Medical Marijuana Card Cost Explained
As medical marijuana programs become increasingly popular throughout the United States, everyone wants to know, “How much does a medical marijuana card cost?”
The truth is the medical marijuana card cost depends on a range of factors. Figuring out how much is a medical marijuana card can be difficult as regulations differ amongst municipalities and states, which means those with the greatest need may find it difficult to determine a budget.
Since there’s no national medical marijuana program, marijuana card cost is decided on a state by state basis.
Here’s what you need to know about the average cost of medical marijuana cards nationwide.
Factors that Influence Medical Marijuana Card Cost
There are quite a few factors to consider when determining the actual cost of a marijuana card. However, the ultimate determining factor regarding how much is a medical card depends on where you live. Every state that has legalized medical marijuana has its own statewide program for the issuance and renewals of medical weed cards. They also set the prices for their products, which means they aren’t always standardized.
Furthermore, many states have complex fee systems, which is why there’s so much confusion over medical marijuana license costs.
So, how much does it cost to get a medical card?
We outline each step of the process and the potential costs you may incur.
Applying for the State Medical Program
All states have separate medical marijuana programs. This means the answer to the question “How much is a medical weed card?” depends on which state you happen to have residency in. Take note: some states have still yet to legalize medical marijuana. Therefore they won’t have an active program available.
Prices can vary quite a bit and range from being free in Massachusetts all the way up to $200 in the state of Minnesota.
Illinois, on the other hand, varies depending on the length of validity of your card. For example, a one-year card costs $100 to apply for, whereas a three-year card costs $250.
Physician Appointment
All states require you to receive a physician’s recommendation to prove that you have a real need for a medical marijuana card.
At CannabisRxHealth, we provide consultations for Virginia, Maryland, and, soon, Pennsylvania. Our fees are set at $199, but we will refund your consultation fee in full if we cannot provide you with a recommendation for an MMJ card.
Renewal Fees
Whenever you need to renew your card, the state will typically notify you a few months in advance. State renewal fees are usually much lower than the initial registration cost.
The vast majority of states charge less than $100 to renew your card. However, some states may require you to attend an appointment with a physician to receive a new recommendation before you can renew your card.
Some providers may offer discounts on renewal appointments.
Potential Discounts for Medical Marijuana Cards
The medical marijuana card price can be reduced in many states if you fall into certain select groups.
For example, veterans, disabled, and low-income patients can typically receive medical marijuana cards at a discount. It’s also not uncommon for some states to offer discounts to senior citizens.
Illinois is one state that cuts the state registration fee in half for veterans and those on disability income.
At CannabisRxHealth, we also offer discounted consultations for people in select groups. Instead of the usual $199 fee, we charge just $159 for renewals, students, veterans, and their families, as well as Medicaid recipients.
Medical Marijuana Card for Caregiver Costs
Most states require caregivers to possess a medical marijuana card to enter licensed dispensaries and collect prescription marijuana on behalf of patients. There’s a separate registration system for caregivers.
Most caregivers have to pay the same registration fee as patients. Their cards allow them to purchase, collect, transport, and administer medical marijuana on behalf of multiple patients under their care.
In some states, such as Arkansas, the medical marijuana card price is higher as caregivers are required to undergo a criminal background check before they can pick up their medical marijuana card.
Medical Marijuana Costs
Medical marijuana card cost is just part of the overall barrier to gaining access to medicinal marijuana. Users also have to take into account the costs of equipment and the product itself. There’s no uniform pricing across states.
For example, California hits purchasers of medical marijuana with a 15% excise tax. Virginia medical marijuana cardholders should know the state has some of the highest medical marijuana costs in the country.
In most cases, health insurance coverage won’t extend to medical marijuana. Here’s a rundown of the average costs:
- Marijuana Buds (Flower) – $5-$20 per gram.
- Concentrate Forms - $20-$60 per gram.
- Edibles - $2-$5 per dose.
- Tinctures - $15-$50 per bottle.
- Paraphernalia – Anywhere from $2 for papers to $700 for vaporizers.
Another important point to mention is many dispensaries accept cash only. If they do accept credit cards, only certain cards may be accepted. For example, American Express prohibits all medical marijuana transactions. That said, many dispensaries have an ATM on-site, so you can withdraw the funds you need to pay for your purchase. In addition, most will accept debit cards, but there can be a transaction fee.
Conclusion
CannabisRxHealth offers affordable consultations to not only help you get your recommendation for a medical marijuana card but to help you negotiate your state’s bureaucratic systems.
We treat you with the care and attention you deserve while supporting you through every step of the process.
Feel free to contact us at any time if you need help on how to get a medical marijuanas card in VA.
Contact us today to learn more about booking an appointment and securing your medical marijuana card.
