Intro
If you’re looking for a medical marijuana card in Washington, DC, you’re in luck. The process is straightforward and will just require a few quick steps to get you started.
Whether you’re looking to kick the process off online or need to know the next steps in person, this is your guide to getting a medical marijuana card.
1. Make Sure You Qualify
One of the first things you’ll want to do when looking to get a medical marijuana card in Washington, DC, is to make sure you qualify. You need to be 18 years of age or older and have a qualifying medical condition.
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic intractable pain
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscle spasms
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other anxiety disorders
If you have one of these qualifying conditions, you may be eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card. Read on for the next steps!
2. Find a Provider
Most primary physicians won’t be able to help you get your medical marijuana card directly, but can refer you. Another option is looking online for providers and choosing someone that works for you. You might choose a provider based on their
Specialty: Some marijuana providers specialize in certain areas of health. For example, if you visit a doctor that focuses on holistic coping, you might enjoy that experience more than someone focused directly on giving you a marijuana card and getting you out of the office.
Location: For ease, you might choose to go with a provider that is closer to you. This can make appointments easier to attend and will overall be much more convenient than having to commute far for another option.
Reviews: Searching for medical marijuana doctors based on reviews is a great way to find a good provider. Whether you’re searching on the state-provided list or just on Yelp nearby, you can compare reviews to find the best option for you.
If you’re having trouble finding a provider near you, try running an online search for providers in D.C. and narrow down from there.
3. Go for a Consultation
After finding a provider that works for you, it’s time to go in for a consultation. The short appointment will consist of getting to know you and your medical history, and determining whether or not you need medical marijuana as part of your treatment plan.
This may require submitting and going over your medical history, or it can be further investigating any questions they may have based on information provided by you.
By the end of the appointment, you should know whether you’ve been approved or not by the providing medical mairjunana professional. If so, you can head to the next step, submitting your application to the DC Department of Health.
If you are not approved by a doctor, many companies, like Veriheal, will offer a money-back guarantee.
4. Submit an Application
Believe it or not, the approval process by a medical marijuana doctor is not the last step.
If approved, you need to also submit your application, with that approval and other necessary information, to the state for final approval.
If they decide that you need medical marijuana, you will inevitably receive your medical marijuana card in the mail after a few weeks.
Unfortunately, this step requires an additional fee that will need to be submitted along with your application. Also, plan for additional fees for each renewal thereafter.
5. Understand the Laws
So you’ve been approved, and your new medical marijuana card is on the way – congrats! While this is an exciting time, it’s also one that requires you to continue learning.
Keeping your medical marijuana card and avoiding prosecution means you need to follow the law.
At a glance, that means you cannot possess more than two ounces of marijuana, must be of age, and cannot have more than six plants, three of which are mature at one time.
For more information on the DC marijuana laws, visit here.
Conclusion
Obtaining a medical marijuana card in DC is a straightforward process that requires only a few core steps. By following these steps, you’ll have a better chance of obtaining and keeping your medical marijuana card for as long as you need it.
