Pennsylvania is a beautiful state in the United States, which is divided by the Appalachian Mountains. Based on the official 2010 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania is the 5th-most populous and 9th-most densely populated state in the country. It has a healthy economy and a stable healthcare industry, which includes the legal use of medical marijuana.

Medical marijuana is a rapidly growing industry not only in the state but in the entire country. As of 2019, there are already 33 states which established a medical marijuana program (MMP). If you want to become a medical cannabis caregiver, you must secure a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Medical Marijuana Caregiver

Under the Medical Marijuana Act passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in April 2016, a caregiver is an individual who is authorized to deliver medical marijuana to a patient holding a medical marijuana card in the state. Here are some of the responsibilities of a caregiver:

• Prepare the medical marijuana needs of his/her patient. The preparation may include measuring and grinding the marijuana, packing cannabis to a pipe, cooking with the weed, and rolling a cannabis cigarette
• Administer medical cannabis to his/her patient
• Transport or travel with his/her patient when going to a dispensary to purchase medical marijuana
• Independently buy and transport cannabis products for his/her patients
• Make sure his/her patients are safe while undergoing medical marijuana treatment
• Help ensure his/her patient is not violating provisions of the Act
• Monitor his/her patients’ supply of cannabis to ensure continuous treatment. Under the law, a patient should only store an amount of medical marijuana that is consumable in 30 days.

Restrictions of Marijuana Use under the Pennsylvania Act

As a medical marijuana caregiver, you must know the limitations of marijuana use of your patients to avoid committing a violation. Here are some things a patient should not do under the law:

• Driving under the influence of cannabis.
• Planting or cultivating marijuana at home.
• Selling or giving cannabis to another person.
• Possessing or smoking marijuana on the school campus or school bus.
• Using marijuana in public places.
• Consuming medical cannabis in the workplace.
• Buying marijuana-infused food and drinks.

Steps in Securing a Medical Cannabis Caregiver License

Before performing your duties as a caregiver, you should first secure a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania. Under the law, you must be at least 21 years old before you can get a license.

Furthermore, you can only care for up to five patients at a time.  Here are the steps you must follow in obtaining a card:

• Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Registry of Patients and Caregivers and register for the state’s MMP.
• Submit an identification card with your present address like a driver’s license or permit to show, you are a resident in the state
• Show proof that you have no previous criminal cases by completing a background check for criminal history
• Complete your registration by paying the MMP identification card fee
• Wait for the delivery of your card before starting your duty

As a medical marijuana caregiver, you will be responsible for ensuring the safety of your patients while undergoing treatment. You should, therefore, make sure you are capable of doing your job by completing the required training and securing a caregiver card from authorized agencies.