Get Your Connecticut Medical Marijuana Card.

3 documents needed to apply for a Connecticut medical marijuana card

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Connecticut, you must follow a few essential steps to ensure your eligibility and successful registration.

1. Proof of Identity
   Patients must submit one legible copy of a non-expired identification form.The following are acceptable forms of identification: A Connecticut- or out-of-state-issued driver’s license, Connecticut-issued ID, Connecticut pistol or firearm permit, U.S. passport or passport card, permanent resident card, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship (some age restrictions apply).
2. Medical Marijuana Recommendation
   After obtaining your Patient Number, the next step is to consult with a registered MMJ physician who can evaluate your condition and provide a recommendation. It is essential to choose a physician who is experienced in treating patients with your specific condition, as they will be able to provide the necessary certification that forms a critical part of your application.
3. Proof of Connecticut Residence
   Acceptable proof of residence proves your home address is located in Connecticut and must show your name and your Connecticut residence address, be dated within 90 days, and be computer generated (not typed).The following documents are acceptable proofs of residence: A computer-generated bill or statement from a bank or mortgage company, utility company, doctor or hospital, a pre-printed pay stub showing both your name and address and your employer’s name and address, first-class mail addressed to your home address, a Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement, a Connecticut voter registration card, and other documents deemed acceptable by the state.

Next steps after approval

Congratulations on getting approved for your medical certification. Here’s a guide to what you need to do next.

Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:

• One of the following forms of identity documentation
  • Proof of Identity
  • Proof of Residency
  • Photo ID

Getting Your Connecticut Medical Marijuana Card

1. Create an account with the DAS Business Network to access the online certification system. Use the following link to register for a free account: https://www.biznet.ct.gov/dcp-mmrp
2. After completing this one-time registration process, you will receive an email to verify your account. Click on the link in the email to verify.
3. Log in using the e-mail address and password you established during step 1. Once in, follow these steps:
   1. Select the “”I am a Patient”” option and the system will prompt you to provide identifying information:
      1. Date of Birth
      2. E-mail Address
   2. Review the information provided on the Patient Information webpage to ensure your information is correct.
   3. Enter the caregiver information at this time if applicable to you.
4. Select and either mail or upload one (1) of the following:
   1. Proof of Identity
   2. Proof of Residency
   3. Photo
5. You must read and affirm each statement by selecting “”Yes.””
6. There is no mailed physical card. The stateemails a certification within 30 days that will need to be printed, as it contains a cut-out card that can be used to shop.
   1. Tip: The state email is generated from: dcp.mmp@ct.gov.  If you are having difficulty locating the email, check your SPAM and try searching for “”DCP.””   
7. Once you have your registry ID card, you can purchase products from a licensed medical cannabis pharmacy. To purchase, you’ll need your medical cannabis card and a valid form of photo ID.

Please note: In addition to Leafwell, dispensing locations can assist with the state side of the application process. Click here for more information.

How to renew your CT medical card

Before your card expires, the registration system  will allow you and your doctor to begin the renewal process. The earliest a patient can be recertified is 30 days before the expiration date of the current registration.

In large part, the renewal process will be similar to the process that you went through for your original registration.

Recertified patients and caregivers will be issued new identification cards upon approval by the Program.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Sign in to Leafwell or register as a renewal patient here if you’re new to Leafwell.
2. Speak to a Connecticut-licensed physician about your qualifying conditions online.
3. Get approved, and your doctor will submit your certificate directly to the state.
4. Log into the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program to submit your application.
5. Receive your digital medical card via email within 30 days.

Check out our CT medical marijuana card renewal page for more information or to start your renewal application.

Next steps after renewal

Before your card expires, the registration system (https://biznet.ct.gov/dcp-mmrp) will allow you and your doctor to begin the renewal process. The earliest a patient can be recertified is 30 days before the expiration date of the current registration.

In large part, the renewal process will be similar to the process that you went through for your original registration.

