People who have, or are about to get, a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania need to know how long their MMJ card will last and how to renew when the time comes.
The Pennsylvania medical marijuana program is expanding rapidly and new patients are signing on all the time. While the program is relatively new (having just got off the ground in 2018), MMJ patients in PA are seeing their quality of life increase markedly thanks to the power of MMJ to alleviate the symptoms of many different chronic, debilitating medical conditions.
To get the full benefit of Pennsylvania’s MMJ program, patients must understand the rules. Particularly, they need to know how to renew their card once it expires. Not knowing when their card expires and how to renew it could mean that patients have to stop MMJ treatment, at least temporarily.
How Long Does A Medical Card Last In PA?
Pennsylvania medical marijuana cards last for one year. After that year, your PA medical marijuana card will expire and you can no longer use it.
Pennsylvania Medical Card Renewal
The Pennsylvania medical marijuana program is well-run and patient-friendly. The rules and regulations are straightforward. Patients are sent an email to remind them that their card is due to expire 60 days before the date of expiration. The renewal process itself is quick and easy.
When Should You Renew Your Pennsylvania Medical Card?
You should renew your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card before it expires. As mentioned above, 60 days before the expiration date of your card, you will receive an email notification from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Once you receive this email you should apply as soon as possible to renew your card.
What Happens If Your MMJ Card Expires?
If your MMJ card expires and you have not renewed, you will not be able to avail of medical marijuana treatment in the state of Pennsylvania.
Where Can You Renew A Pennsylvania Medical Card?
The only place you can renew your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card is through your MMJ patient portal on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.
PA MMJ Renewal Online
How do I renew my PA medical card online? Renewing online at the Pennsylvania Department of Health website is easy. You need to obtain a new patient certification from a registered medical practitioner in the state. Once the medical practitioner certifies you, if your payment is up to date, you will be sent your new card in the mail.
How Much Does It Cost To Renew Your Pennsylvania MMJ Card?
There is no cost to renew your PA MMJ card. However, you do have to pay a yearly subscription to use the PA medical marijuana program. The cost is $50 ($25 if you qualify for a fee reduction), and you will be emailed every year 30 days before your payment is due.
How Do You Apply For A Pennsylvania MMJ Card?
Whether you are applying for your first Pennsylvania MMJ card or renewing your card, you will need a new patient certification from a registered medical practitioner in the state. The best way to get this is to have an online consultation with a PA MMJ doctor through the MMJRecs online clinic.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Pennsylvania Medical Card?
The following medical conditions qualify a person for MMJ treatment in Pennsylvania:
- 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
Can You Visit A Pennsylvania Dispensary Without A Medical Card?
You cannot visit a PA MMJ dispensary without your medical marijuana card. The only people who can enter a PA dispensary without a card are children under the age of 18 if they are accompanied by an adult who has an MMJ card.
What Do Pennsylvania MMJ Dispensaries Sell?
The following MMJ products are available at Pennsylvania dispensaries:
- Cannabis flower
- Pre-rolls
- MMJ pills and capsules
- MMJ oils
- Tinctures and liquids
- Topicals (such as creams, ointments, and patches)
Featured image by Free-Photos on Pixabay