How do I renew my medical marijuana card in Pittsburgh, PA?

Schedule a re-certification with an approved doctor, renew through the PA Medical Marijuana Registry, and pay the annual fee. Your new card will arrive by mail. Renewal details at https://sanctuarywellnessinstitute.com/cannabis/pa-medical-marijuana-card-renewal.php

Can out-of-state medical marijuana patients use their card in Pennsylvania?

No, Pennsylvania does not have reciprocity with other states. Only PA-issued medical marijuana cards are valid at Pennsylvania dispensaries.

Medical Marijuana Card Pittsburgh, PA

PA Medical Marijuana Card at a Glance

Updated October 2026

Who qualifies	PA residents with 1 of 24 serious medical conditions
Cost	$125 evaluation ($69 renewal) + $50 state fee ($0 with MMAP)
Online or in person	100% online by live phone call or video (Act 44 of 2021)
State fee deadline	Within 60 days of certification
Time to card	About 3 weeks after paying the state fee
Valid for	Up to 1 year

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Duplessie, MD · Updated October 23, 2026 · Source: PA Department of Health

Get a Medical Marijuana Card Certification in PA

606 Liberty Ave Suite 407, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Since 2018, The Sanctuary Wellness Medical Marijuana Cards of Pittsburgh, PA has assisted thousands of people with getting medical marijuana cards and accessing the treatment they need.

According to a recent survey of our patients, respondents reported using medical cannabis for conditions or symptoms including anxiety and pain.

Medical Marijuana Card in Pittsburgh, Pa

The Sanctuary Wellness Institute telehealth connects Pennsylvania residents with Pennsylvania Department of Health–approved physicians who can evaluate patients for eligibility for the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card Program.

All medical marijuana certifications are completed by independent, PA-licensed physicians. If approved, the physician submits your certification directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

The Sanctuary Wellness Institute does not print or mail medical marijuana ID cards. Card issuance, state payment, and portal access are handled directly between you and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the DOH patient portal.

439,124

active patient certifications in PA

200

operational dispensaries statewide

1,945

DOH-approved practitioners

Figures as of September 1, 2026, presented by the Department of Health to the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board on September 23, 2026.

How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in PA

Appointment → Physician Evaluation → Submission → Card Arrival

Schedule an Evaluation With One of Our Doctors

Appointments are available statewide for eligible Pennsylvania patients with a PA-licensed physician registered to participate in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program. The $125 fee ($69 for renewals) covers your consultation, physician evaluation, and certification review to determine eligibility. The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program annual ID card fee is paid separately to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Step 2 to get a medical marijuana card in pa

Meet With a Medical Marijuana Certification Doctor

The physician reviews your medical history, current conditions, and eligibility for the PA Medical Marijuana Program. If eligible, the physician submits your certification to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

Step three: pennsylvania medical marijuana card

Complete Registration and Receive Your Card

After your certification is submitted, pay the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program annual ID card fee, if applicable. The standard fee is $50, while qualifying participants in certain government programs may receive a no-cost ID card.

By Appointment Only

Address: 606 Liberty Ave Suite 407, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 213-8120

Book Now

Get Directions

Monday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday	10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday	Closed

Directions to Our Pittsburgh, PA Office

From East Liberty, head south on N Euclid Ave, then turn right onto Baum Blvd.
• Along Baum Blvd you’ll pass the Whole Foods Market and UPMC Shadyside; continue through Bloomfield (near the Bloomfield Bridge).
• Turn right onto N Craig St, then continue straight onto Bigelow Blvd toward Oakland/Downtown.
• Stay on Bigelow Blvd with views toward the Cathedral of Learning (Pitt) and continue as it curves toward Downtown.
• Continue onto Bigelow Sq, then turn right onto Sixth Ave (you’ll be near Mellon Square).
• Turn left onto Liberty Ave; continue two short city blocks through the Cultural District (near Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center).
• The Sanctuary ( 606 Liberty Ave, Suite 407 ) will be on the left in a downtown office building near Market Square. Garage and street parking are available nearby.

