Now that more states have legalized recreational cannabis, it’s easy to dismiss the idea of getting a medical marijuana card. However, there are many benefits to becoming a patient: in addition to specialized treatment at the dispensary, in most states, you’ll enjoy access to higher potency products, as well as higher purchasing and possession limits.

But did you know that there are cost savings for marijuana cardholders too? The regulations — and benefits — vary throughout the country, so we’ve compiled a guide on the cost savings you can expect in your home state.

Lower taxes on Medical Marijuana Products

One down side to adult-use cannabis: it’s expensive. States have taken advantage of the opportunity to tax marijuana products, and often, residents are subject to two or three tiers of taxes.

In addition to general state and local percentages, you may be taxed on the quantity of cannabis purchased, the type of product, or potency. However, since health insurance does not cover medical marijuana, patients receive the benefit of tax breaks, paying little to no taxes when they visit the dispensary.

If you plan to purchase cannabis products frequently for your condition, then the amount of money you will save on taxes should significantly exceed the cost of getting a medical marijuana card.

More for your money

In addition to helping you save money on taxes, a medical cannabis card often provides the benefit of better quality and higher potency cannabis. These are products that have been specifically grown for medical use, under stricter conditions with better quality control.

Further, medical cannabis patients receive special care from dispensary staff to guide them to the right products for their symptoms. All of this means that you’re paying less for an overall better product, while increasing the value of your purchase.

What are the State-by-state Benefits of Medical Cannabis?

So, what are the benefits and savings available for medical marijuana patients where you live? Consider this your guide to all the answers. Below, we’ve outlined the major differences in regulations and taxes for each Canna Care Docs state that has legalized both recreational and medical cannabis.

Rec = Recreational; Med = Medical

Cannabis in California
Product Tax

• Med: 15%
• Rec: 22.5%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 8 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 12 plants
• Rec: 6 plants

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Cannabis in Colorado
Product Tax

• Med: 2.9%
• Rec: 30%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 2 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 99 plants
• Rec: 6 plants

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Cannabis in Connecticut
Product Tax

• Med: 6.35%
• Rec: 25% (max)

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 2.5 ounces
• Rec: 1.5 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 3 immature plants, 3 mature plants
• Rec: 3 immature plants, 3 mature plants

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Cannabis in Delaware
Product Tax

• Med: 0
• Rec: 15%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 6 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Not permitted

Schedule an appointment in Delaware

Cannabis in Illinois
Product Tax

• Med: 1%
• Rec: 16.25%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 2.5 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 5 plants
• Rec: Not permitted

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Cannabis in Massachusetts
Product Tax

• Med: 0
• Rec: 20%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 10 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: As many plants to obtain up to 10 ounces of dried flower
• Rec: 6 plants

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Cannabis in Maryland
Product Tax

• Med: 0
• Rec: 9%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 5 ounces
• Rec: 1.5 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 4 plants
• Rec: 2 plants

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Cannabis in Maine
Product Tax

• Med: 5.5%
• Rec: 10%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 2.5 ounces
• Rec: 2.5 ounce
•  

Cultivation

• Med: 6 plants
• Rec: 3 plants

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Cannabis in Michigan
Tax

• Med: 6%
• Rec: 16%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 10 ounces
• Rec: 2.5 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 12 plants
• Rec: 12 plants

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Cannabis in Missouri
Product Tax

• Med: 4%
• Rec: 6%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 4 ounces
• Rec: 3 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 6 flowering plants, 6 immature plants, 6 plants under 14″
• Rec: 6 flowering plants, 6 immature plants, 6 plants under 14″

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Cannabis in Montana
Product Tax

• Med: 4%
• Rec: 20%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 5 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 8 mature plants, 8 seedlings
• Rec: 2 mature plants, 2 seedlings

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Cannabis in New Jersey
Product Tax

• Med: 2%
• Rec: 6.63%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 3 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Not permitted

Schedule an appointment in New Jersey

Cannabis in New York
Product Tax

• Med: 7%
• Rec: 13%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: Determined by provider
• Rec: 3 ounces

Cultivation

• Med: 3 mature plants, 3 immature plants
• Rec: Not permitted

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Cannabis in Nevada
Product Tax

• Med: 6.85%
• Rec: 16.85%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 2.5 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 12 plants
• Rec: 6 plants

Schedule an appointment in Nevada

Cannabis in Rhode Island
Product Tax

• Med: 7%
• Rec: 20%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 10 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 12 plants
• Rec: 3 immature, 3 mature

Schedule an appointment in Rhode Island

Cannabis in Virginia
Product Tax

• Med: 5.3%
• Rec: 26.3%

Minimum Age

• Med: 18
• Rec: 21

Purchase Limit

• Med: 4 ounces
• Rec: 1 ounce

Cultivation

• Med: 4 plants
• Rec: 4 plants

Schedule an appointment in Virginia

Ready To Apply For A Medical Cannabis Card?

If you have a qualifying condition and are considering getting a medical marijuana card, we’re here to help. Find a Canna Care Docs medical marijuana clinic near you and schedule your first appointment today. We’ll answer any questions you have during your cannabis evaluation, and guide you through the process of obtaining your card!