How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana card?

In most states where recreational cannabis is legal, having a medical cannabis card can save you money on dispensary purchases. That said, getting a medical card involves some upfront costs.

Costs include a doctor’s visit and state fees. They vary by state, but typically range from $50 to $500.

Find out how much your state charges and what other costs you’ll be responsible for to start buying medical cannabis.

How much does a medical card cost?

The cost of getting your medical cannabis card includes a doctor’s visit for a medical cannabis recommendation and your state’s medical card fee.

Doctor’s recommendation cost

If you have one of your state’s qualifying health conditions, the first step to getting a medical cannabis card is a doctor’s recommendation. This recommendation confirms your diagnosis and is submitted to the state as part of your application.

This requires you to visit a doctor who recommends medical cannabis — but not all doctors do.

You can search online for a doctor in your area who makes cannabis recommendations. Or, if your state allows, you can use a telehealth service like Leafwell.

Costs for this step vary. An in-person visit may run up to $300, while Leafwell’s virtual appointments start at $49, depending on the state.

If you’re applying as a caregiver for a minor with a qualifying condition, some states require medical cannabis recommendations from two separate doctors. In this case, you will have to cover the cost of both visits, whether in person or through telehealth.

Medical marijuana card cost

Each state sets their own registration fee for a medical cannabis card. In some states, registration is free. Other states charge $100 or more.

Here’s a breakdown of medical cannabis card registration costs by state:

If you’re a military veteran or you qualify for certain benefits, like Medicaid, SNAP, or social security, check with your state about lowered or waived fees.

In most states, the fee for renewing your medical card is lower than the initial registration fee. However, the renewal process typically needs to be started before the card expires to be eligible for lowered renewal fees.

If you lose your physical card, ordering a replacement may cost a small fee.

Taxes and other fees

Some states require you to pay a small amount of tax along with your medical cannabis card registration fee. Some states also charge processing fees, which are typically no more than a few dollars.

In some states, it may cost more or less than the standard state fee to register as a caregiver on behalf of a minor. Meanwhile, certain states, like California, charge extra fees if you plan to grow cannabis at home.

Is medical marijuana cheaper?

While there are upfront costs to obtain your medical cannabis card, your cardholder status often helps you save money on dispensary purchases compared to buying cannabis recreationally.

In many states, medical cardholders pay lower amounts of sales and excise taxes compared to recreational users. The exact savings amount varies by state.

For example:

• Vermont cardholders pay 0% tax on cannabis products compared to a 20% tax for recreational users. Meaning, if you spend $150 on cannabis products each month, being a cardholder can save you $360 each year.
• Illinois cardholders pay 1% tax on taxes on cannabis products, whereas recreational users may be charged up to 34.25% for purchases. Meaning, if you spend $150 on cannabis products each month, being a cardholder can save you up to $580 each year.

The bottom line: Medical cannabis card costs differ depending on your state

To obtain your medical cannabis card, you’ll need to pay some upfront costs, including the cost of a doctor’s recommendation and, in most states, a registration fee.

That said, having a medical cannabis card can save you money compared to making recreational purchases. Cardholders often pay lower taxes on cannabis products. These tax savings can add up over time.

If you’re interested in getting your medical cannabis card, schedule an appointment with Leafwell. Our telehealth services can cost less than seeing a doctor in person for a cannabis recommendation.

Resources

• Cultivation license fees. https://cannabis.ca.gov/2023/10/cultivation-license-fees/
• Cannabis tax frequently asked questions. https://tax.illinois.gov/research/taxinformation/other/cannabis-tax-frequently-asked-questions.html
• Patient licenses. https://oklahoma.gov/omma/patients-caregivers/patient-licenses.html
• Vermont cannabis tax guide. https://tax.vermont.gov/sites/tax/files/documents/GB-1313.pdf