Is Marijuana Legal in Philadelphia?

Here’s everything you need to know about marijuana in Philadelphia, from its legal history to what might come next.

Key Points:

• Medical marijuana has been legal since 2016 for patients with qualifying conditions but recreational marijuana is still illegal.
• Lawmakers are discussing the legalization of recreational cannabis.
• Medical marijuana patients in Philadelphia can possess a 30-day supply but cannot grow cannabis at home.
• The process to get a medical marijuana card involves an online consultation, doctor approval, and registration with the PA DOH.
• The state registration fee is $50 but is waived for participants in assistance programs.

What is the History of Philadelphia cannabis laws?

2016 – Medical Marijuana Legalized

• Pennsylvania passed its medical marijuana law, allowing access for patients with qualifying conditions, thereby making it legal in Philadelphia, as it is part of the state.
• Licensed dispensaries were established to provide regulated cannabis products.
• Philadelphia, as part of Pennsylvania, also benefited from this law.

2018 to 2022 – Decriminalization in Philadelphia

• In 2014, Philadelphia reduced penalties for possession of 30 grams or less, treating it as a civil offense.
• Decriminalization aimed to reduce unnecessary arrests and ease the burden on the justice system.
• By 2018, similar policies had expanded to other cities, like Pittsburgh.
  Individuals caught with small amounts faced fines instead of criminal prosecution.

2025 – Ongoing Recreational Legalization Efforts

• Lawmakers are actively discussing recreational marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania.
• Philadelphia is playing a key role in advocating for policy changes.
• Supporters argue it would generate revenue, create jobs, and address social justice issues.
• Despite ongoing efforts, recreational marijuana remains illegal in PA for now.

What are the Qualifying Medical Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Philadelphia?

If you are 18 or older and diagnosed with a qualifying condition, you may be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Philadelphia. For minors, a caregiver is required to apply. Eligible conditions include:

1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
2. Anxiety disorders
3. Autism
4. Cancer, including remission therapy
5. Chronic Hepatitis C
6. Crohn’s disease
7. Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and other associated neuropathies
8. Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders
9. Epilepsy
10. Glaucoma
11. HIV / AIDS
12. Huntington’s disease
13. Inflammatory bowel disease
14. Intractable seizures
15. Multiple sclerosis
16. Neurodegenerative diseases
17. Neuropathies
18. Opioid use disorder for which conventional therapeutic interventions are contraindicated or ineffective, or for which adjunctive therapy is indicated in combination with primary therapeutic interventions
19. Parkinson’s disease
20. Post-traumatic stress disorder
21. Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain
22. Sickle cell anemia
23. Terminal illness
24. Tourette syndrome

What are Philadelphia’s medical marijuana laws regarding possession and cultivation?

• Possession: Medical marijuana patients can carry up to a 30-day supply as prescribed. Non-patients cannot possess marijuana unless in a city with decriminalization, where the limit is 30 grams (1.06 ounces).
• Cultivation: Home cultivation is not allowed.
• Purchase: Patients can buy medical marijuana in amounts prescribed by their physician.

Note: Only medical marijuana patients can possess marijuana-related items. Illegal possession is a misdemeanor with penalties of 6–12 months in jail or a $2,500 fine.

Large amounts can lead to felony possession-with-intent-to-distribute charges.

Can Medical Marijuana Patients Grow Cannabis in Philadelphia?

Currently, Philadelphia law does not allow medical marijuana patients or caregivers to cultivate cannabis at home. All medical cannabis must be purchased exclusively from state-licensed dispensaries. Despite ongoing discussions and legislative efforts to permit home cultivation for medical patients, growing cannabis at home remains illegal.

How to Get Medical Marijuana in Philadelphia?

Getting your PA medical marijuana ID card is fast and easy. Follow these three simple steps:

1. Schedule an Online MMJ Doctor Appointment – Book a consultation, complete the evaluation form, and submit proof of PA residency. Most patients get same-day appointments.You can also book the online consultation from websites like My MMJ Doctor.
2. Consult with a Certified PA MMJ Doctor – Meet online with a licensed doctor who will review your medical history. If approved, you’ll receive your certification within 24 hours.
3. Register with the PA Department of Health – Submit your certification, proof of residency, and state registration fee. The PA DOH processes applications in 7–10 business days, and your MMJ card arrives by mail.

Who is eligible for a medical marijuana card in Philadelphia?

• Philadelphia Residency – You must be a resident of Philadelphia with a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or state-issued ID. Your address must match your application details.
• Doctor’s Certification – A state-approved physician must evaluate you and confirm that you have a qualifying medical condition, such as chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, or another approved illness.
• Medical Marijuana Program Registration – After receiving your doctor’s certification, you must register with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program to complete your application.
  
• State Application Fee – You must pay the required fee to process your medical marijuana card. Discounts may be available for certain individuals, such as those on Medicaid.

Who can become a medical marijuana caregiver in Philadelphia?

To become a registered medical marijuana caregiver, you must:

• Be 21 or Older & a PA Resident – You must be at least 21 years old and provide a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID to confirm residency.
  
• Pass a Criminal Background Check – You must undergo a background check to ensure you have no drug-related convictions within the past five years. This helps protect patient safety.
  
• Be Designated by a Registered Patient – A medical marijuana patient must officially select you as their caregiver, permitting you to assist them in obtaining and administering cannabis.
  
• Register with the State – You must complete the caregiver registration process with the PA Medical Marijuana Program and obtain an official caregiver identification card.

Caregiver Responsibilities:

• Purchasing & Transporting Cannabis – Caregivers can legally buy medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries and deliver it to their designated patients.
• Helping Patients with Medical Cannabis Use – Some patients may need assistance with the dosing, preparation, or administration of their prescribed cannabis.
• Supporting Multiple Patients – A caregiver can assist up to five medical marijuana patients, while each patient can designate up to two caregivers.

Philadelphia Medical Marijuana ID Card Fees & Discounts:

Discounts for Eligible Patients:

Patients in Philadelphia who participate in state assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, PACE/PACENET, or CHIP can have their $50 state registration fee waived, reducing the overall cost of obtaining or renewing a medical marijuana card.

Conclusion

For patients who need help, caregivers can assist with buying and using medical cannabis. As the city continues to support cannabis reform, access to medical marijuana will remain safe and regulated.

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