States Where Medical Marijuana Is Legal

Cannabis is medicinal due to its cannabinoids, chemical compounds found naturally in the plant. Medical marijuana is medicine derived from the cannabis plant that is used to treat specific conditions and diseases.

States with medical marijuana programs have passed legislation through their government to legalize the use of cannabis for medicinal use. These states have unique rules about who can grow, sell, and use medical cannabis.

Each state runs its medical marijuana program independently. Everything from the formats of cannabis that qualified patients can consume to the number of cannabis plants patients can grow at home is governed by the state legislature.

In many states where marijuana is recreationally legal, there are still programs exclusive to medical marijuana patients that provide them with access to higher potency products, greater cultivation allowances, and the ability to purchase more cannabis at one time.

Common qualifying conditions

Qualifying conditions are the diagnosable conditions that patients may seek medical marijuana to help treat. Each state has a different list of qualifying conditions. The following conditions are among the most commonly approved for use of medical cannabis.

Epilepsy and seizure disorders

Approved in almost every state, cannabis has become widely recognized for its anti-seizure properties. The non-intoxicating cannabis compound called cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to significantly reduce seizure frequency-as much as 42%, according to a 2018 study. Many states may also approve cannabis, specifically CBD, for the treatment of pediatric epilepsy in minors.

Cancer

While research is still exploring the ways cannabis may treat cancer itself, most states now acknowledge its ability to abate symptoms relating to cancer and chemotherapy, including pain, nausea, and appetite loss. For cancer-related symptoms, many patients prefer cannabis products that contain a balance of THC or CBD.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Some of the strongest advocates in the cannabis movement are patients with multiple sclerosis, as they’ve experienced firsthand the benefits cannabis has to offer. Cannabis has been found to alleviate many symptoms associated with MS, including pain, insomnia, inflammation, muscle spasms, abdominal discomfort, and depression.

HIV/AIDS

Some of the earliest and most effective medical cannabis advocacy in the US was rooted in its ability to treat HIV/AIDS symptoms. It makes sense, then, that so many states have approved the condition for HIV/AIDS patients suffering symptoms like appetite loss, nausea, and fatigue.

Neurodegenerative disease

Medical cannabis has become widely approved for neurodegenerative diseases such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and glaucoma. For many suffering these debilitating diseases, cannabis can help restore quality of life by improving cognition and mobility, relieving spasticity and rigid muscles, and more.

Pain

Although there are several different types of pain, many are approved by states as a qualifying condition. Check to make sure your state has approved the specific type of pain you experience, and note that cannabis affects each type of pain uniquely. However, many doctors and patients have found that cannabis products combining both THC and CBD tend to be most effective.

Nausea

Nausea is a commonly approved condition for medical cannabis, although there are nuances in its definition from state to state. For example, some states approve cannabis for nausea at a broad level, while others require “severe” or “intractable” symptoms. THC in particular is known to relieve nausea and vomiting-just be mindful of your dose, especially when using edibles. Too much THC can worsen nausea.

Cachexia/wasting syndrome

Cachexia, or “wasting syndrome,” is a condition that typically accompanies cancer and HIV/AIDs, and is characterized by appetite and weight loss along with weakness and fatigue. Given that cannabis-especially THC-rich varieties-has the potential to alleviate symptoms like these, it’s no surprise that so many states include cachexia in their qualifying conditions.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that is often expressed in panic episodes and hypervigilance, in addition to mood and sleep disturbances. In the right dose, and most often with high levels of CBD, cannabis can ease PTSD-related anxiety. Cannabis before bedtime has also been known to help patients fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and suppress nightmares.

What are the benefits of having a medical marijuana card in a legal state?

As states across the nation begin to fully legalize adult-use cannabis, many may be wondering how this impacts medical cannabis dispensaries and card holders. What does it mean to be a medical cannabis patient in a world where anyone can walk into a recreational dispensary, present their state ID, and legally purchase cannabis?

Is the hassle of visiting a doctor for a medical card still worth it? Are there any real benefits?

The answer is yes-there are many real benefits for medical cannabis card holders. From dosage to access and affordability, patients will find plenty of support for their ongoing care on the medical side of cannabis legality.

Lower costs and taxes

A major benefit offered by many states’ medical dispensaries is lower cost for patients, which is extremely important for people who rely on cannabis for medical issues. Imagine needing life-improving medication, but not having it covered by your insurance-that is the reality of medical cannabis patients all over the country.

Now imagine your medicine was also highly taxed and thus very expensive since it also doubled as a recreational joy for many people-that would be the reality of patients if they only had access to recreational dispensaries.

Medical cannabis dispensaries allow concessions for patients that recreational shops do not. An example of this can be seen in Colorado, where medical cannabis patients avoid the 10% retail marijuana tax and 15% excise tax that recreational dispensary costumers must pay.

Medical cards allow patients to have access to their medicine for lower cost, making their healthcare more affordable and accessible.

Higher potency limits

Dosage is extremely important when it comes to medical cannabis, and many patients need access to high-strength cannabis to alleviate symptoms. However, while recreational shops may have to abide by potency limits, medical dispensaries sometimes have more leeway.

