You can only purchase medical marijuana in the state you live in, and you need to have a medical marijuana card to buy it from a dispensary. Luckily, medical marijuana cards are fairly easy to get if you qualify. To find out how to get your own state’s medical marijuana card, take a look at the information below!

Medical marijuana has been a common treatment over the decades for people who have chronic pain or other conditions. The most common benefits of medical marijuana are to reveal pain like chronic pain, nausea, and other pain. Marijuana also helps to cope cancer patients from nausea and vomiting It also helps stimulate the appetite of these patients for those who have medical conditions like Aids and anorexia

While medical marijuana is legal in nearly 30 states, it’s still illegal under federal law. Because of that, your ability to access it for medical purposes will depend on where you live and whether or not your state recognizes it as an accepted form of treatment. If you do qualify, getting a prescription and qualifying for a card shouldn’t be too difficult — but what if you don’t? Luckily there are several other ways you can access cannabis legally.

For example, if you have certain chronic conditions such as epilepsy or cancer and live in one of the 27 states with legalized medical marijuana programs, then you might qualify for the use of CBD oil. Additionally, 13 more states permit residents to grow their own plants at home. And finally, adults who are living in one of the nine cannabis friendly countries (including Canada) may be able to bring back up to two ounces without risk of criminal prosecution (though they may face some civil penalties).

How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card: The Complete State-By-State Breakdown

With medical marijuana now legal in 29 states and Washington, D.C., there’s no better time than now to see if you qualify for its therapeutic benefits. Check out our state-by-state guide for everything you need to know about obtaining an MMJ card—and find out whether your condition qualifies! Whether you’re interested in legalizing cannabis as medicine or simply want information on where to find safe and legal access, these guides will answer all of your questions about getting your medical marijuana card.

Application procedure:

Step:1 Recommendation of physician

You need to get recommended by the doctor. Your doctor will determine your medical conditions and give a recommendation if you require the use of medicinal marijuana and will discuss any possible risks or side effects with you.

Step: 2 Register for a marijuana card

Once you have your doctor’s approval, you will be able to move forward with the process. You need to register online for this card and you need to sign up for the medical marijuana registry for your own state. This needs the proof of a doctor’s recommendation which describes your symptoms to qualify medical marijuana card.

You will have to pay the fee for a medical marijuana card. The price will depend on the state form which you are applying for a marijuana card, you can make your payment online.

Step:3 Qualify the medical conditions

A patient suffering from medical conditions such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, HIV / AIDS, Inflammatory bowel disease, Multiple sclerosis, conventional therapeutic interventions, conventional therapeutic interventions, Severe chronic pain, Sickle cell anemia, Neurodegenerative diseases, Terminal illness, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Anxiety disorders can apply for a medical marijuana card.

Step:4 Get the card

Once you have your card, you can buy and use medical marijuana. The buy and usage of medical marijuana depend on your state’s laws to use marijuana.

Once you get a medical marijuana card it allows you to buy marijuana from approved dispensaries in your state. Depending on the state law having a card that allows you to buy marijuana products or buy larger quantities of MMJ products. Depending on your medical condition and the law of your state, you may allow growing marijuana plants in your home for your personal use.

Alaska

In Alaska adults, 21 and older may purchase marijuana at non-medical retail dispensaries. You must have a qualifying condition and register with your local Department of Health and Social Services. The department will give you a card that allows you to possess up to six ounces of usable marijuana and grow as many as six marijuana plants, provided they are cultivated in an enclosed, locked facility. There is no fee for medical card registration.

The cost to apply in Alaska for marijuana is $25 and the card is valid for 1 year.

Minors also can receive the medical marijuana card, but only with the  physician signs recommendation, and if their parent or guardian need to agrees to be the caregiver.

Generally, you’re allowed 1 ounce of marijuana per person and 6 plants per household in Oregon. You are also allowed to buy one ounce at a time if you are 21 or older. Keep in mind that local laws trump state law, so it’s important to know where you can purchase recreational marijuana and how much you can legally possess. Always be sure to follow local laws before purchasing or consuming cannabis products.

Arizona

Being eligible for the medical marijuana program in Arizona, you should be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition as the follows:

Doctors may recommend medical marijuana for people with cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief. The Arizona Department of Health Services says that people who have HIV/AIDS and cancer will receive priority. Other people will be added to a waiting list if there are more applicants than expected. In April 2016 The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries can legally operate.

The cost to apply and get a medical license in  Arizona is $150 for the initial card and $150 for renewal every two years.

Anyone who has medical marijuana card can buy and possess  One ounce of usable marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form, 72 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form, or 7 grams of marijuana concentrate.

Arkansas

Qualifying patients may qualify for a medical marijuana card if they have been diagnosed with one of these eight conditions: AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or MS (multiple sclerosis). Patients must be 18 years old or older. They also need to be residents of Arkansas who have lived in the state for at least 30 days.

