Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana FAQs
Article written by
Melissa CampbellSEO Content Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
Are you considering apply for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card but have questions about the process?
To help you make an informed decision, here is a list of Pennsylvania residents’ most frequently asked questions about the use, possession, and sale of medical cannabis.
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What Are the Benefits of a Pennsylvania Medical Card?
Only medical marijuana cardholders can legally purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary. Patients may buy and possess up to a 90-day supply of individual doses within a 30-day period.
What Are the Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Pennsylvania?
Patients with at least one of the following qualifying conditions may be eligible to receive a marijuana medical recommendation in Pennsylvania:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism
- Cancer, including remission therapy
- Crohn’s disease
- Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with an objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity and other associated neuropathies
- Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV / AIDS
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intractable seizures
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Neuropathies
- Opioid use disorder
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain
- Sickle cell anemia
- Terminal illness
- Tourette syndrome
Is It Hard To Get a Med Card in Pennsylvania?
Applying for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card is relatively quick and easy.
Applicants with a valid state-issued ID must register through the Medical Marijuana Registry and meet with a state-licensed physician who will confirm the presence of at least one qualifying condition. Upon approval, applicants must pay the $50 medical card fee.
Those enrolled in Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP, and WIC may qualify for a free medical marijuana card. Patients can expect to receive their cards by mail within one to two weeks.
Can an 18-Year-Old Get a Medical Card in Pennsylvania?
Yes, qualified patients under 18 need an authorized caregiver to register for a medical marijuana card on their behalf. Caregivers must be at least 21 years of age or older.
Prospective caregivers other than the patient’s parent, legal guardian, or spouse must register as a third-party caregiver.
Can You Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania Online?
Yes, you can apply for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card online. Contact Leafwell today and connect with a state-licensed doctor to get approved.
How Fast Can I Get a PA Medical Marijuana Card?
Once you have paid the state registration fee, it may take up to seven days to print your medical marijuana card and 14 days to receive it in the mail.
What Disqualifies You From Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in PA?
Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania. You may be declared ineligible if:
- You do not have a qualifying medical condition
- You’re a minor without authorization from a parent or guardian
- Your application contains significant errors or omissions.
Can You Get a Medical Card With a Felony in Pennsylvania?
Yes, probationers are eligible to apply, and valid cardholders enjoy the same protections extended to all medical marijuana patients in the state.
Can I Go to a Dispensary Without a Medical Card in Pennsylvania?
No. You must present a state-issued ID and medical marijuana card to enter a Pennsylvania dispensary.
How Do I Start My Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card Renewal?
You may obtain a renewal certificate from a state-licensed Leafwell physician within 60 days of expiration. Upon approval, the doctor will update your status with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program Registry.
How Do I Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Pennsylvania?
If you’re 21 or older, you must register with the Department of Health, complete a criminal background check, and pay the $50 registration fee if approved. It may take four to six weeks for your application to be reviewed.
Your application will be denied if you were convicted of a drug-related offense within the last five years.
A valid PA driver’s license or PA state-issued ID is required to register. When applying on behalf of a registered patient, you must add their name, date of birth, and patient ID number to your application.
Caregivers may assist a maximum of five patients.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Pennsylvania?
No. Recreational marijuana use remains illegal in Pennsylvania.
While new legislation aims to legalize marijuana for adult use, only valid medical marijuana cardholders can legally access cannabis in the state.
If you’re ready to get your PA medical marijuana card, contact Leafwell today and connect with one of our state-licensed physicians.
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