How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card (2026)

Card is valid on an ongoing basis but the patient must annually resubmit updated physician documentation to keep it effective.

A registry card issued for a debilitating medical condition (e.g., cancer, HIV/AIDS, seizures) is valid for one year; for a disabling medical condition (e.g., PTSD, autism), the recommending provider decides how long the card is valid.

Valid for up to one year from the date the physician signs the written certification.

1 year by default; the Department may issue cards valid for 2 or 3 years.

DC residents: 2 years (registrations issued before March 2, 2025 for 6 years remain valid through their listed date). Non-residents: 30, 90, 180, or 365 days, as selected.

1 year (renewed annually)

Patient chooses a 1-year or 2-year registration; a 2-year term requires the same certifying provider to state the condition is chronic.

Patients choose a 1, 2, or 3 year card term (fees scale accordingly); a lifelong renewal option is also available for $50.

One (1) year from the date of issuance.

Louisiana does not issue a patient ID card; the clinician's written recommendation to the retailer is valid for up to 12 months from issuance.

OCP does not issue qualifying patients a registry ID card or track a validity period for their written certification; only caregivers and dispensary-affiliated registrants hold registry ID cards, valid 1 year for caregivers and 2 years for others.

Valid for 1 year; patients must renew their status annually.

1 year, unless the certifying practitioner sets a shorter timeframe

3 years, renewable with a new physician or nurse practitioner certification.

Approved applicants receive a card valid for up to one year from the approval date, unless the physician specifies a shorter duration.

Nebraska does not yet issue a physical patient ID card; a patient's written recommendation itself expires two years from the in-person appointment at which it was issued.

1 or 2 years, as set by regulation (fee is $50 for a 1-year card or $100 for a 2-year card)

1 year by default, extendable up to 3 years if the certifying provider specifies a longer certification period.

Up to 2 years, at the certifying provider's discretion

Two years

Up to 2 years (adult, minor, and caregiver licenses); 60 days for an in-state short-term license; 30 days for an out-of-state license.

1 year (annual renewal)

Up to 1 year, as set by the certifying practitioner.

Up to one year, as set by the practitioner's written certification

Not applicable: no patient ID card is issued; each physician prescription is valid for up to a 90-day supply with up to four refills.

Up to one year; the certifying practitioner sets the exact expiration.

One year from the date of authorization for qualifying patients 18 or older and their designated providers; six months for patients under 18. Cards expire and require re-examination and re-entry into the database to renew.