Getting a medical marijuana card in Delaware starts with a healthcare provider visit and an application to the state’s Office of the Marijuana Commissioner. The process can be done online or by mail, and cards cost $50 for one year, $75 for two years, or $100 for three years.
Who Can Certify You
Your first step is scheduling an appointment with a Delaware-licensed healthcare provider to discuss whether medical marijuana is appropriate for your condition. The provider must hold one of these licenses in Delaware: MD (medical doctor), DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine), APRN (advanced practice registered nurse), or PA (physician assistant). Not every provider participates in the program, so confirm before booking.
If your provider determines you could benefit from medical marijuana, they’ll complete a written certification. For pediatric patients (under 18), the certifying provider must be a specialist, such as a pediatric neurologist, pediatric oncologist, pediatric gastroenterologist, pediatric psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or pediatric palliative care specialist.
Online vs. Paper Applications
Delaware offers two application paths, and which one you use depends on your healthcare provider. If your provider is registered in the state’s online application system and you’ve seen them within the past 90 days, you can apply online through the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner’s portal. Your provider will submit their certification electronically, and you’ll complete your portion digitally.
If your provider is not registered in the online system, you’ll need to print a paper application, bring it to your provider to complete their section, and mail everything to the state. Send your completed application to:
Office of the Marijuana Commissioner
Medical Marijuana Program
1128 South Bradford Street
Dover, Delaware 19904
What You Need to Submit
Regardless of which method you choose, your application package includes the same core pieces:
- Healthcare practitioner certification: Completed by your provider, confirming you would benefit from medical marijuana.
- Patient application: Filled out completely by you (or a pediatric patient application for minors).
- Proof of age and Delaware residency: A copy of your Delaware driver’s license or state-issued ID. Online applicants upload this; paper applicants mail a clear photocopy.
- Application fee: $50 for a one-year card, $75 for two years, or $100 for three years. Online applicants pay through the portal. Paper applicants include a check or money order payable to the State of Delaware.
All fees are nonrefundable, even if your application is denied. Note that as of January 1, 2025, Delaware no longer accepts low-income fee reduction requests, since the multi-year pricing tiers now offer a lower per-year cost.
Adding a Caregiver
If you need someone to purchase or administer medical marijuana on your behalf, that person can apply as your designated caregiver. They’ll need to complete a separate caregiver application, which can be submitted alongside your patient application. Caregivers also need to provide identification. This is common for patients who are minors or have mobility or health limitations that make visiting a dispensary difficult.
Renewing Your Card
A Delaware medical marijuana card is valid for the term you selected (one, two, or three years) and expires at midnight on the date printed on the card. To avoid any gap in access, start your renewal at least 45 days before that expiration date. Renewal requires a new written certification from your healthcare provider, so you’ll need another appointment before reapplying.
If your provider noted a shorter benefit period in their original certification, your card may expire earlier than the standard term. The expiration date on your card is always the definitive one.
Visiting From Another State
Delaware recognizes medical marijuana cards from other U.S. states and territories. If you hold a valid registry card or equivalent certification from your home state and your medical condition would qualify you for Delaware’s program, you can use your out-of-state card to purchase from Delaware dispensaries. Visiting patients can apply for an out-of-state ID card through the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner’s website and receive a downloadable card immediately after completing the application. That card will share the same expiration date as your home-state card.