How It Works
The process of qualifying for this program first starts with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. New patients should have your driver's license on hand as you will need to show documentation regarding your current physical address. If you are under 18 years of age or unable to complete this part of the process by yourself, the person who provides you care can help you. Be sure to keep your log in information on hand as you will need to access your profile again once you receive your certification from the doctor. Once you are done, you will need to write down the patient ID number that you receive and bring it with you to your appointment.
Next, you will need to meet with a DOH approved doctor to discuss your medical records. The appointments typically last anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes. During this consultation, the doctor will go through your medical history and diagnosis to determine whether or not you are eligible. If you are, the doctor will provide you with a certification.
You are required to pay a fee of $50.00 before the state will send you your ID card. You will need to log back into your online profile to complete this part of the process. If you have concerns regarding the fee, there is a chance that you may be eligible for a reduced fee if you are on a government benefit program such as Medicaid or SNAP. You will need to pay this fee on a yearly basis and receive a notice in the mail approximately 30 days before your ID is due to expire.
As soon as your ID comes in the mail, you can go to visit one of the designated dispensary centers in the state. It's important to remember that although you can legally purchase marijuana, you cannot do this through just any grower. You can only make your purchase through one of specified locations.
We recognize the fact that our patients want to move through the process of obtaining their Pennsylvania medical marijuana card as quickly as possible which is why our office utilizes telemedicine. In some cases, we may be able to set you up with a same day appointment to talk abut your conditions the same day that you reach out to us. If that doesn't work for you, we will coordinate with you to set you up with an appointment around a day and a time that works best for you.
You will need to register with the state with your driver's license ID number. The system will give you an ID number that the medical doctor will upload at your appointment to update your records to reflect that you have been certified for medical marijuana treatment.
Consult with the doctor for 10-15 minutes to evaluate your ailments and ask questions you may have about medical marijuana treatment. Your certification will be issued at your appointment.
After you have certified by the doctor you will need to login to the account initially used to register and submit the fee to the PA department of health. The DOH will mail you medical marijuana card to the address on your driver's license that you used to register initially.
Once your medical marijuana card arrives in the mail you may visit any dispensary in Pennsylvania to purchase medical marijuana. An initial visit with a dispensary pharmacist is highly recommend. A Dispensary pharmacist has been trained and certified on the best forms of medical marijuana for your specific needs.
Watch our quick tutorial on how to register with the State for medical marijuana in PA.
Many people are surprised to learn that the ability for patients to legally obtain medical marijuana products is relatively new. It wasn't until April 17, 2016 that Governor Tom Wolf signed a law which allowed Pennsylvania residents suffering from Parkinson's disease or other healthcare issues with legal ability to visit a medical marijuana dispensary to obtain cannabis for medical purposes.
Today, if you are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or other types of qualifying conditions, sickle cell anemia or another type of clinically approved condition, you can visit on of the Pennsylvania dispensaries to obtain a 30-day supply of marijuana. It's strongly recommended that you speak with one of the pharmacists at one of these locations to speak more about your condition and determine the best marijuana for you. If you have never used marijuana before, there are many details to consider including finding the right tinctures to help you receive relief.
When you are ready to find out more about the process of qualifying for a MMJ card, please reach out to us.
Head west on W Broad St toward S 7th St. Turn right onto PA-309 N/N West End Blvd. Get on I-78 W/PA-309 N. Keep left to stay on PA-309 N. Use any lane to merge onto I-78 W/PA-309 N via the ramp to Harrisburg/Tamaqua. Follow I-78 W/PA-309 N to S Cedar Crest Blvd in Salisbury Township. Take exit 55 from I-78 W/PA-309 N. Merge onto I-78 W/PA-309 N. Take exit 55 for PA-29/Cedar Crest Boulevard. Continue on S Cedar Crest Blvd. Take PA-222 N/Hamilton Blvd to W Allen St in Allentown. Turn right onto S Cedar Crest Blvd (signs for Allentown). Turn right onto PA-222 N/Hamilton Blvd. Turn left onto S Ott St. Turn right onto W Allen St. Our office will be on the right.
Get on US-22 W from S 9th St and Wood Ave. Head north on S 9th St toward Ferry St. Turn left onto Wood Ave. Turn left to stay on Wood Ave. Turn right onto the US 22 W/Bethlehem 10 ramp. Follow US-22 W to Mauch Chunk Rd in South Whitehall Township. Take the exit toward 15th Street from US-22 W. Merge onto US-22 W. Take the exit toward 15th Street. Take N 19th St to W Allen St in Allentown. Turn right onto Mauch Chunk Rd. Turn left onto Stanley St. Turn left onto N 19th St. Turn right onto W Allen St. Our office will be on the left.
Yes. The first step is to create an account with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry. Next, schedule a telehealth appointment with an approved physician to obtain your recommendation for cannabis. The Sanctuary can refer you to an experienced medical marijuana doctor.
The provider will electronically send your certification to the state, linking it to your account. After the appointment, you can complete the online application and pay the $50 registration fee.
You cannot visit a dispensary until you have your card. Dispensaries are tightly regulated and must enforce state laws to maintain their licensure. The regulations protect patient privacy and safety. You must show your medical marijuana card and a valid form of photo ID to enter a dispensary.
The state processes applications once it receives the $50 application fee. Depending on the number of pending applications and post office operations, cards typically mail within five to ten days of the payment date. Be sure to correctly enter your mailing address when registering for your online account.
Dispensaries can sell you a 90-day supply of medical-grade cannabis products. Your provider determines the 90-day limit based on your qualifying condition, the extent of the symptoms, and your medical history.
Being direct and comprehensive about your condition and its impact on your life will ensure your medical marijuana recommendation is for the appropriate dosage to manage your symptoms.
No. Only registered patients and caregivers can visit and purchase from dispensaries in Pennsylvania. Recreational marijuana remains illegal. The only way to legally obtain, possess, and consume cannabis is with a valid medical marijuana card.