How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in DC

Looking to get a medical cannabis card in DC? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

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Introduction

D.C.’s medical cannabis program was established in 2010 with the passage of the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act. The program is overseen by the Department of Health, and patients must register with the department in order to participate.

In order to obtain a medical cannabis card in D.C., patients must first obtain a written recommendation from a licensed physician. The physician must certify that the patient suffers from a qualifying condition, which include cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, and chronic pain. Patients must then submit an application to the Department of Health, along with a $100 fee.

Once approved, patients will receive a medical cannabis card, which allows them to purchase up to 2 ounces of cannabis per month from one of D.C.’s five dispensaries. Patients are also allowed to grow up to six cannabis plants at home for personal use.

What is a Medical Cannabis Card?

A medical cannabis card is a state-issued ID card that allows patients to purchase, possess, and use medical cannabis legally. The card is also sometimes called a weed card, a marijuana card, or a cannabis card. To get a medical cannabis card, you must first consult with a licensed medical doctor or physician to see if you qualify for medical cannabis use. If you do qualify, the doctor will then give you a written recommendation for cannabis. Once you have this recommendation, you can then apply for your state-issued ID card.

Who is Eligible for a Medical Cannabis Card?

In order to be eligible for a medical cannabis card in the District of Columbia, you must be a resident of the District and have one of the following qualifying conditions:

-Cancer
-Glaucoma
-HIV/AIDS
-Cachexia or wasting syndrome
-Severe muscle spasms (including multiple sclerosis)
-Severe chronic or intractable pain
-PTSD
-Epilepsy

In addition to having one of the above conditions, you must also obtain a written recommendation from a licensed physician in good standing in the District of Columbia.

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in DC

You must be a resident of the District of Columbia and have a valid DC ID in order to get a medical cannabis card in DC. You will also need to have a qualifying condition. Once you have these things, you can begin the process of getting your card.

Step One: Schedule an Appointment with a Qualifying Physician

Schedule an appointment with a qualifying physician. In order to get a medical cannabis card in the District of Columbia, you must first schedule an appointment with a qualifying physician. Qualifying physicians include:

– Licensed medical doctors (MDs)
– Licensed osteopathic physicians (DOs)
– Residents or fellows of licensed physicians who are enrolled in good standing in an accredited graduate medical education program

Step Two: Obtain a Written Certification

Once you have obtained a copy of your medical records, you will need to schedule an appointment with a licensed physician in order to obtain a written certification.

The physician will need to perform a physical examination and go over your medical history in order to determine if you are eligible for medical cannabis. If the physician determines that you are eligible, they will provide you with a written certification.

This certification must be on tamper-resistant paper and must include the following information:
– The physician’s name, address, and telephone number;
– The date of the examination;
– The physican’s DC license number;
– A statement that the patient has been diagnosed with a qualifying condition;
– The date of the diagnosis;
– The Physician’s opinion that the patient would benefit from the medical use of marijuana;
– The amount of marijuana that the patient is authorized to possess, which must not exceed more than two ounces; and
– The date of the certification

Step Three: Submit an Application to the DC Department of Health

After you have gathered all of the required documents, you will need to submit an application to the DC Department of Health. The application must be submitted in person, by mail, or online.

If you are submitting the application in person, you will need to bring:
-A completed Application for a Medical Marijuana Card
-Proof of DC residency (a driver’s license, state ID card, lease agreement, utility bill, etc.)
-Proof of identity (a passport, driver’s license, state ID card, etc.)
-A 2”x2” passport-style photo
-A non-refundable application fee of $100 (credit/debit cards are accepted)

If you are submitting the application by mail, you will need to include:
-A completed Application for a Medical Marijuana Card
-Proof of DC residency (a copy of a driver’s license, state ID card, lease agreement, utility bill, etc.)
notarized copy of your proof of identity (a passport, driver’s license, state ID card, etc.) If you cannot have your documents notarized prior to mailing them in , you can submit an unsworn declaration in lieu of notarization form with your documents. This form is available on the DOH website. If this is your first time submitting this form with supporting documentation , please make sure to include a 2″x2″ passport style photo and a non-refundable application fee of $100 . Fees can be paid by check or money order made payable to “Department of Health.” Include all required items and submit to:

DC Department of Health

Medical Marijuana Program

825 N Capitol St NE Suite 421

Washington DC 20002
If you are submitting the application online , please visit https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/medical-marijuana and create an account. After logging in , please select “Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card.”

Conclusion

You must be a resident of the District of Columbia and have a valid form of government-issued ID in order to apply for a medical cannabis card. The application process is simple and can be done entirely online. Once you have been approved, you will be able to purchase medical cannabis from any dispensary in the District.