Conditions · Pennsylvania

Does epilepsy and seizures qualify in Pennsylvania?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program lists Epilepsy as a qualifying condition. A Pennsylvania-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.

About epilepsy and seizures

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. Some forms, like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, don't respond well to standard medications.

Stronger evidence. The FDA has approved a prescription CBD medicine (Epidiolex) for seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex, based on controlled trials.

Symptoms Pennsylvania patients most often hope to ease:

  • Seizures that continue despite trying two or more medicines
  • Side effects such as tiredness and fogginess from seizure medicines
  • Poor sleep that can make seizures more likely
  • Anxiety about when the next seizure will happen
  • Mood and behavior changes linked to epilepsy
Before you start. Never stop or lower your seizure medicines on your own, because this can trigger severe or prolonged seizures. CBD can raise levels of clobazam and increase liver enzyme problems with valproate, and it can raise levels of everolimus used in tuberous sclerosis complex.

Read more: medical marijuana for epilepsy and seizures.

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

Epilepsy & seizures in nearby states

Frequently asked questions

Do I need medical records for epilepsy and seizures?

Helpful records include: a neurologist's note confirming epilepsy and the seizure type or syndrome; EEG and MRI reports; a complete list of current and past seizure medicines, with doses and side effects. 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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