How To Get A Medical Card In Michigan

Cannabis leaves next to biotech lab equipment.

LANSING — If you drive down Cedar Street in Lansing, you'll see green signs on medical marijuana dispensaries that advertise for "MMMP."

The initials refer to the state's program for registered medical marijuana patients.

Statewide, there are roughly 218,558 registered medical marijuana patients and 38,107 caregivers, according to the state's most recently published data. Registered patients increased more than 70% since 2012.

The state initially denies close to 16% of the medical marijuana applications it receives, according to data reported by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Regulators deny some applications for clerical errors, like incomplete paperwork, and prospective patients may re-apply.

This is what Michiganders need to know about becoming a registered medical marijuana patient.

What is a medical marijuana card?

State regulators issue Michigan Medical Marihuana Program cards to registered medical marijuana patients and caregivers.

Registered patients may possess up to 12 marijuana plants and up to 2.5 ounces of "usable marijuana," meaning the plant's dried flowers and leaves.

The state also licenses caregivers, who can help procure marijuana for patients. Caregivers may serve up to five patients. State law allows caregivers to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for each patient. Caregivers may also cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants for each of their registered patients.

The state began certifying patients and caregivers in 2009 after more than 60% of voters approved legalizing medical marijuana in 2008.

Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Michigan, though that could change. Several groups are petitioning to bring recreational legalization before state voters this November.

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Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card?

State law specifically lists eight medical conditions, which can qualify a patient for certification:

Cancer
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis C
Crohn's disease
Alzheimer's
Nail patella, a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the nails, kneecaps and pelvis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also know as Lou Gherig's disease

State regulators have since added post-traumatic disorder to the list of approved conditions.

Patients also can obtain a medical marijuana card for a "debilitating medical condition" with any of the following symptoms:

wasting syndrome
severe and chronic pain
nausea
seizures, such as those associated with epilepsy
severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those associated with multiple sclerosis

Who can provide medical marijuana certifications?

A physician's approval is necessary to obtain a Michigan medical marijuana card.

A medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine must sign a form certifying that a patient suffers from a debilitating medical condition that could be alleviated with medical cannabis.

It's not permissible to get physician's blessing for medical marijuana through the mail or via a Skype appointment. State law requires a "bona fide physician-patient relationship," which includes an in-person medical evaluation.

2015 audit: One doctor certified 11,800 cannabis patients

The state does not provide a list of physicians who will recommend medical marijuana.

Because marijuana is still illegal under federal law, some physicians are reluctant to provide medical marijuana certifications, said Kevin McFatridge a spokesman for the Michigan State Medical Society, a professional association.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not broadly approved marijuana for medical use, although the FDA has approved drugs that either contain cannabis or mimic cannabis compounds.

Some doctors are reluctant to recommend medical marijuana, McFatridge said, because there are insufficient studies about cannabis dosage and the way the drug could interact with other medications.

Physicians with McLaren Health System do not provide medical marijuana certifications.

"There are legal drugs that may work just as well in specific instances, this is why it is important to work closely with your physician to create a personalized treatment plan," said Dr. Brad Ropp of McLaren Medical Group.

Michael Komorn, an attorney and president of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, an advocacy group, said insurance companies often discourage physicians from providing medical marijuana certifications. Komorn, argues, however, that fears about the risks of recommending medical marijuana are unfounded.

"More doctors should come on board, if they're keeping with the Hippocratic oath of 'do no harm," Komorn said. "If you prescribe opioid pills to a patient, you don't know if they're going to take more than prescribed and overdose. When you look at cannabis as an alternative to pain management, for example, it's much safer."

More:

Which Lansing pot shops have been told to shut down? City won't say

Why Michigan hasn't given out any medical marijuana licenses yet

When recreational marijuana was legal in Michigan: 22 days in 1972

How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card?

It costs $60 to apply for an adult patient card, which must be renewed after two years. There's an additional $25 fee to register a caregiver.

Application materials, including proof of Michigan residency, should be mailed to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program, PO Box 30083, Lansing, Mich. 48903.

State regulators will either issue a medical marijuana card or a denial letter within 20 business days of receiving an application. Applicants can contact the state's Medical Marihuana Program 517-284-6400 if they do not hear back within five weeks of mailing an application.

Contact Sarah Lehr at (517) 377-1056 or slehr@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahGLehr.