Where Can I Get a Med Card? How to Choose Your State When Applying for Medical Cannabis
For many patients, it's worth it to get or renew their medical card even if recreational cannabis is available. That’s because medical programs offer benefits like greater selection, more dispensaries, increased protections, and tax savings that aren’t available to consumers without a med card.
But the process to get approved for medical cannabis can be overwhelming, and the steps you need to take – and whether or not you qualify – can vary from one state to the next.
Where can I get a med card?
Medical cannabis is legal in 39 states and counting. Most states allow telehealth evaluations so you can see a doctor without leaving home. Some states also allow patients to purchase with out-of-state cards. Others offer temporary visitor cards for qualifying patients.
If you aren’t sure where you may qualify, consider speaking with your medical cannabis doctor. NuggMD connects patients with a practitioner in as little as 15 minutes with no appointment necessary, and you only pay for your evaluation if you’re approved for medical cannabis.
What state should I select if seeing a medical marijuana doctor online?
Select the state where you live. Almost every state requires proof of residency to obtain a medical card. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you can only purchase medical cannabis in that state. If you travel a lot, many states offer some form of reciprocity by allowing visiting patients to purchase with an out-of-state card. Others let visiting patients obtain temporary cards, though almost all of these states require proof of a home-state-issued card, so your first step is to get your card at home.
What form of ID or registration do I need to get a med card?
Most states require a government-issued state ID, but there are a few exceptions or additional requirements depending on the state where you’re applying for medical cannabis.
- Some states like New Jersey also require a utility bill or other proof of address.
- Pennsylvania allows alternative proof of residency, like a lease, if the patient lacks a state-issued ID.
- Missouri allows government-issued ID from any state.
- Florida allows seasonal residents to provide alternative ID instead of Florida ID.
Several states also allow out-of-state patients to apply for temporary cards or to shop with their home-state-issued medical card. Select your state below to learn exactly what ID is required in your state.
Are there any states where I can get a med card without having a state ID or proof of residency?
Missouri doesn't require residency proof. Other states like New Jersey, Hawaii, and Oklahoma allow out-of-state cards or offer temporary IDs, though you may need to complete your registration prior to arriving. To access medical cannabis in another state:
- Get your official certification from your home state. In almost all cases, this will require proof of residency.
- Check with your visiting state to see if your home-state card is sufficient, or if you'll need to register for a temporary ID before you travel.
What states accept out-of-state cards?
So far, at least 10 states plus Puerto Rico and D.C. accept out-of-state cards without the need for additional registration before traveling. Check our updated list of states that allow purchase with out-of-state cards, offer temporary IDs, or have fully legal cannabis sales.
What states allow patients to get temporary or visitor med cards?
As of April 2025, the following states allow visiting patients or part-time residents to get a temporary or visitor med card:
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
Your first step to get a temporary visitor's ID is to get your card from your home state.
How can I get a temporary or visitor med card?
Before you can get a temporary or visitor med card, you’ll need to gather proof of participation in your home state. Almost all states require a state-issued ID and won't accept a doctor's recommendation as proof. Once you have your state-issued card from your home state, visit the registration website for the state you’re visiting to complete your application for a temporary ID. You can find a list of state reciprocity programs. To avoid potential delays and allow time for processing, apply for your temporary ID at least 30 days before you plan to travel.
How do you get a med card?
Getting your medical marijuana card is easier than it seems.
- Check if you have a qualifying condition. Conditions vary by state.
- See a licensed practitioner for your evaluation. In most states, you can do this online through telehealth services like NuggMD.
- After completing your evaluation, your practitioner will send your recommendation to you or the state, depending on local laws.
- If required, register with the state’s medical cannabis program. Some states like California, Maine, and Washington don't require this but offer optional registration for additional benefits, like lower taxes, increased protections, and reciprocity.
What conditions qualify for a med card?
Qualifying conditions vary by state. The most common conditions listed by state programs include chronic pain, HIV, multiple sclerosis, nausea, cancer, neuropathy, and migraines. But this isn’t an exhaustive list. Some states – like California, Oklahoma, and Maine – don't restrict qualifying conditions at all. Others – like Alabama and Texas – have extremely limited qualifying conditions.
If your condition isn’t listed by the state, you may still qualify to access medical cannabis for a related symptom. For instance, a state may not list fibromyalgia as a qualifying condition, but the patient may qualify under chronic pain. Or the state may not list anxiety as a qualifying condition, but the patient may qualify under nausea or insomnia. Learn more about qualifying conditions where you live by selecting your state below.
What’s the easiest way to get a med card?
The easiest way to get your med card is to get a telehealth evaluation with NuggMD. No appointment is needed and you only pay if approved for medical cannabis. If you are required to register with the state, NuggMD provides step by step instructions. In most cases, you can complete the entire process from initial evaluation to state-registration from the comfort of home.
Sign up to meet with a practitioner today or message our support team if you have any questions about the process.
