Maryland Medical Marijuana Program Overview
Maryland's medical cannabis program, regulated by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), provides eligible patients legal access to medical cannabis. MMJ.com offers eligibility assessments, secure telemedicine evaluations, and guidance throughout the certification process.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Maryland patients must receive a diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider for one or more of the following conditions:
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Anorexia
- Severe or Chronic Pain
- Severe Nausea
- Seizures (including epilepsy)
- Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms
- Glaucoma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic Pain
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson's Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Crohn's Disease
- Hepatitis C
- Terminal Illness
Program Overview
- Dispensary Access: Patients obtain medical cannabis through state-licensed dispensaries
- Telehealth: Available for evaluations
MMJ.com Services for Maryland Patients
- Eligibility Checks: Evaluation of patient medical documentation to confirm eligibility
- Telehealth Evaluations: Secure telemedicine consultations with licensed Maryland healthcare providers
- Application Assistance: Help with MMCC registration process
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Maryland's decision to include it in the state program.
Cancer, Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome, Anorexia, Severe Nausea
These are approved qualifying conditions under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015) (Beal et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 1995)
Severe or Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included this condition based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Seizures (Epilepsy)
Seizure disorders, including epilepsy, are approved qualifying conditions under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included these conditions based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms, Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle spasms and MS are approved qualifying conditions under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included these conditions based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with MS-related spasticity. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among Parkinson's patients. (Lotan et al., Clin Neuropharmacol 2014)
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with Crohn's Disease. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among patients undergoing antiviral treatment. (Sylvestre et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
ALS
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program. Maryland included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management. (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Terminal Illness
Terminal illness is an approved qualifying condition under Maryland's medical cannabis program as determined by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.
Petition Process for Adding New Conditions
- How to Petition: Maryland residents may petition the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) to include additional medical conditions. Petitions must include medical evidence, scientific research, and endorsements from healthcare professionals.
- Review Timeline: Petitions are typically decided within approximately 180 days.
Special Patient Categories
Caregivers
- Eligibility: Must be 21 years of age or older, registered separately with MMCC, and pass background checks
- Responsibilities: Assisting patients with acquiring and administering medical cannabis
Pediatric Patients
- Requirements: Certifications from two qualified healthcare providers, plus consent from a parent or legal guardian
- Support: MMJ.com offers guidance for parents managing pediatric cannabis treatments
Program Details
- Card Validity: Varies
- State Fee: Varies
- Home Cultivation: Not permitted
- Telehealth: Available for evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does approval for medical cannabis take? Typically, MMCC processes applications within approximately 30 days.
Can out-of-state patients participate in Maryland's medical cannabis program? No, the Maryland medical cannabis program is exclusively for state residents.
Is home cultivation permitted in Maryland? No, home cultivation is not allowed. Medical cannabis must be obtained from licensed dispensaries.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about Maryland's qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. The inclusion of a condition in Maryland's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Potential side effects may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.