For example, in California, recreational dispensaries are limited to 1,000mg of cannabinoids per package of tinctures or lotions. Medical dispensaries however, have a much higher threshold, and are legally permitted to sell tinctures or lotions with up to 2,000mg.

These potency limits vary from state to state. Colorado, California, Oregon, and Nevada all allow higher potency for MMJ patients in varying degrees of potency.

Washington state law restricts recreational edibles to 10mg per serving. However, some dispensaries offer 25mg edibles for medical patients.

Alaska, meanwhile, does not have medical dispensaries despite having a medical program. Patients access cannabis from recreational dispensaries, and currently there are no options for higher potency products for patients.

Cannabis patients under age 21

Recreational shops are permitted to sell cannabis to anyone who is over the age of 21. While this makes sense for the general populous, children who are also cannabis patients wouldn’t have access. Some medical cards allow those who are age 20 and under to legally access the cannabis medicine they need for their healthcare when treating cancer, epilepsy, or other ailments. Drawing a distinction between medical and recreational cannabis is also important in reducing stigmatization of pediatric patients.

States with medical cannabis programs typically have laws allowing minors to access medical cannabis with the assistance of a caregiver. The form of cannabis (oils, edibles, etc.), cannabinoids permitted (THC, CBD, etc.), and potency limits vary state to state.

Grow what you need

While not every medical state allows patients to grow their own medicine, many do. And the amount that one can grow is often higher for medical patients than it is for recreational consumers. In fact, the majority of states with both recreational and medical cannabis laws allow at least some wiggle room for patients to grow additional cannabis as needed.

For example, in Oregon, recreational growers are permitted up to four plants, while medical growers are permitted six plants. This is important for patients who, unlike recreational consumers, are dependent on the plant for their wellbeing and can better offset dispensary costs with their own homegrown supply.

Marijuana legalization map

Below is a list of states and territories that have legalized marijuana for medicinal use. Click on the name of the state or territory to navigate to more information about its marijuana laws.

States that accept out-of-state MMJ cards

Accepting out-of-state medical marijuana cards is not a practice that every state follows. The states and territories that demonstrate out-of-state medical marijuana card reciprocity are:

Arizona
Arkansas
Hawaii
Maine
Michigan
Nevada
New Hampshire
- New Mexico
Oklahoma
- Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Washington, DC
How to buy cannabis in legal medical states

Although medical cannabis laws vary from state to state, the steps to become an authorized medical marijuana patient are generally the same. For patients who wish to use cannabis to help manage their medical symptoms and conditions, what do they need to do before visiting a medical dispensary, and what should they know once they’re at a dispensary so they feel confident about choosing the right products?

Step 1: Check your medical cannabis qualifying conditions

Note: In many states, you must be a resident to receive a medical cannabis card that is valid within that state. Some dispensaries will accept valid, out-of-state cards-check the section above to find out which states have reciprocity laws.

As with any prescribed medication, you’ll need a reason for a doctor to recommend medical cannabis. Each state has a specific set of ailments that can be legally treated with cannabis. These are called “qualifying conditions,” and you can find out which ones your state has approved by navigating to its legalization page linked in the above table.

Common approved medical conditions include cancer, pain, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis-however, in most states, the list of qualifying conditions is considerably lengthier.

Step 2: Get your medical cannabis card

Once you’ve determined that you qualify for a cannabis authorization in your state, it’s time to locate a doctor permitted to prescribe cannabis. Ask your doctor if he or she is comfortable recommending medical marijuana, or if you can receive a referral to a medical professional who issues authorizations. (You can also check Leafly’s doctor locator to see if there’s a provider nearby.)

Step 3: Find a cannabis dispensary near you

Note: Remember to bring your medical cannabis card with you to every dispensary visit. Most shops will need to check it upon entry, even if they have your authorization already on file.

With your medical card in hand, you’re now ready to explore dispensaries near you. Use Leafly’s dispensary locator tool for a bird’s eye view of stores nearby-just be sure to filter for medical dispensaries if you live in a state with separate recreational and medical licensed stores. Every patient has unique needs. Deserves an experience that caters to them specifically. Shop around a bit until you’ve found a store with a staff, atmosphere, and product selection that really appeals to you. Peruse Leafly’s dispensary reviews for some crowd-sourced opinions, and consider adding your own after you’ve finished shopping.

You can also take our word for it and subscribe to Leafly’s newsletter, where we drop recommendations for shops, strains, and other products.

Step 4: Learn the cannabis basics

Once you’ve surveyed the neighborhood for local dispensaries, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on some of the different strains and products they have available. When treating a medical condition, it’s particularly important to learn about strains, delivery methods, and dosing.

Luckily, Leafly has an answer to almost every cannabis question you might have. Here are a few of the most common, along with a resource chock-full of answers.

Learn about cannabis consumption methods
Product tips and recommendations for cannabis newcomers
Strain recommendations for new consumers
What does “indica,” “sativa,” and “hybrid” mean? How will THC. CBD affect me?
Edibles dosing guidelines
Budtenders are there to take your questions, but when shops are bustling, you may feel pressured to get through your questions quickly. Get to know the very basics and you’ll have a better chance of a positive experience and effective symptom relief.