Although the medical marijuana card renewal process is usually fast, you may need additional documentation and medical examinations to determine your eligibility for an extended certified status. Renewing early means you can avoid delays in obtaining your medicine. Fortunately, renewing a medical marijuana card is simple when you know what steps to take. And with services like NuggMD, you'll receive an alert before your card officially expires.
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No appointment needed. Only billed if approved.Since licensed cannabis dispensaries must ask customers to present a medical card to make purchases – the only way to access cannabis in many states legally – you must renew your card to avoid losing access. Once you have all your documentation ready, completing the medical card renewal process takes minutes.
If you reside in a state with a recreational cannabis program, you may be wondering if there's any point in getting a medical cannabis card. Since some dispensaries are exclusive to medical cardholders, possessing one of these digital or plastic cards is crucial for obtaining products from your favorite brands. Having a card can also grant you access to higher possession limits, more concentrated products, and lower taxes when you purchase cannabis.
Once you get confirmation that you can successfully renew an MMJ card, you'll be on the receiving end of ample benefits, such as:
Medical cannabis card expiration means loss of privileges. You will not be able to use the card, nor will you be able to renew it since the account will no longer be valid for renewal. Instead, you will need to submit a completely new application.
Renewal fees can be cheaper than reapplying, so you may need to part ways with more cash if you leave your card expired. Most states with MMJ programs will send registry members an email notification months or weeks before MMJ card expiration. Patients can typically submit renewal applications 60 days pre-expiry (an opportunity worth taking advantage of to prevent registration delays).
The Americans for Safe Access website provides further information about state-specific MMJ benefits, protections, and card costs.
In nearly all states, the date your card will expire is the exact date it was first authorized a year later, so keep an eye on that and mark your calendar at least 60 days beforehand to remind yourself to renew.
Visiting a doctor before you renew a medical marijuana card is an integral step. This essential discussion with an issuing healthcare practitioner lays the foundation for MMJ authorization. During the meeting with a doctor, you may undergo routine healthcare examinations, including a physical assessment and blood tests.
To paint a clearer picture of your medical cannabis needs, the doctor will also review your past medical records. A detailed discussion will ensue, and your doctor may ask questions similar to the following:
Use this time to ask the physician any questions you might have. It's important to note that in many states, you can obtain an MMJ patient certification from any licensed practitioner or any licensed physician registered with the state's medical cannabis program; you do not have to visit the same doctor who issued your initial patient certification.
Once the patient renews their MMJ authorization, they may visit a state-licensed medical cannabis dispensary in their area, where they provide an updated card. Most states permit online renewal, as do telemedicine services like NuggMD. The best time to renew is within the 60-day window from which you are informed about your card's imminent expiration, and rules are specific to each state.
Here's a state-by-state breakdown:
| State | How Often Do You Need to Renew? | Do You Need a New Doctor’s Evaluation? | URL to Renew Registration with the State | Cost to Renew |
| AL | Every year | Yes | Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission | Not registering patients yet |
| AK | Every year | Yes | Medical Marijuana Registry - State of Alaska | Evaluation cost + $20.00 |
| AR | Every year | Yes | Arkansas Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| AZ | Every two years | Yes | Arizona Department of Health Services | Evaluation cost + $150.00 |
| CA | Every year | Yes | Department of Cannabis Control | Evaluation cost + up to $100.00 |
| CO | Every year | Yes | Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment | Evaluation cost + $29.50 |
| CT | Every year | Yes | Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection | Evaluation cost + $100.00 |
| DC | Every two years | Yes | Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration | Evaluation cost + $100.00 |
| DE | Every year | Yes | Delaware Health and Social Services | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| FL | Every 210 days (follow-ups are usually around six months) | Yes | Florida Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $75.00 |
| GA | Every five years | Yes | GA Access to Medical Cannabis Commission | Evaluation cost + $25.00 |
| HI | Every year | Yes | State of Hawaii Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $38.50 for a one-year card, $77.00 for a two-year card |
| IA | Every year | Yes | The Office of Medical Cannabidiol | Evaluation cost + $100.00 |
| ID | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| IL | Every 1 to 3 years | Yes | Illinois Department of Public Health | Evaluation cost + $50/one-year, $100/two-year, $125/three-year |
| IN | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| KS | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| KY | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| LA | Every year | Yes | Louisiana Department of Health | Evaluation cost + free state registration |
| MA | Every year | Yes | Cannabis Control Commission | Evaluation cost + free state registration |
| MD | Every 6 years | Yes | Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission | Evaluation cost + $25.00 |
| ME | Every year | Yes | Office of Cannabis Policy | Evaluation cost + free state registration |
| MI | Every 2 years | Yes | Michigan Medical Marijuana Program | Evaluation cost + $40.00 |
| MN | Every 3 years | Yes | Minnesota Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $200.00 |
| MO | Every three years | Yes | Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services | Evaluation cost + $25.00 |
| MS | Every year | Yes | Mississippi State Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $25.00 |
| MT | Every year | Yes | Cannabis Control Division | Evaluation cost + $20.00 |
| NC | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| ND | Every year | Yes | North Dakota Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $25.00 |
