What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan?

Since December 2018, marijuana has been legal in Michigan. More and more residents of Michigan have started to understand the numerous benefits and importance of cannabis. From treating obsessive-compulsive disorder to alleviating pain, marijuana makes a significant contribution to a better quality of life.

For the legal retail market of cannabis, an organized structure has been established by the state of Michigan. The framework includes both recreational retail facilities as well as medical marijuana dispensaries. To get approved for consuming medical marijuana, you need to meet some criteria. This article will discuss all the criteria you need to meet to become eligible for consuming medical marijuana in Michigan.

What is a Medical Marijuana Card?

The medical marijuana card is a state-issued identification card that allows a patient with a doctor’s prescription to purchase, possess, or grow cannabis for therapeutic purposes despite the fact that marijuana has not been subjected to standard FDA safety and effectiveness testing. These cards are issued by a state or nation that recognizes medicinal cannabis, in this case, Michigan. Generally, a patient has to pay a fee to the state to get a medical marijuana card. It is also known as medical marijuana identification (MMID or MMJ).

Michigan medical marijuana cards are issued by state officials to registered medical marijuana patients and caregivers. Patients who are registered can have up to 12 marijuana plants and 2.5 ounces of “usable marijuana,” which is defined as the plant’s dried flowers and leaves. Caregivers, who can assist patients in obtaining marijuana, are also licensed by the state. Up to five patients can be served by a caregiver. They are allowed to have up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per patient under state law. They are also allowed to grow 12 marijuana plants per registered patient. After more than 60 percent of voters supported medical marijuana legalization back in 2008, the state began certifying patients and caregivers in 2009.

What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Getting a Michigan Medical Marijuana Card?

According to the state law of Michigan, one or more of the following debilitating medical conditions qualifies an individual for the medicinal use of marijuana:

Cancer
HIV positive
AIDS
Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
Crohn’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
Nail patella
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Spinal cord injury
Inflammatory bowel disease
Colitis
Ulcerative colitis
Tourette disease
Parkinson’s disease
Autism
Cerebral palsy
Chronic pain
A debilitating or chronic disease or medical condition or its treatment that causes one or more of the following symptoms:

Severe and chronic pain
Severe nausea
Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Severe and persistent muscle spasms (including but not limited to the characteristics of multiple sclerosis)
Seizures (including but not limited to the characteristics of epilepsy)

Who Can Authorize a Patient’s Medical Use of Marijuana?

Only a doctor of osteopathic medicine and surgery (DO) or medical doctor (MD) who has a current practicing license in Michigan can complete and sign the physician certification for a patient’s eligibility to use marijuana for therapeutic purposes.

A form confirming that the patient has a debilitating medical condition that can be ameliorated by medicinal cannabis must be signed by the licensed doctor. Obtaining a physician’s approval for medicinal marijuana through mail or a Skype appointment is not permitted or eligible. A “bona fide physician-patient relationship,” which includes an in-person medical assessment, is required by the state law of Michigan.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain the Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan?

It can take around four to six weeks for the State of Michigan to send your card. However, you are legally allowed to possess medicinal marijuana 21 days after the state receives your application and accepts your payment. Call the MMMP at 517-284-6400 if you have not received your card after eight weeks.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan

In Michigan, the medical cannabis cards have a three years validity. It is best to start the application process as soon as possible as it might take up to 30 days approximately to receive the medical marijuana card in the mail. Anyone aged over 18 years is eligible to apply for their own card. Make sure that you qualify by having one of the conditions mentioned earlier before you apply. The following steps will guide you to getting a medical marijuana card successfully.

Create an Account on LARA

Creating an account and registering with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is the first step to obtaining your medical card in Michigan. Do not pay any attention to any other establishments that claim that they can apply for an MMMP card on your behalf. The only legit and legal way to acquire the card is by applying through the official government website of the state.

Get Approved by a Qualified Doctor

While some Michigan doctors will not agree to give you a consultation on how cannabis can assist you, finding a committed Michigan medical marijuana doctor is not difficult. The physician can then assess whether you are fit for medical marijuana consumption and then certify you.

Complete Your Online Application

Once you have received a doctor’s recommendation for medicinal marijuana, the next step is to fill out and submit your application using the LARA account you created previously. You need to pay $60 for the application fee. You must also attach one of the following documents to prove that you are a Michigan resident:

Michigan ID card
Signed Michigan voter registration card
Michigan driver’s license

If you have any issues or queries regarding your application, you can call 517-284-6400 or email BHP-MMMPINFO@michigan.gov for assistance.

Final Words

The use of marijuana for therapeutic purposes has numerous health benefits. To be eligible for possessing, consuming, and cultivating medical marijuana, you need to have one of the debilitating diseases mentioned in this article and get a marijuana medical card accordingly. You will also need to get approval from a licensed doctor in Michigan and prove your residency.