Although the use of marijuana is against U.S. federal law, it is allowed in many states for the treatment of certain illnesses. However, there must be proof of legal use, and this is where getting a medical marijuana card certificate comes in. The card serves as proof of legal use and can be used to purchase medical marijuana in states that allow it.
Getting a medical marijuana card can be a long process, depending on your state. It starts with finding a medical marijuana doctor, booking an appointment with a physician, and finally receiving your paperwork. However, the process of finding a medical marijuana doctor in Lafayette can be shortened with the help of a compassionate doctor. Read on to learn how to get your medical marijuana card and how long it takes.
Waiting Duration for a Medical Marijuana Card Based on State
When it comes to getting your medical marijuana cards, every state has a varying waiting period. Once you’ve submitted your application, you have to wait for about 60 days in some states. In other states, the waiting period is as short as 7 days, while in some states, you get a digital card that enables you to buy medical marijuana immediately. Below are the required waiting periods for different states.
California
After completing and submitting your application with the necessary documents, it takes 30 days to verify your information. Upon successful verification, the county program takes an additional five days to deliver your medical marijuana identification card. In case of an unsuccessful verification, your county program will reach out to you within 30 days.
Connecticut
Once you qualify for a medical marijuana card in Connecticut, it takes about 30 business days after a successful application to process your certificate. A successful application will be followed by an e-mail containing the permanent digital certificate with a cutout card. The Connecticut state program does not issue registration certificates by mail.
Delaware
After a successful application, the department will verify the submitted information and can either approve or deny your application. However, both approval and denial will be completed within 45 days of submission. Upon approval, the Delaware state program will send a postal mail containing the physical card.
Georgia
It may take a long time to obtain your card in Georgia. This is due to the delay the state is currently experiencing. After submitting your initial application, the state will contact you within six weeks to submit your paperwork. Once this is done, you have to wait for several weeks to collect your card in person from any public health office.
Illinois
The duration of getting a medical marijuana card in Illinois varies for every patient, depending on how fast the patient can complete the application. After submitting the necessary documents, the department takes about 30 days to review the application and another 15 days to issue registry cards. The Illinois state program does not issue physical cards; rather, they send you an email containing your digital certificate.
Iowa
Once you complete and submit your application, the Iowa state program takes about 30 days to review your application. Upon a successful application, you will receive a mail containing your medical marijuana card.
Louisiana
The Louisiana state program does not issue medical cards. Instead, your certified physician will send a fax to your preferred pharmacist, usually within 24 hours. However, you can request a copy of the certificate from your pharmacist.
Maine
Once you’re considered eligible for the certificate, you will be registered with the Maine medical use of marijuana program, after which you will receive an email confirming your approval. The state program will then deliver a physical certificate to you within seven days.
Maryland
Once your application has been approved, the state program issues a medical marijuana card via mail within 90 days. However, in case of an urgent need to buy marijuana, you can get a temporary Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) ID card from the state website.
Massachusetts
Although the state program delivers your card within 10 days after you apply, you can still print a temporary card from the state website to buy marijuana in case of any emergency.
Michigan
According to MCL 333.26426(c), the Michigan state program must either approve or deny every application within 15 business days of receiving the application. If approved, you will receive a card from the state program via mail within 15 days.
Minnesota
After submitting a complete application, the office of the medical cannabis staff will review your application and send you an email within 30 days. This email will represent a medical cannabis card. In case additional information is needed, the state program will contact you via email.
Missouri
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Missouri state program takes 30 days to process and review all applications accordingly. Hence, how soon you receive yours depends on when you submit your application. If approved, you will be given a digital card.
Montana
Once you’ve sent your application, The Montana state program takes between 2-4 weeks to process it. Upon verification and approval, you will receive your medical marijuana card through the mail.
Nevada
Once you’ve submitted your application, you can expect your card within 10 days. The Nevada state program sends your card via mail after 10 days of a successful application. However, you can download a temporary card from the state website.
New Hampshire
Once you’ve been certified by a medical doctor, the New Hampshire state program will process your application and send you a medical marijuana card through the mail after 30 days.
New Jersey
After applying with the New Jersey state program, your medical marijuana card will be sent in the mail within 7-10 business days.
New York
Once you’ve submitted your application, The New York state program takes about 10 business days to send the card via mail. However, you can download a temporary ID card from the state website. This temporary card will be valid for 30 days.
Ohio
Although it takes about fifteen minutes to evaluate your medical conditions, the entire process of getting an approved card takes a minimum of three weeks. Once approved, the state program will send an email containing your medical marijuana certificate.
Oklahoma and Oregon
The duration of getting a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma and Oregon is the same. After submitting your application, their state programs will review and send a card in the mail after 30 days of submission.
Pennsylvania
After submitting your application, the state program takes a minimum of six weeks to review and approve the application. Upon approval, you will be sent a notification email to pay for the card. It can take about 10 days to receive your card in the mail after payment.
Rhode Island
Once the state program receives your application, it takes a minimum of four weeks to process it, after which you will receive an email to come for the medical cannabis card.
Texas
The Texas state government gives access to eligible Texans through the Compassionate use Registry of Texas (CURT). After approval, your details will be sent within 24 hours, and you’ll be allowed to purchase marijuana in any cannabis dispensary.
Utah
After your application has been submitted and reviewed, the Utah state program will send a card in the mail after 15 days. However, it takes up to 90 days for minors.
Vermont and Virginia
After applying in either state, the state’s program takes 30 days to process the application and send the medical marijuana card in the mail.
Washington D.C.
Once you have submitted your application, the Washington D.C. program takes an average of 14 days to send your medical marijuana card in the mail.
West Virginia
Upon a successful application, The West Virginia state program takes 30-60 days to send your medical marijuana card in the mail.
In case you don’t receive your card in the mail or via email, it may be due to an error while completing the application. You can contact your state’s program to make your complaint.