Pennsylvania Cannabis Laws
Is cannabis legal in Pennsylvania?
Only medical cannabis is legal in Pennsylvania. Adult use of cannabis is illegal, and Philadelphia has decriminalized cannabis, but it is still illegal.
What are the medical marijuana laws in Pennsylvania?
Medical Cannabis Laws, PA
2016
“An Act establishing a medical marijuana program; providing for the patient and caregiver certification and medical marijuana organization registration; imposing duties on the Department of Health; providing for a tax on medical marijuana organization gross receipts; establishing the Medical Marijuana Program Fund; establishing the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board; establishing a medical marijuana research program; imposing duties on the Department of Corrections, the Department of Education and the Department of Human Services; and providing for academic clinical research centers and penalties and enforcement.”
Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3 to legalize the medical use of cannabis.
A 5% tax rate was imposed on sales between growers, processors, and dispensaries.
No allowance for home cultivation was made.
Recreational (Adult Use) Cannabis Laws, PA
Recreational, adult-use marijuana is currently illegal in Pennsylvania, although there is some appetite for legalization. Several cities, such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College, York, and Harrisburg, have decriminalized cannabis possession – generally up to 30 grams, although some cities may have slightly lower personal possession limits. Fines ranging from $25 to $100 are also instituted.
What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:
AIDS/HIV
Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Anxiety
Autism
Cancer
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Coeliac Disease
Colitis
Crohn’s Disease
Damage to the Spinal Cord
Dyskinetic and Spastic Movement Disorders
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Huntington’s Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBDs)
Intractable Seizures
Intractable Spasticity
Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neuropathic Pain
Opioid Use Disorder
Parkinson’s Disease
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Severe chronic/intractable pain
Sickle Cell Anemia
Terminal Illness
Tourette’s Syndrome
How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Pennsylvania?
With Leafwell, you can get your Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card in 4 simple steps:
Register on the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program website – This registration process will provide you with a patient number, and you’ll need that to make an appointment with Leafwell.
Register online with Leafwell and speak to a friendly physician – You can talk to a doctor and qualify for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card online. The cost of the online consultation is $149, and you are only billed if approved. Once approved, our doctor will submit your certification to the state website.
Log onto the state website once you’ve been approved and paid – The application cost is $50, payable to the state. Those participating in Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP, or WIC may be qualify to apply without paying a fee.
You will receive your medical marijuana card in the mail within 2-5 days – While this is the program’s time estimate, it can take up to 30 days for some patients to receive their cards, depending on the level of application demand. Your card will be valid for one year. The Medical Marijuana Program will send you an email 60 days before your card expires with instructions on how to renew the card. Leafwell can assist with renewals if you require a new certificate. Our renewal fee is $99. You will need a physical copy of your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card and state I.D. to purchase medical cannabis.
You must be 18 or older to get an MMJ card in Pennsylvania. Those under 18 years old must have a caregiver, and Caregivers must be 21 or over. You cannot be a caregiver if you have been convicted of a criminal offense relating to the sale or possession of drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances within the last five years. Caregivers may provide care for up to five patients.
The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act allows parents to come to school to administer medical cannabis to their children if necessary. The school shall provide a secure and private location for the parent/legal guardian/caregiver to administer the medical marijuana to the student.
Get your medical marijuana card
To apply for a medical cannabis card in the state of Pennsylvania click here.
Once you have registered with Leafwell and been approved by one of our medical marijuana doctors online, apply to the state medical marijuana program. Receive your MMJ card and start shopping for your medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary.
Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Pennsylvania?
Yes, telemedicine is legal in Pennsylvania, and you can get certified for cannabis online.
How much cannabis can I possess in Pennsylvania with an MMJ Card?
For medical card holders = 30-day supply, to be determined upon consultation.
For recreational users = Illegal
Is it legal to grow cannabis in Pennsylvania?
It is illegal to grow cannabis in Pennsylvania, even with a valid medical marijuana certificate and card.
Does Pennsylvania accept out-of-state cards?
Pennsylvania does not have medical marijuana reciprocity and does not recognize medical marijuana cards from out-of-state.
Will my Pennsylvania card be accepted in other states?
A Pennsylvania medical marijuana card is valid in some states with medical marijuana reciprocity.
The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:
Arizona
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
U.S. Virgin Islands
Utah
Washington, D.C.
However, this does not always mean you can purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary (non-medical adult use is acceptable) – just that the state’s medical marijuana laws protect you to some extent. It is wise to call the dispensary ahead if you are a medical cannabis patient from another state and intend to purchase medical marijuana.
The qualifying condition usually has to match between states, so if your qualifying condition is accepted in one state and not your visiting state, your recommendation is not necessarily valid. You are also accountable to the visiting state’s medical marijuana laws, not the state that issued your card.
The following states accept out-of-state applications, allowing visiting patient application to use medical cannabis for the duration of their stay:
Arkansas
California
Hawaii
West Virginia (cancer patients only)
Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis cardholders in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s law does not require employers to “make any accommodation of the use of medical marijuana on the property or premises of any place of employment.” Employers can discipline you for using medical marijuana in the workplace or for being “under the influence” of cannabis.
What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Pennsylvania?
Medical cannabis in Pennsylvania must be tested for cannabinoid content, terpenes, pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals, moisture content & water activity, and microbiological testing (bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew).
Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Pennsylvania?
In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally-licensed dispensary or pharmacy or another legally designated space to buy cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can do so.
Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Pennsylvania?
All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks, or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals, or other such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members’ clubs and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.
The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense, generally keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.