The fee to apply for a marijuana card in Arkansas is $50 and the fee is non-refundable and the card is valid for one year.

Arkansas state is permitted to buy and possess 2.5 ounces every 14 days and this card is proof that you are legally allowed to possess.

California

To register for the medical marijuana card in California, the patient should be 18+. If not, you will require the approval of your parent or guardian if aged 17 and younger. A doctor’s recommendation is also required.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in California is between $50 to $100 and the card is valid for 1 year.

Once you got the marijuana card you can buy and have  8 ounces of usable cannabis.

Colorado

In Colorado, adults who have one of these qualifying conditions can register for medical marijuana: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, or seizures (including those characteristic of epilepsy), and multiple sclerosis. Other conditions are subject to approval.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Colorado is $25  and the card is valid for 1 year.

Patients can possess up to 2 ounces of usable marijuana and grow up to 12 plants. Doctors must complete an online certification form before they can recommend marijuana to their patients.

Connecticut

Medical marijuana can only be obtained from a certified dispensary. Growing cannabis in Connecticut is illegal. One should qualify for one of the medical conditions treatable by medical marijuana to get considered as a qualified patient and get a card.

The fee to buy and have medical marijuana in Connecticut is $100 and the card is valid for 1 year.

A Connecticut medical marijuana card holder may possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana. The Department of Consumer Protection recently announced that patients can purchase a 30-day supply in one visit, meaning as little as two-and-half ounces in one transaction.

Delaware

In Delaware, to obtain medical marijuana you must be suffering from one of several listed conditions and have written permission from your doctor. The program in Delaware has suffered some growing pains, as it was initially difficult for patients and doctors to register with a limited number of physicians in order to prescribe cannabis.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Delaware is  $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

Once you get the marijuana card you can buy and have 6 ounces of usable marijuana per month, or 3 ounces every 14 days.

Florida

According to Florida’s Department of Health, a patient must have one of these conditions: Cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Or Any other debilitating medical condition as determined by your physician.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Florida is $75 and the card is valid for 1 year.

In Florida, state cardholders can purchase and possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana flower every 35 days.

Hawaii

Hawaiians have been able to apply for medical marijuana cards if they have certain qualifying conditions. Patients can buy up to four ounces of cannabis per month and grow up to seven plants at home.

In Hawaii, state cardholders can purchase and possess 4 ounces of usable cannabis every 15 days.  Those who qualify may also cultivate up to 7 plants in their own residence. Other than being required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $38.50, there are no annual renewal fees associated with this license. The card is valid for up to 2 years

Illinois

Patients must register with the state’s Department of Public Health. After submitting an application, Illinois residents will be issued a medical marijuana card that entitles them to have up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis on their person at any given time and grow up to five plants in their home. Patients must also designate a caregiver who can also obtain an ID card from the state, meaning patients won’t have access to more than 2.5 ounces of cannabis total.

After submitting the application to the Illinois government, you will pay an application fee of $50, $100, or $125 for a 1, 2, or 3 year card.

Louisiana

In Louisiana, you need a certification from an approved physician that your medical condition could be helped by medical marijuana. The doctor will only prescribe cannabis oil if it’s been recommended that you take pharmaceutical medications and they have failed to treat your condition adequately. Under these conditions, if you have approval for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, you’ll have access to limited amounts of cannabis oil for specific uses. You can also grow and purchase hemp-based CBD products.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana is $75 and the card is valid for 1 year.

Anyone who is holding a medical marijuana card is permitted to be in possession of a maximum of 30-day supply which is the total amount determined by the physician.

Maine

To qualify for the card, patients must be residents of Maine, have an established diagnosis, and have been referred by their physician. To register with the state, they must fill out an application form and provide documents verifying their residence in Maine. In addition, they need to provide documentation that they suffer from one or more of the qualifying conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, or chronic pain.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Maine is $100 and the card is valid for 1 year

State cardholders in Maine can purchase and possess 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana every 14 days.

Maryland

Qualifying patients must register with the Maryland Department of Health. Qualifying patients are only allowed to purchase marijuana from state-licensed facilities in the state of Maryland. Patients who live more than 25 miles away from the nearest licensed dispensary may grow up to six plants at home.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland is $50 and the card is valid for 2 years.

State cardholders in Maryland can purchase and possess up to 120 grams of dried cannabis every 30 days.

Massachusetts

Who Can Qualify? Most people that are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, hepatitis C or anorexia can qualify for a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts. Additionally, there are many other conditions that are qualified under state law. In order to get your card, you need proof of your condition and residency. Once approved you will receive your medical marijuana ID card which is good for one year and then must be renewed every year after that.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Massachusetts is $50 and the card is valid for 3 years.

