Looking How to get a Medical Marijuana Card? Most states that have passed laws legalizing marijuana for medical use have some type of registration program and require patients and caregivers to obtain a medical marijuana card. This page includes a state-by-state guide on how to register and obtain a card.

As of July 2010, 14 states have passed laws legalizing marijuana for medical use. These states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881 Many of these states require patients intending to use marijuana for medical use to register first--but what exactly is required depends on the state. If you are considering talking to your doctor about using marijuana for your medical condition, then you will want to find out what is required to register in your state as medical documentation in some form is necessary in every state.

• In Alaska, you must obtain a Registry Identification Card for Medical Use of Marijuana if you are a patient or a caregiver. To do this, you must submit the following items:

1. A completed Marijuana Application PacketAlaska Division of Public Health: Marijuana Application Packet
2. A nonrefundable fee of $25.00 ($20.00 for a renewal)
3. A copy of the patient's Alaska State Driver's License or Identification Card.
4. A copy of all caregivers' Alaska State Driver's License or Identification Card.
5. A signed statement from the patient's physician that addresses the patient's condition, states that the physician personally examined the patient and how the physician came to the conclusion that medical marijuana was justified.Americans for Safe Access: Becoming a Patient in Alaska - Written Certification Must be Provided to Prove Eligibility
6. Paperwork should be sent to Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics Marijuana Registry; P.O. Box 110699; Juneau, AK 99811-0699.Alaska Division of Public Health: Marijuana Application Packet
7. If the patient is a minor, an original (not photocopied) statement from the minor's parent or legal guardian that gives consent.

• Application, documents and fee should be sent to Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics Marijuana Registry; P.O. Box 110699; Juneau, AK 99811-0699.Alaska Division of Public Health: Marijuana Application Packet In order to obtain a card as a caregiver, you must be at least 21 years old, not currently on parole or probation, and never have been convicted of a felony offense under AS 11.71 or AS 11.73. If your application is denied, you will not be allowed to resubmit it for six months.Alaska Division of Public Health: Marijuana Registry
• A to Z Listing of Medical Marijuana County Program Business Hours

• The California Medical Marijuana Program is an optional program that is regulated on the county level, not the state level.California Department of Public Health: Medical Marijuana Program As of June 2010, all but a handful of counties had implemented a medical marijuana program. Counties that were not participating include Colusa and Sutter..California Department of Public Health: Medical Marijuana Program Implementation Schedule

1. To register, you will need to contact your county. A complete listing of each county's medical marijuana program is listed on the California Department of Public Health website.California Department of Public Health: A to Z Listing of Medical Marijuana County Programs
2. You will need to fill out an application.California Department of Public Health: Medical Marijuana Program Application / Renewal Form
3. You will also need documentation of the patient's medical records.California Department of Public Health: Written Documentation of Patient's Medical Records
4. The cost for registering includes a $66.00 state fee plus any additional county fees. Medi-Cal recipients are charged a $33 application fee.California Department of Public Health: Web Fact Sheet

• In Colorado, anyone who wishes to possess marijuana for medical use must obtain a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Medical Marijuana in Colorado Cards can be obtained by submitting the following to the state:

1. A completed New/Renewal Application for Identification Card.Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: New/Renewal Applications and Instructions for patients over age 18
2. A copy of your Colorado driver's license or ID card.Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: New/Renewal Applications and Instructions for patients over age 18
3. A non-refundable $90 application fee (check or money order made out to CDPHE).Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: New/Renewal Applications and Instructions for patients over age 18
4. The physician certification form completed and signed by a doctor licensed to work in Colorado.Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: New/Renewal Applications and Instructions for patients over age 18

• Items should be sent to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Medical Marijuana Registry; HSVRD-MMP-A1; 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South; Denver, Colorado 80246-1530. There is a different application form for patients under 18.Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: New/Renewal Applications and Instructions for patients under age 18

As of March 2010, walk-up applications are not reviewed immediately due to the high volume of applications. Only sealed envelopes will be accepted.http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/release/2010/032510.pdf

• In Hawaii, patients do need a medical marijuana card, and must register with the Narcotics Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety. name="hawaii ned">State of Hawai'i Department of Public Safety: Narcotics Enforcement Division To do this, the patient must:

