Legalized for use in 2016, medical marijuana in Pennsylvania has become a healthcare partner for many people. Many people with healthcare issues and illnesses are benefitting from several health benefits of medical marijuana through their medical marijuana cards.
In most states, these medical marijuana cards need renewal after a certain time. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has slightly varying rules about how to renew medical marijuanas card in pa without a hassle.
Here is all you must know about the renewal of a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania.
- The Process
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has a special focus on making matters easier for patients requiring medical marijuana. Unlike other states, patients in Pennsylvania do not need to renew their registration to continue benefiting from the much-needed medical marijuana.
Once a patient with a qualifying health condition obtains their annual patient certification, they do not need to worry about renewing their registration. Your payments for annual certification must be made annually, but they are not related to your medical marijuana card.
Every patient receives an email reminding him or her to pay his or her annual fee at least 30 days before the fee is due. This email also includes information on how to make the payment to reduce confusion among the patients regarding the payment process.
In addition, a patient also receives an email 60 days before their patient card expiration. This way, patients can be notified that they must renew their medical cards and pay the needed amount to keep up their certification.
In case the certification is not maintained even with the prior notice, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reserves the right not to activate your medical marijuana card anymore. Hence, patients may stop benefitting from the medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania.
- Online Opportunity
In this technology-driven world, everyone is looking for facilities online to get things done from the comfort of their home. Luckily, a patient or a caregiver can also submit a renewal application for a medical marijuana card online. It is a simple procedure that does not take a lot of time.
You can start by logging into your existing account on the Medical Marijuana Registry program. Once logged in, go to your profile settings and look at profile settings. Here, you can find an option to renew your registration.
You will receive an email on your registered email account with the needed instructions for the next step. You can visit a certified medical professional per the instructions and receive your patient certification. After your certification, you will receive a new card at the address mentioned on your registry account.
- Telemedicine Opportunities
Many residents of Pennsylvania say that their busy schedules are a big reason why they are unable to keep up with their medical marijuana card renewal and visits to certified physicians. If you are also facing the same trouble, telemedicine services can be an ideal solution to your problem.
Medical marijuana cardholders in Pennsylvania can get their medical marijuana prescriptions through telehealth services. Once certified, patients can easily visit any certified dispensary and get their prescriptions filled.
Yes, telehealth services are a great way for patients with mobility issues to maintain their medical marijuana certification. However, it is not yet possible for them to receive medical marijuana at their doorstep. Hence, they must appoint a caregiver and get them listed in Pennsylvania. This way, a caregiver can fill a prescription on your behalf.
- Annual Visits for Certification
Any patient who wants to renew their medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania must have a certification from state-licensed physicians approved to certify patients for a medical marijuana program. It can seem like a hassle, but this process has a bright side.
Patients are not bound to see the same physician who certified them for medical marijuana during the initial trial. You can visit any physician with an active license with the Pennsylvania state. This way, you can schedule your appointment per your preferences instead of being bound by your initial physician’s schedule.
- Qualifying Conditions
Just as in every other state, the medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania also requires individuals to go through a strict screening procedure. You cannot access medical marijuana if a certified physician does not think that you are the right candidate for the treatment. Doctors can only prescribe medical marijuana to treat specific conditions, including the following.
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV / AIDS.
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Neuropathies
Patients can register for the medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania themselves and appoint a caregiver. The patients must also visit a physician to renew their medical marijuana card. This process helps the healthcare professional see how the prescribed dosage has helped you improve your well-being.
This way, your healthcare physician can tweak your treatment plan at the time of renewal or choose to continue with the same plan. In either case, this visit is important for you to track your progress and renew your medical marijuana card as needed.
- Renewal Cost
The cost of renewing your medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is only $50. It is the same for caregivers and patients. However, you can enjoy an even lower cost if you are a part of any assistance program such as CHIP, Medicaid, or PACENET. Remember that your medical marijuana card will be deactivated if you are unable to pay the due charges for renewal before the due date.
Hence, patients or caregivers must log in to the registry account to pay after being notified via email. This email reaches the patient’s inbox at least 7 days before the expiration of your medical marijuana card. It means that you will have ample time to make the payment.
- Opportunities to Grow
It is legal to grow medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania if you have a Growers-Processors permit for the job. The cardholder patients for medical marijuana can grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home. However, a legal grower is not permitted to sell their supply.
