What does it actually cost to get a medical marijuana card?

The price of an MMJ card is contingent on a few elements. Such as that state your purchasing one in, what company you use, if you’re obtaining a new or renewal card, and doctor fees.

Find out what factors determine how much you’ll pay for a medical marijuana card and where you can get one online in minutes.

How Much Is A Medical Marijuanas Card?

On average, the price of a medical marijuana recommendation can range from as low as $49 to as high as $350.

The actual cost of a medical cannabis card depends on certain aspects, particularly where you are purchasing it from.

Physician fees for your medical marijuana consultation and state fees are the two deciding factors.

The former will be due at the doctor’s visit when meeting with the physician to obtain your medical recommendation. In contrast, the state fees are owed when you apply for the physical card.

Below we’ll describe each fee in greater detail.

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Physician Fees

Whether or not you go to the doctor’s office in person or online will greatly determine the cost. An in-person visit can cost more than $350.

Depending on the physician, they will charge a set fee or charge based on the medical disorder.

There also is no money-back guarantee with this option. So you will pay the doctor’s fee even if you do not qualify for a medical marijuana card.

On the other hand, telehealth providers are cheaper and more convenient. And you still get to meet with a licensed physician online.

They can provide you with an efficient service at a lower cost, typically from $49 – $199. The fee is also at a flat rate.

With telehealth providers, the type of qualifying medical condition or treatment needs will not increase the cost. Most offer a money-back guarantee. So it’s completely free in case you’re not approved for an MMJ card.

If you’re looking to save time, getting your medical card online may be the best option, and in some states, you can go and purchase medical marijuana the same day!

State Fees

State fees can vary greatly by state. The type of medical marijuana card (patient or caregiver) you’re purchasing may also have different fees. In general, most states will charge you application fees.

They may charge an additional registration fee for patients with an MMJ card.

However, there are a few exceptions to medical marijuana state fees. The following states do not impose a fee:

Renewal Costs

Medical marijuana cards will need to be renewed on an annual basis.

Usually, a medical marijuana card is valid for one year. This timeframe can fluctuate for a few states. For example, an MMJ card lasts for 210 days in Florida and for 2 years in Georgia.

You will need to renew your medical cannabis card before it expires to still be considered a medical marijuana patient.

It is recommended that you apply at least 30 days before your card expires. If you allow your card to lapse, you will not be considered a state medical marijuana patient until you get a new medical card.

The renewal fee for your medical card is often cheaper than paying for a new application. If you let your card expire, you are no longer an approved patient.

So if you still plan on being considered a medical marijuana patient, a renewal will benefit you financially.

Benefits of Getting An MMJ card

Why would you spend money on a recommendation if marijuana is recreationally legal in your state?

Patients receive lower prices for nearly all medical marijuana products such as flower, concentrates, and edibles when compared to recreational options.

Medical marijuana products are often also subject to lower taxes than their recreational counterparts.

Spending a little money on an MMJ card can save you a lot of money in the long run if you’re frequently consuming cannabis.

This will be apparent whenever you purchase medical marijuana products from a licensed dispensary or delivery service.

Some states also have medical marijuana reciprocity. This means that certain states will accept your medical marijuana card when you visit.

What Will You Need to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card?

Most states will require you to bring a valid government-issued identification card. You will need to present your ID to your doctor when you are applying for a medical cannabis card.

In order to be eligible for a medical marijuana card, you will also need to have a qualifying condition in most states.

The actual medical condition will also depend on the state you are applying for an MMJ card in.

Below is a list of the most common qualifying medical conditions. But note, It is not exhaustive, so please be sure to check with your state to verify what other conditions qualify for medical cannabis.

Who Qualifies for a Medical Cannabis Card?

Obtaining a medical marijuana card requires a doctor’s visit because you usually must have a qualifying medical condition.

While a couple of states will allow a licensed physician to prescribe medical cannabis if they feel it’s beneficial for you, many states have strict criteria around the conditions a physician can prescribe MMJ for.

This will be verified at your doctor’s visit. The following conditions are the most commonly qualifying medical conditions:

Anorexia
Anxiety
Cancer
Chronic Pain
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Spasms
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Spinal Cord Injuries
Wasting Syndrome

Be sure to check with the local laws in your state for a full list of qualifying medical conditions.

Medical Marijuana Card Discounts

Each state outlines its own discounted fees for people that meet certain qualifications. The exact markdown fluctuates by state, and you can find this information on the department of health page for your state.

Types of Discounts Available

Caregiver
Veteran
Senior Citizen
Individuals approved for Medicare
SNAP cardholders
Medicaid holders
Pediatric patients

The discounts for medical marijuana cards can be significant.

