With the legalization of medical marijuana in Maryland, over 17,000 patients have already signed on to see if they qualify for a medical marijuana prescription. Although that may seem like a low number to begin with, it’s important to understand that this number represents roughly 2% of the population of Maryland, and this is just the very beginning. Over 500 medical professionals have signed on as well, and are ready to offer support and help to those that truly have a need for a medical marijuana prescription. It’s important, however, to understand that not everyone will qualify, and to know just exactly what qualifies you to get medical marijuana in Maryland.
What Illnesses, Diseases, or Ailments Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Prescription?
In the state of Maryland, in order to qualify for a medical marijuana prescription, there are two general things that doctors and other medical professionals will look for:
- Does the patient suffer from a chronic and/or debilitating medical condition or disease that will most likely lead to them being admitted into hospice care or receiving palliative care?
or
- Does the patient suffer from a chronic and/or debilitating medical condition or disease that causes the patient to endure such symptoms as seizures, severe nausea, muscle spasms, wasting syndrome, anorexia, cachexia, or severe persistent pain?
How Does One Get Approved to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient?
First, a doctor or nurse that is licensed to distribute a medical marijuana prescription in Maryland through the Maryland Podiatrist Medical Examiners, Maryland Board of Physicians, Maryland Board of Dental Examiners, or Maryland Board of Nursing must do an assessment and make the decision as to whether or not the patient is a good candidate for medical marijuana. All medical records and documentation to support the patient’s need of such a prescription are vital to being approved. Once the doctor decides that the patient will in fact do well with this alternative medicine, they will receive a written certification from either the doctor or the nurse.
After the patient has received the written certification, they must then apply for a Maryland Medical Marijuana Card. The application must be filled out and completed in full, and sent to the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission. This must be done all in one session, and requires a valid government or state issued photo ID and proof that the patient is either a resident of Maryland or has received care at a Maryland medical facility. It’s important to note here that one doesn’t need to be a resident of Maryland to purchase medical marijuana within the state, as long as they have a legal Maryland Medical Marijuana Card.
Mary & Main is an accredited and fully licensed medical marijuana dispensary in Maryland. If you’d like to reach out to Mary & Main with any question, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact us at 855-922-6626. We would be more than happy to assist you with anything we can, and look forward to speaking with you.
We look forward to serving you when we open our doors this spring!
