What Is a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC)?
The Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) program is a voluntary card registration program that identifies medical marijuana patients and their primary caregivers. Each state has a different legal framework governing medical marijuana. The MMIC program issues identification cards and registry verification stickers to qualified patients and primary caregivers.
To be eligible for an MMIC, patients must obtain a written recommendation from a physician stating that the patient would benefit from the use of medical marijuana. Patients must also apply to the county program, along with a copy of their physician’s recommendation. Once approved, patients will receive a Medical Marijuana Identification Card from their county program, which will allow them to purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries and delivery services. Primary caregivers who are designated by a patient with an MMIC will also be able to possess and transport medical marijuana on the patient’s behalf. Having a medical marijuana card will exempt you from most marijuana possession and consumption laws at the state level.
What Is Medical Marijuana Program?
Even though federal law continues to prohibit the use of cannabis, many states have their medical marijuana programs. The Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) is a state-run program that provides medical marijuana to qualified patients.
To be eligible for the program, patients must have a valid doctor’s recommendation for medical marijuana. ID cards are not required to participate in the MMP, but they do offer certain benefits, such as discounts at some dispensaries. The MMP does not cover all forms of medical marijuana, including CBD products. However, some patients may be able to get coverage for CBD products through their health insurance. In medical marijuana programs, the customers are both patients and caregivers who are dealing with numerous challenges associated with the patients’ medical condition(s).
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
The first step is to find out if you are eligible for a medical marijuana card in your state. All states require proof of residency to apply to be qualifying patients, although the length of time considered to be a resident varies by state. Each state has its eligibility requirements, so it is important to do your research. Once you have determined that you are eligible, the next step is to gather the required documentation. This will usually include a copy of your medical records and a letter from your doctor recommending medical marijuana. Your physician, or a representative from your state’s department of health, may be able to tell you exactly what paperwork will be required in your jurisdiction.
Once you have all of the required documentation, the next step is to apply for your state’s medical-marijuana program. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a medical marijuana card. In some states, you may be able to get a medical marijuana card online. This card will allow you to purchase medical marijuana from authorized dispensaries in your state.
States Where Medical Marijuana Is Legal
State | Legalization status | Adult use? | Medical marijuana? | Decriminalized statewide? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
Alaska | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Arizona | Adult use | Yes | Yes | N/A |
Arkansas | Medical | No | Yes | No |
California | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Colorado | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Connecticut | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Delaware | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
Florida | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Georgia | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Hawaii | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
Illinois | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Iowa | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Louisiana | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Maine | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Massachusetts | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Michigan | Adult use | Yes | Yes | N/A |
Minnesota | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
Mississippi | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
Missouri | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
Montana | Adult use | Yes | Yes | N/A |
Nevada | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
New Hampshire | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
New Jersey | Adult use | Yes | Yes | N/A |
New Mexico | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
New York | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
North Dakota | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
Ohio | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |
Oklahoma | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Oregon | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pennsylvania | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Rhode Island | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
South Dakota | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Utah | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Vermont | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Virginia | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Washington | Adult use | Yes | Yes | N/A |
Washington, DC | Adult use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
West Virginia | Medical | No | Yes | No |
Maryland | Medical | No | Yes | Yes |