How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine Step by Step
The process for getting certified for medical marijuana use in Maine differs in a few ways from most other states. For example, unless you are a caregiver, you do not have to register with the state's Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMMP) to obtain medical cannabis. Qualifying patients, however, can voluntarily register with MMMP's overseeing department, the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP), to obtain a registry identification card.
The process for obtaining a registry ID card in Maine has been simplified over the years, but if you are having difficulties with your application, the Sanctuary is here to help. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of applying to the state’s medical marijuana program.
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Step 1: Identify Your Qualifying Condition
The first step in obtaining your registry ID card in Maine is to claim at least one qualifying condition on OCP's list. When Maine's MMMP was launched, there existed a complete list of health conditions for potential medical marijuana patients to consult.
The list included a number of diseases and debilitating conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Alzheimer’s disease, nail-patella syndrome, a chronic disease or medical condition (or its treatment) that produces intractable pain, or a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition (or its treatment) that produces cachexia, severe nausea, epilepsy and seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms.
As a result of marijuana laws passed in 2018, however, the MMMP no longer maintains a set list of conditions for Maine residents interested in the Maine Medical Marijuana Program. Instead, the state has left MMMP eligibility up to the discretion of the medical professionals conducting these assessments.
Step 2: Meet with a Licensed Physician
Maine does not issue physical cards to patients registered with MMMP. Rather, the general practitioner who writes a patient's recommendation sets up an account with the state's Medical Marijuana Certifications Online Services system and issues the patient's certification digitally.
Also, the state of Maine no longer maintains a list of licensed healthcare professionals who can certify patients for medical marijuana treatment. To find a medical professional for your MMMP assessment, you’ll have to consult your current physician, seek out a recommendation from family, friends, or conduct some online research.
Your qualifying physician will submit your application to the OCP and set up an account on the state's online services system on your behalf. Along with your written recommendation, the application process will require a background check and proof of age and residency (such as with a Maine driver’s license). The state may also request medical records to support your qualifying condition.
After your application has been submitted, the OCP will follow up with a confirmation email with instructions for paying the application fee. Cards are valid for use at licensed dispensaries for one year.
Further details about the application process are available on the OCP website. Caregivers undergo a similar process for applying for an MMJ card.
Need Help Obtaining a Maine Medical Marijuana Card?
If you are just starting the application process for a Maine MMJ card and are unsure about where to start, the Sanctuary Wellness Institute is here for you. We regularly connect Maine patients with qualifying conditions with medical marijuana doctors who can certify them for medical marijuana.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can become a medical cannabis cardholder and start visiting dispensaries very soon. Before long, you could be purchasing edibles, CBD products, and other adult-use cannabis items from Maine dispensaries with your official Maine medical cannabis card.