A medical cannabis clinic is a medical practice that evaluates patients for a state cannabis program. A licensed clinician reviews your history, confirms a qualifying condition, and enters your data in the state registry. You do not receive cannabis at the clinic. You receive a certificate or card number, then buy product at a licensed dispensary.

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States with medical programs

The National Conference of State Legislatures counts 38 states and the District of Columbia with medical cannabis programs. Rules come from state law, not the clinic. Qualifying conditions, fees, card terms, possession limits, and home grow rules differ in each state.

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Qualifying conditions

Common qualifiers include chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some states keep a short list. Some let a clinician certify any condition that cannabis may help. Clinics publish accepted conditions before you book.

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What happens at the visit

  1. Intake forms. History, current medications, prior treatments.
  2. Evaluation. 15 to 30 minutes with a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
  3. Certification. The clinician files your record in the state system and issues a certificate.
  4. Registration. You pay a state fee and get a card by mail or download.

Cost and timing

Evaluation fees run $100 to $300 in most states. State registration fees run $25 to $100. Some states cut or waive fees for veterans, seniors, and people on public assistance. Cards last 6 to 12 months. Renewal needs a new evaluation in most states.

Medical Cannabis Clinic for Veterans

Telehealth

Many states allow video visits for the evaluation. A few require an in-person exam. Some require a signed form from your primary care provider. Check the state rule before you pay.

Clinic compared with dispensary

The clinic holds no cannabis. The dispensary holds no medical records. A dispensary needs your card, a photo ID, and in some states a patient number to log the sale. Medical patients pay lower taxes than adult-use customers in many states, at times zero excise tax.

Limits

Possession limits run from 1 to 4 ounces per patient in most states. Home grow is legal for patients in some states and banned in others. Federal law lists cannabis as a Schedule I drug. Moving product across state lines is a federal offense.

Records

Ask for a copy of your certification and keep the receipt. Some states require you to carry the card and the certification. Clinics in most states must keep patient records confidential under HIPAA.