The process of becoming a registered patient and obtaining medical cannabis in Maryland is managed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA). This state agency oversees the entire medical cannabis program, including the registration of patients, caregivers, and providers. Navigating the system involves a series of distinct administrative and medical steps to ensure compliance with state law.
Establishing Patient Eligibility
The first step is confirming that an applicant meets the fundamental requirements established by the state. To qualify, an individual must be a Maryland resident or a non-resident receiving treatment at a Maryland medical facility. Non-residents must provide the address and contact information for the medical facility where they are receiving care.
A prospective patient must also have a provider recommend medical cannabis as a treatment option for a qualifying medical condition. The MCA recognizes a broad range of ailments, including cachexia, anorexia, and wasting syndrome. Specified conditions also include severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe or persistent muscle spasms, glaucoma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The law allows for a recommendation if the applicant has another severe chronic medical condition for which other treatments have proven ineffective. This provision gives registered providers the discretion to certify patients with debilitating conditions not explicitly named on the state’s list. For applicants under the age of 18, the process requires a registered caregiver, who must be a parent or legal guardian, linked to the minor patient’s account.
The Official Registration Process
Once eligibility is confirmed, the applicant must begin the formal administrative process by creating an account on the Maryland OneStop portal. This online platform is the official channel for patient registration with the MCA. The application requires applicants to upload documentation to verify their identity and residency.
Necessary documents include a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of Maryland residency, and a recent, clear, passport-style photograph with a plain background. The applicant must also provide their full nine-digit Social Security Number to complete the digital submission. Ensure the photo meets specific size and quality guidelines, as a non-compliant image will cause the application to be returned.
After the administrative application is submitted, the MCA reviews the information and sends an approval email to the applicant. This email contains the official MCA Patient ID Number. This unique identifier signifies that the patient is officially registered with the state, but it does not yet permit the purchase of medical cannabis. The ID number must be retained, as it is required for the subsequent step of obtaining a provider certification.
Obtaining the Written Certification
With the MCA Patient ID Number secured, the patient must consult with a healthcare provider registered with the MCA. This consultation is the medical component of the process, distinct from the initial administrative registration. The state requires a “bona fide provider-patient relationship,” meaning the provider must have examined the patient, reviewed their medical records, and agreed to monitor their medical cannabis use.
The provider reviews the patient’s qualifying condition and determines if medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment option. Upon approval, the provider issues a written certification, not a traditional prescription. They electronically submit this certification directly to the MCA system using the patient’s official ID number.
This electronic certification formally links the patient’s medical need to their MCA registration, activating their ability to purchase medical cannabis. The provider specifies the authorized quantity of medical cannabis the patient is allowed to purchase within a 30-day period. While a standard limit applies, the provider has the authority to certify a patient for more or less based on their medical needs.
Finalizing the Card and Understanding Usage
Once the patient has both the MCA registration and the provider’s written certification, they are legally authorized to purchase medical cannabis from any licensed dispensary in Maryland. The patient can log into their OneStop account to print a temporary paper copy of their identification card at no charge. A physical, plastic identification card can be ordered through the portal for a non-refundable fee of $25.
The patient’s MCA registration is valid for six years from the date of approval, but the provider’s written certification must be renewed annually. This yearly check-in ensures the patient’s qualifying condition is still present and that medical cannabis remains an appropriate part of their treatment plan. The renewal fee for the physical card, if desired, remains $25.
The amount of medical cannabis a patient can purchase is tied to the 30-day supply certified by their provider and is calculated on a rolling 30-day cycle, not a calendar month. The standard purchasing limit is 120 grams of dried flower or 36 grams of THC contained in processed products (such as oils and edibles). These limits are combined, meaning purchasing a percentage of the dried flower limit reduces the available percentage for processed THC products.