{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-question-tags-template-js","path":"/question-tag/medical-marijuana/4","result":{"data":{"allQuestion":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Question_12597-markdown","title":"Can I renew my Illinois medical marijuana card?","slug":"can-i-renew-my-illinois-medical-marijuana-card","content":"**“I live outside Chicago and have had a medical marijuana card for help with the PTSD I developed as a first responder. When it expires later this year, do I have to apply for a medical card again, or is there some way to renew it more easily?”**\n\nNaoyuki\n\n_____________\n\n![iStock-1289597705-min.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1289597705_min_5f3b7e1219.jpg)\n\nThe answer is, yes, you can usually extend or renew your certification for medical weed. The Illinois Depart of Public Health (IDPH) has [a page on this topic](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/extending-your-registry-card.html). \n\nSo there are two types of renewals. The first is if you didn’t take a three-year medical marijuana card when you [first registered](https://hellomd.com/get-started) in the state. Then you can get a yearly incremental renewal without going through the process of being recommended for certification by an Illinois health practitioner. \n\nAnd if you don’t remember to renew, don’t worry. The [IDPH](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis.html) will send a courtesy email about your extension renewal about 45 days before expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card.\n\nBut if for some reason your registry card does expire, you’ll have to [apply for your medical marijuana card again](https://etk.icts.illinois.gov/etk-icts-prod/login.request.do). \n\nThe second type of renewal is if you have a three-year medical card and you’re coming to the end of its term. Again, you’ll get an email reminder that you need to renew about five months before the card’s expiry date.\n\nBut in this case, you’ll have to see your certifying health care professional for a new updated online certification as well as providing a new photo and additional documents. In this case you are starting from scratch.\n\nByrne Gleason\n\n_____________\n\n![iStock-1252417907-min.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1252417907_min_f15e985121.jpg)\n\nI don’t know if you have a caregiver who buys medical marijuana on your behalf, but if you do, you’ll have to renew their card at the same time.\n\nUnder Illinois law, you can have up to three caregivers certified to buy weed for you from a licensed state medical dispensary.\n\nTo [qualify for an Illinois patient-caregiver registry ID](https://www.verilife.com/il/illinois-medical-marijuana-info-for-patients-caregivers) you must be:\n\n- A resident of the state of Illinois during participation in the program\n- At least 21 years of age\n- A caregiver to only one qualifying patient\n\nBy the way, medical cannabis is a good choice for PTSD. There’s evidence to show it can [help with symptoms](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-5-marijuana-strains-to-help-relieve-ptsd-symptoms) that include anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, nightmares, and other debilitating symptoms. Good luck in getting your PTSD under control.\n\nLouise Thelma\n\n_____________\n\n![iStock-1129397827-min.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1129397827_min_5db4555664.jpg)\n\nWhether you are renewing an expired medical cannabis card or one that has reached the end of it’s three-year period, [HelloMD](https://illinois.hellomd.com/start) is a great way to get this done. Our [medical card certification process](https://hellomd.com/get-started/illinois) for Illinois residents legally entitled to buy weed for approved health purposes has proven to be fast, easy and cost effective. \n\nAfter providing some basic details about yourself online, you then have a telehealth consult with one of our Illinois practitioners who is thoroughly versed in the certification process. They’ll ask you questions about your medical history and answer any questions or concerns you may have, in a comfortable online process that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.\n\nYou would then apply for your card through the state’s [Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis.html). With the card, you’ll be able to buy the medical cannabis products you need through a state-licensed dispensary.\n\nGerrard Ludwig\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/14b42/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.jpg","srcSet":"/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/f836f/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.jpg 200w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/2244e/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.jpg 400w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/14b42/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.jpg 800w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/47498/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.jpg 1200w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/0e329/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.jpg 1600w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/208d9/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.jpg 6720w","srcWebp":"/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/58556/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/61e93/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.webp 200w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/1f5c5/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.webp 400w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/58556/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.webp 800w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/99238/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.webp 1200w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/7c22d/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.webp 1600w,\n/static/826f6295dd5bab9c47f7fb401f1f6e49/d4b3d/b4f5336a9f994b7a940cb620df0ee154.webp 6720w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Question_12595-markdown","title":"Can you legally grow medical marijuana in Illinois?","slug":"can-you-legally-grow-medical-marijuana-in-illinois","content":"**“I’ve been using medical cannabis for a while in Springfield, Illinois. Even with the tax break over rec use, I’m still paying a lot. Is it possible to grow my own weed?”**\n\nJack M.