| NE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NH | Up to three years | Yes | New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| NJ | Every 2 years, but renewals are annual | Yes | New Jersey Division of Medical Cannabis | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| NM | Every 3 years | Yes | New Mexico Department of Health | Evaluation cost + free state registration |
| NV | Every year or two years depending on patient choice | Yes | Nevada Department of Health and Human Services | Evaluation cost + $50.00/one-year,$100/two-years |
| NY | Every year | Yes | New York Office of Cannabis Management | Evaluation cost + free state registration |
| OH | Every year | Yes | Medical Marijuana Control Program | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| OK | Every two years | Yes | Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority | Evaluation cost + $100.00 |
| OR | Every year | Yes | Oregon Health Authority | Evaluation cost + $200.00 |
| PA | Every year | Yes | Pennsylvania Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| RI | Every year | Yes | Rhode Island Department of Health | Evaluation cost + free state registration |
| SC | N/A | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| SD | Every year | Yes | South Dakota Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $75.00 |
| TN | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| TX | N/A | Yes | Texas Department of Public Safety | Evaluation cost + free state registration |
| UT | Every six months to one year, depending on provider | Yes | Utah Department of Health & Human Services | Evaluation cost + $15.00 |
| VA | Every year | Yes | Cannabis Control Authority | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| VT | Every year to three years depending on condition | Yes | Vermont Cannabis Control Board | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| WA | Every year | Yes | Washington Department of Health | Evaluation cost + $1.00-$10.00 |
| WI | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| WV | Every year | Yes | Office of Medical Cannabis | Evaluation cost + $50.00 |
| WY | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The sooner you organize medical card renewal, the better. Missing expiration dates can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Aside from the hassle of completing a new application, you'll be missing out on any price reductions or tax breaks exclusive to cardholders. If your specific state's patient program is limited to MMJ cardholders, you'll have to go without your medicine until you renew.
Going without medicine is not an option for some patients. Medical cannabis card expiration may disrupt a patient's life and could even endanger those unable to obtain secondary medications or alternative therapies during the renewal/reapplication phase.
For these reasons, medical cannabis patients must avoid making MMJ renewal mistakes that might leave them panicking about their medicine. Here are some common MMJ card renewal blunders to sidestep:
Medical cannabis card extension and renewal are two different things. Some states, such as Illinois, implemented rules that allow medical cannabis card extension from the onset for a specific period, i.e., one year typically to a maximum of three, after which patients must renew their card or file a new application. Usually, extensions do not require a healthcare professional consultation for updated online certification, whereas renewals and new applications do.
Navigating the rocky legal landscape of medical cannabis alone can be tricky. From ever-changing laws to complicated state regulations and even finding a doctor willing to recommend cannabis, going it alone can be difficult.
The benefits of NuggMD make it a solid choice over the alternatives. Wouldn't you rather avoid trying to track down a medical cannabis provider in your area, driving to their office, sitting in a stuffy waiting room full of sick people, and having a potentially awkward conversation face-to-face? With NuggMD you get to skip the hassle while still getting top-notch support throughout the entire process.
Even if you saw a different doctor previously, you can renew your MMJ card through NuggMD. Speaking with one of our experts is an effective way of diffusing any awkwardness you may feel when discussing cannabis-based medicines, from legal protections & tax reduction info to qualifying conditions, eligibility criteria, and possible side effects.
Our MMJ renewal service is 100% online, including the physician meeting. Depending on your state, we will conduct an evaluation for $39-$199. Payment is secure, as are any private details you submit to our online application form. Plus, we'll only bill you if you gain approval, after which you’ll receive an official MMJ recommendation to renew an MMJ card (or start a brand new application).
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No appointment needed. Only billed if approved.
Most states offer patients the option to renew their MMJ card for one year, but check your state laws (or ask one of our doctors) for confirmation. Some medical cards may last for just a few months or 2-3 years. NuggMD abides by the rules of each participating state's market.
Recommendations typically last as long as your ID is valid. Check your state's website to confirm, or contact NuggMD's incredible support team.
Patients cannot participate in the medical market once their med card expires. Unless a state has an adult-use market, patients can no longer legally obtain cannabis. Avoid this outcome by starting your renewal process 30 to 60 days before your card expires.
Most states require similar documents during your initial signup. Expect to include your ID, proof of residency, and a doctor's recommendation.
Fees vary by state, including registration fees (optional in some states) and the cost of your medical cannabis evaluation (an evaluation is necessary in all states, but not in Washington DC for patients 21 and older who may self-certify).
You must submit a new doctor recommendation to any state requiring it. States may require additional information. Be sure to consult your state's medical cannabis website for more details.
Renewing an MMJ card online is one of the most popular ways to apply. This option enables patients to consult with a knowledgeable doctor who can recommend specific cannabis-based treatments for relief from widespread ailments and conditions specific to age, genetic or medical history, and personal lifestyle choices.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
This is part 8 of 9 in the series How to Get a Medical Card