If there’s one word to describe medical marijuana in the US, well, it’s complicated. Legality varies by state, meaning that a patient who qualifies in one state may not be able to access medical cannabis in another. In addition to the differing regulations, the cost of medical marijuana products and obtaining a card may feel like a mystery. What exactly should you be budgeting for?
While it’s true that a lot of the costs associated with medical marijuana differ by state and the specific dispensary you visit, we’ll try to give you a clearer picture of how it all works—and what applying for a medical cannabis card could mean for your wallet.
When you apply for a medical marijuana card through Canna Care Docs, the process could cost you anywhere from $75-200 depending on which state you live in. Discounts are available for veterans, low income patients and/or patients with disabilities in several of the states we serve.
The total includes card registration and one-on-one consultation with our medical cannabis doctors—a professional service that gives you access to all the information you need about your state’s regulations, qualifying conditions and the application process.
Below you’ll find the full pricing list for each of our states.
New card: $75
Card renewal: $75
Learn how to get your medical cannabis card in Maine.
New card: $175
Card renewal: $150
Veteran/low income: $125
Learn how to get your medical cannabis card in Massachusetts.
New card: $150
Card renewal: $150
Veteran/low income: $125
Learn how to get your medical cannabis card in Rhode Island.
New card: $175
Card renewal: $150
Veteran/low income: $125
New card: $200
Card renewal: $200
Veteran/low income: $140
Disability: $180
Learn how to get your medical cannabis card in Delaware.
New card: $150
Card renewal: $100
Veteran/low income: $140
Learn how to get your medical cannabis card in Pennsylvania.
New card: $200
Card renewal: $200
Veteran/low income: $140
Disability: $180
New card: $100
Card renewal: $100
Learn how to get your medical cannabis card in Maryland.
New card: $150
Card renewal: $150
Learn how to get your medical cannabis card in Virginia.
So once you have your card, how much should you budget for the products you need? The short answer: it depends. Some of the factors include the state you live in, the dispensary you visit, the method of consumption you choose (for example, whether you purchase cannabis flower, tinctures or edibles) and how much cannabis you purchase. Sound overwhelming? We totally get it. But the good news is that most of these variables are in your control.
Another factor that influences the cost of dispensary products is state tax, which can make purchasing marijuana expensive. One of the benefits of having a medical marijuana card is that in most states, you’ll receive significant tax savings compared to adult use marijuana. The specifics depend on where you live. For instance, there is no tax for medical marijuana cardholders in Maine, but recreational users pay a 10% sales tax. The same applies in Massachusetts, which charges a total of 20% in combined retail, state and local municipality taxes for recreational purchases.
For the details on your state’s tax rates and potential medical marijuana savings, browse this Leafly guide.
The range of products available through dispensaries is seemingly endless, since there are a multitude of ways to consume marijuana. It may be helpful to talk to the professionals at your dispensary to get a sense of available products and the methods that may work for you.
Some of the most common products include smokable flower and pre-rolled joints; edibles like chocolates, caramels and gummies; tinctures, or extracts consumed sublingually; and disposable vaporizers or vapes with replaceable cartridges.
Medical marijuana cardholders often have the benefit of access to products with higher potencies, or even select products that are only available for medical use. Just ask the staff at your dispensary or check their website for information on cardholder benefits.
Depending on the laws in your state, you may also be allowed to grow your own marijuana plants. Even in states where growing marijuana is legal for adult use, medical card holders are often permitted to grow more plants than recreational users. Check the medical marijuana regulations in your state to learn whether you qualify for home cultivation.
If you’re ready to apply for a medical cannabis card, we’re ready to help you through the process. As the largest multi-state medical cannabis evaluation and education group in the US, we have plenty of experience in the industry. We understand how complicated the details of getting your card can be.
Luckily, we have in-depth knowledge of the specific regulations in your state, and our healthcare practitioners and educational team will provide you with all the information you need in a judgment-free space. The best part is, we operate on honesty and trust, so you can rest assured that we’re here to help.
Ready? Find a clinic and set up your appointment to get started.
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