Who Can Prescribe Medical Cannabis in Your State?

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March 4, 2025

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senior doctor explaining who can prescribe medical marijuana in your state at hospital desk

As medical cannabis continues to gain acceptance across the United States, many patients wonder who has the authority to prescribe it. Understanding your state’s regulations can help ensure you access medical marijuana legally and safely. Here’s what you need to know about who can prescribe medical cannabis in different states.

Key Points:

Not all doctors can prescribe medical marijuana—only those certified in state programs.
Each state has unique rules regarding who qualifies to prescribe.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants may be eligible in some states.
Telemedicine is an option in certain areas for medical marijuana evaluations.
State licensing boards regulate healthcare providers who prescribe marijuana.

How Does Medical Cannabis Differ from Traditional Prescriptions?

Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, medical cannabis isn’t “prescribed” in the conventional sense. Instead of writing a prescription that you can fill at any pharmacy, authorized healthcare providers issue recommendations or certifications. These allow patients to apply for a medical marijuana card through their state’s medical cannabis program.

But are all doctors allowed to recommend medical marijuana? That depends on your state’s regulations. Not all states permit every healthcare provider to certify patients, and the rules can vary widely.

infographic comparing traditional prescriptions vs medical marijuana recommendations

Apply for Your Medical Cannabis Card Online

Who Can Recommend Medical Marijuana?

The ability to recommend medical marijuana depends on state laws. While some states only allow physicians to issue recommendations, others also permit nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Here’s a breakdown of the healthcare providers who may be authorized to recommend medical cannabis:

1. Medical Doctors (MDs)

Fully licensed physicians with authority to recommend cannabis in most states.
Evaluate patients based on state-approved qualifying conditions.

2. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)

Holistic-focused doctors who have the same prescribing rights as MDs.
Eligible to recommend MMJ in most medical cannabis states.

3. Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Some states allow NPs to certify patients, especially in areas with limited physician access.
May require physician supervision, depending on state law.

4. Physician Assistants (PAs)

Certain states permit PAs to recommend cannabis under physician supervision or independently.
Regulations vary, so checking state laws is crucial.

State laws change frequently. Always check with your local Medical Marijuana Program for the most current provider eligibility.

🔴 Fun Fact: Did you know that over 70% of Americans support medical marijuana legalization?

State-Specific Regulations:

Each state has unique qualifications for prescribing medical marijuana. Below is a breakdown:

State	Who Can Prescribe?	Unique State-Specific Rules	State Registration
Arizona	MDs, DOs	Physicians must complete a state-mandated 5-hour MMJ education course to certify patients.	AZ Medical Marijuana Program
Arkansas	MDs, DOs	Doctors must document a 6-month physician-patient relationship before approving MMJ.	AR Medical Marijuana Program
California	MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs	No physician registry; any licensed provider can recommend MMJ without state pre-approval.	CA Medical Marijuana Program
Connecticut	MDs, DOs, APRNs	APRNs can certify MMJ without physician co-signature but must complete a state ethics exam.	CT Medical Marijuana Program
Delaware	MDs, DOs	Physicians must submit annual reports to the state on MMJ patient outcomes.	DE Medical Marijuana Program
Georgia	MDs, DOs	Only board-certified neurologists or oncologists can approve low-THC oil.	GA Medical Marijuana Program
Illinois	MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs	Healthcare providers must hold a bona fide relationship with any patient they wish to register.	IL Medical Marijuana Program
Iowa	MDs, DOs	In Iowa, only certain medical professionals can certify patients for medical cannabis, but they cannot prescribe it. Instead, they issue written certifications for a CBD registration card.	IA Medical Marijuana Program
Louisiana	MDs, DOs	No dosage limits; physicians set THC amounts based on clinical judgment.	LA Medical Marijuana Program
Maine	MDs, DOs, NPs	Providers can authorize caregivers to grow plants via written certification.	ME Medical Marijuana Program
Maryland	MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs	Providers can amend or revoke certification if medical criteria change or if misuse or diversion of cannabis is suspected.	MD Medical Marijuana Program
Massachusetts	MDs, DOs	A 60-day supply is the amount of marijuana a patient needs for personal medical use over 60 days.	MA Medical Marijuana Program
Michigan	MDs, DOs	No refills allowed; patients must see a doctor for each renewal.	MI Medical Marijuana Program
Minnesota	MDs, DOs	Medical Cannabis Program patients must recertify their condition and reapply every three years to maintain enrollment.	MN Medical Marijuana Program
Missouri	MDs, DOs	Patients needing over 6 ounces/month require an MD, DO, or NP to submit an electronic certification.	MO Medical Marijuana Program
Montana	MDs, DOs	Only licensed physicians may recommend medical cannabis to a patient.	MT Medical Marijuana Program
Nevada	MDs, DOs	Pharmacies can only dispense medications “prescribed” by licensed medical practitioners.	NV Medical Marijuana Program
New Jersey	MDs, DOs, APNs	The healthcare provider-patient relationship must have existed for at least one year.	NJ Medical Marijuana Program
New York	MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs	Providers must prescribe MMJ in 30-day increments with dosage tracking.	NY Medical Marijuana Program
Ohio	MDs, DOs	Doctors must practice in a certified MMJ clinic to issue recommendations.	OH Medical Marijuana Program
Oklahoma	MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs	Physicians must have a valid license and be in good standing with the state’s medical board.	OK Medical Marijuana Program
Pennsylvania	MDs, DOs	Only registered MDs and DOs can certify patients.	PA Medical Marijuana Program
Texas	Only certain specialists	Physicians only can prescribe low-THC cannabis for cancer-related symptoms.	TX Medical Marijuana Program
Vermont	MDs, DOs	Doctors must conduct a substance misuse risk assessment before approval.	VT Medical Marijuana Program
Virginia	MDs, DOs	Physicians must re-certify patients every 90 days for continued MMJ use.	VA Medical Marijuana Program
West Virginia	MDs, DOs	Develop a four-hour training course for physicians regarding the latest scientific research on medical cannabis.	WV Medical Marijuana Program

