If your child has a chronic or debilitating illness and you live in Maryland, you may have already explored every treatment option available. One question families often ask is — can minors get a medical marijuana card in Maryland?
In 2026, yes — Maryland does allow pediatric patients to participate in the state’s medical cannabis program. However, the process for minors works differently than it does for adults. There are additional documents, a stricter caregiver requirement, and specific registration steps that parents must follow.
This article covers everything you need to know before applying.
Maryland’s Medical Cannabis Program in 2026
Maryland’s medical cannabis program was launched under House Bill 881 in 2014 through the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). The program is now administered by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), which took over regulatory duties after recreational marijuana was legalized in Maryland in 2023.
The MCA operates a centralized registration portal called OneStop (onestop.md.gov), where all patients — including minors — must apply.
The Direct Answer: Can Minors Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland?
Yes. Can minors get a medical marijuana card in Maryland — absolutely, but with strict requirements.
Maryland law makes clear that minor patients (under 18) must have:
- A parent or legal guardian registered and approved as a caregiver before the minor’s application can even be submitted
- A physician certification from an MCA-registered provider confirming a qualifying medical condition
- A completed Minor Patient Form
- Documentation of the caregiver’s legal guardianship
Unlike adult patients, minors in Maryland do not pay any state fee for their registration — the card is free for pediatric patients.
What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Minors in Maryland?
Maryland maintains a defined list of qualifying conditions for the medical cannabis program. Any patient — adult or minor — must be diagnosed with at least one of the following:
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Anorexia
- Chronic pain
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms
- Seizures / Epilepsy
- Severe nausea
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Any severe condition that has not responded to traditional treatments
For pediatric patients, treatment-resistant epilepsy and severe autism are among the most common conditions for which physicians certify cannabis use. The “any severe condition” clause also gives doctors flexibility to certify children with unusual diagnoses when conventional treatments have failed.
Caregiver Requirements in Maryland: What Parents Need to Know
Before the minor’s application is submitted, the parent or guardian must first complete the caregiver registration. This is one of the most important steps and is often where delays happen.
Under Maryland law, minor patients are permitted up to four caregivers in total:
- Two must be the patient’s parents or legal guardians
- Two additional caregivers can be adults aged 21 or older, designated by the parent or guardian
Each caregiver must register separately through the MCA’s OneStop portal. Only after at least one caregiver is approved can the minor’s patient application be filed.
Step-by-Step: How the Application Works for Maryland Minors
Here is how the process works in 2026:
Step 1 — Caregiver registers first
A parent or legal guardian creates a OneStop account at onestop.md.gov and completes the Minor Patient Caregiver Registration. Upload government-issued ID and proof of guardianship.
Step 2 — Minor patient application is submitted
Once the caregiver is approved, the minor’s patient application can be submitted through the same portal. Required documents include:
- Minor’s birth certificate or valid ID
- Passport-style photo
- Proof of Maryland residency
- Completed Minor Patient Form
- Documentation of the caregiver’s guardianship
Step 3 — Get physician certification
After application approval, schedule an appointment with an MCA-registered certifying provider. This physician must confirm the qualifying condition and certify the minor for medical cannabis.
Step 4 — Receive the MCA ID card
A digital (printable) version of the Maryland medical marijuana card is free for minor patients. A physical card costs $25. The card is valid for six years, but physician certifications must be renewed annually.
Pricing Breakdown for 2026
Here is what families in Maryland can expect to pay:
- Physician certification: Costs vary by provider; typically $75–$200 per visit
- Minor patient card: Free (state covers the fee for minors)
- Caregiver card: $25 for a physical card; digital version is free and printable
- Annual recertification: Required every 12 months regardless of card validity
Families looking for transparent, affordable certification can explore KIF Doctors’ pricing page for detailed information. You can also schedule directly online and complete the consultation via telehealth from home.
What Products Can Minor Patients Use in Maryland?
Maryland dispensaries carry a wide range of medical cannabis products. However, minor patients are typically restricted to non-smokable forms, such as:
- Oils and tinctures
- Capsules
- Edibles
- Topicals (for certain conditions)
The certifying physician will recommend the most appropriate form and dosage based on the child’s condition and age. Caregivers purchase and administer the products — minors cannot enter dispensaries or make purchases themselves.
Why Maryland Parents Choose Medical Cannabis
When conventional treatments stop working, families often turn to medical cannabis as a last resort. Research on cannabidiol (CBD) — a non-psychoactive cannabis compound — has shown promising results for conditions like treatment-resistant epilepsy. The FDA-approved medication Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug, is a well-known example of how cannabis-derived compounds are entering mainstream pediatric medicine.
Getting a formal medical card through the MCA ensures families access to:
- Lab-tested, pharmaceutical-grade products
- Consistent and measurable dosing
- Legal protection under Maryland state law
- Tax-free medical purchases (recreational cannabis is taxed)
For more information on how medical cannabis is used for various conditions, visit the KIF Doctors blog for state-specific educational resources.
Key Reminders Before You Apply
- Caregiver must register before the minor. The state portal will not accept a minor application until a caregiver account is approved.
- Insurance does not cover medical cannabis in Maryland.
- Federal law still applies — cannabis cannot be transported across state lines.
- Employers can still drug test — a medical card does not protect against workplace policies.
- Out-of-state patients with a valid card from another state may access Maryland dispensaries temporarily under certain conditions — check with the MCA for current rules.
For a full picture of what KIF Doctors offers and how to get started today, visit kifdoctors.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the minor patient receive their own Maryland medical cannabis card?
No — minor patients do not receive a personal card; the registered caregiver presents their caregiver card when purchasing at a dispensary.
How many dispensaries are in Maryland?
As of 2026, Maryland has hundreds of licensed dispensaries statewide, offering a wide range of medical cannabis products.
Can a minor transition to adult patient status in Maryland?
Yes — once a minor turns 18, they can re-apply as an adult patient without needing caregiver or parental approval.
Is the Maryland medical card valid in other states?
Reciprocity varies by state — always verify with the destination state before traveling with medical cannabis.
Does the certifying doctor need to be a pediatrician?
Maryland does not require the certifying doctor to be a pediatrician, but they must be registered with the MCA to provide certifications.
Sources
- Maryland Cannabis Administration — Minor Patient Registration: https://cannabis.maryland.gov/pages/patients_regisminor.aspx
- Maryland OneStop Patient Portal: https://onestop.md.gov
- Maryland Cannabis Administration — General Patient Information: https://cannabis.maryland.gov/pages/patients.aspx