1. Ask their doctor to fill out a written certification form from the Department of Public Safety.
   1. Forms must be filled out in the doctor's office and cannot be taken home.http://www.medicalmarijuanaofhawaii.com/CMS/pdf/mmoh_physicians_notice.pdf
   2. A copy of the form can be found at Medical Marijuana of Hawaii website.http://www.medicalmarijuanaofhawaii.com/CMS/pdf/mmoh_physicians_notice.pdf
   3. Forms can also be obtained by contacting the Department of Public Safety at (808) 837-8470.State of Hawai'i Department of Public Safety: Physician's Guideline for Completing Hawaii's Written Certification / Registry Identification Forms for the Medical Use of Marijuana
2. The form must be sent with a copy of the patient's and the patient's primary caregiver's current Hawaii driver's licenses, Hawaii state identification cards or Passports.State of Hawai'i Department of Public Safety: Physician's Guideline for Completing Hawaii's Written Certification / Registry Identification Forms for the Medical Use of Marijuana
3. Payment can be in the form of a personal, certified, or cashier's check or money order and should be made out to the "Narcotics Enforcement Division."State of Hawai'i Department of Public Safety: Physician's Guideline for Completing Hawaii's Written Certification / Registry Identification Forms for the Medical Use of Marijuana
4. Forms should be sent to the following address: Narcotics Enforcement Division; 3375 Koapaka Street, Suite D-100; Honolulu, Hawaii 96819.State of Hawai'i Department of Public Safety: Physician's Guideline for Completing Hawaii's Written Certification / Registry Identification Forms for the Medical Use of Marijuana

• In Maine, there is no official registration program or card necessary. Instead, a person may possess a "usable amount of marijuana for medical reasons" if they have written documentation or an authenticated copy of their medical records.Maine Office of the Revisor of Statutes:

Title 22, Section 2383-B The documentation or records must show:

1. The person has been diagnosed with one of the conditions approved under Maine law.Maine Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 22, Section 2383-B
2. The physician mentioned on the documentation or records has a "bona fide physician-patient relationship with the person."Maine Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 22, Section 2383-B

• Caregivers may lawfully possess marijuana if they are determined to be a "designated caregiver" under the law and is possessing it as part of their duties as designated caregiver.Americans for Safe Access: Becoming a Patient in Maine

Note that as of May 2010, new rulings were put in place to establish a formal dispensary program. Once the program is in place, the procedures to get a medical marijuana card in Maine will likely change.http://www.main.gov/dhhs/mmma/index.shtml

• In Maryland, there is no official registration program. Instead, Maryland law allows a defendant to use "medical necessity" as a defense for a marijuana possession charge, providing that they possess less than one ounce. The laws do not address growing marijuana, even if it is for medical use.Americans for Safe Access: Becoming a Patient in Maryland If successful, the maximum penalty for the charge is a $100 fine.NORML: Active State Medical Marijuana Programs - Maryland

Note: A major bill was passed by the Maryland Senate in April 2010 that would establish Maryland as a medical marijuana state, but it must be approved by the Maryland House. If this law is enacted, it could changed the method of obtaining a medical marijuana card in Maryland.http://www.mpp.org/states/maryland

Michigan officially adopted a Medical Marijuana statue through a state-wide vote in November 2008.http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27417_51869---,00.html, To obtain a Medical marijuana registry identification card, you must fill out an application packet. The packet requires listing basic patient information, primary caregiver information, identification of persons allowed to possess the patient's marijuana plants, physician certification form and photo identification copies for patient and caregivers (if applicable). The application fee is $100, or $25 for Medicaid, SSI or SSD recipients.http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Medical_Marihuana_Packet_3-27-09_272862_7.pdf

All application information must be submitted in one envelope to the address listed at the top of the application form. Processing occurs within 15 days and applicants will receive written notice as to their medical marijuana request.http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Medical_Marihuana_Packet_3-27-09_272862_7.pdf

• In Montana, patients and caregivers must register with the the Quality Assurance Division of the Department of Public Health and Human Services.Department of Public Health & Human Services: Montana Medical Marijuana Program To register, the patient or caregiver must:

1. Complete the application form. You must have a valid Montana driver's license or state identification card.Department of Public Health & Human Services: New Application Form
2. Provide written certification from a doctor that the patient is a qualifying patient.Department of Public Health & Human Services: Frequently Asked Questions
3. Send the application, written certification and a $25 application fee to Department of Public Health and Human Services / Quality Assurance Division; Licensure Bureau; PO Box 202953; Helena, MT 59620-2953.Department of Public Health & Human Services: Frequently Asked Questions

• In order to possess marijuana for medical purposes in Nevada, you must first register with the Nevada State Health Division and obtain a registry identification card. To obtain an application for the card, you must send a written request to Nevada State Health Division; 1000 E William Street; Suite 209; Carson City, Nevada 89701.

1. Include the address where the application should be sent on the request.
2. If you have a caregiver, request a caregiver packet.
3. If the application is for a minor, request a minor release packet.
4. An application fee of $50 must be included with the request. Make checks or money orders out to the Nevada State Health Division.Nevada State Health Division: Medical Marijuana

• You can also contact the Nevada State Health Division by calling (775) 687-7594 or faxing (775) 687-7595.Nevada State Health Division: Medical Marijuana There will be an additional $150 registration fee that must accompany the application.Americans for Safe Access: Becoming a Patient in Nevada

• In order to use marijuana for medical purposes in New Mexico, the following items must be submitted to the Department of Health:

