How Do I Get a Maryland Medical Marijuana Card in 2026?
Obtaining your MD MMJ card provides significant advantages even after Maryland's recreational launch. The Free State imposes a 12% cannabis tax on recreational purchases that medical patients avoid entirely. With only a $25 state registration fee (waived for Medicaid participants), medical access remains highly affordable. For regular cannabis consumers in Maryland, registration is one of the best returns on investment in the country.
Maryland's medical cannabis program has served patients since 2017, growing to over 150,000 active registrants accessing products through more than 100 licensed dispensaries from Baltimore and Bethesda to Annapolis, Frederick, and communities statewide. The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) streamlined processes to maximize patient access.
Question 4's passage in November 2022 brought recreational cannabis to Maryland, with adult-use sales beginning July 1, 2023. Despite the recreational option, medical registration continues providing benefits that make registration worthwhile-tax savings, home cultivation rights, and higher possession limits.
Schedule Your Evaluation - $149.99
Why Should I Get a Medical Card After Maryland Legalized Recreational?
Complete Cannabis Tax Exemption
Maryland medical patients pay zero cannabis tax:
Recreational Tax: 12% state cannabis tax + 6% sales tax = 18% Medical Patient Tax: 0% cannabis tax + 6% sales tax = 6%
Annual Savings Calculation
For someone spending $300/month:
- Recreational annual cannabis tax (12%): $432
- Medical patient cannabis tax: $0
- Annual savings: $432
With only a $25 state fee (waived for Medicaid), your total investment is approximately $175. You recover that in about 5 months and save money every month thereafter.
Low State Registration Fee
Maryland charges just $25 for patient registration, and this fee is waived for Medicaid participants. Your 6-year card costs roughly $4 per year in state fees-making Maryland one of America's most affordable medical programs.
Higher Possession Limits
Maryland recreational limits: 1.5 ounces flower, 12 grams concentrate Medical patients: Up to 120 grams of flower and 36 grams of THC in infused products-significantly more than recreational limits.
Home Cultivation Advantage
Maryland permits home cultivation for both medical and recreational users, but medical patients get double the plants:
- Medical patients: 4 plants per household
- Recreational users: Only 2 plants per household
- Must be in enclosed, locked space
- Not visible from public areas
This advantage is exclusive to registered medical patients.
Access at Age 18
Recreational requires 21+. Medical accepts patients 18 and older.
What Conditions Qualify for Maryland Medical Marijuana?
Maryland doesn't maintain a restrictive qualifying conditions list. Instead, providers may certify patients for any condition where they believe cannabis therapy is appropriate. This includes:
- Chronic Pain of any type or origin
- Anxiety Disorders
- PTSD from any trauma
- Cancer and treatment side effects
- Crohn's Disease and IBD
- Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- And virtually any other condition where cannabis may help
How Do I Complete the Maryland MMJ Certification Process?
Step 1: Create Your Account
Register on our platform with your Maryland information.
Step 2: Complete Medical History Questionnaire
Describe your condition and how it affects you.
Step 3: Schedule Telehealth Appointment
Same-day appointments available.
Step 4: Complete Video Consultation
Your Maryland-licensed provider evaluates your condition.
Step 5: Receive Certification
Approved patients receive certification immediately.
Step 6: Register with MCA
Create your account at cannabis.maryland.gov. Upload certification and ID. Pay $25 state fee (waived for Medicaid).
Step 7: Access Dispensaries
Visit any licensed dispensary with your registration and ID.
How Much Does a Maryland Medical Marijuana Card Cost?
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Provider Evaluation | $149.99 |
| State Registration | $25.00 (waived for Medicaid) |
| Total | ~$175 |
Exceptional Value
With a low $25 state fee and 12% tax savings, Maryland medical registration delivers one of the best ROIs in America:
- Recover investment in ~5 months at typical consumption
- Save $432+/year at $300/month spending
- Grow 4 plants vs. recreational's 2 plants
- Higher possession limits (120g flower, 36g THC)
What Are Maryland's Medical Marijuana Laws?
Possession Limits
- Up to 120 grams of cannabis flower
- Up to 36 grams of THC in infused products
- Significantly exceeds recreational limits
Home Cultivation (Medical Advantage)
- 4 plants per household for medical patients
- Only 2 plants for recreational users
- Enclosed, locked location required
- Not visible from public
Product Forms
All consumption methods available:
- Flower
- Concentrates
- Edibles
- Tinctures
- Topicals
- Capsules
Where Can I Find Maryland Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?
Over 100 licensed dispensaries serve Maryland patients across the state.
Regional Distribution
| Region | Major Markets |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Metro | Baltimore, Towson, Essex |
| DC Suburbs | Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville |
| Central | Columbia, Ellicott City |
| Annapolis Area | Annapolis, Glen Burnie |
| Western MD | Frederick, Hagerstown |
| Eastern Shore | Salisbury, Easton |
| Southern MD | Waldorf, La Plata |
How Do I Start My Maryland Medical Marijuana Journey?
Your investment: $175 ($149.99 evaluation + $25 state fee, waived for Medicaid)
Your savings: 12% per purchase ($432/year at typical consumption)
Your cultivation rights: 4 plants (vs. recreational's 2 plants)
Your access: 100+ dispensaries statewide
Schedule Your Maryland Evaluation Today
Content verified as of January 27, 2026 Sources: Maryland Cannabis Administration, COMAR 10.62, Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025