To ensure you receive a legitimate recommendation, check your state’s Department of Health or medical cannabis regulatory body for a list of approved providers. If you’re wondering whether online medical marijuana recommendations are legit, yes, in states that allow telemedicine evaluations.

infographic outlining five easy steps to get a medical marijuana recommendation

How to get a medical marijuana recommendation?

Step 1: Check Your State’s MMJ Laws:

Before applying for a medical marijuana recommendation, research your state’s MMJ laws. Each state has specific qualifying conditions, age requirements, and regulations regarding medical cannabis use.

Step 2: Find a Certified MMJ Doctor:

Look for a licensed healthcare provider who can evaluate your medical condition. Some states require you to visit a doctor in person, while others allow online consultations with certified MMJ professionals.

Step 3: Complete Your Medical Evaluation:

During the consultation, the doctor will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if cannabis is a suitable treatment for your condition. This evaluation typically lasts 10–15 minutes and may include a discussion of potential benefits and risks.

Step 4: Receive Your MMJ Recommendation:

If approved, the doctor will provide you with a medical marijuana recommendation or certification. This document allows you to apply for a state-issued MMJ card, granting legal access to cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

Step 5: Apply for Your MMJ Card:

Submit your recommendation to your state’s medical marijuana program, along with the necessary forms and fees. Once approved, you’ll receive your MMJ card, allowing you to purchase cannabis legally.

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Conclusion

Knowing who can legally recommend medical cannabis in your state is crucial for compliance and safe access. Regulations are always evolving, so stay informed by checking official state resources or consulting a qualified medical professional.
If you’re considering medical cannabis, consult a licensed provider in your state to explore your options and begin the certification process.

FAQs

What Are the Easiest States to Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
States like Oklahoma, California, and Maine have relatively easy medical marijuana approval processes. There are no specific qualifying conditions in Oklahoma, allowing doctors to approve patients at their discretion. In California, only a doctor’s recommendation is required—no state card needed.

How do I renew my Ohio medical marijuana recommendation?
To renew your Ohio medical marijuana recommendation, you must schedule a follow-up consultation with a certified doctor. Ohio requires annual renewals, and your doctor will reassess your condition before providing a new recommendation.

Can a PA recommend medical marijuana?
Physician assistants (PAs) can recommend medical marijuana in some states, such as California and New York. However, other states require PAs to work under a supervising physician or prohibit them from certifying patients altogether.

How do I get a medical marijuana recommendation in Louisiana?
Louisiana allows any licensed physician in good standing to recommend medical marijuana. Patients do not need to register for a medical marijuana card; they simply need a recommendation from a doctor to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.