In Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, a caregiver is simply an adult who has been approved by the Department of Health to help a patient access and use their medicine. To qualify, the caregiver must live in Pennsylvania, be at least twenty‑one years old unless the Department makes an exception, and pass a criminal background check. Certain recent convictions related to controlled substances will prevent someone from being approved.
A caregiver can be a parent, legal guardian, spouse, family member, or another trusted adult chosen by the patient. For minors, having a caregiver is required, and for patients who are homebound or disabled, caregivers make it possible to pick up products from dispensaries on their behalf.
Once registered, caregivers receive an ID card that allows them to purchase medical marijuana in approved forms such as oils, tinctures, creams, pills, or vaporization products. They are responsible for following program rules and ensuring the patient’s safety. One caregiver can serve up to five patients if each patient designates them in the registry.