Interested in getting your medical marijuana card in Michigan? The state first approved medical cannabis in 2008. Since then, regulators have developed a robust system for licensing and distributing medical marijuana. Learn more about how to get your medical marijuana card in this post.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan
Getting a medical marijuana card in Michigan requires two main steps. First, you must prove you suffer from one of several specific conditions. Then, you’ll need to navigate a few formal processes. Each step is outlined later in this post.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis in Michigan
Before you can apply for medical marijuana in Michigan, you need a medical diagnosis of one of the state’s qualifying conditions. The state recognizes medical cannabis’ possible abilities to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with these conditions. In Michigan, qualifying conditions include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease: a disease that attacks brain cells and decreases cognitive function.
- ALS (Lou Gherig’s Disease): a rare neurological disorder where nerves break down. This reduces and eventually eliminates a patient’s muscle function.
- Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome): a condition in which the patient loses weight and muscle mass extremely quickly. Usually occurs in conjunction with some other disease or syndrome.
- Cancer: medical cannabis may be an effective form of cancer palliative care or treatment side effect relief. This focuses on reducing pain and discomfort associated with cancer and its treatments.
- Crohn’s Disease: a type of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Glaucoma: a degenerative eye disease resulting from increased pressure within your eyes.
- Hepatitis C: a virus that attacks the liver that leads to inflammation.
- HIV/AIDS: a virus that attacks the human immune system.
- Nail-Patella Syndrome: a rare genetic condition affecting nails and joints.
- PTSD: stress and anxiety resulting from extreme trauma.
- Severe and/or Chronic Pain: resulting from injuries or any other disease or condition.
- Severe/Persistent Muscle Spasms: such as those from MS or other neurological problems.
- Severe Nausea: generally arising as a symptom of some other condition.
- Seizures: abnormal brain activity disorder caused by genetic or trauma-induced factors. CBD, a main cannabinoid in medical marijuana, may be particularly effective at combating seizures from specific forms of epilepsy, according to the FDA.
How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan
After you receive a prescription for medical marijuana from any licensed doctor, you’re ready to apply for your card. Fortunately, once you understand how to apply for a card in Michigan, actually doing it is pretty simple.
First, go to the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency’s website. Once there, you’ll be able to complete your application either online or via mail. You’ll need to create an account to do this, as well as submit a $40 application fee. After the state receives and processes your application, they’ll send you your card. Don’t forget that you’ll need to renew your medical marijuana card every two years. You can do this up to 90 days before your card is set to expire.
Once you receive your patient card, you can legally purchase medical marijuana in Michigan. Congrats! Just bring your medical card and ID with you, or have them handy upon delivery if you’re ordering online, and you’ll have access to our full medical marijuana menu.
