How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Indiana

What is an MMJ Card in Indiana?

A Medical Marijuana Card (MMJ card) is an identification card issued by a state after processing a physician's recommendation of marijuana to a qualifying patient. This card permits a qualifying patient or registered caregiver to purchase, possess, and cultivate marijuana for medical purposes. Medical marijuana card holders can present their MMJ cards to licensed dispensaries to buy marijuana.

However, Indiana is one of the few remaining states in the United States that is yet to have a running medical marijuana program. In 2022 and 2023 legislative sessions, several bills were introduced concerning marijuana, including bills to legalize medical and recreational marijuana. However, as of early 2024, obtaining a medical marijuana card is impossible in Indiana.

Who Can Apply for an MMJ card in Indiana?

No one can apply for an Indiana Medical Marijuana card because the state is yet to allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, as observed in other states where marijuana is legalized, some of the qualifications for obtaining a medical marijuana card when Indiana legalizes the use of medical marijuana would be:

• A written official certification from a licensed Doctor based in Indiana
• The cardholder must be a patient diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition or a caregiver designated by a diagnosed patient to assist with the purchase and use of medical marijuana
• Proof of Indiana residency with an identification card such as an Indiana Driver's license or State-issued ID Card

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Indiana?

No, a minor cannot apply for or obtain a medical marijuana card in Indiana as the state is yet to pass the bill for the use of medical marijuana. No one, whether minor or adult, can obtain a medical marijuana card for medical or recreational purposes in the state. Furthermore, in states where medical marijuana is legal, parents or legal guardians of minors diagnosed with qualifying medical conditions are issued medical marijuana cards on their behalf.

What Conditions Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Indiana in 2024?

No one in Indiana currently qualifies for a medical marijuana card, as no medical marijuana program exists in the state. There is no certainty as to which medical conditions will qualify for medical marijuana in the state since no legislation has been passed.

How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in Indiana in 2024?

You cannot apply for a medical marijuana card in Indiana, as medical marijuana is currently illegal in the state. However, if and when the state passes the legislation, the process of applying for a medical marijuana card may be as follows:

• First, you must ensure that your condition is on the qualifying list of medical conditions for an MMJ card
• Go to a licensed Medical Doctor in Indiana with the diagnosis on your medical report and get a written certification to apply for an MMJ card. A certified Doctor's recommendation is the primary way to get the state's approval for an MMJ card
• With the signed Doctor's recommendation, fill out the application form, which includes an annual registration fee. This could be done online, depending on the registration procedures put in place by the state. The annual registration fee is usually the sole responsibility of the patient

Once the state processes both the application and the registration fee (which is nonrefundable in most states), the patient will be added to the state's patient registry and sent a medical marijuana card.

How does a Primary Caregiver get an Indiana MMIC?

Medical marijuana is illegal in Indiana, and there is no possibility of issuing medical marijuana cards to primary caregivers. In states where marijuana is legal, a primary caregiver is someone who buys, administers, or cultivates marijuana for a patient that is unable to perform such tasks, maybe a minor or a disabled person. A primary caregiver can be a parent, a guardian, a spouse, or an adult designated by the patient.

Obtaining a medical marijuana identification card is different for the caregiver because it is not possible without a qualifying patient. A caregiver cannot apply privately for a medical marijuana card. A patient must designate a person as their caregiver before they can apply for a medical marijuana card. However, parents or legal guardians of minor patients are often mandated by law to act as caregivers to their wards.

Caregivers are often required to submit their credentials, including proof of residency, identification card, or driver's license. They also have to pay a stipulated registration fee along with the submission of the application form. However, note that there are no primary caregivers in Indiana and no issuance of medical marijuana identification cards since medical marijuana is still illegal in the state.

How long does it take to get an Indiana MMIC?

Medical Marijuana is currently illegal in Indiana; hence there is no stipulated waiting period for medical marijuana cards. In most states where medical marijuana is permitted, it takes about 2 to 4 weeks to obtain a medical marijuana card.

Getting an Indiana Medical Marijuana Card Online

Indiana does not currently issue medical marijuana cards, as the use of medical marijuana is illegal in the state. However, in states where medical marijuana is allowed, there's an online procedure for obtaining a medical marijuana card. Qualifying patients certified by state-licensed physicians must possess official written recommendations or certifications to use medical marijuana. After filling in their credentials, they will apply online at the state registry for medical marijuana cards. A stipulated amount of money for the annual registration form is required. The documents required during the application process include:

• A valid identification card issued by the government, such as a driver's license, State-issued ID card, or US passport
• A valid proof of residency in the state
• A written recommendation by a state-licensed physician confirming the diagnosis of the qualifying condition

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Indiana?

There is no fixed fee for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Indiana because the use of medical marijuana is illegal in the state. In other states, the registration fee is annual and varies from state to state. This stipulated fee is usually nonrefundable even if the application for a medical marijuana card is declined.

What Documents Do I Need to apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Indiana?

Medical marijuana is not legal in Indiana, and residents cannot apply for it. In states where the use of medical marijuana is legal, certain documents are required when applying for a medical marijuana card, such as:

• Proof of residency in the state, such as a driver's license or ID Card issued by the state
• Proof of identity to show that the applicant is above 18 years
• A photograph may be needed or any other form of photo identification
• A written certification signed by a physician registered with the state. A lot of other information might be required along with this document, such as the patient's current medical records that have a detailed description of the qualifying condition. Some States require the physician to have treated the patient for at least 3 months before the application process

What Information appears on an Indiana Medical Marijuana Card?

Indiana does not issue medical marijuana cards as marijuana is illegal in the state.

Can Someone Track me Down through the Indiana Registry?

Residents of Indiana cannot apply for a medical marijuana card as marijuana is illegal in the state. However, in most states where medical marijuana is legal, patients' information is kept confidential under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

HIPAA is a federal law that sets protocols to protect sensitive patient information from being disclosed without the patient’s prior knowledge and consent. HIPAA also established a privacy rule in which standards are put in place to deal with individuals' health information use. The privacy rule allows the use of patient data for vital purposes while protecting the patient's privacy. With these measures in place, a medical marijuana patient can not be tracked through the Indiana registry.

HIPAA's privacy rules are exempt in the following situations:

• When the law requires it
• Public health activities
• In cases of abuse or domestic violence
• Health oversight activities
• Judicial and administrative proceedings
• Law enforcement
• Functions (such as identification) concerning deceased persons
• Cadaveric organ, eye, or tissue donation
• Research under certain conditions
• Decedents
• To prevent or lessen a significant threat to health or safety
• Essential government functions
• Workers’ compensation