Maryland Medical Marijuana Caregiver Requirements 2026
Maryland's medical cannabis program, overseen by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), offers exceptional benefits for caregivers including free registration, 6-year validity, and no residency requirement—making it one of the most accessible programs nationwide.
Quick Facts: Maryland Caregiver Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | FREE ($0) |
| Card Validity | 6 years |
| Max Patients | 5 |
| Processing Time | Up to 30 days |
| Home Cultivation | Not permitted |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old |
| Residency | NOT required |
Why Maryland's Caregiver Program is Exceptional
- Completely FREE: No registration or renewal fees
- 6-Year Validity: Longest validity period of any state
- No Residency Required: One of few states allowing out-of-state caregivers
- 5 Patients: Serve up to 5 patients simultaneously
- Tax Savings: Medical patients save 15% compared to recreational
- Dual Status: Caregivers can also be patients
Who Can Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Maryland?
Age Requirement:
- Must be at least 21 years old
Residency:
- No residency requirement - Caregivers do NOT need to be Maryland residents
- One of the few states allowing out-of-state caregivers
Background Check Requirements:
- State criminal background check required
- Disqualifying offenses include:
- Felony drug conviction within 10 years
- 10-year lookback period
- No fingerprinting required
Additional Requirements:
- Can also be a registered patient (dual status allowed)
- Must be designated by qualifying patients in MMCC system
How to Register as a Maryland Caregiver: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Patient Designation Qualifying patients must designate you as their caregiver through the MMCC system.
Step 2: Create MCA Account Visit the Maryland Cannabis Administration portal.
Step 3: Complete Registration Submit your caregiver information:
- Personal identification details
- Contact information
- Patient designation confirmation
Step 4: Await Approval The state will process your application within 30 days.
Step 5: Access Your Card Once approved, your 6-year caregiver registration is active.
Required Documents for Maryland Caregiver Registration
- Valid government-issued photo ID (does not need to be Maryland ID)
- Patient designation in MMCC system
- No payment required
Maryland Caregiver Rights and Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do:
- Purchase medical cannabis from licensed Maryland dispensaries
- Possess up to 120 grams of flower per 30 days per patient
- Possess up to 36 grams of concentrate per 30 days per patient
- Transport cannabis between dispensary and patients
- Assist up to 5 patients simultaneously
- Be a registered patient yourself (dual status)
What Caregivers CANNOT Do:
- Grow marijuana plants (not permitted in Maryland)
- Transfer cannabis to non-cardholders
- Exceed possession limits
- Operate a vehicle under the influence
Possession Limits for Maryland Caregivers
- Flower: Up to 120 grams (about 4.2 oz) per 30-day period per patient
- Concentrates: Up to 36 grams per 30-day period per patient
- Multiple Patients: Limits apply per patient (up to 5)
- Product Types: All approved forms available
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caregiver Registration | FREE |
| 6-Year Renewal | FREE |
| Replacement Card | FREE |
Maryland offers the best value caregiver program: completely free with 6-year validity.
Medical vs. Recreational in Maryland
Maryland legalized recreational cannabis in 2023, but medical patients benefit:
- Tax Savings: Medical purchases save approximately 15% compared to recreational
- Higher Limits: Medical patients have higher possession allowances
- 6-Year Card: Longest registration period in the country
- Free Registration: No cost for patients or caregivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maryland caregivers need to be state residents? No! Maryland is one of the few states that does not require caregivers to be state residents. Anyone 21+ from any state who passes the background check can be a caregiver.
How long is a Maryland caregiver card valid? Maryland caregiver registrations are valid for 6 years—the longest of any state. However, patients need annual physician certification.
Is there a fee to become a caregiver in Maryland? No. Maryland medical marijuana caregiver registration is completely free.
Can I be both a patient and caregiver in Maryland? Yes. Maryland allows individuals to hold both patient and caregiver registrations.
How many patients can a Maryland caregiver serve? Caregivers can assist up to 5 patients simultaneously.
Can Maryland caregivers grow cannabis? No. Home cultivation is not currently permitted in Maryland for patients or caregivers.
Official Resources
- Maryland Cannabis Administration
- Medical Cannabis Program
- Find Maryland Dispensaries
- Patient & Caregiver FAQ
Get Your Maryland Medical Marijuana Card
Save 15% on taxes with a Maryland medical card. MMJ.com connects patients with certified physicians for convenient telehealth evaluations.