If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about applying for an MMJ card for the first time. Or, perhaps your medical card is about to expire, and you need a renewal. Naturally, you don’t want to end up wasting half a day (or more) on an application or renewal process.
How many times have you asked yourself, ‘Where can I get a medical marijuana card?’
Depending on where you live, there’s likely a quick and easy solution to getting a card. Most states place the brunt of responsibility on the doctors regarding a patient qualifying for medical cannabis.
Furthermore, evaluation clinics exist in all states with active MMJ programs. Some are even available online. Depending on where you live, you may qualify and get your card in as little as 20 minutes.
In this article, besides providing general application/renewal information for different medical marijuana states, we highlight specific states that offer online clinics. We’ll talk about how the consultations work, how much they cost, and what you need to get your medical cannabis I.D. card quickly and easily.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online
MMJ patients who live in a state with online providers like Verilife, GetHeally, or NuggMD can get their cards quickly and easily. A greater degree of legwork is required in other states, and it will take a little longer. However, the process is relatively straightforward in states with established MMJ programs. Here are the two ways you can gain a doctor’s certification and apply for a medical marijuana card.
Online Application
Get in touch with one of the marijuana telemedicine providers mentioned above. The top-rated ones can connect you with a medical marijuana doctor licensed in your state in minutes. After a brief consultation, you could receive the doctor’s recommendation you need. Once you attain it, the next step involves completing your online application.
In-Person Application
This requires you to schedule a face-to-face consultation with a licensed physician. In most states, you need to have a ‘bonafide’ relationship with your doctor. If you’re seeing a new physician, this can take several months. Once you’re finished, the physician will let you know whether you’re eligible.
Depending on the state, you might be able to submit your application online at that point. Otherwise, you must send it to the MMJ program’s postal address via the appropriate Department of Health Services and await their approval.
The Online Medical Marijuana Card Process Explained
The process is becoming very easy for MMJ patients living in a growing number of states. NuggMD offers its services to 11 states, while some services have expanded their reach to 20 states. If you reside in a state without a telemedicine application process, you’ll still want to keep reading, as much of the information applies to all MMJ programs.
California remains by far the largest cannabis market in the United States. Therefore, it makes sense to focus on how to get your MMJ card in the Golden State.
Getting a Marijuana Card in California
California, the so-called ‘weed capital of the world,’ adopts a lenient stance regarding medical cannabis qualification. This is thanks to the Prop 215 bill from way back in 1996. To put it simply, if you live in California and need to get a medical card quickly, you’re in luck. You can typically get a doctor’s medical marijuana card online in less than an hour.
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Why Is the Process So Easy in CA?
Most dispensaries in California accept medical marijuana recommendations. This makes life a lot easier for those who don’t want the hassle of excessive paperwork or various ‘420 clinic’ visits.
When using an online medical marijuana card service, an approved recommendation typically takes less than an hour. Your actual medical card will come a few days later, depending on the service you are using. Once you have the recommendation, you get a doctor’s consent to use medical cannabis for your condition.
The process with MMJ card online services is pretty straightforward. The clinic will ask you to provide basic medical information, proof of residency, and proof of I.D. Remember that no doctor’s service can issue a medical recommendation if you are not a state resident.
DID YOU KNOW? In California, patients who receive a medical marijuana recommendation online can buy cannabis the same day.
Once all your documents are in place, you’ll have an online evaluation with a doctor. This rarely takes longer than 15 minutes. The evaluation is standard, and your evaluating doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical condition and why you think medical cannabis is a good option for you.
Once you’re finished, the doctor will go through all your legal necessities and, if they determine you qualify, issue you an MMJ recommendation. Eventually, you’ll receive an actual I.D. card at your doorstep. Thanks to Prop 215 in California, however, you can go out and purchase cannabis the same day that you receive your email recommendation.
How Prop 215 Helps Patients Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online
California has adopted a policy that is quite different from most states. In 1996, with the passing of Proposition 215 (otherwise known as “The Compassionate Use Act”), medical marijuana became legal in California. This law permitted patients to possess and cultivate their own medicine for personal use. Of course, the patient needed a doctor’s recommendation.
The law gave doctors the ability to issue medical cannabis recommendations based on what some people call a ‘420 evaluation.’ California took a major step in the right direction by easing restrictions on medical marijuana, specifically by establishing the California Medical Marijuana Program. Nonetheless, it’s important to emphasize that the program doesn’t supersede federal law, which still classes cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug.
How Is the Process Nowadays?
Since 1996 (and with the evolution of the Internet), obtaining a medical marijuana card has become easier. Many doctors and physicians now use telehealth services that allow you to get an online MMJ card. You no longer have to think about where to get a medical marijuana card, as it is easy to do online.
Now, let’s review some of the top medical marijuana card providers and the states where they offer their services.
Here are our Top Reviewed Medical Marijuana Card Online Services
#1 – NuggMD Marijuana Card
NuggMD ranks at the top of our list because its process, service, and overall experience are the best in the industry. If you’re wondering where to get a medical card fast, this is the place.
