Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania
In 2016, Pennsylvania marked a historic milestone by passing its inaugural medical cannabis laws. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, the Keystone State’s medical program is flourishing, providing patients a legal pathway toward therapeutic relief. By obtaining a card through qualifying medical conditions, patients gain access to a thriving market and a range of additional benefits.
What are the qualifying conditions for a medical cannabis card in Pennsylvania, though? For example, can you get a medical card for anxiety in PA? To qualify for a cannabis card and the benefits it provides, patients must meet various state requirements. Keep scrolling for a complete list of PA medical marijuana conditions and other patient requirements. This guide explores what you’ll need to obtain a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania.
Qualifying Medical Conditions to Get a Pennsylvania Med Card
There are several qualifying medical conditions that may make you eligible for a Pennsylvania medical cannabis card. These include:
- AIDS
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism
- Cancer, including remission therapy
- Chronic Hepatitis C
- Crohn’s Disease
- Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and other associated neuropathies
- Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- Huntington’s Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Intractable seizures
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Neuropathies
- Opioid use disorder for which conventional therapeutic interventions are contraindicated or ineffective or for which adjunctive therapy is indicated in combination with primary therapeutic interventions.
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain
- Sickle cell anemia
- Terminal illness
- Tourette syndrome
Of these qualifying conditions, the most common are anxiety disorders, chronic or severe pain, PTSD, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.
Patient Qualifications for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
In addition, there are several other qualifications required to get a medical marijuana card in PA. First, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Patients under 18 may still qualify with a designated caregiver at least 21 years old.
Regardless of age, patients also need a certified physician’s recommendation for medical cannabis before they can purchase from a PA dispensary. The recommending physician must be registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
While it may not be required for your visit, medical records are often helpful to provide relevant medical details. These help support the diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition for your physician.
You Meet the Pennsylvania Medical Card Requirements… Now What?
If you meet all the requirements, it’s time to see a licensed physician to determine your medical cannabis eligibility. First, you’ll need to pre-certify with Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Registry.
Then, you’ll get your certification/recommendation from a state-approved physician. Fortunately, all NuggMD physicians are licensed in their states of service. These Nugg doctors in PA have all approvals, certifications, and training required by the state to make recommendations.
After obtaining a physician's recommendation, patients must submit an online application for a Registry ID Card through the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program's website.
Lastly, there is a $50 fee for your state-issued medical cannabis card.
Visit NuggMD Pennsylvania to connect with a physician for a medical marijuana evaluation today. Or browse the most common Pennsylvania patient FAQs to learn more about how to apply (and how NuggMD makes each step fast and easy).
What Medical Forms Do You Need When Meeting with a Physician in Pennsylvania?
When it’s time to meet with a doctor for your evaluation, have forms ready to expedite the process. Once you’re certified by an approved physician, the next step is to return to the Medical Marijuana Registry. Here, you’ll complete your application.
Proof of residency is required for adults and approved caregivers. That’s as simple as having a Pennsylvania driver’s license or state ID with a Pennsylvania address.
NuggMD makes the process as easy as possible by connecting patients with approved cannabis doctors. Get the help you need in obtaining a Pennsylvania medical cannabis card through NuggMD.
