Almost everyone of you might be aware of the fact that in 24 states of the US, anyone over 21 years old can legally use marijuana for recreational purposes. But what about medical marijuana?
Have you ever found yourself wondering about the legality of medical marijuana? How old do you have to be to get a medical marijuana card?
What if we tell you that you can get your hands on medical marijuana even before you turn 21, and that too, without parental consent? Sounds intriguing, right? But it sure comes with its own set of rules.
So, let’s break down the regulations encompassing the age at which you can consume marijuana legally and find out all that you need to know about it.
Is it Legal to Buy Medical Marijuana?
If we talk about the federal level, the usage of marijuana isn’t permitted, and distributing marijuana is considered a federal offense. To date, it is categorized as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
On the other hand, as of February 2025, the use of marijuana for medical purposes has been legalized in 39 states of the US, the District of Columbia, and 3 territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Moreover, 9 states allow users with a qualifying medical condition to use CBD/low THC products.
It is worth mentioning that the states of Idaho, Kansas, and Wyoming do not allow the usage of marijuana for recreational or medical purposes. Thus, deeming the usage of marijuana entirely illegal.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Weed Card?
The rules regarding the legal age at which one can consume medical marijuana vary from state to state.
In the states that have legalized the use of marijuana, anyone having a medical condition that requires them to use medical marijuana is permitted to get it. The only condition is that you are 18 years or older. Moreover, you do not need your parent’s consent in this regard either.
It is worth mentioning that there are some states, too, where even minors (individuals under 18) with a qualifying medical condition can be eligible for using medical marijuana.
In such cases, parental consent is a must. Moreover, minors can’t directly buy medical marijuana, but their designated caregiver has to be the one who can buy it for them.
States where the Medical Weed Card Age is 18 or Older
None of the states allow any 17-year-olds or younger to enter a dispensary and buy medical marijuana themselves. They require their designated caregiver to do that for them.
Here are the US states where anyone 18 years or older can buy medical marijuana themselves:
| Oklahoma | Maryland | California | New Hampshire |
| Ohio | Vermont | Arkansas | Florida |
| Minnesota | Arizona | Oregon | Illinois |
| South Dakota | Washington | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Rhode Island | New Jersey | Texas | Delaware |
| New York | Michigan | District of Columbia | Louisiana |
| Colorado | Maine | West Virginia | Nevada |
| Hawaii | Missouri | New Mexico | Alaska |
States where the Medical Weed Card Age is 19 or Older
Here are the US states that require a person to be at least 19 years old to get their hands on medical marijuana:
| North Dakota | Individuals aged 19 and above can obtain a medical marijuana card without parental or caregiver consent. |
| Wisconsin | Only low-THC cannabis oils are permitted |
It is worth mentioning that the designated caregiver should also be 19 years or older in these states.
States where the Medical Weed Card Age is 21 Years or Older
Here are the US states that require a person to be at least 21 years old to get their hands on medical marijuana:
- Mississippi
- Utah
Can a 16-year-old get a Medical Card?
No state allows anyone under 16 to get a medical card. Instead, a medical card is issued to their designated caregiver. Thus, the designated caregiver can buy medical marijuana on their behalf.
For instance, in the state of Illinois, a minor can appoint up to 3 caregivers who can buy medical marijuana on their behalf.
Moreover, some of the requirements for determining a minor fit for medical marijuana may include one or more of the following:
- At least two physicians need to sign off before deeming a person eligible for a marijuana medical card.
- The physician must be a licensed pediatrician rather than a general practitioner.
- The physicians must do follow-ups.
Medical Marijuana Qualifying Medical Conditions for Minors
Some of the conditions that make a minor eligible for medical marijuana are:
- Terminal Illness
- Tourette Syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Irreversible Spinal Cord Injury
- Uncontrolled Intractable Seizure Disorder
- Severe Epilepsy
- Intractable Neuropathic Pain that Is Unresponsive to Standard Medical Treatments
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cerebral Palsy
How Old Do You Have to Be to Use Marijuana Recreationally?
Just like medical marijuana, the rules regarding the legal age at which one can consume marijuana recreationally vary from state to state.
In twenty-four states, three territories, and the District of Columbia, the age at which it is legal for a person to buy, possess, and sell marijuana for recreational use is 21 years or older.
What Happens if You Break the Rules on Medical Marijuana?
If you want to stay on the right side of the law, it is always best to abide by all the rules and regulations that your state has set for the usage of medical marijuana.
If you break the rules on medical weed, you can either be subjected to penalties, or it can lead to criminal charges against you, and even your medical card can also be revoked.
Conclusion
Thus, the legal age for getting a medical marijuana card varies from state to state. But in most states, you can obtain your medical marijuana card provided that you have a qualifying medical condition and are 18 years or older.
In the case of people under 18, if they have a qualifying medical condition, the Medical weed card of their designated caregiver can be issued so that they can buy medical marijuana on their behalf.
Old Enough? Get Your Hands on Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
If you want to know about the medical marijuana doctors near me, at My Florida Green, we have got you covered.
Moreover, if you have a qualifying medical condition and are eligible for the medical marijuana card, you can get in touch with us anytime.
We can help you navigate the complex online application process. Thus, with a few clicks, you can apply for and obtain your medical marijuana card online.
