How Long Does It Take To Get Your Medical Card In The Mail?
Article written by
Ruth LemonVP of Operations
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
In most states, there is a delay between seeing a physician and receiving paperwork which allows you to purchase your medical cannabis products.
This delay is caused by the state program which requires patients to apply or renew and then for that application to be reviewed and approved. For most states, the healthcare provider visit and certification is a key piece of this, but few allow patients to purchase with the certificate alone.
If you’re waiting for your medical card to be sent to you from your state, or if you’re unsure what the next steps are now that you’ve seen a medical cannabis doctor, keep reading to find out the expected time frame for getting your MMJ card or certificate.
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Waiting Period for a Medical Marijuana Card
Each state has different timelines when it comes to sending out medical marijuana cards. Some states offer immediate digital cards so you can buy medical marijuana right away, while others require you to wait for anywhere from seven to 60 days after your application is submitted.
California
Good news! In California, you should be able to purchase medical cannabis as soon as you’ve seen a Leafwell physician and been instantly emailed your certificate. This PDF card should be accepted because it includes your patient number which any licensed dispensary can verify within the system.
Leafwell will mail a hard copy of your certificate to you seven to 10 days after your appointment. You can also opt for a wallet-size Leafwell-branded plastic card for an additional $10 to be mailed with your certificate.
Connecticut
The Connecticut state program typically sends a digital certificate with a cutout card 30 days after your application is submitted.
Delaware
The Delaware state program typically sends a physical card in the mail 45 days after your application is submitted.
Georgia
After you meet with a Leafwell physician and receive your certificate and waiver via email, you will need to get it notarized and send it back to Leafwell via email. Your doctor will enter you into the state’s registry, and your card will be sent to your local Public Health office 7-10 days later.
Illinois
The Illinois state program typically issues a digital certificate 60 days after your application is submitted. However, you can use your Provisional Letter until the digital certificate becomes available.
Iowa
The Iowa state program typically sends a card in the mail 30 days after your application is submitted.
Louisiana
There are no medical cards in Louisiana. Instead, your certifying physician will fax your certificate to a pharmacy of your choice. If you want a copy of this certificate, the pharmacy can provide you with one. Leafwell cannot provide you with a copy of your certificate. Our physicians fax paperwork within 24 hours.
Maine
Leafwell mails your Maine Medical Cannabis certificate (there are no cards) three to five business days after your approval.
Maryland
The Maryland state program typically sends a card in the mail 90 days after your application is approved. However, you can download a temporary Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) ID card from the state website, which can be used to purchase marijuana once your application has been submitted.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts state program typically sends a card in the mail 10 days after your application is submitted. However, you can download and print a temporary access card which can be used to purchase medical marijuana as soon as your application is submitted.
Michigan
The Michigan state program typically sends a card in the mail 15 days after your application is submitted.
Minnesota
The Minnesota state program typically sends an approval email within 30 days after your application is submitted. This email serves as your medical cannabis card.
Missouri
The Missouri state program provides a digital card after your application is approved. This process can take up to 30 business days.
Montana
The Montana state program typically sends a card in the mail 30 days after your application is submitted.
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Nevada
The Nevada state program typically sends a card in the mail 10 days after your application is submitted. In the meantime, you can download a temporary card which can be used to purchase medical cannabis from the state website.
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire state program typically sends a card in the mail 30 days after your application is submitted.
New Jersey
The New Jersey state program typically sends a card in the mail 10 days after your application is submitted.
New York
The New York state program typically sends a card in the mail 10 days after your application is submitted. While you wait, there is a Temporary ID card which can be downloaded from the state website.
Ohio
The Ohio state program typically sends you an email three days after your certificate is submitted. You can download your medical card once the application is complete.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma state program typically sends a card in the mail 30 days after your application is submitted.
Oregon
The Oregon state program typically sends a card in the mail 30 days after your application is submitted.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania state program typically sends a card in the mail 10 days after your application is submitted.
Rhode Island
Leafwell mails your Rhode Island Medical Cannabis certificate five to seven business days after your approval. You can then mail this certificate to the state and you will receive your medical card 2-4 weeks after that application is completed.
Texas
There are no cards in Texas. Once you’ve been approved, the Leafwell physician will submit your details to the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) within 24 hours. Any cannabis dispensary will be able to find your details in the registry to verify that you are a patient.
Utah
The Utah state program typically sends a card in the mail 15 days after your application is submitted. The process can take up to 90 days for minors.
Vermont
The Vermont state program typically sends a card in the mail 30 days after your application is submitted.
Virginia
The Virginia state program typically sends a card in the mail 30 days after your application is submitted.
Washington D.C.
The Washington D.C. program typically sends a card in the mail 10 days after your application is submitted. However, you can use your certificate from Leafwell as a temporary pass from the moment you receive it.
West Virginia
The West Virginia state program typically sends a card in the mail 45 days after your application is submitted.
If you’re still waiting for a card and it’s been longer than stated here, we recommend reaching out to your state department.. Leafwell can provide support in California, Louisiana, Maine and Rhode Island, so reach out to our customer service team for more information on these states.
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