State cardholders allow a 60-day supply and can purchase 10 ounces on a rolling basis

Michigan

Visit your doctor and request a physician certification form that includes your name, address, medical condition, and diagnosis code. Your physician will review your information and discuss your options for treatment with you. You must have an in-person exam before submitting medical records or you won’t receive a medical marijuana card.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card is $40 and the card is valid for 2 years.

State cardholders in Michigan can purchase and possess 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana.

Minnesota

Although medical marijuana is legal in Minnesota, only patients with certain conditions are eligible for cards. These include seizures, glaucoma, nausea, and wasting syndrome. If you are diagnosed with one of these conditions and meet all other eligibility requirements, you can apply for a card through your doctor. You will also need to register as an organization.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Minnesota is $200 and the card is valid for 1 year.

State cardholders in Minnesota can purchase and possess only a 30-day supply of marijuana.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, prospective MMJ patients will have to register with the Department of Health. The state offers complete instructions on how to get an MMJ card, and it also offers information on how you can apply for an MMJ identification card online.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Mississippi is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

State cardholders in Mississippi can purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in 14 days.

Missouri

Under Missouri’s medical marijuana law, you must have one of 20 conditions and get an evaluation from your doctor. You then apply for an identification card with your state health department. Once you have that, you can purchase marijuana at a dispensary. The most common way to ingest cannabis is by smoking it, but it can also be ingested in pill form. Patients can possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis and grow up to 12 plants if they live more than 20 miles away from a dispensary.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Montana is $25 and the card is valid for 1 year.

Montana

There are currently 13 medical marijuana card registration centers in Montana. While you’re there, don’t forget about Montana’s retail stores where it is legal for any adult 21 years of age or older with ID from out of state to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana flower or up to 72 fluid ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Montana is $30 and the card is valid for 1 year.

State cardholders in Montana can purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of usable cannabis and 8gm of concentrate.

Nevada

In Nevada, you need to see your doctor for an MMJ recommendation. The only requirement is that he or she can legally prescribe controlled substances. You’ll also need an ID card from a state-licensed physician. Keep in mind that you’ll be notified when you receive your medical marijuana card and then you must get it within 45 days.

The fee in Nevada is $50 if you want to get a year card and $100 if you want to get a 2 years card.

Cardholders in Nevada can buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana every 14 days.

New Hampshire

To obtain a medical marijuana card in New Hampshire, you must fill out an application and get your doctor’s recommendation. You will then need to send your recommendation, and proof of residency in NH (including driver’s license or other official ID) to one of three approved dispensaries. Once your card has been issued, you will receive information on how to proceed with obtaining cannabis from that dispensary. Each card is valid for two years from its date of issue.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in New Hampshire is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

State cardholders in New Hampshire can purchase and possess up to 2 ounces of usable cannabis every 10 days.

New Jersey

In order to obtain a medical marijuana card in New Jersey, patients must see their doctor in person and receive authorization from them on their behalf. Patients then wait one week for approval. After that, they can go pick up their medication at any of six dispensaries throughout New Jersey.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in New Jersey is $100 and the card is valid for 2 years.

State cardholders in New Jersey can purchase and possess up to 3 ounces of usable cannabis every 30 days.

New Mexico

Anyone with a debilitating medical condition can get access to medical marijuana. All they have to do is go to their doctor and request it. Because of that, more than 5,000 patients already have one! Since August 29th, 2007 New Mexico has given patients with chronic pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and cancer as well as AIDS/HIV, multiple sclerosis and intractable nausea permission to use cannabis medicinally.

There is no registry fee in New Mexico. You just need to pay the doctor’s fee up to $100-$250 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders can buy and possess 8 ounces of usable marijuana every three months.

New York

To obtain a medical marijuana card in New York, you must be at least 18 years old and diagnosed with one of over 100 qualifying conditions. You also need to have lived in New York for at least 30 days before receiving your card. A doctor’s recommendation is required, as well as a state-issued ID and proof of residency.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in New York is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders can buy and possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana and up to 24 grams of concentrated marijuana for personal use.

North Dakota

There are no laws in North Dakota on using medical marijuana with a recommendation. As there is no law, technically you can use as much as you like. When using it you have to have your card if asked. The legal age for possession and consumption of marijuana is 19 years old.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in North Dakota is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in North Dakota can buy and possess up to  2.5 ounces of Marijuana every 30 days.

Ohio

The Department of Commerce is responsible for issuing medical marijuana cards in Ohio. To be considered eligible, you must have one of 21 conditions that qualify you for a card, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and epilepsy.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Ohio is $100 and the card is valid for 2 years.

The cardholders in Ohio can buy and possess up to 100 grams or more but less than 200 grams of marijuana.

Oklahoma

To get an Oklahoma medical marijuana card, you’ll need to visit an authorized physician. Your doctor will evaluate whether your condition qualifies for treatment with cannabis and will help develop a plan of treatment.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma is $100 and the card is valid for 2 years.

