Having a medical marijuana card is important for those with severe health conditions. With this card, you, as a patient, can have legal support to use quality medical marijuana whenever you want.
That’s why it’s important for you to find out the through process of getting this card including how long it takes to apply or get your medical card in the mail.
The whole medical marijuana application process depends on your state. Some states offer instant virtual medical cards, while others, depending on what you choose, send them by mail. Some important factors influence the whole process, such as state regulations, mail efficiency, etc.
Steps to Get a Medical Marijuana Card
Initial Consultation with a Healthcare Provider
The first step to having a medical marijuana card would be to find a qualified and experienced healthcare provider who knows about medical marijuana well. So, look for licensed professionals and provide all the important medical documents you have.
The physician will check the records and decide whether you’re fit to use a medical marijuana card.
Application Submission
It’s up to you to decide how you want to submit your application. You can choose to submit it online or by mail. However, online applications are usually faster and more convenient.
Remember that each state has its own pricing and ruling regarding a medical marijuana card. For example, California has a $100 fee, while Colorado charges $29.50. That’s why, before submitting, check your state’s regulations to maintain the guidelines properly.
Waiting Period and Approval
The waiting period to receive your medical card usually depends on your state. For instance- in Arizona, the application processing takes time around 1-5 days, while in Illinois, it can take upto 60 days.
State-by-State Breakdown
Fast-Processing States
In California, you can have a medical marijuana card as soon as the physician gives you a certificate by mail. However, if you decide to receive the physical card, it’ll take around 7-10 days.
In Arizona, it takes around five days to process the digital medical marijuana card. And if your choose t receive physical card, you’ll get it aorund 10 days.
In New York, after your registratoon is approved, you get a digital medical card in 7-10 days. Until the physical card arrives, you can download and use a temporay card.
Longer Waiting Period States
In Illinois, people have to wait a long time. It takes about 60 days to receive a digital medical marijuana certificate. However, you can use a provisional letter until your card arrives.
People living in Maryland get the medical marijuana card by mail in 90 days after their their application get approval. Here also, you can download a temporary medical card and use it until the physical one arrives.
West Virginia
After you submit your medical marijuana application in West Virginia, you’ll have to wait around 45 days to receive the medical card via mail.
Conclusion
To sum up, having a medical marijuana card involves certain steps which are very important for you to understand. If you skip any step, you might lose your privilege to use a medical marijuana card for your health condition.
Now, we’ve already stated how different states take different times to send you the medical card by mail. Make sure you learn your state-specific rulings along with how much time you’ve to wait to receive the card by mail.
Related Topics
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FAQs
How long does it take to get a medical card in Florida?
In Florida, you’ve to wait 2-3 weeks to receive your physical medical marijuana card. However, you may receive an email with a temporary card which you can use until the physical card arrives.
Can I visit a dispensary before my card arrives in the mail?
In some states, you can use a temporary card until you get the physical medical card. So, you may use the temporary card to visit a pharmacy to have medical marijuana. However, you should check your state rulings first.
What should I do if my medical card is delayed?
If it takes too long to receive your medical marijuana card by mail, you may contact your state’s medical marijuana program. But before that make sure to check the expected timeframe to receive your card.
