For patients who live in Maryland, the process of getting a medical marijuana card is actually a relatively easy process. All that you need in order to submit an online application to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (or the MMCC) is the required information ready for upload.
Despite the fact that there aren’t any age requirements regarding what the types of patients they accept, the process is different between adult patients and patients who are under the age of 18. While this article will focus exclusively on registration for adult patients, the MMCC has the steps necessary for those who are interested in registering minor patients
So for those hoping to register as medical marijuana patients in Maryland, here’s how you can get started to medicate legally as soon as possible.
What You Need To Be Eligible For Medical Marijuana Use
Like any other medication, medical marijuana can only be issued to those who have legitimate health problems and the necessary certification to use it. In order to qualify for registration with the MMCC, you’ll need proof of residency in Maryland, as well as a professional diagnosis of any of the following conditions:

• Anorexia
• Cachexia
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• Persistent or severe muscle spasms
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Seizures
• Severe nausea
• Severe pain
• Wasting Syndrome

For those suffering from other illnesses or conditions not listed here, you can speak to your physician to see if you can use medical marijuana if other treatments are ineffective in treating your symptoms. While there are some medical professionals and physicians who aren’t well-versed in medical cannabis, there are many who want to facilitate its use in order to improve the quality of life.
Some of the other conditions that physicians may prescribe medical marijuana for treatment include anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, and cancer.
The Information You Will Need
Before beginning the registration process, you must have electronic copies of the necessary documents and information on hand and ready for upload. Online application forms can only be completed in one session, meaning that you won’t be able to save your progress to complete at a later time. These documents include:

• A valid email account you can use along with your MMCC account
• Your Social Security Number’s last 4 digits
• An electronic copy of your photo ID that has been issued to you by the government and your proof of address (for more info on the accepted ID types, or if the address doesn’t match your ID, you can go to the MMCC website here and learn more)
• A photo of you taken within the last 6 months (you can use one of the free passport photo apps in the Google Play and App Stores)

For further information, here’s the Process Overview and a Quick Reference Card that you will find on the MMCC website.
Where You Go To Register
Once you have the required information, you will go to the MMCC Registry page and click “Create Account,” which you will find under the “Patients” heading. From there, you complete the application. Since this is just to get your info into the MMCC’s system, you won’t need to submit any additional medical records at this point in the process.
Once you’ve submitted the online application, a verification email will be sent to you. This is how you will be able to verify your account. Once the account is verified, this will allow the MMCC to review the application and see if you qualify.
How Long You Must Wait After Registration
Once the application has been reviewed, the MMCC will send a follow-up email confirming if the application has been approved or not. Due to the numerous applications the MMCC regularly receives, it’s advised that you contact them only if more than 45 days have passed since the initial application was submitted. The turnaround can range from 5 days to the full 45 days. Regardless, you should check your inbox regularly to see if your application has been accepted or not.
Who To Go To For Written Certification
If you get the email from the MMCC confirming that they have approved your application, you’ll be officially registered and will be given a patient ID number. From there, you’ll go to a physician who has been registered with the MMCC to get a written certification. If you’re unsure where you can find any registered physicians, use the following resources:

• Canna Care Docs
• Green Health Docs
• MedChi
• MMCC’s List of Registered Providers

The physicians listed on these site have all opted to become registered providers with the state in order to help make acquiring medical marijuana easier for patients, so don’t be nervous when speaking to your physician. They will electronically process the medical paperwork and provide a valid certification that will allow you to purchase medical marijuana at any licensed dispensary in Maryland.
Note: You will have to pay a certification fee. These fees go to the physician that are typically around $200, but some physicians will offer discounts to groups such as veterans.
How Non-Residents Who Visit Maryland Regularly Can Get A Card
Non-residents who receive medical care and treatment in Maryland are eligible to register as patients in the state and get a Maryland medical card as long as they can provide their address and the name of the Maryland medical facility where they receive treatment. Since Maryland houses many prominent medical treatment centers, this is a huge plus for you and other prospective medical marijuana users.
What You Need When Visiting Your First Dispensary
To purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary, you’ll need:

• A valid certification from your physician
• Your ID
• Your patient ID number

If you want, you can purchase a patient ID for $50. This choice is optional, but it makes signing into different dispensaries much easier. It’s important to remember that you must use the certification from your physician to buy medical marijuana within 120 days of issuance, otherwise the certification will become nullified and will no longer be good for use.