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Get a Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card

See a PA-licensed medical marijuana doctor online in minutes and get the cannabis care you deserve.

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Possession limits

  • Medical patients

    30 day supply

  • Recreational users

    Illegal

State taxes

  • Medical patients

    0%

  • Recreational users

    Illegal

Cultivation

  • Cultivation is illegal

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Get your PA med card approved in minutes.
It’s quick, easy, and convenient.

Getting approved for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card has never been easier. With our online platform, you can register, consult with a doctor, and receive your certification in just a few minutes. Our process is designed to be quick, easy, and convenient, so you can get the relief you need without the hassle. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or another qualifying condition, our streamlined system ensures you can access medical marijuana swiftly and efficiently.

  1. step state

    1. Register with the State

    Register on the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program Website. This registration process will provide you with a patient number you’ll need to get certified with Leafwell.

  2. step register

    2. Sign Up

    No appointment necessary. Register with Leafwell on any device and consult with one of our licensed medical marijuana doctors in minutes.

  3. step doctor

    3. Get an Email from the State

    Once your provider submits your certification to the State of PA, you will get an email – log back into the state website and pay the state fee.

  4. step card

    4. Get Your Medical Card

    You’ll receive a physical medical marijuana card from the state via U.S. mail, typically within one to two weeks.

A few more questions about the process?

Watch this video to learn more about getting a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania.

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What are the benefits of a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania?

With a PA medical marijuana card, you can purchase, possess, and use cannabis legally.

Benefit Card No Card
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How much does the PA card cost?

Pennsylvania medical cannabis patients save more with Leafwell. Get your money back if not approved.

label New with Leafwell Renewal with Leafwell
Medical marijuana certificate$99$99
State application fee$50$50
Total$149$149
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How to qualify for a mmj card in Pennsylvania

Adults at least 18 diagnosed with at least one qualifying condition may be eligible to apply for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card. All minor patients must have a caregiver to be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania. Qualifying medical conditions in PA include:

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With Leafwell, you'll be matched up with a highly knowledgeable, empathetic, licensed medical marijuana doctor or provider.

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2 documents needed to apply for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania, you must follow a few essential steps to ensure your eligibility and successful registration. The process begins by gathering the necessary documents and information, which includes obtaining a Patient Number, securing a Medical Marijuana Recommendation, and providing Proof of Identity.

  1. Patient Number
    The first step in applying for Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program is to obtain a Patient Number. This is done by creating a profile in the Medical Marijuana Registry, which can be accessed online through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s website. During this registration, you will be required to provide personal and medical information, proof of Pennsylvania residency, and a valid government-issued ID. This registration process is crucial as it sets the foundation for your application and ensures that you are recognized by the state as a potential medical marijuana patient.
  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. At Leafwell, once you are approved by a healthcare provider, they will submit your patient certification to the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry. 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.
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Renewal information

Can I renew my Pennsylvania medical marijuana card online?

Yes, Leafwell can help you renew your medical marijuana certificate and card in Pennsylvania. If you’re a returning patient, all your information is stored in our HIPAA-compliant platform, and the process is quick and easy.

Here’s the full process to renew your PA medical card:

  1. Log into your account with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program, confirm your address, and pay the $50 annual state fee.
  2. Sign in to your Leafwell account or register as a renewal patient here.
  3. Speak to a Pennsylvania-licensed physician online and get approved.
  4. The provider will submit your certification directly to the state.
  5. If your annual payment is up to date, your new card will arrive in the mail in 1-2 weeks.

Next steps after renewal

You’ll receive an email with directions on how to renew your card 60 days before your annual renewal and payment is due. This email includes a due date — usually about a week before the expiration date on the ID card. If payment is not received by that date, the ID card will automatically be deactivated. When you log in and pay the annual fee, this will reactivate your card.

Renewing Your Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card

  1. Get approved for a renewal certificate with Leafwell. The physician will update your certification using your PA patient ID number.
  2. Check your details.
  1. Pay the annual fee.
  • You’ll receive an email 30 days before your card expires with instructions for making the $50 payment (or $0 if you qualify for a fee reduction).
  1. Receive your new card.
  • Once you’re certified by a doctor and have paid the annual fee, a new card will be printed and mailed to you at the address you listed in the patient portal. The new card will have an issue date for the day after your original card expires.

How do I get a Pennsylvania Patient Number?