Few people realize that NuggMD has been around for quite a while – since 2008, to be exact.
Its clientele list boasts over 100,000 cannabis patients in California alone and more than 600,000 in 11 states. It provides its services in the following locations apart from the Golden State:
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
The process is very easy and is available 100% online.
The Quick Medical Marijuana Card Process with Nugg MD
- First, you must sign up on the Nugg MD website and submit your medical documents.
- Once you log in to their system, you can schedule a consultation with a doctor. This takes around 15 minutes (most consultations go through on the same day).
- If the doctor approves you, you’ll get a medical recommendation to download. You will receive the original marijuana I.D. card later (this can take as little as three business days).
Price: Nugg MD Online MMJ Recommendations
The price starts at only $39 in California for new patients and renewals. However, it varies depending on the state. In Connecticut, for instance, you must pay $149, while in Illinois, it is $99. If you require a physical plastic identification card, it may cost more, depending on your state.
[Read the complete Nugg MD Review].
#2 – GetHeally
If you live in southern California and are curious about getting a medical card, Heally is a good option. One thing that amazed us was their customer service. Upon signing up on their website, a chat box immediately jumped up, and one of their representatives took us through the whole process.
They explained that the MMJ card online process is extremely easy and will only take 20 minutes, including the evaluation.
If you live in certain Californian locations, there is also in-person support via Heally Connect. Again, this is a 100% online service, and there are no hidden costs. Heally is HIPPA-Compliant, and all physicians are California licensed.
The Quick Medical Marijuana Process with Heally
- You sign up on their website and go through a three-stage process. If you get stuck, a representative will assist you and walk you through the process.
- Next, you’ll have a consultation with a Heally doctor. If you have any serious problems or need consultancy, this is the time to ask – they are very helpful and knowledgeable.
- If approved, you’ll receive a medical cannabis card online the same day. The actual ID card will be sent to you within a couple of business days.
Price: Heally Online MMJ Recommendations
The cost is between $75 and $150 in most states, and this includes your initial appointment/consultation and the physical plastic I.D. card.
[Read the complete Heally Review].
#3 – Veriheal Online MMJ Recommendations
Veriheal offers potential medical cannabis recommendations in numerous states, including:
One complaint is that you have to select your state to see whether Veriheal offers its services there. It has every American state available for selection, even places like Texas that have no real MMJ program. Therefore, make sure your state is covered before proceeding.
The Quick Medical Marijuana Process with Veriheal
- All you have to do is go to the official Veriheal online marijuana recommendations website, click on the “Get Started” button, and select the state you live in.
- After selecting your state, you’ll be asked for some simple personal information (name, DOB, email address, etc.) to complete a Veriheal online profile. Once this is complete, you’re ready to have your teleconsultation with an approved online cannabis doctor.
- The Veriheal online medical marijuana recommendation process is absurdly quick and convenient. The consultation with the doctor lasts about 15 minutes. Then, they can tell you whether you qualify for medical cannabis in your state.
Price: Veriheal Online MMJ Recommendations
The online medical marijuana recommendation with Veriheal is $199 for one patient or $379 for two patients. This includes the doctor consultation, a valid MMJ card that allows you to buy medical weed in your state (if you qualify), and access to 24/7 dispensary verifications. Veriheal also offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
[Read the complete Veriheal Medical Marijuana online review].
Where Can I Get a Medical Marijuana Card Near Me?
As you’ve already learned, major online services have expanded outside of California. Now, several other states have adopted the services of telemedicine and allow MMJ recommendations online. However, online services will differ depending on which state you live in.
If you live in a state not covered by one service provider, see if another can help. For instance, Green Health Docs help patients in 20+ states at present. If there are no reputable online MMJ services in your state, you will have to schedule an in-person consultation.
5 Ways to Know If Your Marijuana Doctor Is Legit
One issue with the online MMJ card certification industry is the presence of numerous scams. Unfortunately, not every service provider is honest. In some cases, unscrupulous sites take your money, and you have no way of getting a refund. Others use fake doctors, so the MMJ card you get isn’t valid. Keep reading to learn how to find a real medical marijuana doctor.
1 – The Compassionate Use Registry
This doesn’t apply in all states, but some states are more organized than others in the medical marijuana card doctor industry. States such as Florida have set up a database to keep track of all the legitimate doctors authorized by the state to issue medical marijuana treatment.
These databases also contain the names of patients who are qualified under state laws to use cannabis as a medical treatment. Next time you are looking for a doctor, check to see if your state has a registry and that your doctor is registered.
2 – Referrals
There are many marijuana doctors out there, and it is often hard to tell the good from the bad. One excellent way to know if your marijuana doctor is legit is to get a recommendation from someone you know. A trusted friend can tell you whether the doctor is the real deal and how the experience was.
3 – Price
If a doctor is willing to offer you a medical card for less than $50, you need to watch out. Many fake doctors are selling recommendations or cards for “bargain” prices. Legitimate doctors are more expensive, but the extra money spent is worth it.
