Does chronic pain qualify for a medical card in Maryland?
Yes. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Program lists Severe or chronic pain as a qualifying condition. A Maryland-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About chronic pain
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults. Most trials looked at neuropathic pain and measured modest reductions in pain scores, and many patients use cannabis to cut back on other medications.
Symptoms Maryland patients most often hope to ease:
- Persistent aching or burning pain
- Nerve pain such as tingling, shooting or electric sensations
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Side effects or limited relief from current pain medicines
Read more: medical marijuana for chronic pain.
How to get certified in Maryland
- Create a Maryland OneStop account and verify your email address.
- Gather digital copies of your photo ID, proof of Maryland residency (dated within 90 days), your Social Security number and a recent color photo.
- Submit the patient registration application. Approval is free, and you'll get a patient ID number by email.
- See an MCA-registered certifying provider, in person or by video, for your written certification.
- Optionally order a $25 plastic ID card or name a caregiver in OneStop.
- At a dispensary, show your government photo ID along with your patient ID card or number.
Maryland allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Maryland-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: Free registration; optional plastic ID card $25 (Card fee waived for Maryland Medicaid and VA Maryland Health Care System enrollees; minor and hospice patients get cards free)
- Card lasts: Certification must be renewed with a provider assessment within each 365 days
- Processing: Patient ID often same day
- Patient limit: The amount in the patient's written certification (standard 30-day supply is 120 g of flower or 36 g of THC)
- Home grow: Adults 21+ may grow up to 2 plants per household under the adult-use law
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Maryland cost breakdown and Maryland program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Maryland
- Anorexia & appetite loss
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- Nausea & appetite loss
- PTSD
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
Chronic pain in nearby states
- Chronic pain in Virginia
- Chronic pain in West Virginia
- Chronic pain in Pennsylvania
- Chronic pain in Delaware
- Chronic pain in Washington, D.C.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for chronic pain?
How long does certification take in Maryland?
Can I renew online in Maryland?
Sources
- MCA - Patients
- MCA - Adult Patient Registration
- MCA Guidance: Medical Patients, Caregivers, Etc. (June 2024)
- MCA - Certifying Providers
- MCA - Provider FAQ
- COMAR 14.17.04.03 - Written Certification
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
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.