For example, Oregon medical cannabis state fees drop from $200 to $20 for veterans, while Colorado will waive the application fee if you meet specific income requirements.

As determined by the location, you can receive deep discounts if you qualify when completing the state application.

Medical Marijuana Card Costs Per State 2024

Below we will highlight the costs of applying for a medical marijuana card if you use a verified MMJ telehealth provider.

We’ve outlined the best option given the state that you’re in. This includes looking at the provider which offers the most value (cheapest) while still giving you a money-back guarantee, so if you’re not successful in getting a medical card, you get your money back!

Our directory indicates the fees for the doctor’s visit and the state fees for each state application associated with medical marijuana.

For in-office visits, there is often an additional doctor’s fee. However, the telehealth providers in this list include all doctor’s fees in the recommendation price.

This up-to-date index includes all 37 states and four US territories where medical cannabis is presently legal. All doctor’s visit fees are included in the telehealth appointment costs.

Alabama

Telehealth cost: TBC
State fees: Alabama currently does not have an operational medical marijuana program. It is expected to take effect in 2022 or 2023.

*Alabama legalized medical marijuana in 2021. However, the program has not been rolled out yet. Check with the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission for updates on when medical marijuana products will be available.

Alaska

Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Veriheal.
State fees: $25 for new card applications and $20 for renewals.

Arizona

AZ MMJ Card Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Veriheal.
State fees: $150 for new card applications and $150 for renewals.

Arkansas

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

California

CA Medical Card Telehealth cost: $49 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: <$100, varies by county and is optional. Medi-cal patients save 50%.

Colorado

Telehealth cost: $99 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $100 for new card applications and $100 for renewals.

Connecticut

Connecticut Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $100 for new card applications and $100 for renewals.

Delaware

Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Florida

Telehealth cost: $125 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $75 for new card applications and $75 for renewals.

Georgia

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $25 for new card applications and $25 for renewals.

Guam

Telehealth cost: TBC
State fees: $15 for new card applications and $10 for renewals.

Hawaii

Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Veriheal.
State fees: $38.50 for new card applications, valid for one year. $77 for a new card applications, valid for two years. No discount on renewals.

Illinois

Illinois Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications, valid for one year. $100 for new card applications, valid for two years. $125 for new card applications, valid for three years. No discount on renewals.

Iowa

Iowa Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $100 for new card applications and $100 for renewals.

Louisiana

Louisiana Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: There are no state fees for new card applications and renewals.

Maine

Telehealth cost: $49 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: There are no state fees for new card applications and renewals.

Maryland

Maryland Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Massachusetts

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: There are no state fees for new card applications and renewals.

Michigan

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $40 for new card applications, valid for two years, and $40 for renewals.

Minnesota

Minnesota Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $200 for new card applications and $200 for renewals.

Mississippi

Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Veriheal.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Missouri

Telehealth cost: $125 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $25.94 for new card applications and $25.94 for renewals.

Montana

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $20 for new card applications and $20 for renewals.

Nevada

Nevada Telehealth cost: $99 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications, valid for one year. $100 for new card applications, valid for two years. No discount on renewals.

New Hampshire

NJ MMJ Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

New Jersey

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $100 for new card applications and $100 for renewals.

New Mexico

New Mexico Telehealth cost: $99 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: There are no state fees for new card applications and renewals.

New York

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: There are no state fees for new card applications and renewals.

North Dakota

Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Northern Mariana Islands

Telehealth cost: Recommendations from Leafwell will be available soon.
State fees: $75 for new registry and $75 for renewals.

Ohio

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Oklahoma

Telehealth cost: $99 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $100 for new card applications and $100 for renewals.

Oregon

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $200 for new card applications and $200 for renewals.

Pennsylvania

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Puerto Rico

Telehealth cost: $99 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $25 for new card applications and $25 for renewals.

Rhode Island

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

South Dakota

Telehealth cost: Recommendations from Leafwell will be available soon.
State fees: $100 for new card applications and $100 for renewals.

Texas

Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: There are no state fees for new card applications and renewals.

Utah

Telehealth cost: $125 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $15 for initial new card applications. $5 per 30 day renewal. $15 per 6 month renewal.

Vermont

Vermont Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Virgin Islands

Telehealth cost: Recommendations from Leafwell will be available soon.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Virginia

Telehealth cost: $149 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $50 for new card applications and $50 for renewals.

Washington

WA State MMJ Telehealth cost: $199 per recommendation from Veriheal.
State fees: $95 for new card applications and $90 for renewals.

Washington D.C. (District of Columbia)

Telehealth cost: $99 per recommendation from Leafwell.
State fees: $100 for new card applications and $100 for renewals.