After medical marijuana legalization in Maryland , one of the issues at the forefront of public debate is zoning for medical cannabis businesses. While some community members want special zoning requirements, members of the medical marijuana business community disagree that new guidelines are needed. This video examines the dispute.

Medical cannabis business owners want to see their locations governed by the same regulations that govern drug stores and hospitals. By stressing that their legal marijuana businesses fulfill medical needs, business owners hope to win over community members who are nervous about dispensary locations. People opening a marijuana business should work closely with their attorney to find the right location within the current zoning requirements.

Medical cannabis in Maryland allows qualifying patients to use medicinal marijuana as part of their treatment plans for a wide number of conditions. If you are considering entering the cannabis business in Maryland, whether through growing marijuana or as a dispensary, understanding and adhering to patient guidelines will be an important part of your operations. Eligibility will also play a large role in determining the size of your customer base. Here is a look at current eligibility guidelines for medical marijuana access.

Maryland Residency
To prevent cross-border transport of medical marijuana originating in Maryland, all patients must be able to prove their Maryland residency. Patients must have either a valid state-issued ID or a photo ID, such as passport, with another piece of identification that proves their residency, such as bank statement or utility bill.

Written Certification from a Doctor
Anyone applying for medical marijuana access must have written documentation from a doctor recommending him or her for alternative medical care. The doctor providing the documentation must be licensed by the state to recommend medical marijuana. Patients are encouraged to obtain this documentation from a provider with whom they have a long-term relationship, if possible. If it is necessary to see a new provider, patients should be able to provide their medication records for review. To receive documentation from a doctor, patients must have a chronic or debilitating condition that requires hospice or palliative care or a chronic or debilitating condition that causes severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, anorexia, wasting syndrome, or cachexia.

Access Card
All patients who seek to purchase medical marijuana must have a state medical card. To obtain a card, patients must submit an application to the appropriate state agency for review and provide all necessary supporting documentation. Once the state has issues a medical marijuana card, patients are then eligible to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.