The Delaware Medical Marijuana Act (DMMA) was signed by former Governor Jack Markell in 2011, effectively legalizing cannabis for medicinal use in the state. This created a program for Delaware residents to obtain a medical marijuana card and purchase cannabis at state-licensed dispensaries. Initiatives to legalize cannabis for adult consumption tried to pass Congress twice, in 2018 and 2019, but the legislation failed both times.
The Office of Medical Marijuana (OMM), a branch of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), oversees Delaware’s medical marijuana program. The OMM is responsible for enforcing the Medical Marijuana Act and inspecting and regulating licensed cannabis business owners in the state.
The OMM has a registry for patients and caregivers to apply for and maintain their medical marijuana cards. The law allows patients to possess up to six ounces of medical marijuana per month. Home cultivation is not permitted in Delaware, so all medical marijuana patients and their caregivers must purchase cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary.
Quick Guide to Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in Delaware
See If You’re Eligible
Delaware has a list of qualifying conditions that are eligible for medical marijuana cards. Check the full list down below.
Get a Doctor’s Recommendation
You must get a licensed healthcare provider’s recommendation to apply for a medical cannabis card in Delaware.
Apply For Your Delaware Medical Marijuana Card
Delaware’s Office of Medical Marijuana processes all patient and caregiver applications. You must apply online or through the mail to receive your Delaware medical marijuana card.
Am I Eligible for a Medical Marijuana Card in Delaware?
Here’s the list of qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card, directly from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services website:
- Cancer
- Terminal Illness
- Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV Positive)
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Decompensated Cirrhosis
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Autism with aggressive behavior
- Glaucoma
- Chronic Debilitating Migraine
- Anxiety (CBD Rich Card Only)
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following;
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Severe debilitating pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures for more than three months, or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects.
- Intractable Nausea
- Seizures
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to that characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis.
If you have one of the conditions mentioned above, you might be eligible for a medical cannabis card in the state of Delaware. If you don’t think you immediately qualify, you might consider making an appointment with Heally’s network of doctors to learn about alternative treatment options for your condition.
Getting a Doctor’s Recommendation for a Medical Marijuana Card in Delaware
Medical marijuana patients in Delaware must be at least 18 to apply for a medical marijuana card. Pediatric patients with an eligible condition and parental consent are eligible to apply for a medical marijuana card.
The law requires healthcare providers to be licensed in the state of Delaware before recommending medical marijuana. Licensed MDs, DOs, APRNs, or PAs are qualified to do this. Traditional health insurance plans won’t cover cannabis or any expenses associated with obtaining it. That’s why most doctors will charge a fee for recommending medical marijuana to you.
Your appointment to get a doctor’s recommendation is the perfect time to ask any questions you have about using marijuana for medical use. Some research shows cannabis and certain prescriptions might cause an adverse drug interaction, so talk to your doctor about any medications you currently take. Here’s a guide to dosing edibles with THC for new consumers.
Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card in Delaware
You will need to complete Delaware’s Medical Marijuana Patient Application and submit it to the Office of Medical Marijuana. The first three pages are for you, and if you receive a recommendation from a licensed physician, they will fill out the last two pages of the application. You can apply online or submit a paper application.
Caregivers must apply with a separate application, which can be found here. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of obtaining the healthcare provider’s signature to be considered valid.
Your application for a medical marijuana card will be approved or denied within 45 days. Once it’s approved, your card is active for one year. Medical marijuana patients must renew their medical cards every year to purchase cannabis from a dispensary in Delaware.
It costs $50 to apply for a medical marijuana card in Delaware. There is a fee waiver application for low-income individuals. If you’re approved, the application fee will be $25.00. Use this application to apply for the low-income program.
Talk to a Doctor About Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Delaware
Heally’s network of physicians is here to help you get a medical marijuana card. We believe in treating the root cause of disease, not just covering the symptoms up. Our licensed healthcare providers also offer additional holistic-based services like nutritional support, mental health treatment options, and fertility help.
To get your medical marijuana card in Delaware, get in touch and we’ll reach out to book your online or in-person appointment.
