How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card (State-By-State)

How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card

Although the medical marijuana card renewal process is usually fast, you may need additional documentation and medical examinations to determine your eligibility for an extended certified status. Renewing early means you can avoid delays in obtaining your medicine. Fortunately, renewing a medical marijuana card is simple when you know what steps to take. And with services like NuggMD, you'll receive an alert before your card officially expires.

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Why Renew? Keep Your Benefits!

Since licensed cannabis dispensaries must ask customers to present a medical card to make purchases – the only way to access cannabis in many states legally – you must renew your card to avoid losing access. Once you have all your documentation ready, completing the medical card renewal process takes minutes.

If you reside in a state with a recreational cannabis program, you may be wondering if there's any point in getting a medical cannabis card. Since some dispensaries are exclusive to medical cardholders, possessing one of these digital or plastic cards is crucial for obtaining products from your favorite brands. Having a card can also grant you access to higher possession limits, more concentrated products, and lower taxes when you purchase cannabis.

Once you get confirmation that you can successfully renew an MMJ card, you'll be on the receiving end of ample benefits, such as:

Medical cannabis card expiration means loss of privileges. You will not be able to use the card, nor will you be able to renew it since the account will no longer be valid for renewal. Instead, you will need to submit a completely new application.

Renewal fees can be cheaper than reapplying, so you may need to part ways with more cash if you leave your card expired. Most states with MMJ programs will send registry members an email notification months or weeks before MMJ card expiration. Patients can typically submit renewal applications 60 days pre-expiry (an opportunity worth taking advantage of to prevent registration delays).

The Americans for Safe Access website provides further information about state-specific MMJ benefits, protections, and card costs.

How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card: State-by-State

How to renew your medical marijuana card by state

In nearly all states, the date your card will expire is the exact date it was first authorized a year later, so keep an eye on that and mark your calendar at least 60 days beforehand to remind yourself to renew.

Visiting a doctor before you renew a medical marijuana card is an integral step. This essential discussion with an issuing healthcare practitioner lays the foundation for MMJ authorization. During the meeting with a doctor, you may undergo routine healthcare examinations, including a physical assessment and blood tests.

To paint a clearer picture of your medical cannabis needs, the doctor will also review your past medical records. A detailed discussion will ensue, and your doctor may ask questions similar to the following:

Use this time to ask the physician any questions you might have. It's important to note that in many states, you can obtain an MMJ patient certification from any licensed practitioner or any licensed physician registered with the state's medical cannabis program; you do not have to visit the same doctor who issued your initial patient certification.

Once the patient renews their MMJ authorization, they may visit a state-licensed medical cannabis dispensary in their area, where they provide an updated card. Most states permit online renewal, as do telemedicine services like NuggMD. The best time to renew is within the 60-day window from which you are informed about your card's imminent expiration, and rules are specific to each state.

Here's a state-by-state breakdown:

