are advised to consult their state guidelines or speak with a legal professional for clarification.

If a card isn’t renewed, that patient loses all the above benefits until they can obtain a new, valid card. 

How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card: State-by-State Breakdown

Cannabis laws vary by state, meaning each state sets its own rules, including the renewal of medical cards. As of June 2025, all medical cannabis programs, with the exception of Washington D.C., require a doctor evaluation for renewal, though specifics vary by state. Below is a breakdown of additional renewal requirements.^,

Medical Marijuana Card Renewal Requirements by State

State	Renewal Frequency	State Renewal Portal	Expected Fee
AL	Every year	Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission	Not registering patients yet
AK	Every year	Medical Marijuana Registry - State of Alaska	$20.00 + evaluation
AR	Every year	Arkansas Department of Health	$50.00 + evaluation
AZ	Every 2 years	Arizona Department of Health Services	$150.00 + evaluation
CA	Every year	Department of Cannabis Control	up to $100.00 + evaluation
CO	Every year	Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment	$29.50 + evaluation
CT	Every year	Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection	$100.00 + evaluation
DC	Every 2 years	Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration	$100.00
DE	Every year	Delaware Health and Social Services	$50.00 + evaluation
FL	Every 210 days	Florida Department of Health	$75.00 + evaluation
GA	Every 5 years	GA Access to Medical Cannabis Commission	$25.00 + evaluation
HI	Every year	State of Hawaii Department of Health	$38.50 (1 year) or $77.00 (2 years) + evaluation
IA	Every year	The Office of Medical Cannabidiol	$100.00 + evaluation
IL	Every 1-3 years	Illinois Department of Public Health	$50 (1 year), $100 (2 years), $125 (3 years) + evaluation
LA	Every year	Louisiana Department of Health	Free state registration + evaluation
MA	Every year	Cannabis Control Commission	Free state registration + evaluation
MD	Every 6 years	Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission	$25.00 + evaluation
ME	Every year	Office of Cannabis Policy	Free state registration + evaluation
MI	Every 2 years	Michigan Medical Marijuana Program	$40.00 + evaluation
MN	Every 3 years	Minnesota Department of Health	$200.00 + evaluation
MO	Every 3 years	Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services	$25.00 + evaluation
MS	Every year	Mississippi State Department of Health	$25.00 + evaluation
MT	Every year	Cannabis Control Division	$20.00 + evaluation
ND	Every year	North Dakota Department of Health	$25.00 + evaluation
NH	Up to 3 years	New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services	$50.00 + evaluation
NJ	Every 2 years (annual renewal)	New Jersey Division of Medical Cannabis	$50.00 + evaluation
NM	Every 3 years	New Mexico Department of Health	Free state registration + evaluation
NV	Every 1-2 years	Nevada Department of Health and Human Services	$50.00 (1 year), $100.00 (2 years) + evaluation
NY	Every year	New York Office of Cannabis Management	Free state registration + evaluation
OH	Every year	Medical Marijuana Control Program	$50.00 + evaluation
OK	Every 2 years	Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority	$100.00 + evaluation
OR	Every year	Oregon Health Authority	$200.00 + evaluation
PA	Every year	Pennsylvania Department of Health	$50.00 + evaluation
RI	Every year	Rhode Island Department of Health	Free state registration + evaluation
SD	Every year	South Dakota Department of Health	$75.00 + evaluation
UT	6 months-1 year	Utah Department of Health & Human Services	$15.00 + evaluation
VA	Every year	Cannabis Control Authority	$50.00 + evaluation
VT	1-3 years	Vermont Cannabis Control Board	$50.00 + evaluation
WA	Every year	Washington Department of Health	$1.00-$10.00 + evaluation
WV	Every year	Office of Medical Cannabis	$50.00 + evaluation

State policies evolve regularly. Patients should always confirm the latest requirements through official state portals or with a trusted medical provider.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Your Medical Card

Renewing a medical marijuana card can be straightforward, but missing a step or waiting too long can result in loss of access. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Missing expiration alerts: Setting reminders on phones and emails helps patients stay ahead of renewal periods, allowing them to get started on the process well ahead of expiration.
• Expecting automatic renewal: Most states do not automatically renew medical cannabis cards. 
• Required documents: Essential documentation is needed for a renewal to be approved. Keeping ID, proof of residency, and medical records up to date makes the renewal process smoother.
• Not updating photos: Many states ask patients to submit a new and clear photo for every renewal. Without a recent photo, patients may face rejection or a request for an updated image. 
• Caregiver renewal: Caregivers help patients obtain, consume, and possibly grow cannabis at home. Patients using caregivers must also renew their caregivers’ registration or risk a delay in care, even if the patient’s own card has been renewed. 
• Incorrect information: Wrong information will result in processing errors. Carefully reviewing the details before sending prevents such delays from arising. 
• Confusing extensions and renewals: Some states offer temporary extensions. However, most require patients to get a new medical evaluation as part of their renewal. Understanding these rules before seeking an extension is wise. 

Why Choose NuggMD for Your Medical Card Renewal?

Navigating state regulations, changing laws, and medical evaluations can be challenging, particularly for patients with complex health issues. NuggMD simplifies the renewal process by providing:

• Fully online consultations: Speak with licensed providers in participating states.
• Expert assistance: Patients have access to knowledgeable providers for questions about qualifying conditions, required documentation, and state-specific regulations.
• Convenience: Renewals are completed from home without office visits.
• Quick approval and secure payments: If patients aren’t approved, they receive their money back automatically.
• Expiration alerts and reminders: Never miss the renewal window. With NuggMD, patients receive notifications well before a card expires.
  

Even if a different provider issued the original certification, NuggMD can efficiently manage the renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Do Medical Marijuana Cards Expire?

Most states issue cards for 1 year. But, those rules differ, meaning states typically allow cards to stay valid anywhere from six months to three years. Patients should check their state laws for specific timeframes. 

How Long is a Physician’s Recommendation Valid?

Typically, recommendations last as long as your medical card is valid, often 1 year. But, some states have different rules in place. 

What Happens if I Don’t Renew My Medical Card?

Cards that go unrenewed will lapse in coverage. Until a new valid card is issued, that patient loses access to legal cannabis and all protections that come with it. 

What are the Requirements for Medical Card Renewal?

Renewal specifications vary by state. However, most rules stipulate that the patient resubmit an application, as well as providing an updated physician recommendation. Possible renewal fees may apply. Check state laws for any additional requirements. 

What are the Fees Involved in Renewing My Medical Marijuana Card?

Fees vary by state as well. In some cases, renewals are low-tono-cost. In other instances, fees can reach above $100, in addition to any medical fees that come with renewal visits. 

Do I Need to Update My Information to Renew My Medical Card?

Yes, state programs all stipulate that patients should keep their medical information up to date, informing state boards of any changes to their residence, patient status, or other essential information. 

Can I Renew My Medical Card Online?

Yes, in most cases. The vast majority of states now allow online renewals, making it easy to renew from home using services like NuggMD. For more information about medical cannabis laws, doctor consultations, and trusted guidance, consider exploring additional educational resources.

References

1. Ryan JE, McCabe SE, Boyd CJ. Medicinal Cannabis: Policy, Patients, and Providers. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice. 2021;22(2):152715442198960. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1527154421989609 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.