Medical Cannabis for Pennsylvania Veterans

Pennsylvania is home to over 730,000 veterans, making up approximately 6.9% of the state's adult population. Many of these service members grapple with service-related conditions such as PTSD, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injuries. For those seeking alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals, medical cannabis offers a legal and effective option within the Commonwealth.

Approximately 6 percent of Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program patients are veterans. Based on the Veterans Affairs reporting, 9 percent of the PA’s veterans (≈65,700) report using cannabis, with 40 percent of those (≈26,000) using it to treat medical issues.

Is Medical Cannabis Available for Veterans in Pennsylvania?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal for qualifying patients in Pennsylvania, including veterans. The state's program, established under the Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16) in 2016, provides access to medical cannabis for patients with serious medical conditions.

Unlike some states, Pennsylvania requires patients to obtain a physical medical marijuana ID card, which is scanned at dispensaries to verify eligibility . Patients must be certified by an approved practitioner and register with the state's Medical Marijuana Program.

Qualifying Conditions for Veterans in Pennsylvania

Veterans may qualify for medical cannabis if they have one or more of the following conditions:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic pain
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Cancer
• Anxiety disorders
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Neuropathies
• Parkinson’s disease
• Spastic and dyskinetic movement disorders
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

These conditions are among the 24 qualifying conditions recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Can VA Doctors Recommend Cannabis in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania veterans should be aware of the following regarding VA healthcare and medical cannabis:

• VA Physicians Cannot Recommend Cannabis: Due to federal regulations, VA doctors are prohibited from recommending or prescribing medical cannabis.
• VA Benefits Are Not Affected: Participation in Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program does not impact VA benefits.
• Open Communication Encouraged: Veterans are advised to discuss cannabis use with their VA providers to ensure coordinated care.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Medical cannabis costs are not covered by VA health insurance and must be paid by the patient.

How Can Veterans Get Certified for Medical Cannabis in Pennsylvania

Veterans can follow these steps to obtain medical cannabis certification:

1. Register Online: Create a profile with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program.
2. Consult with an Approved Physician: Schedule an appointment with a state-approved practitioner for evaluation.
3. Submit Required Documentation: Provide proof of a qualifying condition and veteran status (e.g., DD-214, military ID).
4. Pay the State Application Fee: Submit the $50 fee, which may be waived for those enrolled in assistance programs.
5. Receive Your Medical Marijuana ID Card: Upon approval, the physical card will be mailed to you.
6. Visit a Licensed Dispensary: Use your ID card to purchase medical cannabis products at authorized dispensaries.

Special Veteran Discount for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania

To honor the service of our fellow veterans, a deeply discounted medical cannabis certification appointment is available.

• Proof of Veteran Status Required: Acceptable documents include DD-214 (cross out your SSN before submitting), military ID, or veteran designation on a driver's license.
• Limited Availability: Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact customer support promptly to allow another veteran to take advantage of the opportunity.

FAQs for Pennsylvania Veterans

Can I get a medical cannabis card as a veteran in Pennsylvania? Yes, PA veterans with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana ID card by following the state's certification process.

Will the VA deny my benefits if I use cannabis? No, using medical cannabis in compliance with state law does not affect your VA benefits.

Can I still get opioids through the VA if I use cannabis? Yes, but it's important to inform your VA provider about your cannabis use to manage potential interactions.

How much THC is allowed in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania does not specify a THC limit; however, products must be obtained through state-licensed dispensaries.

How long does the certification process take? After completing the application and physician certification, it typically takes 7 to 14 days to receive your medical marijuana ID card.