Medical Cannabis Certification

Consultation for Medical Cannabis Certification can take place in person or virtually/telehealth.

• New/Initial Medical Cannabis Certification: $200
• Renewal/Recertification Medical Cannabis Certification: $100

In Maryland, individuals with certain medical conditions may qualify for medical cannabis use under the state's medical cannabis program. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) oversees the program and establishes the criteria for patient eligibility. the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use in Maryland include:

1. Chronic Pain: Severe or chronic pain that does not respond to conventional treatment methods.
2. Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms: Including those associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury.
3. Severe Nausea: Due to cancer or cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, or other qualifying medical conditions.
4. Anorexia: Severe loss of appetite or cachexia associated with a chronic or debilitating medical condition.
5. Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome: Severe weight loss or muscle wasting associated with a chronic or debilitating medical condition.
6. Glaucoma: Where conventional treatment methods have not been effective.
7. Seizures: Including those associated with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
8. Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasticity: Including those associated with conditions such as MS or spinal cord injury.
9. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): For patients who are receiving treatment from a licensed healthcare provider.
10. Any Other Chronic Medical Condition: For which a healthcare provider believes that medical cannabis may be beneficial and has provided certification stating so.

Benefit of Medical Cannabis vs. Recreational:

• Lower taxes - Cannabis for recreational use is taxed at a higher rate than medicinal cannabis. The state places 9% sales and use tax rate on adult-use cannabis, but patients with medical cannabis cards are exempt from this tax for purchases up to the amount certified by their provider.
• Lower age restrictions - While cannabis has been legalized for adults over the age of 21, adults between the ages 18 and 20 can only legally purchase cannabis if they have a medical cannabis card from the state.
• Broader selection - Medical cannabis patients have access to a wider selection than recreational users, particularly high-potency products such as infused pre-rolls and concentrates such as live resin batters and sugars. These products are specially tailored for and limited to medical patients only.
• Priority access and shorter waits - Maryland’s cannabis dispensaries were established to serve patients and only recently adapted to serving the (general) public as well. The new surge in demand can lead to longer lines and reduced availability for certain products. However, dispensaries are still required to serve the needs of their medical customers first, which means some have special check-outs, reserved stocks, and extended hours just for patients with medical cannabis cards.

Adult patient registration process:

To register for the Maryland medical marijuana card as an adult patient:

1. Maryland residents ages 18 and up, you’ll need to register online as a patient with the   

Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). (There’s a $25 fee to register) 

2. Complete and submit the online application form and verify your email address.

3. Wait for a follow-up email containing your MMCC Patient ID number and advising the status of your application.

4. Call our office to schedule an appointment with Hollie Cacace, CRNP (MMCC provider) and get your marijuana certification. (The Maryland cannabis practitioner needs your MMCC Patient ID number to certify you)

5. Download your temporary MMCC ID card.

6. Get your MMCC ID card.