How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Your State

With costs varying significantly by state and provider, understanding your options can save you hundreds of dollars while ensuring you work with reputable, licensed professionals who prioritize your health journey.

• Herb partners with NuggMD, the #1 online provider that has helped over 2 million patients get medical marijuana cards starting at just $39
• 40 states plus DC now offer medical marijuana programs, with many states allowing telehealth consultations for certifications
• Total costs typically range from $89-$400, depending on your state and chosen provider, with significant savings for veterans and low-income patients
• Approval times vary by state, with digital recommendations often available same-day, though card processing takes 1-35 days depending on location
• Kentucky launched its program in January 2025, while Texas expanded significantly, adding chronic pain and implementing dose-based THC limits
• Mental health conditions gain acceptance with 32 states specifically listing PTSD and six more, plus DC, allowing broad discretion
• Renewal requirements vary from annual in most states to 2-year cards in Arizona and 6-year patient registration in Maryland

1. Herb + NuggMD: The Leading Choice for Medical Marijuana Cards

Herb has partnered with NuggMD to provide the most accessible path to medical marijuana certification. As Herb’s comprehensive guide explains, NuggMD has revolutionized the process with over 2 million patients served since 2008. Through this partnership, Herb readers get special discounts, including the HERB10 code for $10 off consultations.

Why Herb Recommends NuggMD

• Lowest prices in the industry: Starting at just $39 in California
• No appointment needed: Available 8am-10pm daily
• 100% money-back guarantee: Only pay if approved
• Digital recommendations available quickly: Use at dispensaries where permitted
• Available in 24+ states: Expanding coverage nationwide
• Exclusive Herb discount: Use code HERB10 for $10 off

The platform delivers on its promises, with the entire process taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. For New Jersey residents, Colorado patients, and users across the country, this partnership provides the fastest, most affordable route to legal medical cannabis access.

2. Veriheal: Comprehensive Coverage Across 35+ States

Veriheal stands out with its extensive state coverage and standardized pricing model. Operating in 35+ states, they charge $99-$199 per consultation, depending on your state. Veriheal’s additional benefits include offering Letters of Verification and Certifications of Medical Necessity for workplace or travel needs.

Veriheal’s Key Features

• 24/7 customer support: Round-the-clock assistance
• Additional documentation: Workplace and travel letters available
• Educational resources: Comprehensive cannabis education platform
• HIPAA compliant: Full privacy protection

3. Green Health Docs: Doctor-Owned Excellence

Green Health Docs brings unique credibility as a doctor-owned and operated platform. With high approval rates and same-day appointments available within 15 minutes, they provide professional medical expertise combined with convenient telehealth access where permitted by state law.

Green Health Docs Advantages

• Doctor ownership: Medical professionals run the company
• High approval rates: Strong success rate with qualified patients
• Live phone support: Seven days per week
• 15-minute appointment availability: Rapid scheduling
• State-specific expertise: Specialized knowledge for Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia

4. Leafwell: Budget-Friendly Option

Leafwell offers competitive pricing from $50 to $200, depending on several factors such as your state. Founded by Emily Fisher with firsthand MMJ clinic experience, the platform focuses on evidence-based approaches and maintaining extensive cannabis education libraries.

Leafwell Benefits

• Lowest California pricing: Just $35 for consultations
• Data-driven approach: Evidence-based recommendations
• Extensive education library: Comprehensive learning resources
• Transparent pricing: Clear costs with no hidden fees

5. FadeMD: Emerging Affordable Alternative

FadeMD has gained legitimacy as an affordable option operating in 10+ states. It offers some of the lowest prices in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania while maintaining quality service.

FadeMD Highlights

• Ultra-competitive pricing: Often the cheapest option available
• 12-hour daily support: Extended customer service hours
• State-licensed physicians: Full medical legitimacy
• 24-hour certification: Quick turnaround times

The medical marijuana landscape varies dramatically across states, creating a complex regulatory patchwork patients must navigate:

Processing Times by State

• Fastest (1-3 business days): Colorado, online applications
• Standard (7-10 business days): Florida (approximately 10 business days)
• Variable (7-21 days): Pennsylvania
• Extended (2-3 days): Ohio (72 hours processing)
• Slowest (up to 35 days): California county MMIC system

State Fee Variations

• No state fees for digital cards: Connecticut, Louisiana, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Jersey (digital cards free, physical cards $10), Texas
• Virtually free: Ohio ($0.01) – reduced from $50 in March 2024
• Low fees ($50 or less): Michigan, New Mexico, Rhode Island
• Moderate fees ($50-100): Florida, Pennsylvania
• High fees ($100+): Illinois (multi-year options: $50 for 1-year, $100 for 2-year, $125 for 3-year), Oregon ($200)