The first step to getting a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is to register with the state which will allow you to get a patient number.

Here is the guide:

  1. Create a profile in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry. Click here to go to the registry.
    1. Please note: You can navigate the to provided link by going to the Department of Health website, selecting ‘Medical Marijana’ and then ‘Apply for ID Card / Access Account’.
  2. Click on ‘Adult Patient Registration
    1. This profile includes basic information such as:
      1. your legal name
      2. current address
      3. contact information
    2. You must have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or an ID card issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
      1. Click here for more information on getting a driver’s license or ID card in Pennsylvania.
  3. After creating your username and password, you will see a screen that displays your account information, including your Patient ID number.
  4. Return to the Leafwell website (www.leafwell.com). Your Leafwell registration will have a line that says “”Pennsylvania Patient Number”” and you will enter it there.
    1. Note: If you are already a Pennsylvania patient or previously started the state registration process, you can obtain your patient number by logging into the state website here, and going to “Profile Settings”. The patient number is located by your User Name.

Next steps after approval

Congratulations on getting approved for your medical certification.

Per state regulations, you must complete the final steps of your state registration within 90 days of approval.

Here’s a guide to what you need to do next.

If you are a renewal patient, please click here.

Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:

  • A credit or debit card

Getting Your Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card

  1. Your Leafwell physician will have passed all required details to the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry following your appointment – all the difficult work is done for you by our team!
  2. Log back into the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry: https://padohmmp.custhelp.com/app/login
  3. Pay the $50 state fee.
    1. Patients who participate in assistance programs including Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP, and WIC may be eligible for a $0 state fee.
  4. Receive your card in the mail.
    1. The state will mail your medical card to your address. It normally takes 1-2 weeks to arrive after you’ve paid the fee. The card will be valid for 1 year.
  5. Legally purchase cannabis from an approved dispensary.
    1. To purchase medical cannabis, you must bring your medical cannabis card and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, with you to the pharmacy.

Please note: You have 90 days from the date of your certification to submit the annual state fee. Failure to do so may result in additional fees.

Legal limitations for PA card holders

Navigating marijuana laws in different states can be tricky, but we’re here to break it down for you. Here are some key points you should be aware of if you have a medical marijuana ID card in Pennsylvania:

30-Day Supply: With a valid medical cannabis card, you can purchase and possess up to a 30-day supply of medical cannabis products. Make sure to keep your card handy!

No Recreational Use:  Just a heads-up—recreational marijuana is still a no-go in Pennsylvania. According to PA marijuana laws, medical use only at this time.

Cultivation is Off-Limits: Growing cannabis plants is illegal in Pennsylvania, even if it’s for your own medical marijuana use.

CBD and Delta-8: CBD and other minor cannabinoids manufactured from hemp-derived CBD, such as delta-8 THC and HHC, are legal per federal law and are not further regulated by the state of Pennsylvania.

How to become a caregiver in Pennsylvania

If you’re looking to become a medical marijuana caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in Pennsylvania, there are some important rules and steps to follow.

Picking Up for Patients

As a caregiver, you can pick up medical marijuana from a dispensary on behalf of a patient.

Caregiver Limitations

Medical patients can designate up to two caregivers. If the patient is a minor, having a caregiver is a must.

Application Process

Caregivers need to submit a separate application to the caregiver registry through the Pennsylvania Department of Health to get their own card.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

  1. Be at least 21.
  2. You need to be living in Pennsylvania and have proof of residency.
  3. Have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or a state-issued ID card with your current address.
  4. Background Check: You’ll need to complete a criminal history background check.
  5. Clean Record: If you’ve been convicted of a criminal offense relating to drugs in the last five years, you won’t be eligible.
  6. Register for an ID Card: Once you meet all the criteria, you’ll need to register and get an ID card that allows you to pick up medical marijuana products at a Pennsylvania dispensary.

Timing

It can take up to six weeks to hear back about your caregiver application status after your fingerprinting appointment.

Minor medical cannabis patient information

Minor patients are able to be certified through Leafwell.

Minor patients under the age of 18 with a serious medical condition may get medical marijuana through a caregiver. See the Caregivers section for requirements.

Minors only need to see one certifying provider and a caregiver will be required (either a parent/legal guardian or someone designated by the parent/legal guardian).

Minors will not receive a card and caregivers will shop on their behalf. The Department will issue a medical marijuana patient authorization letter to a minor patient instead of issuing an identification card to the minor.