From Carrick, follow local streets to PA‑51 / Saw Mill Run Blvd via Copperfield Ave → Parkfield St → Nobles Ln.
• Continue north on Saw Mill Run Blvd (PA‑51); you’ll pass South Hills Junction and the Seldom Seen Greenway area along the valley.
• Take the ramp for PA‑51 N / West End and merge onto S Main St, then turn right onto W Carson St along the river.
• Drive past Station Square and the approach to the West End Bridge, then bear right to merge onto I‑376 E (Penn‑Lincoln Pkwy) toward Downtown.
• Cross the Fort Pitt Bridge with skyline views and keep right for the I‑279 split; take Exit 70A – Liberty Ave into the Cultural District.
• Continue on Liberty Ave, then turn right onto Market St and a quick left to arrive at 606 Liberty Ave, Suite 407 (near Market Square, Heinz Hall, and the Benedum Center). Parking garages are nearby (e.g., Mellon Square Garage, Smithfield‑Liberty Garage).

From Perry South, head south on Wilson Ave and turn left onto W Burgess St toward Perrysville Ave.
• Turn right onto Perrysville Ave, then continue onto Federal Street Extension and Federal St along the edge of Allegheny Commons Park (near the National Aviary).
• Stay on Federal St past PNC Park; continue toward the river and cross the Roberto Clemente (6th St) Bridge into Downtown.
• Continue straight on 6th St into the Cultural District (you’ll be near Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center).
• Turn right onto Market St, then a quick left onto Liberty Ave.
• The Sanctuary ( 606 Liberty Ave, Suite 407 ) will be on the left, a short walk from Market Square. Nearby parking includes Sixth & Penn Garage, Mellon Square Garage, and Smithfield–Liberty Garage.

What Are the Qualifying Conditions in Pennsylvania

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Anxiety disorders
Autism
Cancer, including remission therapy
Chronic Hepatitis C
Crohn's disease
Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and other associated neuropathies
Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Huntington's disease
Inflammatory bowel disease

Intractable seizures
Multiple sclerosis
Neurodegenerative diseases
Neuropathies
Opioid use disorder for which conventional therapeutic interventions are contraindicated or ineffective, or for which adjunctive therapy is indicated in combination with primary therapeutic interventions
Parkinson's disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain
Sickle cell anemia
Terminal illness
Tourette syndrome

Pennsylvania recognizes 24 serious medical conditions. An approved practitioner can issue a patient certification only if the patient has one of the serious medical conditions listed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Department has also approved two conditions as a "serious medical condition limited to Chapter 20 research purposes only" under the act:

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with chronic symptoms
Type II diabetes mellitus

Source: PA Department of Health – Register for the Medical Marijuana Program

Medical marijuana card cost in Pennsylvania

How Much Is a Medical Marijuana Card in PA?

Fee Type	Paid To
Physician evaluation (new patient)	Sanctuary / Physician – $125
Physician evaluation (renewal)	Sanctuary / Physician – $69
PA MMJ card fee (State fee)*	Department of Health - $50

* State fees are paid directly to the PA Department of Health and are not controlled by The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. Some patients participating in Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP, or WIC may qualify for a $0 state fee.

Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Rules Every Patient Should Know

Who Can Apply

Pennsylvania residents only, with a PA driver's license or PA state ID showing a current address
No minimum age; patients under 18 must have a registered caregiver
Home-bound patients can designate up to two caregivers to shop for them
Caregivers must be 21 or older and pass a background check (caregiver program)

What You Can Buy

Up to a 90-day supply (192 medical marijuana units), tracked by the state
Pills, oils, tinctures, liquids, topicals and forms for vaporization or nebulization
Dry leaf (flower) for vaporization only – smoking is prohibited
Purchases only at licensed Pennsylvania dispensaries; home growing is not allowed

Your Protections

Employers may not fire, refuse to hire or discriminate against you solely for being a certified patient (Act 16, Section 2103(b))
Employers do not have to allow use at work and may discipline working while impaired
Certification alone may not be considered by a court in a custody proceeding

Limits to Be Aware Of

Adult-use (recreational) cannabis is not legal in Pennsylvania
Out-of-state medical cards are not accepted at PA dispensaries
Your PA card does not automatically work in other states
Cannabis remains restricted under federal law; never carry it across state lines

Read the full breakdown of Pennsylvania medical marijuana law.

Meet Our PA-Licensed Physicians

All physicians are licensed in Pennsylvania and registered with the PA Medical Marijuana Physician Registry. They follow all Department of Health requirements to ensure your evaluation is compliant with state regulations.