Possession Limits

• Most generous: Oklahoma (possession limits: 3 oz on person, 8 oz at home, 6 mature + 6 seedling plants)
• Standard: Most states allow 2-2.5 oz possession

Restrictive: Florida (35-day rolling limit: 2.5 oz every 35 days, no home cultivation)

The qualifying conditions landscape continues expanding, particularly for mental health:

Universal Conditions (Accepted in All Medical States)

• Cancer
• Epilepsy/seizures
• Chronic pain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS

Mental Health Acceptance

• PTSD: 32 states specifically list PTSD, with six more plus DC allowing broad physician discretion
• Anxiety disorders: Alabama, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
• Depression: Limited acceptance but growing recognition

Recent Expansions

• Kentucky (January 2025): Launched with 21 qualifying conditions
• Texas (September 1, 2025): HB 46 signed June 21, 2025 adding chronic pain, TBI, inflammatory bowel diseases with dose-based THC limits (up to 10mg per dose)

The complete investment breaks down into three components:

1. Doctor Consultation Fees (Via Telehealth)

• Low: $35-39 (California via Leafwell/NuggMD)
• Standard: $99-149 (most states)
• High: $199 (Veriheal maximum pricing)

2. State Application Fees

• Free: Digital cards in several states including New Jersey and New York
• Low: $0.01-50 (Ohio essentially free, reduced fees for veterans/low-income)
• Standard: $50-100 (majority of states)
• High: $150-200 (Arizona 2-year, Oregon)

3. Discounts Available

• Veterans: discounted consultations, reduced state fees, some providers offer 100% discounts
• Low-income: Fee reductions available
• Seniors: Some states offer reduced fees for 65+

Getting your medical marijuana card involves these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Provider

Compare providers based on your state, budget, and needs. Herb recommends NuggMD for most patients due to pricing and convenience.

Step 2: Online Registration (5-10 minutes)

• Create an account with basic information
• Upload ID and medical records (if available)
• Complete health questionnaire

Step 3: Video Consultation (10-15 minutes)

• Discuss symptoms and medical history (where telehealth is permitted)
• Ask questions about cannabis treatment
• Receive a recommendation if approved

Step 4: State Registration

• Use physician’s recommendation to apply to the state
• Pay state fees online or by mail
• Wait for card processing (varies by state from 1-35 days)

Step 5: Visit Dispensaries

• Use temporary/digital recommendation immediately (where permitted)
• Wait for physical card arrival (processing times vary by state)
• Learn about products and strains

Smart renewal planning prevents coverage lapses:

Renewal Timelines

• Start early: 30-60 days before expiration
• Special requirements: Florida needs a 45-day lead time
• Grace periods: Some states offer 30-90 day renewal windows
• Maryland note: Patient registration renewed every 6 years, but physical ID cards have shorter validity periods

Cost-Saving Tips

• Return patient discounts: Many providers offer 20-30% off renewals
• Multi-year options: Illinois offers 3-year cards at a discount
• Bundle services: Some platforms offer family discounts

Can I use my medical marijuana card in other states?

Many states offer reciprocity, accepting out-of-state medical marijuana cards. States like Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Oklahoma recognize cards from other states, though specific requirements vary. Always check current reciprocity agreements before traveling, as policies change frequently.

Will getting a medical marijuana card affect my employment?

Medical marijuana cards are protected health information under HIPAA in most cases. However, employers can still enforce drug-free workplace policies, especially for federal contractors or safety-sensitive positions. Some states, like Arizona and Delaware, provide employment protections for medical marijuana patients, but federal law doesn’t recognize these protections.

How quickly can I get approved and start purchasing?

With telehealth platforms like NuggMD, consultations can be completed within 15 minutes where telehealth is permitted. Many states allow immediate dispensary access with digital recommendations, though physical cards may take 1-35 days to arrive, depending on your state’s processing times. States like California and Michigan offer same-day access with temporary documentation, while others like Pennsylvania require waiting for the physical card.

Do I need medical records to qualify?

Most telehealth providers don’t require existing medical records, though having them can strengthen your application. The physician will evaluate your condition during the consultation and may request records for certain conditions. States like Oklahoma and California are particularly flexible, while others like Minnesota may require more documentation.

What happens if I’m not approved for a card?

Reputable platforms like NuggMD, Veriheal, and Green Health Docs offer 100% money-back guarantees if you’re not approved. You’ll receive a full refund of the consultation fee, though any state application fees paid directly to the government are typically non-refundable. Consider discussing your symptoms more thoroughly or seeking traditional medical documentation before reapplying.