According to the American Public Health Association, every state runs its medical cannabis system differently which causes delays in card approvals in some states. For example, in Illinois, the Department of Public Health takes up to 30 business days to review a complete application and another 15 days to issue the card. But this rule does not apply to other states.
So, the question is, “How long does it take to get a medical card in your state?”
The timeline can vary from state to state, ranging from a few hours for online applications to up to 60 days for a physical card.
In this guide, you will learn about the timelines for different states, what affects your approval time, and tips to make the process faster.
What Affects How Long It Takes to Get Approved
The waiting time is not always the same for everyone. Here are the main things that can affect your approval time:
State rules: Each state follows its own process and pace. A few states approve applications almost instantly and others may take days to weeks.
Type of card: Digital cards arrive by email and activate quickly. On the other hand, physical cards take longer because the state has to print and mail them.
Application quality: Clear photos and correct details help your application move smoothly. If the information is wrong or hard to read, the state may ask for a fix which adds more time.
How quickly you apply: After your telehealth visit, you can go straight to the state portal. Completing this step soon helps shorten the overall wait.
Fastest Way to Get Medical Cannabis Card
Telehealth or online visit is usually the quickest way to get a marijuana card. But how long does it take to get med card online?
In most cases, it takes less than a day. It begins with a video or audio consultation with a licensed medical provider, during which you share your symptoms and answer a few simple questions. The whole process is completed in a few hours, and you get certified within the day.
After the visit, you receive a digital certification by email if you qualify. Once you have the certification, you can move to the state website. Your card gets activated as soon as you upload your personal details.
State Timelines for Medical Cannabis Cards
The time it takes to get a medical card differs from state to state. Although some states offer instant approval, a few states can make you wait from 7 to 60 days once you submit your application.
Here’s how long it takes to get med card in your state:
State | Expected Waiting Time |
California | Email approval the same day; printed card arrives in 3–5 days |
Connecticut | Digital card usually comes within a month |
Delaware | Physical card reaches most patients in roughly 45 days |
Georgia | Card is usually mailed within about 10 business days |
Illinois | It can take up to 60 days for the digital card |
Iowa | Physical card is normally mailed within 30 days |
Louisiana | No physical card; your info is added to the pharmacy system within 24 hours |
Maine | Printed certificate arrives in about 3–5 business days |
Maryland | Physical card can take up to 90 days; a temporary form is available sooner |
Massachusetts | Most cards arrive in around 10 days; a temporary version is available right away |
Michigan | Card is typically mailed in about 15 days |
Minnesota | Approval email comes within about 30 days |
Missouri | Digital card is issued within about 30 business days |
Montana | Most cards arrive in roughly 30 days |
Nevada | Cards usually show up in around 10 days. Temporary card available meanwhile |
New Hampshire | Physical card is normally mailed within about 30 days |
New Jersey | Physical card arrives in around 10 days |
New York | Card is usually mailed in about 10 days but temporary digital ID is available instantly |
Ohio | Approval email arrives in 3 days. You can download the card after that |
Oklahoma | Physical card typically arrives in about 30 days |
Oregon | Temporary proof is available right away; physical card comes within about 30 days |
Pennsylvania | Most cards are delivered around 10 days after processing |
Rhode Island | First certificate arrives in 5–7 business days; final card takes 2–4 weeks |
Texas | No cards, your details are added to the state registry within 24 hours |
Utah | Card is usually mailed in about 15 days; minors may take longer (up to 90 days) |
Vermont | Physical card generally arrives within about 30 days |
Virginia | Card is mailed about 30 days after submitting the application |
Washington DC | Cards usually arrive in 10 days. Meanwhile evaluation certificate works temporarily |
West Virginia | Most cards take about 45 days to arrive |
What You Can Do to Avoid Delays
You can speed up your approval by taking a few small steps.
- Use a valid government ID.
- Make sure your name and address match the details on your state application.
- Upload clear and good-quality documents.
- Complete your telehealth visit as soon as you can.
- Keep an eye on your email so you don’t miss any messages from the state.
- Respond quickly if the state asks for any corrections.
How MedCert Speeds Up Patient Certification
MedCert has been providing online medical cannabis services in New York and Virginia since 2021. We make it easy for patients to get certified from the comfort of their home. For just $79, you can apply online and receive your certification by email on the same day.
We offer HIPAA-compliant service and 100% refund if your card is not approved. Not only that, we also ensure the fastest and cheapest path to medical cannabis certification in New York and Virginia.
Final Thoughts
The timeline to get a medical card depends on different factors such as type of card and quality of your application. In addition to this, each state has its own rules. Some states offer digital cards and others only mail physical ones.
An online visit to a telehealth care provider such as MedCert is the fastest way to get your cannabis card. It only takes a small consultation with a provider and most of the time, you get your card on the same day.
