Pennsylvania has not yet legalized marijuana or recreational cannabis. Medical marijuana, however, is legal for those who have registered with the state and obtained medical marijuana cards.
Doctors are permitted to prescribe and recommend medical cannabis to patients in Pennsylvania – but only those licensed doctors specialized in medical marijuana. Doctors may prescribe medical marijuana as a treatment for a number of symptoms and conditions.
Nevertheless, without a written recommendation from a doctor, you won’t be able to apply for a medical card and become a registered patient.
To undertake medical marijuana as a treatment for your condition, you will first need to find a licensed doctor who can perform an evaluation.
If your condition qualifies and the doctor considers that medical marijuana will improve your symptoms, you will be able to apply for a card and legally purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries in the state.
Medical Marijuana Laws for Patients in Pennsylvania
To be able to purchase medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, you must first purchase a medical marijuana ID card through the Medical Marijuana Registry. Only then you will be able to legally purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries across Pennsylvania.
Medical marijuana cardholders will only be able to legally purchase up to a 30-day supply.
To get a medical marijuana card you will have to be evaluated by a state-licensed doctor and receive a recommendation. Depending on the medical condition you are suffering from, doctors may prescribe you medical marijuana as a treatment.
Medical conditions that authorize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Anxiety
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Dysmenorrhea
- Tourette Syndrome
- Positive status for HIV / AIDS
- Intractable skeletal spasticity
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Seizure disorder, including epilepsy
- Terminal illness
Doctors in Pennsylvania may prescribe medical marijuana for various reasons.
Although research is not conclusive, recent studies have discovered that medical marijuana has a positive effect on alleviating pain, improving sleep patterns, inflammation, depression, anxiety, and many more.
Another common reason for prescribing medical marijuana is the lack of other options.
Patients often reject some of the standard treatments or show no positive results. In such cases, if your condition qualifies, a doctor may prescribe medical marijuana. What is great about it is that doctors can also prescribe it in combination with other medications.
How Can You Get Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania?
If you’re wondering how to get a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania, the answer is simple: you must meet one of the state qualifying conditions to participate in this program.
Medical marijuana can be prescribed as treatment to registered patients who are found to be suffering from a qualifying medical condition.
How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania
To apply for a medical marijuana card you must be a Pennsylvania resident and over the age of 18. If you are a minor, a caregiver or a legal guardian can apply and purchase on your behalf. Caregivers must also be possessors of a medical marijuana card.
The first step is to register at medicalmarijuana.pa.gov and create your patient profile. The next step is to get certified by a doctor with a license to do so and start your application. All applicants must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
To apply, patients will need to present:
- a written recommendation from a state-licensed physician
- a patient ID number
- a Pennsylvania state-issued identification card (such as a driver’s license)
- proof of Pennsylvania residency
Upon acceptance, the PA Department of Health will mail your medical marijuana card.
Once this process is complete, you will obtain your medical marijuana card and be able to purchase medical marijuana products from dispensaries across the state. You can also only legally purchase up to a 30-day supply.
Medical marijuana cards do not have to be renewed, however, you will be required to submit an annual certification from your assigned doctor.
Is It Possible for Patients to Go To Their Usual Doctor and Ask for a Prescription?
Medical marijuana recommendations can be given out by those doctors who consented to have their identities published in a state register. Any doctor allowed to deliver dangerous, restricted drugs like opiates can also prescribe cannabis.
Bottom Line
Pennsylvania regulations on medical marijuana are not very different from other states.
Only registered patients can legally purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries, while recreational use is still a criminal offense. Nevertheless, the possession of small amounts was decriminalized, and possessing anything below an ounce is only considered a misdemeanor.