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How Much Does it Cost to Get a Medical Marijuana Card?

medical cannabis cost

Article written by

Ruth LemonChief of Staff

Content reviewed by

Dr. Lewis Jassey

Table of contents

  1. What’s Included in the Cost of a Medical Marijuana Card?
  2. Additional Costs with Medical Marijuana Cards
  3. How Much Medical Marijuana Cards Cost By State
  4. How Do I Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card?

Is it expensive to get a medical marijuana (MMJ) card? The cost of medical marijuana cards depends on several factors, like the state you live in, the type of card you need, whether you are a new or renewing applicant, and other factors. In general, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 to get your medical marijuana card through the experienced physicians at Leafwell.

Learn about the different costs associated with obtaining a medical card in all 36 states with a cannabis program. 

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What’s Included in the Cost of a Medical Marijuana Card?

While cost details will vary by state, you’ll typically have to pay at two different points in the process. First, there is a fee for a medical marijuana consultation where you’ll meet with a healthcare provider and get your medical cannabis certificate. Secondly, various state fees are associated with applying to each state to receive your medical marijuana card.

Doctor Visit

If you visit a physician in person, the cost of a doctor’s visit will vary according to each provider. Some physicians offer a flat-rate fee, while others price the visit in terms of the patient’s condition and the complexity of treatment.

At Leafwell, our convenient telehealth appointments range from $39 to $199, according to your home state. Leafwell’s fees are significantly less than the standard in-person visit, which can cost in excess of $300. 

Your telehealth appointment at Leafwell may qualify you for a medical marijuana card. But there is no charge for a Leafwell doctor’s visit if your application for a medical cannabis certificate is denied. However, state application fees are usually non-refundable if Leafwell approves you, but your state application is not accepted, 

Again, the cost of a doctor’s visit varies from state to state and with different conditions. Regardless of your medical condition, however, our fees remain the same. Our fees range from $39 to $199 for adults, slightly higher for minors in some states, which require multiple healthcare providers to certify the patient. 

Remember, at Leafwell, there is no charge if our healthcare provider does not approve you for medical cannabis.

State Fees

Most states (except for Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, and Texas) charge an application and registration fee for medical marijuana cardholders. There is also a renewal fee that patients may incur anywhere between thirty days and one year after receiving their initial card. In addition, some states differentiate between patient and caregiver fees. 

Additional Costs with Medical Marijuana Cards

The most significant additional cost will be the medical marijuana itself. Any medical cannabis product prescription you need will require purchasing and pick-up or delivery from a licensed dispensary. In addition, you will pay for any follow-up visits with your medical provider. 

The cost of medical marijuana depends on which strain you use and the method of ingestion. Among your choices are edibles, topicals, oils, and smokable cannabis products. Again, the cost of each of these medical marijuana products depends on where you live. 

Here are the estimated costs for different medical marijuana products:

Buds for Smoking: Between $5 and $20 per gram.

Vape Pen: Between $25 and $100.

Edibles: Between $2 and $5 per dose (Example: $20 to $50 for a bottle of ten marijuana gummies).

Tinctures: Between $20 and $50 per bottle, depending on potency and brand.

Hash, Oils, Waxes, and Other Cannabis Concentrates: Between $25 and $55 per gram.

To ensure safety and quality, always purchase medical marijuana products from a licensed dispensary. 

How Much Medical Marijuana Cards Cost By State

Here is a breakdown of obtaining a medical cannabis card in all 36 states where medical marijuana is currently legal. Our comprehensive list outlines how much a medical marijuana card costs in each state. 

Doctors’ fees are additional. Note that these are state fees and may increase on an annual basis. When you apply for a medical marijuana card through Leafwell, all fees are included for the doctor’s visit, but the state fee is additional. Also, note that Leafwell’s doctor certification services are not yet available in every state. 

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

  • Leafwell Cost: $149 for new patients, $99 for renewals. You are not charged if you are not approved. Read our guide to getting a medical marijuana card in Florida. Please note that Leafwell only offers renewal services for previously approved Leafwell patients.
  • State Cost: $75 (+ $2.75 processing fee) for new applications and renewals.

Georgia

Hawaii

Illinois

Iowa

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Dakota

Ohio

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Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Washington D.C.

West Virginia

How Do I Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card?

The first step to qualifying for a medical marijuana card is to see if you have a qualifying condition. A doctor’s visit (or series of visits) will serve as proof that you have a qualifying medical condition. 

The qualifying conditions for medical marijuana cards vary by state. But in general, these conditions may qualify you for a medical cannabis card:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Anxiety
  • Cachexia/wasting syndrome
  • Cancer
  • Chronic Inflammatory Crohn’s Disease
  • Depression
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Lupus
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Spinal Cord Disease
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • Traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome
  • Other conditions approved by the state’s Department of Health

States regularly add new qualifying conditions for medical marijuana cards, so stay informed about the cannabis laws in your home state.  

Can You Get a Discount on a Medical Marijuana Card?

Each state sets its policies on discounts for medical marijuana cards. However, you may qualify for a discount if one of the following applies to your financial or personal situation:

  • Veteran status
  • SNAP cardholder
  • Senior citizen and/or Medicare recipient
  • First responder
  • Pediatric patient
  • Medicaid recipient

The amount of the discount may be as high as 50 percent, depending on your home state. You will be required to show proof of qualifying status to receive any discount on a medical cannabis card. 

Leafwell can help you apply for a medical marijuana card in minutes. Our process is quick, affordable, and 100% online. Reach out to one of our on-call physicians today to get started. 

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