Exploring Medical Marijuana Laws in Maryland: Benefits and Restrictions in 2023

In 2014, Maryland legalized medical marijuana in the state with the help of their organizations, The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and The Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission. These two organizations are responsible for developing all necessary laws and regulations regarding medical marijuana in Maryland.

To treat your medical conditions with medical marijuana in Maryland, you need to obtain Maryland medical marijuana card. But before applying for the MMJ card, get a recommendation letter from a licensed healthcare professional who states that you are suffering from medical conditions and marijuana may help alleviate your medical symptoms.

The state created a portal for the Maryland medical marijuana card to house the state’s marijuana licenses, permits, applications, and registrations across numerous state agencies. The portal is called OneStop, and it helps the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) to register patients and caregivers. Remember, not every patient can go for a medical marijuana card in Maryland. Some medical conditions allow them to get an MMJ card.

Medical Conditions Eligible for Medical Cannabis in Maryland

Some medical conditions allow you to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland such as:

• Chronic or debilitating conditions which require hospice or palliative care
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Anorexia
• Severe or chronic pain
• Nausea
• Chronic muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Glaucoma
• wasting syndrome
• severe or chronic pain
• severe nausea
• or another chronic medical condition that is severe and for which other treatments have been ineffective.

How Much Medical Marijuana Can I Purchase?

According to the MMCC, patients can purchase 120 grams of usable cannabis (primarily dried flower) or 36 grams of THC as a 30-day supply. The patient’s doctor can provide a written statement certifying for a specific amount, whether more or less than this purchase limit. Remember, the 30-day cycle operates on a rolling basis, not monthly.

Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in Maryland?

Medical marijuana is legal in Maryland, but recreational use of marijuana is still illegal, but possession of 10 grams (3⁄8 oz) or less is decriminalized. However, the people of Maryland can expect recreational marijuana legislation on this year’s ballot. If the bill passes in the November ballot, which has a very bright chance, then Under the House legislation, recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over would be legal on July 1, 2023.

Who is Eligible for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland ?

The patient must be at least 18 years of age to obtain the medical marijuana card. However, minor patients or patients under 18 can also treat their medical conditions through marijuana. They are required to have at least one caregiver assigned to their accounts at all times. Only parents or legal guardians are eligible to serve as caregivers for minor patients. They may have up to four caregivers, provided that two of them are the parents or legal guardians of the patient. Before the minor is registered, the caregiver must complete their registration first. Once the patient’s caregiver is registered, they can fill out an application on behalf of their patient.

However, there are several requirements to be approved by the state. These requirements include:

• You must have proof of identity issued by the state of Maryland, including a driver’s license or a valid U.S. Passport.
• You must be able to prove your residence in Maryland.
• You must have a recommendation letter from the qualified physician
• You must register as a patient with the MMCC and apply for a Maryland medical marijuana card.
• You must pay an application fee.

Safely and Legally Storing Medical Cannabis

Patients are responsible for safely storing their medical cannabis. It should be out of reach of the children. Each patient is responsible for ensuring that no one else has access to or uses their medical cannabis. If your medical cannabis gets stolen, contact your local law enforcement immediately.

To keep your medical cannabis secure:

• Store cannabis in its original tamper-evident container
• Do not remove the label from the container
• Keep it in a secure area, away from children

Is it Legal to Grow Weed in Maryland?

Despite making leaps and bounds toward medical marijuana legalization, Maryland lawmakers have not yet legalized growing marijuana at home. But you can expect its approval in November 2022 ballot because the Maryland government seeks to amend that law. If passed, Maryland residents may begin growing marijuana safely and legally in their private residences as early as July of 2023.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland?

To get a medical marijuana card in Maryland, you must first be a state resident. You will need to provide proof of residency, a government-issued photo ID and a licensed physician’s certification which states that you suffer from a qualifying condition. To get the letter, visit GreenPot MD. Click on the apply button, fill out a simple form and book your appointment with the licensed marijuana doctor. After the appointment, they will write your recommendation letter. See how simple it was.

Once you have these items, you can begin the online application process. Visit the MMCC, fill out the forms, upload the documents and pay the application fee. Once approved, you may purchase medicinal cannabis from any state-approved dispensary.