The process of becoming a medical cannabis patient in Maryland does not have to be confusing, although it can sometimes feel that way. It is important that you not only understand what medical cannabis is – but also how to lawfully obtain it, both as a patient or caregiver in the state of Maryland.
This course will help patients navigate the legality of obtaining medical cannabis in Maryland and what to expect from Peake ReLeaf regarding dispensary regulations and operations. Additional information regarding the finalized regulations for medical cannabis in Maryland can be found on the Division of State Documents website.
You can begin the registration process for qualifying patients on the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) website through the registry located here
Caregivers can only be appointed by patients. If you are selected by a patient to be a caregiver, you are required to register through the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission’s (MMCC) caregiver registry, located here: https://mmcc.health.maryland.gov/registry/landingpage.aspx.
While caregivers may be family, they may not care for more than five qualifying patients.
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) states any condition that is severe, for which other medical treatments have been ineffective, can be considered for medical cannabis treatment, as long as the condition can be ‘reasonably expected to be relieved by the medical use of cannabis.’ [source]
These conditions and diseases include:
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that results in a patient being admitted into hospice or receiving palliative care; or
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or the treatment of a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that produces: cachexia, anorexia, wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures or persistent muscle spasms, PTSD, glaucoma.
Under the laws and regulations established in the state of Maryland, doctors are protected.
Beginning in 2009, the U.S. Department of Justice directed federal prosecutors not to prosecute physicians and patients who were complying with state law. In addition, in December 2014, Congress specifically barred the Department of Justice from spending any funds that interfere in the implementation of various states medical cannabis programs, and specifically included Maryland. Finally, in the only ruling by a high-level federal court regarding physicians recommending medical use of cannabis, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed an injunction blocking the government from interfering with the First Amendment rights of doctors and patients to speak to each other about medical cannabis, and for a doctor to recommend medical cannabis to their patient.¹
¹mmcc.maryland.gov. (2017). Laws & Regulations. [online] Available at: http://mmcc.maryland.gov/Pages/law.aspx [Accessed 3 Oct. 2017].
As a patient, you do not need to carry a patient ID card from the MMCC with you to be considered a patient or to purchase medical cannabis; however, you do need to go through the steps to become a medical cannabis patient (signing up on registry, then getting a written certification) to be considered a patient and obtain medical cannabis.
All registered patients or caregivers must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as an unexpired driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Having your patient ID card with you is not required, but it is recommended.
A patient may purchase no more than 120 grams of dried flower (approximately four ounces) or 36 grams of concentrates in one month unless a physician determines that a patient needs more. [source]
A patient may purchase no more than 120 grams of dried flower (approximately four ounces) or 36 grams of concentrates in one month unless a physician determines that a patient needs more. [source]
It is illegal to transport cannabis over state lines, and to sell, give away or attempt to give away cannabis.
Growing your own cannabis is strictly prohibited for both patients and caregivers in the state of Maryland. [source]
No, consumption of cannabis on the Peake ReLeaf premises is prohibited.
We currently ONLY accept cash and debit card payment. Please speak with a staff member for additional details, or give us a call.
