Maryland Medical Marijuana Card and Renewal
In 2014, HB 881 was signed and created the Maryland Medical Marijuana Commission (MMCC), which is charged with creating the regulatory standards for legal consumption, cultivation, possession and distribution of marijuana products to patients 18 and older.
MMCC released the regulatory changes in August 2019, adding dentists, certified midwives, nurse practitioners, and podiatrists to the list of eligible medical professionals who can recommend marijuana to patients. MMCC also established a registry for patients and caregivers to oversee that medical marijuana can be made available in the most effective and safest way possible.
Can I renew my medical marijuana card prescription online?
Yes, absolutely! You are able to schedule the evaluation with one of our MMCC certified Maryland medical marijuana doctors. The doctor will need to receive your 16 digit MMCC ID number. This will allow the doctor to locate you in the MMCC database and submit the 12 month certification to your account allowing you to purchase at the medical marijuana dispensary of your choice in Maryland.
How long is a Maryland medical marijuana card good for?
The MMCC ID card provided by the MMCC OneStop program is valid for 6 years. The doctor’s certification is valid for 12 months. Patients are required to complete an annual evaluation to continue accessing the Maryland medical marijuana program.
Maryland Medical Marijuana Card Cultivation & Possession Laws
MMCC has determined a purchase limit of 4 ounces of usable marijuana, or 1 ounce of total THC is a 30-day period. Patient’s physicians can also recommend a higher amount. While medical marijuana is allowed in Maryland, edible and drinkable marijuana products are prohibited and therefore not available in dispensaries in Maryland. Patients and caregivers can only purchase medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries, and caregivers may be allowed to purchase and deliver medical marijuana on their behalf. Only patients and caregivers in the MMCC registry can legally possess medical marijuana. Possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana for adults or recreational use can result in a fine of up to $100. Repeated offenses can also result in higher fines. On the 4th repeated offense, or when possessing more than 10 grams, a misdemeanor can be charged with a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. While cultivating marijuana is still illegal, in December 2020, The Marijuana Inclusion and Restoration Act was proposed, which would allow adults over the age of 21 to cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants for personal use if the plants are secured and not visible to the public or minors, though this Act has not been voted-on.
Maryland Medical Marijuana Overview
In 2014, Maryland became the 21st state in the United States to legalize medical marijuana. This was a significant milestone for advocates of medical marijuana, who had been pushing for the drug’s legalization for years. Today, medical marijuana is widely used in Maryland to treat a variety of medical conditions. In this essay, we will discuss the benefits of medical marijuana, its legalization in Maryland, and the impact it has had on patients and the state.
Medical marijuana refers to the use of the cannabis plant or its extracts to treat medical conditions. The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes dates back centuries, with evidence of its use found in ancient texts and manuscripts. Modern medicine has also recognized the potential benefits of cannabis in the treatment of various medical conditions. For example, medical marijuana is used to treat chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, and seizures, among other conditions.
One of the most significant benefits of medical marijuana is its ability to treat chronic pain. Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of Americans. It can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. Traditional pain medications such as opioids can be highly addictive and have severe side effects, including respiratory depression, constipation, and sedation. Medical marijuana offers an alternative to these drugs, with fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction.
Medical marijuana is also an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer that can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Medical marijuana can alleviate these symptoms, allowing patients to complete their treatment with less discomfort. Additionally, medical marijuana can help stimulate appetite, which is often suppressed during chemotherapy.
Medical marijuana is also an effective treatment for muscle spasms and spasticity. Spasticity is a condition that affects patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. It can cause muscle stiffness, involuntary muscle contractions, and difficulty with movement. Medical marijuana can help alleviate these symptoms, allowing patients to move more freely and improving their quality of life.
In addition to these benefits, medical marijuana has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Medical marijuana can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in some patients. This has led to the development of a specific strain of marijuana called Charlotte’s Web, which is low in THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) and high in CBD (a non-psychoactive component of marijuana). Charlotte’s Web has been used to treat children with epilepsy, with promising results.
Despite the potential benefits of medical marijuana, its legalization has been a controversial issue. Some people argue that marijuana is a dangerous drug that should not be used for medical purposes. Others argue that the benefits of medical marijuana outweigh the risks, and that patients should have access to this treatment option.
In Maryland, the debate over medical marijuana began in the early 2000s. In 2003, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law allowing patients with certain medical conditions to use medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. However, the law was never implemented, and patients were still subject to arrest and prosecution for using marijuana.
In 2013, the Maryland General Assembly passed a new law allowing medical marijuana use for patients with certain medical conditions. The law required the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission to develop regulations for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical marijuana in the state. The regulations were finalized in 2015, and the first medical marijuana dispensaries opened in Maryland in 2017.
Today, medical marijuana is widely used in Maryland to treat a variety of medical conditions. Patients with conditions such as chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy can use medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. The state also allows patients with any condition that is severe, debilitating, or life-threatening to use medical marijuana, as long as other treatments have been ineffective or have caused intolerable side effects.
The legalization of medical marijuana in Maryland has had a significant impact on patients and the state. Patients who use medical marijuana report significant improvements in their quality of life. Many patients report that medical marijuana has allowed them to reduce or eliminate their use of traditional pain medications, which can be highly addictive and have severe side effects. Patients also report improvements in their ability to sleep, eat, and participate in daily activities.
The legalization of medical marijuana has also had an economic impact on the state. The medical marijuana industry has created jobs and generated tax revenue for the state. According to a report by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, the medical marijuana industry in Maryland generated $95.4 million in sales in 2019, and the industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Despite the benefits of medical marijuana, there are still concerns about its potential risks. Marijuana use can have short-term effects such as impaired memory and concentration, and long-term use can lead to addiction and other negative health effects. However, these risks are generally considered to be lower than the risks associated with other prescription medications such as opioids.
To address concerns about the potential risks of medical marijuana, Maryland has implemented strict regulations for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical marijuana. The state requires all medical marijuana products to be tested for purity and potency, and all dispensaries must be licensed and regulated by the state. Patients must also have a valid medical marijuana recommendation from a licensed physician and must obtain their medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary.
In conclusion, the legalization of medical marijuana in Maryland has been a significant step forward for patients with debilitating medical conditions. Medical marijuana offers an alternative to traditional pain medications, which can be highly addictive and have severe side effects. Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in the treatment of chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, seizures, and other medical conditions. The legalization of medical marijuana has also had a positive economic impact on the state, generating jobs and tax revenue.
While there are still concerns about the potential risks of medical marijuana, Maryland has implemented strict regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana products. Patients who use medical marijuana should continue to work closely with their physicians to ensure that they are using the drug safely and effectively.
In summary, the legalization of medical marijuana in Maryland has brought about significant benefits for patients with debilitating medical conditions, and the state’s strict regulations ensure that medical marijuana is used safely and effectively. The future of medical marijuana in Maryland looks bright, and it is likely that more patients will continue to benefit from this treatment option in the coming years.