The List of States With Medical Cannabis

For many individuals grappling with a variety of medical conditions, medical cannabis can serve as a pivotal source of relief. Across various medical cannabis states, it is recognized for its ability to mitigate the discomfort associated with chronic ailments, offering patients an alternative treatment option. This powerful plant can significantly enhance the quality of life, providing much-needed respite from persistent symptoms. Each state in the U.S. has a unique set of laws and programs pertaining to medical cannabis. This variance means the accessibility and guidelines for use can greatly differ from one state to another. 

At Text2MD, we are a leading virtual healthcare platform that is committed to providing top-tier telemedicine services. Our team is made up of experienced physicians based in the U.S. who are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a myriad of conditions. With us, you gain access to comprehensive healthcare services — from ordering lab tests and prescribing necessary medications to granting telemedicine medical cannabis certification in appropriate medical cannabis states, all achieved through the convenience of text messaging and video phone calls.

Understanding Medical Cannabis

Gaining legal access to medical cannabis requires obtaining a medical marijuana card. This certification allows patients in need to use cannabis as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions. The process typically involves consultation with a medical marijuana doctor, who can assess a patient’s eligibility based on their health status and specific condition. This certified healthcare professional is well-versed in the therapeutic uses of cannabis and can help guide patients on the appropriate usage of this alternative treatment. 

An Overview of State Medical Cannabis Programs

The landscape of medical cannabis states in the U.S. is diverse, each with its own set of regulations and programs. The variance among these programs means that the process of obtaining medical cannabis can differ from one state to another. It’s essential for patients to be familiar with their specific state’s guidelines to navigate the system effectively. Understanding the landscape of states with medical cannabis laws can provide patients with crucial information about eligibility, application procedures, and the legal use of medical cannabis in their area.

States With Medical Cannabis Programs

As of the date that this blog was written, these are the states that currently have medical cannabis programs, along with some of the basic information about these programs:

