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
Schedule an appointment in California
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
Schedule an appointment in Colorado
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
Schedule an appointment in Connecticut
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
Schedule an appointment in Illinois
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
Schedule an appointment in Massachusetts
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
Schedule an appointment in Maryland
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
Schedule an appointment in Maine
- 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
Schedule an appointment in Michigan
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″
Schedule an appointment in Missouri
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
Schedule an appointment in Montana
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
Schedule an appointment in New York
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!
