• Basics of the Pennsylvania Law

Pennsylvania passed a law to legalize medical cannabis in 2016 through Senate Bill 3. The law allows qualifying patients to possess a 30-day supply of this plant. Cultivation is not allowed. Pennsylvania residents who wish to obtain cannabis for medical use must wait for the licensing process to be developed by the department. A Physician Certification signed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner will be required indicating that a patient suffers from one or more qualifying medical conditions. Currently you will not be able to use medical marijuana ID cards from other states to obtain Pennsylvania cannabis.  

  • Patients

Anyone applying for a marijuana medical card must pay a nonrefundable $50 application fee. The annual renewal fee is $50. A parent or legal guardian must register to serve as the primary a caregiver for minors submitting applications for marijuana use in Pennsylvania.

Cultivation of medical marijuana is not allowed.

  • Caregivers

Any patient who needs assistance with obtaining or administering cannabis as medicine can designate a caregiver. A parent or legal guardian must serve as the primary caregiver for a patient who is a minor. Caregivers can assist up to 5 certified patients. Caregivers will be required to pay a $50 fee at the time of application and annual renewal. Remaining rules regarding caregivers will be determined during the rulemaking process.

  • Physicians

Physicians who are interested in making recommendations for marijuana treatment in Pennsylvania must possess a current and unrestricted state medical license. The physician must also attend a 4-hour training course.

  • Qualifying Medical Conditions

In-order-to qualify as a cannabis patient in the state of Pennsylvania a resident must suffer from one or more qualifying medical conditions. These conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord damage with severe spasticity, inflammatory bowel disease, autism, neuropathies, Huntington’s disease, sickle cell anemia, cachexia or severe weight loss, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, persistent muscle spasms, Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and severe chronic pain. If you need more information about the law or licensing process visit the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program website.