\n\n-----------\nYes you can with certain limitations. If you are a medical user — with an Illinois state [government-supplied medical card](https://hellomd.com/get-started) — you are able to grow up to five plants over five inches tall at a time. \n\n![iStock-1294464085-min.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1294464085_min_3680505ca0.jpg)\n\nBut not so for recreational or adult-use weed, which has been legal in the state since 2020, You can be [fined $200](https://www.illinoispolicy.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana-legalization-in-illinois/)  for growing five plants. And of course, if you grow more, you get more punishment by the law.\n\nEven as a medical marijuana user, you have other regulations you must observe. For example, you must be 21 years or older. You can only grow cannabis plants for personal use. The plants must be grown in a locked room, with no access to anyone under 21. \n\n![Untitled3.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled3_f0cc38cfe6.png)\n\nThey must be kept out of public view and grown with permission of the owner of the property (if it’s not yourself). A landlord can ban renters from growing cannabis on the property if the lease includes the ban in it. And renters can’t grow cannabis in federally subsidized housing. \n\nGiven the high cost of legal marijuana in Illinois, it makes sense to save where you can — especially if you have a green thumb.\n\nArnis B.\n\n--------------\n\nWhile legal weed is available to medical users and rec users in Chicago, you still need to be careful that you don’t step over the line, because the state is ready to be quite heavy-handed for [any infractions](https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/drugs/marijuana/2021/09/15/rules-on-illinois-recreational-and-medical-marijuana-use/5742988001/). \n\nAs a [certified medical marijuana user](https://hellomd.com/get-started/illinois), you can obtain up to 2.5 ounces, or 71 grams, of cannabis within a two-week period. It’s possible to get more if you need it and get a waiver through the state.\n\n![Visiting a medical marijuana dispensary](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_01_at_3_30_27_PM_67f70ef3cd.png)\n\nFor rec users, those over 21 can legally have up to 30g of weed, or up to 500g of THC (the cannabis ingredient that makes people high) in a cannabis-infused product, or up to 5g of marijuana concentrate, such as oils or medicated creams.\n\nIf you are found carrying more than 30g of cannabis but less than 100g, the police can charge you with a [class A misdemeanor](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073000050K5-4.5-55). It's also illegal for anyone, whether they use recreationally or medically, to consume within a car while it is on the road. Violation of that is also a class A misdemeanor. \n\n![Medical marijuana is a therapeutic medicine for millions of people](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_01_at_12_11_23_PM_3385580d9a.png)\n\nPossession of 100 to 500 grams is a [Class 4 felony](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073000050K5-4.5-45), which could be punished by a minimum sentence of one year and a maximum sentence of  three years, as well as a maximum fine of $25,000.\n\n[At the upper end of the scale](https://norml.org/laws/illinois-penalties/#:~:text=Pritzker%20signed%20The%20Cannabis%20Regulation,a%20%2Cmaximum%20fine%20of%20%242500), possession of more than 5,000 grams of marijuana is a Class 1 felony, punishable by going to prison for a minimum of four years and a maximum of 15, as well as getting hit by a fine of $25,000. \n\nGreer T.\n\n---------------\nThere are a lot of reasons you should [get your medical marijuana card in Illinois](https://hellomd.com/get-started/illinois), including being able to grow your own plants, getting a substantial tax break, and having a preferred status for purchasing if there is a cannabist shortage in the state.\n\n![Remote work can be hard on people  - cannabis may help lessen the stress and anxiety associated with it](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_01_at_1_14_29_PM_8e6715df7b.png)\n\nWhen seeking to get your medical card, look for a Telehealth provider such as [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/), which has a lot of experience getting people certified for medical marijuana use in the state - and it's all online. Their telehealth process, including a live video consultation with a qualified Illinois healthcare practitioner, is fast, easy, and cost-effective, and it will have you up and running — or growing — in no time.\n\nHarriet E.\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUBAgP/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABVNUN5YMyj//EAB0QAAECBwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEERIhIkH/2gAIAQEAAQUClzuHlXLy4DQ9j//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAR/9oACAEDAQE/Aaf/xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEP/aAAgBAgEBPwFJ/8QAGhAAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECERAhcf/aAAgBAQAGPwKimS6aHj//xAAbEAACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAhMUFREP/aAAgBAQABPyFA2D2Ox4zNPcNjpQwjkICXPz//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEFTP/8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBEx/9oACAEDAQE/EIQ//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAER/9oACAECAQE/ENUf/8QAHBABAQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITFBYXGh/9oACAEBAAE/ECQS1hx094pIStlHG884j7i9RKOWJWrpmLVXvP/Z","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/14b42/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/f836f/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.jpg 200w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/2244e/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.jpg 400w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/14b42/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.jpg 800w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/47498/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.jpg 1200w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/0e329/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.jpg 1600w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/21d0b/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.jpg 5184w","srcWebp":"/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/58556/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/61e93/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.webp 200w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/1f5c5/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.webp 400w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/58556/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.webp 800w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/99238/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.webp 1200w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/7c22d/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.webp 1600w,\n/static/bf3da559041c5e246ba885a3d134085f/5e947/ea68ca31135bc86fe45b104509107119.webp 5184w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Question_12593-markdown","title":"How do I find a medical marijuana doctor in Chicago?","slug":"how-do-i-find-a-medical-marijuana-doctor-in-chicago","content":"**“I’ve suffered from Crohn’s disease for a long time and want to try medical weed to treat its symptoms. How do I find a doctor who can prescribe cannabis for this condition in Chicago?”