Dr. Heather Moday Medical Marijuana Doctor

Dr. Heather Moday, MD

Learn More

Dr. Christopher Hall, MD

Learn More

Hear from Our Clients

Rated 4.9 stars based on 156 Google patient reviews

These guys are amazing. They truly did help me. I have no complaints. Thank you to the state of Pennsylvania and everybody involved.

Ace B.

That dr morgen was great answered my questions before I could ask loved it being a long time smoker she knew exactly what I needed.

Michael O.

I renewed with them twice now and found them to be very professional and efficient. My doctor each time was friendly and actually listened.️

Mike P.

PA Medical Marijuana Card Renewal

Pennsylvania medical marijuana patient certifications can remain valid for up to one year, depending on the certification period set by the practitioner. Before your certification expires, you must obtain a new certification from a registered practitioner to continue participating in the program. The Pennsylvania Department of Health also requires an annual program payment unless you qualify for a fee reduction. Learn more about renewing your medical marijuana card here.

Understanding the Potential Side Effects of Medical Marijuana

Chronic or heavy use of medical marijuana may lead to long-term health effects. These can differ based on the method of consumption, frequency of use, and the THC-to-CBD ratio. Long-term side effects may include:

Respiratory issues: Pennsylvania does not permit medical marijuana to be smoked. Under the Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16), dry leaf may be dispensed for vaporization only – combustion is prohibited, and a medical marijuana ID card does not protect a patient who smokes. This matters clinically because smoking cannabis can harm lung tissue and increase respiratory symptoms such as cough and bronchitis. Patients should use only the forms and methods permitted under Pennsylvania law and follow their healthcare professional's guidance.
Tolerance and dependence: Over time, frequent users may develop tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same therapeutic effect. In some cases, mild withdrawal symptoms—such as irritability, sleep problems, or cravings—can occur upon discontinuation.
Cognitive impact: Prolonged use, particularly starting at a young age, may affect learning, memory, and concentration.
Mental health concerns: Individuals predisposed to anxiety, depression, or psychotic disorders may experience worsened symptoms with high-THC cannabis use.

The potential benefits and risks of cannabis vary by patient, condition, product, THC concentration, dosage, and method of administration. Patients should discuss these factors with a qualified healthcare professional.

Our PA Medical Cannabis Doctor Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you receive your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, you can purchase medical marijuana at any dispensary in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh has several dispensary locations, including Maitri Medicinals and Trulieve. When visiting a dispensary, bring your Pennsylvania medical marijuana ID card and a valid government-issued photo ID.

To renew your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, obtain a new patient certification from a registered practitioner within 60 days of your current certification and ID card expiration date. Once the practitioner certifies you again, your new card will be printed and mailed to the address in your patient profile, as long as your annual payment is up to date.

No, Pennsylvania does not have reciprocity with other states. Only PA-issued cards are valid at PA dispensaries.

If your Pennsylvania medical marijuana ID card expires, you cannot use it to purchase medical marijuana at a Pennsylvania dispensary. The Pennsylvania Department of Health notifies patients by email 60 days before their patient certification and ID card expire so they can obtain a new patient certification from a registered practitioner.

To register for Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Program, register with the state and provide proof of Pennsylvania residency. Next, see an approved doctor who can certify that you have an approved serious medical condition and are eligible for medical marijuana. After you are certified, pay for your medical marijuana card, if applicable. Once you receive your card, you can purchase medical marijuana at a Pennsylvania dispensary.

To become a caregiver in Pittsburgh, you generally must be at least 21 years old and register with Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Program. After registering, complete the required criminal history background check and, if approved to serve as a caregiver, pay for your medical marijuana ID card, if applicable. Once approved and linked to a patient with an active certification, you can pick up medical marijuana at a Pennsylvania dispensary on the patient's behalf.

Helpful PA Resources

Patient and Caregiver Registry – register, get your Patient ID, pay the state fee
Department of Health patient and caregiver FAQs
Renew your registration
Medical Marijuana Assistance Program (MMAP)
Resources for medical professionals and the practitioner registry
DOH Medical Marijuana Program call center: 888-733-5595, 7 AM–9 PM ET, seven days a week (excluding state holidays)

Ready to Get Your PA Medical Marijuana Card?

Call us at (412) 213-8120 or click below to book your appointment.