How to Get a Medicinal Marijuana License

Medical marijuana is used in the treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy, cancer, and pain. Thirty years ago marijuana was an illegal drug. As of November 2010, fourteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. Those states are Alaska, Colorado, California, Maine, Hawaii, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington. There are different qualifications to obtain a medical marijuana license or card for each state.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• Letter from physician
• Medical records
• Photo identification
• Caregiver packet, if applicable

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill out an application. These can be found online (see Resources). All of the fourteen states except for Washington require either a Marijuana Application Packet or New/Renewal Application for Identification Card to receive a marijuana license or card.

• 2

  Obtain a letter from your physician. This letter should explain your symptoms in detail and why you need medical marijuana. Arthritis, cancer and chemotherapy, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and nausea are among conditions for which physicians may prescribe medical marijuana.

• 3

  Submit other documents. These documents vary depending on the state. For example, California requires a copy of your medical records, while Vermont does not. Washington requires that the patient be a resident when diagnosed, while most other states do not.