Pennsylvania passed a bill to legalize medical marijuana in 2016. PA dispensaries started selling a wide variety of MMJ products to medical cardholders at the beginning of 2018.
Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program is still relatively new, so current and prospective PA MMJ patients still have quite a lot of questions about the fine details of the Pennsylvania program. Some of the most common questions we get asked are related to who exactly can visit Pennsylvania dispensaries and under what circumstances.
Can you visit a dispensary without a card in Pennsylvania? Can I go to a dispensary before my card arrives in PA? Can you purchase MMJ while you are awaiting your card in the mail? Can you go to a Pennsylvania dispensary with an approval email only? Today we will answer all these questions and more.
What Is The MMJ Dispensary Scene Like In PA?
The Pennsylvania MMJ dispensary scene is somewhat more limited and low-key than in some other states. Only 50 permits will be issued across the entire state of Pennsylvania, but each dispensary permit holder can open three branches in separate locations.
Despite the limited number of dispensaries in PA, they sell a relatively wide range of high-quality, locally sourced medical marijuana products.
Can You Purchase Products Without An MMJ Card In Pennsylvania?
You cannot purchase any type of medical marijuana product in Pennsylvania without a PA MMJ card. You must be in physical possession of your PA medical card in order to purchase MMJ in the state.
Can I Go To A Dispensary Without A Card In Pennsylvania?
Unfortunately, you cannot go into a Pennsylvania MMJ dispensary without your MMJ card. This means that you cannot purchase medical marijuana while you are awaiting your card in the mail, nor can you visit a PA dispensary with an approval email only.
You do not need to show any other form of ID, apart from your patient or caregiver MMJ card, to enter a Pennsylvania dispensary.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Pennsylvania?
You should allow seven days from the day you pay for your PA MMJ card for it to be mailed. Once it has been mailed, it can take up to 14 days to arrive at your home.
How Much Does A PA MMJ Card Cost?
A Pennsylvania medical marijuana card costs $50. You may qualify for a discounted MMJ card if you participate in Medicaid.
What Are The Rules For Visiting MMJ Dispensaries In PA?
Only people in possession of their own patient or caregiver Pennsylvania medical marijuana card may visit a PA dispensary. There is no legal limit on how much MMJ you can purchase at a PA dispensary. However, some dispensaries impose their own limit on how much MMJ one person can buy at one time.
Are PA Dispensaries Cash Only?
Pennsylvania dispensaries are technically cash only. However, most have registers that can function as mini ATMs, and so in these you can use a cash card or credit card with a pin to pay for MMJ.
Can Out-Of-State Cardholders Buy MMJ In Pennsylvania?
You cannot use an out-of-state MMJ card to purchase medical marijuana products in Pennsylvania dispensaries.
What Products Can I Purchase In Pennsylvania MMJ Dispensaries?
Pennsylvania dispensaries sell the following products:
- Marijuana flower
- Pre-rolls
- Tinctures and liquids
- Oils
- Topicals (such as cremes, ointments, and patches)
- Pills and capsules
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Pennsylvania MMJ Card?
To qualify for a Pennsylvania MMJ card, you must have one or more of the following qualifying conditions:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system
- 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
- Parkinson’s disease
- PTSD
- Severe chronic or intractable pain
- Sickle cell anemia
- Terminal illness
- Tourette syndrome
How Do I Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Pennsylvania?
The best way to get a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card is to have a telemedicine consultation with a PA MMJ doctor on the MMJRecs online clinic. Once the MMJ doctor has verified your suitability for MMJ treatment, they will generate a unique medical marijuana recommendation that you can access at the Pennsylvania State Patient Portal.