StateHow Often Do You Need to Renew?Do You Need a New Doctor’s Evaluation?URL to Renew Registration with the StateCost to Renew
ALEvery yearYesAlabama Medical Cannabis CommissionNot registering patients yet
AKEvery yearYesMedical Marijuana Registry - State of AlaskaEvaluation cost + $20.00
AREvery yearYesArkansas Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $50.00
AZEvery two yearsYesArizona Department of Health ServicesEvaluation cost + $150.00
CAEvery yearYesDepartment of Cannabis ControlEvaluation cost + up to $100.00
COEvery yearYesColorado Department of Public Health & EnvironmentEvaluation cost + $29.50
CTEvery yearYesConnecticut State Department of Consumer ProtectionEvaluation cost + $100.00
DCEvery two yearsYesAlcoholic Beverage and Cannabis AdministrationEvaluation cost + $100.00
DEEvery yearYesDelaware Health and Social ServicesEvaluation cost + $50.00
FLEvery 210 days (follow-ups are usually around six months)YesFlorida Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $75.00
GAEvery five yearsYesGA Access to Medical Cannabis CommissionEvaluation cost + $25.00
HIEvery yearYesState of Hawaii Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $38.50 for a one-year card, $77.00 for a two-year card
IAEvery yearYesThe Office of Medical CannabidiolEvaluation cost + $100.00
IDN/AN/AN/AN/A
ILEvery 1 to 3 yearsYesIllinois Department of Public HealthEvaluation cost + $50/one-year, $100/two-year, $125/three-year
INN/AN/AN/AN/A
KSN/AN/AN/AN/A
KYN/AN/AN/AN/A
LAEvery yearYesLouisiana Department of HealthEvaluation cost + free state registration
MAEvery yearYesCannabis Control CommissionEvaluation cost + free state registration
MDEvery 6 yearsYesMaryland Medical Cannabis CommissionEvaluation cost + $25.00
MEEvery yearYesOffice of Cannabis PolicyEvaluation cost + free state registration
MIEvery 2 yearsYesMichigan Medical Marijuana ProgramEvaluation cost + $40.00
MNEvery 3 yearsYesMinnesota Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $200.00
MOEvery three yearsYesMissouri Department of Health & Senior ServicesEvaluation cost + $25.00
MSEvery yearYesMississippi State Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $25.00
MTEvery yearYesCannabis Control DivisionEvaluation cost + $20.00
NCN/AN/AN/AN/A
NDEvery yearYesNorth Dakota Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $25.00
NEN/AN/AN/AN/A
NHUp to three yearsYesNew Hampshire Department of Health & Human ServicesEvaluation cost + $50.00
NJEvery 2 years, but renewals are annualYesNew Jersey Division of Medical CannabisEvaluation cost + $50.00
NMEvery 3 yearsYesNew Mexico Department of HealthEvaluation cost + free state registration
NVEvery year or two years depending on patient choiceYesNevada Department of Health and Human ServicesEvaluation cost + $50.00/one-year,$100/two-years
NYEvery yearYesNew York Office of Cannabis ManagementEvaluation cost + free state registration
OHEvery yearYesMedical Marijuana Control ProgramEvaluation cost + $50.00
OKEvery two yearsYesOklahoma Medical Marijuana AuthorityEvaluation cost + $100.00
OREvery yearYesOregon Health AuthorityEvaluation cost + $200.00
PAEvery yearYesPennsylvania Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $50.00
RIEvery yearYesRhode Island Department of HealthEvaluation cost + free state registration
SCN/AYesN/AN/A
SDEvery yearYesSouth Dakota Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $75.00
TNN/AN/AN/AN/A
TXN/AYesTexas Department of Public SafetyEvaluation cost + free state registration
UTEvery six months to one year, depending on providerYesUtah Department of Health & Human ServicesEvaluation cost + $15.00
VAEvery yearYesCannabis Control AuthorityEvaluation cost + $50.00
VTEvery year to three years depending on conditionYesVermont Cannabis Control BoardEvaluation cost + $50.00
WAEvery yearYesWashington Department of HealthEvaluation cost + $1.00-$10.00
WIN/AN/AN/AN/A
WVEvery yearYesOffice of Medical CannabisEvaluation cost + $50.00
WYN/AN/AN/AN/A

Common Mistakes in Renewing an MMJ Card

Common mistakes when renewing a medical marijuana card

The sooner you organize medical card renewal, the better. Missing expiration dates can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Aside from the hassle of completing a new application, you'll be missing out on any price reductions or tax breaks exclusive to cardholders. If your specific state's patient program is limited to MMJ cardholders, you'll have to go without your medicine until you renew.

Going without medicine is not an option for some patients. Medical cannabis card expiration may disrupt a patient's life and could even endanger those unable to obtain secondary medications or alternative therapies during the renewal/reapplication phase.

For these reasons, medical cannabis patients must avoid making MMJ renewal mistakes that might leave them panicking about their medicine. Here are some common MMJ card renewal blunders to sidestep:

Medical cannabis card extension and renewal are two different things. Some states, such as Illinois, implemented rules that allow medical cannabis card extension from the onset for a specific period, i.e., one year typically to a maximum of three, after which patients must renew their card or file a new application. Usually, extensions do not require a healthcare professional consultation for updated online certification, whereas renewals and new applications do.