Recertified patients and caregivers will be issued new identification cards upon approval by the Program.

The following is what each person will need to do to complete the renewal:

Patient:

• Provide a photo ID;
• Provide proof that you still live in Connecticut;
• Complete the six certifications at the end; and
• Update any other information to the extent it has changed from the previous year (e.g., you have a different address).

Caregiver:

• Provide a photo ID; and
• Complete the five certifications at the end of the form.

Remember:  Your physician enters your medical and personal information, you need to inform him or her of any changes (eg: address, email address) during your visit.

Before submitting your application, if any information is not correct, you need to contact the Medical Marijuana Program to make the corrections.  If your name has changed, in addition to making sure your physician updates that information in his or her certification, you will need to provide the Department with an updated proof of identity.

Here’s some more information to help you.

Legal limitations for medical cardholders in Connecticut

Below, you’ll find important, need-to-know information about Connecticut marijuana law. Please note that holding a medical marijuana card involves restrictions about where you can consume marijuana in Connecticut. The law prohibits ingesting marijuana while:

• In any moving vehicle
• In the workplace.
• On any school, college, or university grounds or property.
• In any public place.
• In the presence of anyone under 18.

Connecticut marijuana law prohibits the palliative use of marijuana that endangers the health or well-being of another person other than the patient or primary caregiver. Selling any amount of marijuana without the appropriate medical marijuana license remains a felony and carries a minimum sentence of seven years in jail and a $25,000 fine.

The law also protects the rights of MMJ cardholders:

• A landlord cannot refuse to rent to someone or take action against a tenant solely because the tenant is qualified to use medical marijuana.
• A school cannot refuse to enroll someone solely because the person is qualified to use medical marijuana.
• An employer cannot decide not to hire someone or fire or otherwise penalize or threaten a person solely because they are qualified to use medical marijuana. However, an employer may prohibit the use of intoxicating substances during work hours and is legally allowed to discipline an employee for being intoxicated while at work.
• Employers cannot discipline or pursue action against an employee for out-of-work cannabis use.
• The odor of cannabis is no longer a valid reason for a police stop-and-search.
• Suspected possession or possession of up to five ounces of cannabis cannot be used as a basis to stop or search.
• Individuals can petition for the erasure of prior convictions for possession, drug paraphernalia, and sale and manufacture of four or fewer ounces of cannabis or six or fewer cannabis plants. If the petition is in order, it must be granted. No fee may be charged.

Medical marijuana certifications are valid for one year, after which patients must apply for a medical marijuana card renewal. There is no state registration fee for medical marijuana patients in Connecticut.

How to become a caregiver in Connecticut

If a physician concludes that a patient whom he or she has certified is in need of a caregiver, then the patient may identify one person to serve as their primary caregiver.

Certifying providers are responsible for assessing whether the patient needs a primary caregiver. The Department of Consumer Protection will not register a primary caregiver for a patient unless the need for the caregiver is documented by the provider in his or her written certification to the department.

Minor patients will require a caregiver.

Caregiver Requirements:

• Caregivers must be at least 18 years of age and will apply through the state.
• Patients can only have one caregiver.
• All primary caregivers must register with the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program and must pass a criminal background check before they will be issued a registration certificate.

Can I use my Connecticut medical marijuana card in other states?

Connecticut does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. However, the following states and territories recognize Connecticut resident cardholders:

• Arizona
• Arkansas *
• Delaware
• Hawaii *
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma *
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
• Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application with the state program.

Minor patient information

Minor patients must meet or have telemedicine appointments with two physicians: one, the patient’s primary doctor, and the other, a board-certified specialist in the treatment field for the patient’s qualifying condition. Leafwell can act as the second provider for minors in Connecticut.

One of these physicians will submit a medical marijuana certification to the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). At the same time, the other must provide the parent or guardian caregiver with a letter confirming that medical cannabis use is in the patient’s best interest. The minor patient’s caregiver will then apply for an MMJ card on behalf of the patient.