If you are the minor’s parent, legal guardian or spouse, you can register as their caregiver by selecting the appropriate caregiver option on the registration site.

If you are not the minor’s parent, legal guardian or spouse, it is recommended that an ‘authorization to designate a third-party caregiver’ form be completed. This form can be downloaded from the caregiver’s profile. Once completed, you can upload the form in your caregiver profile.

When a minor patient turns 18 during their cycle, the certificate will transfer over, but they need to submit a new, adult patient application through their pa.gov portal. Once the patient obtains their adult patient ID number, they will need to contact the state to have them link their adult and minor accounts.

Can you use a Pennsylvania medical card in other states?

Pennsylvania does not offer medical marijuana reciprocity to cardholders from other states.That said, these states will recognize your PA medical card:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas *
  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be denied a job if I have a medical card in PA?

No. In Pennsylvania, under Chapter 21 of Act 16, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees solely because they are medical marijuana patients. This means that having a medical marijuana card should not be the basis for denying you a job or taking adverse employment actions. However, it’s important to note that while employers cannot discriminate based on your status as a medical marijuana patient, they are still permitted to enforce workplace policies regarding drug use. This includes prohibiting the possession or use of marijuana on the job, even if it is medically prescribed.

Can I fail a drug test if I have a medical card in PA?

Yes, you can still fail a drug test even if you have a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania. While the PA Medical Marijuana Law prevents employers from discriminating against an employee "solely on the basis of such employee's status as an individual who is certified to use medical marijuana," it does not protect you from the consequences of failing a drug test. Employers are within their rights to prohibit the use or possession of marijuana at work and can take disciplinary action if you test positive for marijuana, especially in roles that require a high level of safety or where federal regulations apply.

Does a PA medical card show up on a background check?

No. A Pennsylvania medical marijuana card does not show up on standard background checks. Medical marijuana patient information is kept confidential and is not included in criminal records or typical background screening processes. However, your use of medical cannabis may be revealed if you undergo drug screenings, particularly if your employer requires such tests as part of their employment conditions. Additionally, any criminal records related to marijuana usage or possession, prior to obtaining your medical card, could appear on a background check, which might influence an employer's decision.

How long does it take to get approved for a medical card in PA?

5-10 days.  The process to get approved for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is relatively quick. After completing an initial telemedicine visit with an approved physician who will certify your eligibility, you must return to the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program (PA MMJ) website to pay the $50 registration fee. Once you have submitted your application and the fee, it usually takes about 5 to 10 days for your medical marijuana card to arrive in the mail. This card will allow you to legally purchase and use medical marijuana for your qualifying medical condition.

How is renewal different for minor patients?

The renewal process for minors is slightly different because the minor patient doesn’t receive their own card—everything is done through their registered caregiver. The patient will still need to see a doctor to get recertified; however, the caregiver will need to ensure the annual payment is up to date.

What do I do if my PA medical card expires?

If your original card expires, you can still apply to the PA program to get medical cannabis. If you can, try to avoid letting your ID card expire because the renewal process is a little shorter than reapplying. If your ID card does expire, don't worry. You just need to get a patient certification like you did the first time. If your ID card expires, you'll go through the same process as new patients. You can book an appointment with an approved physician through Leafwell and save a couple of minutes since you're a returning user. This video chat appointment lets an approved physician certify that you have a qualifying medical condition and that conventional therapeutic interventions haven't worked in the past. They'll resubmit your information to the Pennsylvania Department of Health for you. You'll still want to go back into your patient portal, though, and confirm that your current address is on file so that your new card gets to the right place. The biggest difference you'll experience is that you'll pay the higher state fee to get a patient certification because you missed the window for renewing your med card.

Can I go to a dispensary before my card arrives in PA?

If you start your renewal early enough, you'll be able to shop for medical cannabis with your old med card while you wait for the new one to arrive. But you do need your state-issued ID (like a driver's license) and your medical card to shop at Pennsylvania dispensaries. That means whether your old card expired or you forgot a current card at home, you won't be allowed to shop until you have a medical cannabis card in hand.

Can I use my PA medical card the day it expires?

Yes, you can still use your medical card on its expiration date. Any day after that date, however, your card won't be good. That's why it's a good idea to renew your card early so you don't have a gap between when your original card expires and when your new card arrives.

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