The journey toward the legalization of cannabis in Pennsylvania began in 2016 after the medical marijuana program was passed into law. There have been over 100 legal dispensaries in the state since then. Medical cannabis is legal in about 30 states in the U.S, with several people in the process of getting their medical marijuana card. The process of getting a PA medical marijuana card is a bit different from other states. You'll learn more about the state's medical-marijuana program in this article.
How to Register for PA's Medical Marijuana Program
There are certain conditions that qualify for legal treatment with medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Some of these conditions are Autism, Anxiety disorders, PTSD, Chronic Pain, and HIV/AIDS. It is important to research all the conditions that make an individual eligible for the card before you begin the registration process.
If you have been diagnosed with one of the approved medical conditions, the next step is to get a medical marijuana evaluation from a state-licensed physician. For an adequate evaluation of your health condition, you need to provide the state's Department of Health with a detailed assessment of your health. Providing the physician with the necessary information helps the physician determine if medical cannabis is the right course of treatment for you.
Before scheduling a medical evaluation, you need to register and create a profile in the Medical Marijuana Registry. You'll receive a patient ID number after providing the necessary information like your name, address, and contact information. This ID number should be provided when you go for your medical evaluation.
What to do After Getting Your PA Medical Marijuana Evaluation
After the evaluation, the doctor provides you with a medical marijuana certification. Your physician usually has access to the medical marijuana registry and will upload your recommendation. After this has been done, you should get an email to pay $50 to complete your registration for the program. There are certain assistant programs you can participate in that may reduce the registration fee. You should note that the cost of the medical evaluation is separate from the registration fee.
After paying the registration fee, you are a few days away from getting your medical marijuana card. Once the health department receives your MMJ application, you should expect your card to be printed and mailed within the next week. It usually takes 14 days to arrive at the owner's address.