**\n\nAlexa H.\n\n-----------------------\n\nGood question. But first, you need to understand that doctors don’t prescribe medical cannabis. Instead, [they are asked to certify](https://www.verilife.com/il/patients-and-caregivers/talking-to-your-doctor) that you have one of the qualifying medical conditions to get your [medical marijuana card](https://hellomd.com/get-started/illinois/).\n\n![Untitled2.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled2_361fa2fe25.png)\n\nIn Chicago and elsewhere in the state, the Medical Cannabis Registry Program is administered by the [Illinois Department of Public Health (IDHP)](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis.html). The list of practitioners who can certify you is pretty broad. So you can go to your own physician to get certified, if they are up to date on the benefits of medical marijuana and willing to do this.\n\n[Health practitioners who can certify you](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/physician-information.html#:~:text=All%20qualifying%20patients%20who%20apply,doctor%20of%20medicine%20(MD)%20or) for a medical marijuana card include advanced practice registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, doctors of medicine (MDs), and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO).\n\n![Talk to a HelloMD practitioner online](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_01_at_2_25_14_PM_00d7303ec2.png)\n\nThere needs to be a bonafide healthcare provider-patient relationship between the two of you. The healthcare practitioner also has “responsibility for the ongoing care and treatment of the qualifying patient's debilitating condition.”\n\nTed B.\n\n--------------------\n\n![You need to get certified by a doctor to get your medical marijuana card](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_04_at_4_09_20_PM_d316f42934.png)\n\nAs stated, the process of [getting your medical marijuana card](https://hellomd.com/get-started)  in Chicago starts with obtaining your patient certificate from your healthcare practitioner, if you have one of the qualifying conditions.\n\nOnce certified, you need to complete the [patient portion of your medical marijuana application in Illinois](https://www.verilife.com/il/how-to-get-a-medical-cannabis-card-illinois). To do this you’ll also need:\n\n- A passport-style photo taken within the last 30 days by a smartphone or a professional photographer \n- A color copy of a current driver's license, state ID, or the photo page of a U.S. passport \n- A credit card to pay the online application fee\n\nAfter you’ve submitted your application you will receive a provisional letter that you can print out and use to buy medical cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary such as [Verilife](https://www.verilife.com/). The letter is valid for up to 90 days.\n\nOnce you have been approved to be part of the medical marijuana program in Chicago, you’ll receive a digital copy of your medical card that you can print out and use. Illinois no longer provides physical medical marijuana cards.\n\nIain J.\n\n--------------\n\nYou might also wonder why you need to get a medical marijuana card since it became possible to buy legal recreational weed in Chicago and all of Illinois in 2020. While that is true, before this, in 2013, Illinois became the 20th state to authorize a program for the cultivation and dispensing of cannabis for medical purposes—and this has some specific advantages for you.\n\nWith a medical cannabis card, you’ll be able to grow your own cannabis at home, and, if there’s a marijuana shortage, you’ll receive priority purchases. Also—and this is a big benefit—you won’t be charged the 34.75% adult-use tax. \n\n![Untitled3.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled3_f0cc38cfe6.png)\n\nI should also mention that while there is a wide range of healthcare professionals you can go to for medical marijuana certification, not all of them will be up to date on weed’s health benefits, or supportive of your decision to use it medically.\n\nThat’s why it’s a good idea to use a [certification process such as HelloMD’s](https://hellomd.com/get-started/illinois). Their practitioners are well-versed in cannabis benefits for all qualifying conditions in the state and will take the time needed to answer your questions and review your medical history. Another bonus is the process, including the live consultation, is done completely online, so you can get certified without leaving your home.\n\nRoy A.\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/14b42/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/f836f/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.jpg 200w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/2244e/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.jpg 400w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/14b42/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.jpg 800w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/47498/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/0e329/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.jpg 1600w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/a4951/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.jpg 6066w","srcWebp":"/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/58556/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/61e93/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.webp 200w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/1f5c5/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.webp 400w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/58556/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.webp 800w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/99238/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.webp 1200w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/7c22d/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.webp 1600w,\n/static/7df9808225a408c180b66b0378f061e7/99486/b135453cfffccbe4e7d462f2fa3990bf.webp 6066w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Question_12576-markdown","title":"Is marijuana legal in Pennsylvania?","slug":"is-marijuana-legal-in-pennsylvania","content":"**\"I live in Pennsylvania and wanted to know if I can legally purchase marijuana near me.