What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland (2024)

How Many Medical Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Treatment in Maryland?

Maryland has at least nine qualifying medical conditions that make patients eligible for medical marijuana treatment. In addition to these specific conditions, it also allows medical providers to recommend medical cannabis for chronic and severe debilitating conditions for which other treatments are ineffective.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Maryland 2024

Maryland issues its medical marijuana card to patients diagnosed with chronic or debilitating diseases or medical conditions resulting in or causing any of the following:

• Anorexia
• Cachexia
• Glaucoma
• Wasting syndrome
• Severe or chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures
• Severe or persistent muscle spasms
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Any other severe chronic medical condition for which other treatments have been ineffective

It also allows medical marijuana access for any severe, chronic medical condition that is unresponsive to other treatments.

Does Maryland Add New Qualifying Conditions to its Medical Marijuana Program?

The state’s medical cannabis law makes a provision for the addition of new qualifying conditions. The Maryland Cannabis Administration accepts petitions for new qualifying conditions from the public. Such petitions can be submitted at any time and are reviewed within 12 months of submission. Each petition must only contain a request for one medical condition.

Does Maryland Allow Physicians to Recommend Medical Cannabis for Non-Qualifying Conditions?

Eligible medical providers must recommend medical cannabis for debilitating conditions on the state’s list of qualifying medical conditions in Maryland. However, this list also has a provision that allows providers to recommend medical cannabis for unlisted debilitating conditions as long as they believe these conditions are severe, chronic, and unresponsive to other treatments.

Do You Need a Doctor’s Recommendation for Medical Marijuana in Maryland?

Yes. Patients applying for medical marijuana access in Maryland must obtain written certifications from eligible medical providers. A patient can only obtain this certification from a provider with which they have a bona fide provider-patient relationship. The certification must also confirm the diagnosis of a condition approved for medical marijuana treatment in the state. Only providers registered with the MCA, licensed to practice in the state, and in good standing with their professional boards can recommend medical cannabis in Maryland. The MCA accepts written certifications from professionals registered with:

• Maryland State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners
• Maryland State Board of Nursing, as Nurse Practitioners or Nurse Midwives
• Maryland State Board of Physicians
• Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners

Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland?

In addition to obtaining a written certification for a medical condition qualifying for medical cannabis use, Maryland also requires those applying for its medical marijuana cards to be residents of the state. Both adults (18 years and older) and minors can apply for Patient ID cards in Maryland.