Delaware is not the largest state, but its medical cannabis program has some important distinctions worth understanding — especially for families with children who have qualifying medical conditions. Can minors get a Medical Marijuana Card in Delaware? The answer is yes, through a pediatric application pathway — but the state specifically does not issue a card to the minor directly. Instead, the minor accesses cannabis through a registered adult caregiver. In 2026, this process involves a dedicated Pediatric Patient Application and requires a $50 caregiver fee on top of the standard patient registration.
Here is a complete breakdown of what Delaware families need to know.
Delaware’s Medical Marijuana Program: Background
Delaware legalized medical marijuana in 2011 under Governor Jack Markell, allowing patients with certain serious conditions to legally possess cannabis. The program is managed through the Delaware Office of Medical Marijuana (OMM) under the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).
Over time, the program has expanded. A critical update came with House Bill 285, which removed Delaware’s fixed list of qualifying conditions. In 2026, healthcare practitioners can certify patients for medical cannabis for any condition for which cannabis may offer therapeutic or palliative benefit — not just conditions previously enumerated on a preset list.
This open-ended certification model applies to pediatric patients as well.
Can a Minor Apply for a Delaware Medical Marijuana Card?
Technically, pediatric patients (under 18) do not receive a Delaware medical marijuana card in their own name. Delaware’s official position is that:
While pediatric patients can access medical cannabis through their adult caregivers under the Delaware medical marijuana program, they are not allowed to obtain medical marijuana cards directly.
However, the law provides a specific pathway:
- Minors apply using the Pediatric Patient Application Form (not the standard adult form)
- The form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian
- A parent, legal guardian, or other qualifying adult must register as the minor’s caregiver
- The caregiver receives the registry identification card and handles all purchases
- Pediatric Qualifying Conditions in Delaware
Before Delaware removed its fixed conditions list, the pediatric qualifying conditions included conditions such as:
- Cancer
- ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
- Intractable epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Autism with self-injurious or aggressive behavior
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Terminal illness
- Severe, debilitating pain unresponsive to other treatments for 3+ months
- Conditions producing severe nausea, cachexia, or intractable seizures
Under House Bill 285, the prior list no longer limits eligibility. Any diagnosed condition that a Delaware-licensed healthcare practitioner believes may benefit from medical cannabis can now be certified.
This gives families significantly more flexibility, particularly for rare pediatric conditions.
Who Can Be a Caregiver for a Minor in Delaware?
Delaware’s caregiver rules for minor patients:
- The caregiver must be at least 21 years old OR be the parent or legal guardian of the minor child
- Must have no excluded felony convictions
- Must agree to assist a patient’s medical marijuana use (a caregiver may assist up to 5 qualifying patients)
- Must be a Delaware resident with proof of residency (Delaware driver’s license or state ID)
- Must complete a Caregiver Application Form
- Must pass a Delaware and United States background check, which is valid for 3 years
The caregiver application fee is $50, paid separately from the patient application.
Note: A physician must evaluate the minor specifically. Delaware law requires that minor patients be seen by a pediatric specialist — such as a pediatric neurologist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or palliative care specialist.
Step-by-Step: Applying for a Delaware Medical Cannabis Card for a Minor
Step 1 — Find a Delaware-licensed pediatric specialist
Because Delaware requires a specialist for minor patients, start by identifying a qualifying physician. The doctor must be an MD, DO, APRN, or PA licensed in Delaware, specifically in a pediatric subspecialty relevant to the child’s condition.
Step 2 — Obtain a Health Care Practitioner Certification
The pediatric specialist evaluates the child and, if appropriate, issues a Health Care Practitioner Certification confirming that medical cannabis may provide therapeutic or palliative benefit. This certification is specific to Delaware’s program form.
Step 3 — Complete the Pediatric Patient Application
The application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. It differs from the adult form and must include:
- Minor’s proof of identity
- Proof of Delaware residency for the minor
- The physician’s Health Care Practitioner Certification
Step 4 — Complete the Caregiver Application
The caregiver also submits a separate Caregiver Application Form along with:
- Valid Delaware ID
- Proof of Delaware residency
- Caregiver Certification
- Background check clearance
- $50 caregiver application fee
Step 5 — Submit both applications to the Delaware Office of Medical Marijuana
Applications can be submitted online or by mail. The OMM processes and verifies both applications.
Step 6 — Receive the caregiver card
Once approved, the caregiver receives a registry identification card authorizing them to purchase medical cannabis from Delaware dispensaries on the minor’s behalf.
For evaluation support, KIF Doctors offers telehealth consultations for Delaware patients.
Delaware Medical Marijuana Card Costs in 2026
| Application Type | Fee |
| Patient registry card (adult or pediatric) | Varies by application type |
| Caregiver card | $50 |
| Out-of-state reciprocity (visiting patients) | Check OMM for current fee |
Delaware is notable in that out-of-state patients with valid MMJ cards from their home state can purchase medical cannabis from Delaware dispensaries — a reciprocity provision that few states offer.
For details on provider consultation fees, visit KIF Doctors’ pricing page.
Dispensary Access for Minor Patients
The caregiver — not the minor — visits a Delaware dispensary. They must bring their registry identification card and a valid photo ID to complete any purchase.
Delaware dispensaries stock a range of medical cannabis products including oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. The physician’s certification guides the type and amount of product that the caregiver may purchase.
Delaware does not specify a fixed monthly possession limit for patients — the amount is determined by the certifying healthcare practitioner based on the individual patient’s medical needs.
Important Note: Physician Specialist Requirement
Delaware’s requirement that minor patients see a pediatric specialist is one of the strictest in the country. General practitioners cannot certify pediatric patients in Delaware. The specialist must practice in an area related to the child’s condition.
For example:
- A child with epilepsy must see a pediatric neurologist
- A child with cancer must see a pediatric oncologist
- A child with autism may be evaluated by a developmental pediatrician
This requirement ensures clinical rigor in pediatric certifications and reflects Delaware’s conservative approach to medical cannabis for children.
Looking to connect with a licensed provider? Book an appointment with KIF Doctors today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Delaware minor receive their own medical marijuana card?
No — Delaware’s official position is that minor patients access cannabis through their registered adult caregiver. The caregiver holds the registry identification card.
What kind of doctor can certify a minor in Delaware?
Only a pediatric specialist in the field related to the minor’s condition — such as a pediatric neurologist, gastroenterologist, or oncologist — can certify a minor patient.
Does Delaware still have a fixed list of qualifying conditions?
No — Delaware removed its fixed conditions list under House Bill 285. Any condition a licensed healthcare practitioner believes may benefit from cannabis may now be certified.
Can an out-of-state patient purchase cannabis in Delaware?
Yes — Delaware recognizes out-of-state MMJ cards, allowing visiting patients to purchase from Delaware dispensaries.
How long is a Delaware medical marijuana card valid?
Delaware medical marijuana cards are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
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