Answer in short
A medical cannabis doctor is a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who holds a state license and registers with the state cannabis program. That person reviews your records, confirms a qualifying condition, and signs the certification you submit to the state. There is no federal prescription for cannabis. The card comes from the state, not the doctor.
Check your state program first
As of 2024, 38 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands run medical cannabis programs. State law sets the qualifying condition list, the possession limit, and the fee. Read the patient section of your state health department site before you book a visit. Some states publish a list of registered certifying providers.
Where to look
- State health department provider list.
- State medical board license lookup. Check the license number and status.
- Referrals from dispensary staff. Dispensaries cannot certify patients.
- Telehealth platforms that operate in your state.
What the visit includes
- Intake form with your medical history.
- Review of records: imaging, prescriptions, chart notes.
- Exam or video call with the certifying provider.
- Certification entered into the state registry.
- Instructions for the state fee and card printing.
Cost and timing
Evaluations run $100 to $300. Renewals run $50 to $150. State card fees run $10 to $200. Several states waive the fee for veterans or people on Medicaid. Cards take 1 to 30 days to arrive, based on the state. Most states issue a card with a 1-year term.
Documents to bring
- Government photo ID.
- Proof of state residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Medical records for the qualifying condition.
- List of current medications.
- Payment method. Cards are common.
Telehealth rules
Many states allow video visits for certification. A few require an in-person exam for the first visit. Some states require the provider to hold a state license and an in-state practice address. Ask the office which rule applies to your case.
Medical cannabis and CBD are different products
Hemp CBD with 0.3% delta-9 THC or less is legal under federal law after the 2018 Farm Bill. Medical cannabis contains higher THC and stays on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. CBD bought online does not require a doctor or a state card. State medical cannabis does.
Limits to know
Federal law lists cannabis as a Schedule I drug. A state card does not protect you at a federal facility, on federal land, or at an airport checkpoint. Transport across state lines is a federal offense. Veterans Affairs providers may discuss cannabis with patients but cannot prescribe or recommend it under Directive 1315.
Renewal
Set a reminder 60 days before the card expires. Most states require a new certification each year. A gap in coverage means the dispensary cannot sell to you.