Most frequently MMJ asked questions

• Is marijuana legal in Pennsylvania?

  

  Is weed legal in Pennsylvania? Right now, marijuana is only legal in Pennsylvania for medical use. Medical marijuana was made legal in PA in 2016, and the first medical sales happened in 2018. In order to qualify for a PA medical card, you will need to have one of the 23 qualifying conditions specified by the state and have your condition verified by a doctor.

• Is recreational cannabis legal in Pennsylvania?

  

  Recreational marijuana use is currently illegal in Pennsylvania. However, many major cities in Pennsylvania have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. This means that you will only receive a small fine rather than jail time in these cities.

  In 2020, the governor of Pennsylvania pushed for the legalization of recreational marijuana, as people were still asking ‘is weed legal in PA?’ While the state’s legislature did not immediately respond, this does indicate that we could see Pennsylvania marijuana laws change in the future. Pennsylvania marijuana legalization would make cannabis products accessible to a much wider range of people and could make them more affordable as well.

• How much does a medical card cost?

  

  Many medical marijuana patients wonder about the fees associated with getting your medical card. Is medical marijuana covered by insurance, or do you have to pay out-of-pocket? Does Medicaid cover medical marijuana? Unfortunately, medical marijuana is currently not covered by any insurance programs, including Medicaid or Medicare. This is because marijuana is still illegal on a national level.

  The fee for a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is $50 for both first-time registrations and renewals. Certain patients may be eligible for fee reductions based on their participation in programs like Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and more. Keep in mind that you will also need to pay out of pocket for your doctor’s visit to get approved for your medical marijuana card. Elevate Holistics offers secure virtual visits with licensed medical marijuana doctors in Pennsylvania starting at $75 each.

• How much does medical marijuana cost?

  

  If you’re on a budget, you’re likely wondering ‘how much does medical marijuanas cost?’ Unfortunately, medical marijuana Pennsylvania residents use is more expensive than it is in many other states due to the supply restrictions and other laws currently surrounding it.

  The amount you’ll spend will vary depending on the specific type of cannabis you are trying to purchase and the quantity you need. At dispensaries in Pennsylvania, an eighth of an ounce of marijuana can range anywhere from $55 to $75, depending on the strain and grower.

  Are edibles legal in Pennsylvania? Many people don’t enjoy smoking and want to consume cannabis in other forms. Unfortunately, edibles are not currently legal in Pennsylvania. However, there are some other forms of medical marijuana that you can purchase if you don’t want to smoke. Capsules, extracts, tinctures, topicals, and patches are all legal in Pennsylvania. Pricing for these products will vary depending on how much marijuana they contain.

• How do I get a medical marijuana card?

  

  Getting a medical marijuana prescription in Pennsylvania is fairly simple. The first step is to register online for the program through the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry. During this step, you will need to provide your basic contact information. You will also need to prove Pennsylvania residency by having a driver’s license or state ID.

  Then, you will need to have a licensed physician certify that you have one of the 23 qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. These conditions include debilitating chronic illnesses like cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and more, as well as more common conditions like anxiety and chronic pain. Because some of these conditions are relatively inclusive, it’s worth talking with a doctor if you believe you could benefit from medical marijuana. Services like Elevate Holistics allow you to talk with a doctor online, so you won’t need to go in person. Keep in mind that not all doctors are registered to recommend medical marijuana, so you’ll need to find one that is on the state registry.

  Your doctor will submit your recommendation for medical marijuana directly to the state if you qualify. You’ll then need to go back online and pay the $50 registration fee. Once you’ve been approved, Pennsylvania will mail you your ID card and you will be able to visit dispensaries.

  For your PA medical marijuanas card renewal, you will receive an email notification 60 days before your card expires. The email will contain a link directing you to a page where you can renew your card online. You will need to be re-certified by a medical marijuana doctor in order to renew. You will also need to pay another $50 yearly fee. They will then mail you a new medical marijuana card.

  Patients under the age of 18 who have one of Pennsylvania’s qualifying conditions can get a medical marijuana card with a caregiver. Older patients who cannot visit the dispensary on their own due to their medical conditions can also designate a caregiver. The caregiver will need to register for the medical marijuana program and complete a background check. Then, they can visit the dispensary on behalf of the patient to get the medical marijuana they need. Caregivers cannot consume the medical marijuana themselves.

• Can I use my medical card in another state?

  

  If you travel frequently, you may be wondering if you can use your medical marijuana card while you’re on the road to get the treatment you need. Right now, nine states and Washington D.C. accept out-of-state medical cards, so you can use your Pennsylvania medical card if you are visiting one of these states. However, Pennsylvania does not currently have medical marijuana reciprocity, which means that if you have a medical marijuana card in another state, you cannot use it in Pennsylvania.