Medical cannabis dispensaries have been open to qualifying Pennsylvania patients since February of 2018. Be sure to check back frequently as new dispensaries are approved and become operational across the state.
For more information on medical cannabis laws in Pennsylvania, click here.
FAQs
Is medical marijuana legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients with severe conditions, including:
Qualifying Conditions:
- Addiction Substitute Therapy – Opioid Reduction
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Autism
- Cancer, Including Remission Therapy
- Crohn’s Disease
- Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity
- Dyskinetic and Spastic Movement Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) / AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
- Huntington’s Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Intractable Seizures
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropathies
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain in which conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or ineffective
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Terminal Illness
- Tourette syndrome
Additionally, varying amounts of marijuana and hashish are decriminalized in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in Pennsylvania?
No, recreational marijuana remains ilegal in Pennsylvania. Only medical marijuana is legal at this time.
Where can I buy cannabis in Pennsylvania?
Cardholders can purchase medical marijuana at any of the Department of Health-permitted dispensaries in Pennsylvania. View our complete directory of all legal dispensaries in Pennsylvania.
What types of cannabis can I consume?
Under Pennsylvania marijuana law, smoking flower is prohibited. However, patients can consume pills, oils, topicals, liquids, tinctures and dried cannabis via vaporization.
How much marijuana can I possess?
A patient can possess up to a 30-day supply at any time.
Where can I consume marijuana in Pennsylvania?
Consumption is relegated mainly to the home and other private residences. A workplace can permit medical cannabis consumption as well but has been infrequent to date.
Can I grow medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?
No, only licensed cultivators can grow medical cannabis in Pennsylvania. Home cultivation is strictly prohibited at this time.
Can I designate a caregiver?
Yes. Patients under 18 can designate up to two Department of Health-approved caregivers. Each caregiver can assist up to five patients. To become a caregiver, a person must register with the state and pass a background check. All caregivers who aren’t parents or guardians of the patient must be designated as third-party caregivers.
Can my caregiver purchase my medical marijuana for me?
Yes, all designated caregivers can purchase and transport medical cannabis for their patient.
Can I go to jail for marijuana possession in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can go to jail for a multitude of reasons for possessing medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. From driving under the influence to transporting across state lines, many risks exist for cardholders and others. View the laws surrounding medical cannabis in Pennsylvania here.
Will insurance pay for my medical marijuana?
No, insurance and healthcare providers are not required to cover costs associated with medical marijuana. However, if follow up visits are needed, they could be included if cannabis is not discussed.