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In Montana, adults can now buy cannabis from stores. But the state's medical marijuana program still offers big advantages for patients. If you are using cannabis to help you feel better, your biggest question is probably how to apply or renew a medical marijuana card in Montana.
The good news is that the process is surprisingly easy. It is handled by a group called the Cannabis Control Division (CCD). There are just two main things you need to do: get a special paper from a doctor and then fill out an application online.
This guide will show you every step in a simple way. We will cover how to get your first card and how to renew it each year. We will also show you how talking to a doctor online can make everything much faster and easier.
Why a Medical Card is Still a Great Choice in Montana
With cannabis available to any adult, you might ask if a medical card is still needed. For people using it for their health, the answer is a big yes! The medical program gives you special benefits that other people don't get.
Top Benefits of the Montana Medical Program
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You Pay a Lot Less in Taxes: When you have a medical card, you only pay a small 4% tax on your medicine. But, if you buy cannabis from a recreational store, the tax is much higher at 20%. Those savings can really add up and save you a lot of money.
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You Can Get Stronger Products: Sometimes, people with serious health problems need stronger medicine. Medical dispensaries are often allowed to sell products with more THC. This can be very important for helping patients feel better.
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You Can Buy and Have More: As a medical patient, you are allowed to buy and have more cannabis than a regular customer. This makes it easier to make sure you always have the medicine you need and don't have to run to the store as often.
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It Helps Young Adults: If you are between 18 and 20 years old, you cannot buy cannabis from a recreational store. A medical card is the only legal way for you to get the cannabis you need for your health.
How to Apply for Your First Montana Medical Marijuana Card
Getting your first medical card in Montana is an easy, two-step journey. First, you get a doctor's permission. Then, you fill out an application with the state online. Here is a simple guide on how to apply or renew a medical marijuana card in Montana.
Step 1: Get Your Signed Physician Statement
Before you can ask the state for a card, a doctor in Montana needs to agree that you have a health problem that qualifies. This permission slip from the doctor is called a Physician Statement.
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Set Up a Doctor's Visit Online: The easiest and most private way to talk to a doctor is with an online video call. This is called a telehealth appointment. It means you can have your doctor visit right from the comfort of your own home.
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Your Talk with the Doctor: During your online visit at The Kif, you will have a private chat with a friendly doctor. You can tell them about your health and how you feel. It's a great time to ask any questions and talk about how cannabis might help your specific medical conditions.
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Get Your Signed Paper: Once the doctor approves you, they will fill out and sign the official Physician Statement paper. You will need a copy of this signed paper for the next step.
A Note on Our Physician Consultations: We make this first step incredibly easy. Our telehealth platform is designed for Instant Approval during your appointment if you qualify. You can view our transparent and affordable pricing for new and renewal evaluations here.
Step 2: Submit Your Application on the State Portal
Once you have your signed Physician Statement, you are ready to apply. You will do this on Montana’s official website, which is called the TransAction Portal (TAP).
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Make an Account on the TAP Website: If it's your first time, you will need to create a new account on the state's website. It's quick and easy to do.
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Fill Out the Patient Application: After you log in, you will look for the cannabis section and start a new medical card application. Make sure you fill in all your information correctly.
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Upload Your Papers: You will need to upload a few things. You need a picture of your signed Physician Statement from the doctor. You also need a copy of your Montana driver’s license or ID card and a clear, simple photo of your face, like a school picture.
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Pay the Fee and Get Your Temporary Card: After you upload everything, you will pay the state's $20 fee. The best part is that as soon as you submit your application, you can print a temporary card right away! This temporary card is good for 60 days and lets you buy medicine immediately. Your real card will show up in the mail in about a month.
Don't Miss a Day: How to Renew a Medical Marijuana Card in Montana
Your Montana medical card is good for one year. To make sure you can always get your medicine, you have to renew your card every year. The good news is that the renewal process is very similar to when you first applied.
The Easy Annual Renewal Steps
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Get a New Doctor's Paper: Your doctor's permission is only good for one year. So, you will need to have another quick talk with a doctor to get a new, signed Physician Statement. An online telehealth visit is the fastest way to do this.
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Renew on the TAP Website: Log in to your account on the state's TAP website. You can start renewing your card up to two months before your old one expires. You will just choose the option to "Renew an Existing Card."
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Update Your Info and Pay: You will check that your information is still correct, upload your new Physician Statement, and pay the $20 renewal fee. This is the simple and effective way for how to apply or renew a medical marijuana card in Montana each year.
Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Montana
To get a medical card, a doctor has to agree that you have one of the health problems on the state's list.
The list of "debilitating medical conditions" includes:
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Cancer
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Glaucoma
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HIV/AIDS
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Wasting syndrome (also called cachexia)
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Severe chronic pain that makes it hard to do daily things
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Feeling sick or throwing up that won't go away
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Epilepsy or seizures that are hard to control
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Multiple sclerosis (MS)
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Crohn's disease
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Painful nerve problems
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A sickness that causes long-lasting, painful muscle spasms
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Being in hospice care
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You can see a more detailed list on our qualifying conditions page.
Start Your Path to Wellness in Montana
Understanding how to apply or renew a medical marijuana card in Montana is your key to all the great benefits of the state’s medical program. From saving a lot of money on taxes to being able to get more medicine, a medical card is a great choice for patients.
By getting a doctor's permission and using the state’s easy website, you can get safe, legal, and affordable access to the medicine you need.
If you are ready to get started or just want to learn more, you can explore our helpful medical marijuana card resources to begin your journey.
Montana Medical Marijuana Program FAQs
How much does the state charge for a card?
The state fee to apply for or renew your card is very low, only $20.
How long does it take to get approved?
You can print a temporary card and use it on the same day you apply online. Your real plastic card will be mailed to you and will arrive in about 30 days.
Do I have to stick to one store?
No, not anymore! As a patient, you can shop at any licensed medical dispensary in Montana. You are not tied to just one store.
Authoritative Sources:
Note: This content is for informational purposes only. Please consult these official state resources for the most current regulations and forms.
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Montana Department of Revenue, Cannabis Control Division: https://mtrevenue.gov/cannabis/
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Montana TransAction Portal (TAP) for Applications: https://tap.dor.mt.gov/