1. Alabama: Medical cannabis regulations in Alabama, a state with medical cannabis laws, allow patients with a medical cannabis card to possess up to 70 daily doses of cannabis.
2. Alaska: In Alaska, patients can have up to 1 oz of cannabis and grow six plants at home, making it one of the legal medical marijuana states.
3. Arizona: As one of the medical cannabis states, Arizona permits patients to possess 2.5 oz of cannabis per 14-day period and cultivate 12 plants.
4. Arkansas: Medical cannabis users in Arkansas are permitted to possess 2.5 oz of cannabis leaves or flowers over a 14-day period.
5. California: California’s regulations allow for the possession of 8 oz of cannabis and home cultivation of up to six mature or 12 immature plants.
6. Colorado: Colorado, another of the legal medical marijuana states, allows patients to have 2 oz of cannabis leaves and flowers and six plants, split between three mature and three immature.
7. Connecticut: In Connecticut, a medical cannabis card permits patients to possess up to 2.5 oz of cannabis.
8. Delaware: Patients in Delaware, one of the states with medical cannabis laws, can possess up to 6 oz of usable marijuana.
9. District of Columbia: The District of Columbia, as a medical cannabis state, permits possession of up to 2 oz of dried cannabis for patients.
10. Florida: In Florida, patients can have a 35-day supply of medical cannabis, the amount of which is determined by the prescribing doctor.
11. Hawaii: Hawaii allows for possession of up to 4 oz of cannabis leaves or flowers and the cultivation of 10 plants at home.
12. Illinois: Illinois allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis in a 14-day period.
13. Kentucky: In Kentucky, a legal medical marijuana state, patients can possess a 30-day supply of medical cannabis, determined by the prescribing physician.
14. Louisiana: Louisiana permits patients to have a one-month supply of medical cannabis, ensuring consistent access to treatment.
15. Maine: Maine allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis leaves and flowers and to cultivate up to 6 plants.
16. Maryland: In Maryland, patients are permitted to have a 30-day supply of medical cannabis, with the specific amount determined by their physician.
17. Massachusetts: Massachusetts allows patients a 60-day supply for personal medical use, which is typically around 10 oz.
18. Michigan: Michigan permits patients to possess up to 2.5 oz of cannabis and are allowed to grow up to 12 plants at home.
19. Minnesota: Minnesota, another medical cannabis state, allows patients a 30-day supply of non-smokable cannabis, ensuring a consistent treatment regimen.
20. Mississippi: In Mississippi, patients are allowed to buy up to 3.5 grams of cannabis per day as long as it does not exceed six days per week. A total of around 3 oz per month is permitted.
21. Missouri: Missouri permits patients to have 4 oz of dried marijuana in each 30-day period, and cultivate up to six plants.
22. Montana: Montana, a legal medical marijuana state, allows patients to have 1 oz of usable cannabis and grow four mature plants and 12 seedlings at home.
23. Nevada: In Nevada, patients with a medical marijuana card can possess up to 2.5 oz of cannabis leaves and flowers and cultivate up to 12 plants at home.
24. New Hampshire: New Hampshire allows patients to possess up to 2 oz during a 10-day period.
25. New Jersey: In New Jersey, patients are permitted to possess up to 3 oz of usable cannabis.
26. New Mexico: New Mexico allows patients to have 6 oz of cannabis leaves and flowers and cultivate up to 16 plants, split between four mature and 12 immature.
27. New York: In New York, patients are permitted a 60-day supply of non-smokable marijuana.
28. North Dakota: North Dakota permits patients to have up to 3 oz of medical cannabis throughout each 14-day period.
29. Ohio: Ohio permits patients to have a 90-day supply of medical cannabis, ensuring consistent access to their treatment.
30. Oklahoma: Oklahoma, one of the states with medical marijuana laws, permits patients to have 3 oz of cannabis and cultivate up to 12 plants split between six mature and six immature.
31. Oregon: Oregon allows patients to possess up to 24 oz of cannabis and grow up to 24 plants, with a maximum of six mature and 18 immature.
32. Pennsylvania: In Pennsylvania, a medical cannabis card permits patients a 30-day supply of medical cannabis.
33. Rhode Island: Rhode Island permits patients to possess up to 2.5 oz of cannabis leaves and flowers and cultivate up to 12 plants at home.
34. South Dakota: South Dakota permits patients to have up to 3 oz of cannabis and grow three plants at home.
35. Utah: In Utah, patients can possess up to 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis for their treatment.
36. Vermont: Vermont permits patients to possess 2 oz of marijuana and grow up to nine plants, with two mature and seven immature.
37. Virginia: Virginia, a medical cannabis state, allows patients to have a 90-day supply of total cannabis products, including both extracts and botanicals.
38. Washington: In Washington, patients with a medical marijuana card are permitted to have 8 oz of usable marijuana and cultivate up to six plants at home.
39. West Virginia: West Virginia, one of the legal medical marijuana states, allows patients to have a 30-day supply of medical cannabis, with the amount determined by the prescribing physician.

Understanding Telemedicine Medical Cannabis Certification

Telemedicine has revolutionized access to healthcare, and this includes medical cannabis certification. Patients looking to get certified for a medical cannabis card no longer need to travel to a doctor’s office. Instead, they can consult with a medical marijuana doctor through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video call, providing ease of access for those in rural areas or with mobility issues.

During the virtual consultation, your doctor will discuss your medical history and current health conditions. Each state has a specific list of qualifying medical conditions for medical cannabis use, ranging from chronic pain and epilepsy to PTSD and cancer. Your condition will need to fall within your state’s list.

If your doctor determines that you could benefit from medical cannabis, they will approve you for the state’s medical cannabis program. You will then apply for a medical cannabis card. Once approved, this card allows you to purchase, possess, and use medical cannabis within the parameters of state law.

Can My Medical Cannabis Card Be Used Outside My Own State?

The answer depends on the specific laws of each state. Some states have reciprocity laws, allowing out-of-state medical cannabis cards to be recognized. However, not all states do, and the conditions of use can vary significantly. Patients should always check the medical cannabis laws in the state they plan to visit to ensure they are compliant. Remember that despite the changing landscape of state-level cannabis laws, under federal law, transporting cannabis across state lines remains illegal.

Telemedicine Medical Cannabis Certification

Through telemedicine medical cannabis certification, we provide patients with a convenient and secure way to seek medical cannabis certification from the comfort of their homes. At Text2MD, we are committed to offering high-quality telemedicine services nationwide that uphold both professional and legal standards. If you are interested in learning more or setting up your first consultation, fill out our online form or download our app.