The cardholders in Oklahoma can buy and possess No more than 3 ounces on your person and ounces at your residence.

Oregon

If you have a qualifying condition and live in Oregon, you can get a medical marijuana card from your doctor. Qualifying conditions include: Cancer, glaucoma, or positive status for HIV/AIDS; A chronic or debilitating disease that produces cachexia (wasting syndrome), severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, persistent muscle spasms; Severe and persistent muscle spasms (including those characteristics of multiple sclerosis); Any other medical condition approved by The Health Division after submission of written materials from your doctor.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Oregon is $200 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in Oregon can buy and possess 24 ounces of usable cannabis.

Pennsylvania

Requirements for Pennsylvania residents to get their medical marijuana card: You must be 18 or older and have one of these conditions: Cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, intractable spasticity of the spinal cord with two or more lesions present for at least three months. The applicant must consult with a physician about medical marijuana treatment at least every 90 days.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in Pennsylvania can buy and possess the amount depending on the physician for every 30 days.

Rhode Island

Eligible medical conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia/wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, and seizures. Under Rhode Island’s medical marijuana program patients must be under their physician’s care for at least 6 months before applying for an MMJ card. Patients must also have been diagnosed with a serious condition or chronic pain.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in Rhode Island can buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana every 15 days.

South Dakota

To qualify for medical marijuana in South Dakota, you must have one of 25 qualifying conditions. See our list here. If you are interested in applying for a medical marijuana card in South Dakota.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in South Dakota is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in South Dakota can buy and possess up to 3 ounces of usable marijuana.

Utah

You must be diagnosed with intractable epilepsy or another debilitating medical condition that produces seizures. You must get your physician’s approval and register with Utah’s Department of Health. Once registered, you will receive an ID card that allows you to purchase medical marijuana from state-approved dispensaries.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Utah is $15 and the card is valid for 90 days, you need to renew it after 90 days.

The cardholders in Utah can buy and possess up to 4 ounces of usable marijuana.

Vermont

All you need is a written certification from your physician. If you have a terminal illness or debilitating condition, no further action is needed. Else, you must apply with two physicians and pay $200 in fees. The state will then review your case. In 2015, over 900 cards were issued in Vermont.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Vermont is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in Vermont can buy and possess up to 2 ounces of usable marijuana.

Virginia

To qualify for a Virginia medical marijuana card, you must be diagnosed with one of 17 different qualifying conditions, including cancer, AIDS, epilepsy, and Crohn’s disease. To apply for your card, you will need your doctor’s recommendation as well as written documentation proving that you meet eligibility requirements.

Patients pay a card fee of $50 per year and can purchase up to 6 ounces of cannabis per month. If you don’t live near a dispensary or have difficulty traveling, cannabis oil may be prescribed.

Washington

In order to get your medical marijuana card in Washington, you must apply for it through an approved physician. Patients are also required to register with the state’s medical marijuana dispensary database and become a member of any medical cannabis collective gardens they choose to participate in. Washington does not offer reciprocity for patients from other states who wish to obtain their marijuana card there. Patients must be diagnosed with one of 17 qualifying conditions such as terminal cancer, HIV/AIDS, or seizure disorders including epilepsy and glaucoma, among others.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Washington is  $100 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in Washington can buy and possess up to 3 ounces of usable marijuana.

Washington D.C.

Patients in Washington D.C. may qualify for medical marijuana, but they must have a note from their physician stating that you are having one of these conditions: HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy or other seizure disorders; intractable skeletal muscular spasticity; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Crohn’s disease; or sickle cell anemia.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in Washington D.C. is  $100 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in Washington D.C.can buy and possess up to 4 ounces of usable marijuana every 30 days.

West Virginia

To qualify for medical marijuana in West Virginia, you must obtain written certification from your doctor that you suffer from one of 17 qualifying conditions. To qualify, you must also be a resident of West Virginia. Patients can only purchase up to three ounces of marijuana every two weeks.

The fee to apply to get a medical marijuana card in West Virginia is $50 and the card is valid for 1 year.

The cardholders in West Virginia can buy and possess 30 day’s supply of usable marijuana.

Conclusion

Depending on where you live, obtaining a medical marijuana card can be a difficult and complicated process. In some states, it’s easier than others. If you suffer from chronic pain or have other health conditions that don’t respond well to traditional treatment methods, make sure you know how to obtain your medical marijuana card and start feeling better as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns about how to Get a Medical Marijuana Card by State be sure to check with your doctor and state medical marijuana laws. Just because it’s legal in one state doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere.

If you want help learning more about medical marijuana, you can start here. This website features information on various how to Get a Medical Marijuana Card by State. It also has additional resources that can help guide you through getting your card. Happy medicating!