4 – Ask the Name of the 420 Evaluating Doctor
It’s important to ask for the doctor’s name over the phone. You must also ask whether they are certified to suggest the use of medical marijuana and if they will examine you first-hand. Don’t settle for an evaluation with an assistant. Doctors will often sign the recommendation but aren’t physically there to examine you. That raises questions regarding the credibility of the physician.
5 – Thorough Examinations
This is the most important way to know if your medical marijuana doctor is legitimate or not. When your doctor conducts your evaluation, make sure you are receiving a thorough examination. The doctor should inquire about your medical condition and ask you a variety of questions about your condition.
A legitimate doctor will not want to risk their reputation by prescribing medical cannabis to someone who doesn’t need it. Such practitioners will thoroughly assess their patients.
If your evaluation feels too quick and easy, it means your doctor is probably not complying with the Medical Board’s guidelines. A 5-minute evaluation doesn’t represent a legitimate evaluation. This should get you thinking about whether the doctor sitting in front of you is acting lawfully. At this point, it is best to stop the evaluation and find another marijuana doctor.
In the event that you’re unsure as to the legitimacy of the doctor, ask whether owning a gun prevents you from you having a medical marijuana card. It does, but if the doctor waves away this objection, you should definitely NOT proceed!
Are You Still Wondering How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online?
If you’re still a little unclear about the legitimacy of getting an online medical card, don’t be. All three of the companies we reviewed above are highly reputable within the cannabis industry. They have helped hundreds of thousands of patients get their I.D. cards quickly and easily.
Here is what a few satisfied customers and reviewers had to say about the online process:
- “If you’re not leaving the house to go to a doctor’s appointment, why would you leave it to go to a dispensary? Delivery services like Nugg can deliver your medical (and soon recreational) cannabis products right to your door.” – Sam R. / New York
- “Nugg has improved my quality of life greatly. If I have a pain flare-up, I can get medicine, usually within an hour, without leaving my house. The variety of dispensaries Nugg offers helps me get exactly what I need. Thanks Nugg!” -Ray P. / Santa Monica, CA
If you don’t live in a state with an online MMJ card recommendation service, you cannot utilize online telemedicine to get your medical cannabis recommendation. However, laws are constantly changing, so visit the above companies frequently to see if they have new services for any additional states.
Bottom Line: Our Recommendation for Getting a Medical Marijuana Card Online
All three of the options above are great. However, we believe NuggMD is the #1. Many regard Nugg as the best and most professional service in the industry. If you live in one of the 11 states they serve, there’s no reason not to use them.
It is important, however, that you learn the MMJ laws in your state. Understand that a doctor may not be able to recommend you based on your medical condition. If this is the case, let us know so we can help refer you to the best medical marijuana card provider in your area. It is our primary goal to provide you with quick and practical help. Either comment below or send us a message directly through our Facebook page.
Live in a Different State? Let Us Help!
If you are not a resident of California, don’t lose hope. There are solutions for getting a medical marijuana card online. No matter what state you live in, if you need answers on where to get a medical marijuana card, check out our state-by-state guides.
That’s all from us, but keep reading to learn what Dr. Badii has to say about MMJ and telemedicine services.
Medical Review by Dr. Roozbeh Badii
Medical marijuana is recommended by many for physical and psychiatric conditions. Some of the physical conditions are neurologic, and some are for peripheral pain associated with non-neurological diseases.
In some cases, medical marijuana is used in place of opiates and benzodiazepines, and other psychiatric medications, which have far more side effects than THC/CBD components. In addition, recent debates and cannabis research have facilitated the use of cannabis to curb the current opiate epidemic in the United States. With that said, it is always best to consult with your physician before considering MMJ.
As for the psychiatric component of medical marijuana treatment, almost all states with MMJ programs will approve the use of medical marijuana for diagnosed PTSD and conditions associated with it, such as anxiety and insomnia.
The number of states where you can get your medical marijuana card solely by a telemedicine consultation is growing. They include but are not limited to California, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Maine. In California, the recommendations for MMJ are much more liberal. There are dozens of symptoms and conditions that can be used to recommend medical marijuana in the Golden State.
How Many Qualifying Conditions Are There Per State?
It depends on the rules of the state’s MMJ program. In many states, the initial medical consult between the doctor and patient must be in person. However, you can perform follow-ups via telemedicine. There are certain qualifying conditions that are deemed eligible across the board, although you will need to check your state’s laws.
It is highly recommended that potential patients do their due diligence on the qualifying criteria in the state where they live. This is especially the case, as medical marijuana is not permitted in all states.
Several telemedicine services allow for consultations in particular states. Heally, Veriheal, and NuggMD are such services. Some of the services will give you your card within an hour, and others may take up to 24 hours. Certain services are associated with suppliers and will refer the patient to the dispensary or producer near where they live.
Medical marijuana is a great supplement or alternative for managing pain and other psychiatric and systemic medical conditions. It has far fewer side effects than Opiates and Benzodiazepines, and other psychiatric medications. If you believe it can help, get in touch with a licensed physician or use one of the online MMJ consultation services mentioned in this guide.