Why Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card With NuggMD

Navigating the rocky legal landscape of medical cannabis alone can be tricky. From ever-changing laws to complicated state regulations and even finding a doctor willing to recommend cannabis, going it alone can be difficult.

The benefits of NuggMD make it a solid choice over the alternatives. Wouldn't you rather avoid trying to track down a medical cannabis provider in your area, driving to their office, sitting in a stuffy waiting room full of sick people, and having a potentially awkward conversation face-to-face? With NuggMD you get to skip the hassle while still getting top-notch support throughout the entire process.

Even if you saw a different doctor previously, you can renew your MMJ card through NuggMD. Speaking with one of our experts is an effective way of diffusing any awkwardness you may feel when discussing cannabis-based medicines, from legal protections & tax reduction info to qualifying conditions, eligibility criteria, and possible side effects.

Our MMJ renewal service is 100% online, including the physician meeting. Depending on your state, we will conduct an evaluation for $39-$199. Payment is secure, as are any private details you submit to our online application form. Plus, we'll only bill you if you gain approval, after which you’ll receive an official MMJ recommendation to renew an MMJ card (or start a brand new application).

Get Your Medical Card Online Get approved today in minutes with the nation's #1 trusted medical card provider.

No appointment needed. Only billed if approved.

How to renew your medical marijuana card: FAQ

When Do Medicinal Marijuana Cards Expire?

Most states offer patients the option to renew their MMJ card for one year, but check your state laws (or ask one of our doctors) for confirmation. Some medical cards may last for just a few months or 2-3 years. NuggMD abides by the rules of each participating state's market.

How Long is the Physician's Recommendation Valid?

Recommendations typically last as long as your ID is valid. Check your state's website to confirm, or contact NuggMD's incredible support team.

What Happens if I Don't Renew My MMJ Card?

Patients cannot participate in the medical market once their med card expires. Unless a state has an adult-use market, patients can no longer legally obtain cannabis. Avoid this outcome by starting your renewal process 30 to 60 days before your card expires.

What are the Requirements for MMJ Renewal?

Most states require similar documents during your initial signup. Expect to include your ID, proof of residency, and a doctor's recommendation.

What are the Fees Involved in Renewing My Medical Cannabis Card?

Fees vary by state, including registration fees (optional in some states) and the cost of your medical cannabis evaluation (an evaluation is necessary in all states, but not in Washington DC for patients 21 and older who may self-certify).

Do I Need to Update Any Information to Renew My MMJ Card?

You must submit a new doctor recommendation to any state requiring it. States may require additional information. Be sure to consult your state's medical cannabis website for more details.

Can I Renew My Medical Card Online?

Renewing an MMJ card online is one of the most popular ways to apply. This option enables patients to consult with a knowledgeable doctor who can recommend specific cannabis-based treatments for relief from widespread ailments and conditions specific to age, genetic or medical history, and personal lifestyle choices.

References

  1. Ryan JE, McCabe SE, Boyd CJ. Medicinal Cannabis: Policy, Patients, and Providers. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice. 2021;22(2):152715442198960. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1527154421989609 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.

This is part 8 of 9 in the series How to Get a Medical Card
  1. The Pros and Cons of Getting a Medical Card in 2024
  2. Can Minors Get Medical Marijuana?
  3. Medical Marijuana Registries by State
  4. What U.S. States Accept Out of State Medical Marijuana Cards? (Updated for 2024)
  5. How Much is a Med Card? (and How Much Cannabis Do You Need to Buy to Offset the Cost)?
  6. The Cost of Medical Marijuana: A State-By-State Breakdown
  7. Is Medical Marijuana Covered By Insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare?
  8. How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card (State-By-State)
  9. How to Find a Medical Marijuana Doctor Near You