How to Become a Medicinal Marijuana Caregiver in Maryland
Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational purposes in Maryland, and adult-use sales began on July 1st, 2023.
For many patients, caregivers provide essential assistance that makes their treatment more accessible. However, for others, caregivers are critical for making medical cannabis accessible and manageable. In fact, minor patients are required to have a parent or legal guardian serve as their caregiver. In order to provide care for patients, caregivers are afforded certain legal rights and responsibilities. A medical cannabis caregiver’s rights are different from a patient’s.
If you’re planning on becoming a caregiver or you’re a medical cannabis patient considering designating one, it’s important to understand just what those rights and responsibilities are. Though Maryland’s registration for caregivers is straightforward, it’s also a good idea to become familiar with it and its requirements before signing up.
How to Become a Medical Cannabis Caregiver in Maryland
In Maryland, the process of applying to be a caregiver is different for caregivers of adult patients and minors under 18. Many of the steps are similar, but there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
For minor patients, parents/guardians looking to serve as caregivers will need to register with the state before their child registers as a patient; for adults, patients should register first.
- Gather the required documents. You’ll need a state-issued photo ID, a social security number, and a valid, functional email address. You’ll also need a recent passport-style photo to upload through the state’s online portal.
- Fill out the application and create your account through Maryland’s online portal.
- Once the application is submitted, you’ll receive an email asking you to confirm your email address. Follow the link in the email to confirm.
- (Adult Patients Only) The patient will then need to sign in to their account and designate you as their caregiver.
- Purchase your ID card. Cards cost $25 for caregivers of adult patients and $50 for caregivers of minor patients.
- Wait for your ID to arrive in the mail.
What is a Medical Marijuana Caregiver (and Who Qualifies in Maryland)?
Maryland allows patients to designate up to one caregiver at once, except for minor patients, who may have four registered caregivers. Caregivers can also care for up to five patients. In Maryland, patients and caregivers register separately with the state. Then, the patient can log into their account in the state’s online portal to designate their caregiver. Maryland allows caregivers to help patients purchase, manage, and administer their medical cannabis.
In order to become a caregiver in Maryland, a person must:
- Be a Maryland resident
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be the parent or legal guardian of the patient if the patient is under 18
- Register with the Maryland Cannabis Administration
- Be in possession of the state-issued medical cannabis caregiver ID while also in possession of cannabis
In Maryland, caregivers cannot:
- Use the patient’s cannabis
- Purchase more than the maximum amount of cannabis for the patient
- Serve more than five patients at once
Maryland charges a $25 application fee for caregivers of adult patients and minors.
Maryland Laws for MMJ Caregivers and Their Patients
Designating a Caregiver in Maryland
Maryland allows medical cannabis patients to designate up to two caregivers at a time. Caregivers are allowed to serve up to five patients at once. In Maryland, patients and caregivers are registered with the state separately. Then, the patient can sign in to the state’s portal and designate the caregiver.
The state allows caregivers to purchase and possess a patient’s recommended allotment of cannabis. They cannot possess cannabis for more than one patient at once if it exceeds the legal limit. Caregivers must have their caregiver ID card on them at all times when they have cannabis.
Cultivating Cannabis as a Caregiver in Maryland
The situation with cannabis cultivation is somewhat unusual in Maryland. Under the state’s medical cannabis program, cultivating cannabis at home is prohibited. However, under the state’s recreational cannabis laws, which take effect on July 1, 2023, adults over 21 are legally allowed to cultivate up to two cannabis plants in their homes.
As of early 2023, caregivers may not cultivate cannabis for their patients. Once the state’s recreational laws take effect, caregivers will be able to cultivate up to two plants on their own property and give up to 1.5 ounces (at once) of that cannabis to a patient without monetary compensation. They will also be able to help a patient cultivate their own cannabis at the patient’s residence.
Learn more about Maryland's cannabis laws and regulations, review our extensive patient FAQs, or visit one of our other helpful resources for current and prospective Maryland medical cannabis patients.
