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Conditions · Pennsylvania

Does ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) qualify in Pennsylvania?

By MyMMJRx Editorial Team · Updated · 5 min read

Yes. The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program lists Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as a qualifying condition. A Pennsylvania-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.

About ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)

A progressive disease that destroys the nerve cells controlling muscles, causing weakness, cramps and trouble swallowing.

Not enough research. Research is limited to small studies. Patients mainly use cannabis for cramps, spasticity, appetite, drooling and sleep.

Symptoms Pennsylvania patients most often hope to ease:

  • Painful muscle cramps and twitching
  • Stiffness and spasticity in the arms and legs
  • Loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Excess saliva and drooling
Before you start. Sedating effects can add to breathing weakness, so tell your doctor about any breathing problems, sleep apnea or use of a breathing machine. Smoking or vaping can irritate the airways and is generally avoided when lung function is reduced.

Read more: medical marijuana for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

How to get certified in Pennsylvania

  1. Create a patient profile in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Registry using your Pennsylvania driver's license or state ID.
  2. See a Department-registered practitioner, in person or by live phone or video, who certifies at least one serious medical condition.
  3. Log back into the registry and pay the $50 card fee, or claim the waiver if you are on Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP or WIC.
  4. Pay within 60 days of your certification date.
  5. Wait about three weeks for your ID card to be printed and mailed.
  6. Take your card and ID to a Pennsylvania dispensary to buy medical marijuana.

Pennsylvania allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Pennsylvania-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.

Costs and timeline

  • State fee: $50 per year ($0 for Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP and WIC participants)
  • Card lasts: Certification up to 1 year (set by the practitioner); $50 fee paid annually
  • Processing: About 3 weeks: roughly 7 days to print and 14 days to mail after payment
  • Patient limit: Up to a 90-day supply of medical marijuana
  • Home grow: Not allowed
  • Recreational sales: Not legal
  • First visit online: Yes

See the full Pennsylvania cost breakdown and Pennsylvania program overview.

Other qualifying conditions in Pennsylvania

See every qualifying condition in Pennsylvania

ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in nearby states

Frequently asked questions

Do I need medical records for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)?

Helpful records include: a diagnosis letter or clinic notes from your neurologist or ALS clinic confirming ALS; a current list of all your medicines, including riluzole, edaravone, muscle relaxants and sleep aids; recent notes on breathing tests and swallowing assessments, if you have them. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Pennsylvania provider will tell you if more is needed.

How long does certification take in Pennsylvania?

The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. About 3 weeks: roughly 7 days to print and 14 days to mail after payment.

Can I renew online in Pennsylvania?

In most cases, yes. The registry notifies you 60 days before your certification expires; get a new certification from any registered practitioner. The $50 fee is paid every 12 months on its own schedule, with a reminder 30 days before it is due.

Sources

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.

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