\"**\n\nMargaret H.\n\n-----------------\n\n![Medical Marijuana card in the state of Pennsylvania](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_04_at_9_23_08_PM_21bdc43174.png)\n\nMedical marijuana is. Governor Wolf [legalized medical cannabis in the state](https://www.pa.gov/guides/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program/) in April 2016, and on February 15, 2018, it actually \nbecame available for patients at dispensaries across Pennsylvania — providing long-overdue medical relief to people with serious health problems.\n\nIt can be used here to treat conditions that include cancer, chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, opioid addiction, PTSD, and neuropathy (among others). [Getting a medical marijuana card](https://hellomd.com/get-started/pennsylvania/) involves: \n\n- Registering for the program through the Medical Marijuana Registry.\n- Having a physician certify that you suffer from one of the medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana.\n- Paying for a medical marijuana ID card.\n- Getting medical marijuana from an approved dispensary in Pennsylvania.\n\nHelloMD can help you get your [Pennsylvania medical cannabis certification](https://pennsylvania.hellomd.com/start) for only $149. The fast and straightforward process involves registering online, scheduling to meet a health practitioner virtually, and then getting advice from that practitioner who will help decide if you have a qualifying medical condition that allows you to order and use medical cannabis.\n\nIris S.\n\n-----------------------\n\n![A patient holds his medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_04_at_9_25_51_PM_cba7cebf7e.png)\n\n\nCurrently [“adult use” or “recreational use” of cannabis isn’t allowed in the state](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-are-the-pennsylvania-weed-dispensary-rules). If you buy and use weed illegally, or don’t follow the rules for buying and using medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, you could face fines or even jail time.\n\nThat said, there is a movement afoot to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, especially with the upcoming 2022 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race, where the issue is being brought front and center.\n\nFor example, in October 2021, a Republican state senator from central Pennsylvania and a Democratic state representative from West Philadelphia teamed up on a bill to make Pennsylvania the 19th state to [legalize recreational cannabis for adults](https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/weed-legalization-pennsylvania-republican-democratic-20211006.html). \n\nState Senator Mike Regan and State Representative Amen Brown said in a joint interview that they would hold public hearings to gather information and build support for the legislation.\n\nTraditionally, Democrats have pushed for legalized recreational cannabis, while most Republicans have resisted it, worrying about issues such as driving under the influence (DUI).\n\nRegan is the second senate Republican to support legalization legislation, following State Senator Dan Laughlin, a Republican from Erie who announced in February 2021 that he would co-sponsor legalization legislation with State Senator Sharif Street, a Philadelphia lawmaker. \n\nWhether or not this represents a shift in conservative thinking remains to be seen, since the House Republican caucus is still not in favor of recreational use legalization.\n\nBill K.\n\n---------------------\n![Pennsylvania requires a pharmacist to be on site in dispensaries,](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_04_at_9_28_51_PM_08e9205da4.png)\n\nWhile the regulations governing cannabis use in Pennsylvania are strict, it is also one of the few states that [require pharmacists onsite](https://hellomd.com/articles/pennsylvania-weed-map-guide-to-getting-safe-and-legal-weed) at medical cannabis dispensaries to educate staff and patients and help guide new users in making their selections.\n\nWhile Pennsylvania still has a no-edibles policy, there are a lot of different kinds of cannabis available to medical users, ranging from dry leaf, pills and extracts to topicals, tinctures, and patches.\n\nTo get access to legal, medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, you can meet virtually with a licensed professional through [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/), or in-person with a [Medical Marijuana-Approved Practitioner](https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Programs/Medical%20Marijuana/DOH%20Approved%20Practitioners.pdf) and sign up for Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program.\n\nDali C.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEAgX/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHoqfkYiwT/xAAaEAEAAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMRAAQS/9oACAEBAAEFAiWzZ/PPqrGO5YHFGn//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/AT//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEf/aAAgBAgEBPwGq/8QAHhAAAgEDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAhIxIUFRgZH/2gAIAQEABj8CiNsmDVVeDh9HJN7P/8QAGxAAAwACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIWExUZH/2gAIAQEAAT8hz+eS0M2u30iASYSqC0EpfRERF1T/2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEFAf/8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARUf/aAAgBAwEBPxABcsO3/8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIUH/2gAIAQIBAT8QcEWw/8QAHBABAQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAMXGBIVFh/9oACAEBAAE/EESgSqjUnOAGmdHl4PmMATY43C9QE6usNlS7lnHrEAQ2Jjtz/9k=","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/9472ad81f325a39ef338326af4c794cb/14b42/61c120e33cd0d9dea5a4a18030284926.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9472ad81f325a39ef338326af4c794cb/f836f/61c120e33cd0d9dea5a4a18030284926.jpg 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