Qualifying Conditions for a Connecticut Medical Marijuana Card
While Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, it still has a thriving medical cannabis market. Made legal in 2012, a CT medical marijuana card means higher purchase limits at state dispensaries, greater variety of safe, tested cannabis, and more.
In fact, there are several advantages to having a medical card in a recreational state like Connecticut. What are the qualifying conditions for a medical card in CT, though? How do you get a Connecticut medical marijuana card?
This article touches on the qualifying conditions for Connecticut residents and the next steps if you have such a condition. Learn more about Connecticut’s cannabis laws and regulations as you read.
Qualifying Medical Conditions for a Medical Card in CT
There is a wide range of qualifying medical conditions for a medical cannabis card in Connecticut. Qualifying conditions also differ by age. Adults 18 years and older can qualify if they’re being treated for a debilitating medical condition by a state-licensed physician. Debilitating medical conditions for adults include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Positive status for HIV or AIDS
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective indication of intractable spasticity
- Epilepsy
- Cachexia
- Wasting Syndrome
- Crohn's Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Post Laminectomy Syndrome with Chronic Radiculopathy
- Severe Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Type 1 and Type II
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity
- Terminal illness requiring end-of-life card
- Uncontrolled Intractable Seizure Disorder
- Spasticity or neuropathic pain associated with Fibromyalgia
- Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post Herpetic Neuralgia
- Hydrocephalus with intractable headache
- Intractable headache syndromes
- Neuropathic facial pain
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Chronic neuropathic pain associated with degenerative spinal disorders
- Interstitial Cystitis
- MALS Syndrome (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome)
- Vulvodynia and vulvar burning
- Intractable neuropathic pain that is unresponsive to standard medical treatments
- Tourette Syndrome
- Chronic pain of at least 6 months duration associated with a specified underlying chronic condition refractory to other treatment intervention
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome associated with chronic pain
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Movement disorders associated with Huntington’s Disease
While there are 40 qualifying conditions for adults, there are 11 for patients under 18. These debilitating medical conditions include:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity
- Severe epilepsy
- Terminal illness requiring end-of-life care
- Uncontrolled Intractable Seizure Disorder
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Intractable neuropathic pain that is unresponsive to standard medical treatments
- Tourette Syndrome for patients who have failed standard medical treatment
- Chronic Pancreatitis for patients whose pain is recalcitrant to standard medical management
The Connecticut Regulation Review Committee may approve additional medical conditions each year. These conditions are recommended by the Connecticut Board of Physicians and Commissioner of Consumer Protection.
Patient Qualifications for a CT Medical Marijuana Card
In addition to being treated for a debilitating medical condition by a CT-licensed physician, there are other requirements. However, if a correctional inmate meets qualifying medical conditions, they still will not qualify.
All qualifying patients must be legal residents of Connecticut. Patients must also have a valid email address and phone number. You’ll need to show proof of identity and residency to meet all requirements.
Learn more about how to become a medical cannabis caregiver in Connecticut.
You Meet the Connecticut Medical Card Requirements… Now What?
If you qualify for a medical card in Connecticut (or if you aren’t sure), the next step is an evaluation. Begin by scheduling an evaluation from a certified professional through NuggMD or a similar platform.
NuggMD connects prospective patients with state-certified physicians qualified to recommend cannabis as a treatment, providing patients a range of benefits not available to recreational consumers.
What Medical Forms Do You Need When Meeting with a Physician in Connecticut?
When you meet with a qualified medical physician through NuggMD, it's best to come prepared with the appropriate documents.
Ensure you have a valid proof of identification, which includes:
- Connecticut or out-of-state driver’s license
- Connecticut-issued ID
- US passport or passport card
- Connecticut pistol or firearm permit
- Permanent resident card
- Certificate of naturalization
- Certification of citizenship (some age restrictions apply)
You’ll also need to submit proof of your Connecticut residency. The document must show your name and your CT address, be dated within 90 days, and be computer-generated (not typed).
Getting your medical cannabis card doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. Feel free to ask any questions about your condition or the use of cannabis during your visit.
Browse additional Connecticut patient FAQs.
