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How to Get a Maine Medical Marijuana Card

Monday July 10, 2017

By Matthew Mongelia

Maine
Maine

Maine created a medical marijuana patient registry and card system in November 2009, although it took a full year for the rules to be implemented. Although legalized recreational marijuana barely passed in November 2016, Maine successfully became the eighth state (plus the District of Columbia) to legalize its use on January 30, 2017.

Registering with the Maine Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP) is done on a voluntary basis, but is not necessary to be qualified to receive all legal safeguards. Having said this, patients must have their medical registry ID card issued by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services whenever in the possession of marijuana.  Those who choose not to register with the MMMP must have the original written certification from a qualified physician.

Process to become a medical marijuana patient in Maine

Technically, patients only need a doctor’s recommendation to possess cannabis.

See below for a general breakdown of how to complete the process to get a card:

  • Have a qualifying chronic health condition

  • Find a doctor who can provide a recommendation

  • Complete a Medical Marijuana Program Application/Renewal Form

  • Show government-issued ID and proof of residency

Age Restrictions

Adults bust be 21 years of age or older to apply for a medical marijuana a card in Maine.  Minors must apply with parental consent, in addition to materials that prove a parental status or guardianship. Also, the parent or legal guardian must automatically become the caregiver to ensure proper dosage, etc.

Qualifying Health Conditions

Patients in Maine must have a chronic or debilitating condition or disease that has not responded well with previous treatments. Eligible conditions include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Alzheimer’s disease

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

  • Anxiety

  • Cachexia

  • Cancer

  • Chronic pain

  • Consistent seizures or muscle spasms

  • Crohn’s disease

  • Epilepsy

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Glaucoma

  • Hepatitis C

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Huntington’s disease

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Nail-patella syndrome

  • Nausea

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Applying to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine

Again, the patient registry with MMMP is voluntary and free. If you have a qualifying health condition, then you’ll first need to obtain a recommendation from licensed physician.

If you choose to submit an application (pdf) to the MMMP to obtain a physical medical marijuana card, there is a registration fee of $100. Paperwork can take between seven and 10 days to be verified and a card will arrive in the mail.

Be sure to make a copy of your application for your records before submitting.

Reciprocity in Maine

Maine currently accepts medical marijuana cards from other states. Such individuals are allowed to “engage in conduct authorized for the registered patient (the medical use of marijuana for 30 days after entering the state.”