1. Participant Application
2. Medical Release Form
3. Certification from appropriate medical specialist and/or medical records for chronic pain, PTSD, Glaucoma, and Infammatory Autoimmune-Mediated arthritis
4. Photo Identification copies
5. Patient production license application (for growing medical cannabis)
6. Parental consent form for patients under 18 and a caregiver application.http://www.health.state.nm.us/idb/medicalcannabis/Patient%20Application%206-28-10.pdf

Completed application should be mailed to: Medical Cannabis Program New Mexico Department of Health 1190 St. Francis Drive PO BOX 26110 Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110

Questions regarding the application process should be sent to: medical.cannabis@state.nm.ushttp://www.health.state.nm.us/idb/medicalcannabis/Patient%20Application%206-28-10.pdf

• The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program is a registry program that is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division. When registering, patients will need to indicate a caregiver and grow site. Doing so on the application protects them from prosecution under Oregon law.Oregon.gov: Basic Facts Here is how you can register with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program:

1. Complete the application.Oregon.gov: Application
2. Provide a copy of your Oregon photo ID card, Oregon driver's license, or a current photo ID and a copy of your Oregon voter's registration card.Oregon.gov: Application Instructions
3. Listing a primary caregiver is optional if the patient is over 18.Oregon.gov: Application Instructions
4. You or your caregiver may choose to grow marijuana or you may choose a third party to grow the marijuana for you.Oregon.gov: Application Instructions
   1. Grow sites cannot be P.O. boxes.
   2. Growers are subject to a criminal history check for felony convictions.
   3. You must provide a copy of the person's current Oregon photo ID.Oregon.gov: Application Instructions
5. Include a statement from your attending physician. The form for this statement is available online.Oregon.gov: Attending Physician's Statement
6. If the patient is a minor, attach a declaration from the person responsible for the minor. The form for this statement is available online.Oregon.gov: Declaration of Person Responsible for a Minor

• Applications should be sent to DHS/OMMP; PO BOX 14450; Portland, OR 97293-0450. You can contact the Oregon Department of Human Services by calling (971) 673-1234.Oregon.gov: Application

• In Rhode Island, the Department of Health will issue a registry identification card to patients and primary caregivers provided they submit the following information:

1. From a medical doctor that the patient has a relationship with, written certification which states that:
   1. The patient has a debilitating condition and what specifically that condition is.
   2. The doctor believes that the benefits outweigh the risks to the patient's health.
2. A non-refundable application fee of $75 for each patient or primary caregiver.
3. A completed applicationRhode Island Department of Health: Instructions and Information for Registration in the RI Medical Marijuana Program
4. Name, address, and date of birth of each primary caregiver for the patient (if any). Only two primary caregivers can be named for each qualifying patient. A caregiver can have no more than five patients in using medical marijuana.Rhode Island Department of Health: Rules and Regulations Related to the Medical Marijuana Program
5. Background checks for each caregiver. This can be obtained by contacting the Attorney General's Office at (401) 274-4400.Rhode Island Department of Health: Instructions and Information for Registration in the RI Medical Marijuana Program
6. If the patient is a minor, a completed minor form.Rhode Island Department of Health: Instructions and Information for Registration in the RI Medical Marijuana Program

• Applications should be sent to the address listed on the top of the application forms.http://www.health.ri.gov/programs/medicalmarijuana/index.php

• In Vermont, patients who wish to use marijuana for medical purposes must register with the Department of Public Safety. This is done by doing the following:

1. Complete the application.Vermont Criminal Information Center: Registered Patient Application Form
2. Have your application (once completed) notarized.Vermont Criminal Information Center: Vermont Marijuana Registry Information
3. Provide a digital photograph of yourself. The digital photo can be taken with your own camera or by a studio that takes passport photographs. Photographs should be included as a .jpg on a floppy disk or CD that is labeled with your name and date of birth.Vermont Criminal Information Center: Registered Patient Application Form
4. Include a non-refundable $50 application fee.Vermont Criminal Information Center: Vermont Marijuana Registry Information

• Applications should be sent to Marijuana Registry; Department of Public Safety; 103 South Main Street; Waterbury, Vermont 05671. You can contact the registry by calling (802) 241-5115.Vermont Criminal Information Center: Registered Patient Application Form

• According to Washington State Department of Health, people who qualify under the law may posses a 60-day supply of marijuana as long as they have a written recommendation from their doctor.Washington State Department of Health: Medical Marijuana FAQs To qualify, you must:

1. Be a patient of a doctor licensed (not just practicing) in Washington.
2. Have been advised of the risks and benefits of using marijuana medically.
3. Be a resident of Washington when diagnosed.
4. Be able to prove your identity with a Washington driver's license or ID card.
5. Have a formal statement from your doctor or a copy of medical records that shows a diagnosis of a condition that is approved under Washington law.Americans for Safe Access: Becoming a Patient in Washington

• Once you have registered and obtained a medical marijuana card in your state, you may want to know how to obtain marijuana for medical use. For information on this topic, check out Mahalo's how to get medical marijuana.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please contact your doctor and attorney before using the information presented here.