How To Get A Missouri Medical Marijuana Card?

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66% of Missourians approved Amendment 2 on November 6, 2018, which legalized medical marijuana in the state of Missouri. The amendment established regulations on the sale, possession, and cultivation of marijuana, as well as a 4% tax that would be allocated to support services for military veterans.

Missouri has made significant progress in a relatively short period of time. In 2014, Senate Bill 491 reduced penalties for possessing up to 10 grams of marijuana. Initially, in July 2014, only CBD oil was allowed for patients with persistent seizures under the Medical Marijuana Bill.

Typically, the process of voting and implementing an MMJ program takes time. However, licensed sales for medical marijuana began in October 2020, followed swiftly by the legalization of recreational use in November 2022.

If you’re interested in learning more about Missouri’s MMJ program, this guide provides step-by-step instructions for applying for the MO medical card and addresses some frequently asked questions about the program. But before that, let’s first examine the cannabis laws in the state.

 

Missouri Medical Marijuana Laws

The state addressed the issue of possessing a small amount of cannabis by passing Senate Bill 491 in May 2014. However, the law didn’t come into effect until January 2017, guaranteeing that individuals would not be imprisoned for having less than 10 grams of marijuana. Nonetheless, this offense remained a minor misdemeanor with a potential fine of up to $500. Furthermore, a repeat offense could lead to a maximum prison sentence of one year. If someone was caught with more than 35 grams, they would face a felony charge and could be incarcerated for up to seven years.

The efforts to fully legalize marijuana in the state were successful, significantly improving the lives of marijuana users. In November 2022, Missouri voters approved Amendment 3, allowing individuals aged 21 and above to purchase and possess up to three ounces of marijuana.

Selling cannabis without the necessary license was considered a serious crime, punishable by up to four years of imprisonment. Similarly, cultivating cannabis without a medical marijuana (MMJ) card was illegal until the legalization of recreational marijuana. In the past, the penalties for growing any number of plants were equivalent to those for selling cannabis. However, adults are now allowed to cultivate up to six mature plants, six immature plants, and six plants under 14 inches tall in their private residences.

Despite these changes, it is important to note that obtaining a medical marijuana card still offers advantages. Discover the process of obtaining your card below.

 

How to Get a Missouri Medical Marijuana Card

The DHSS made significant efforts to ensure the program was operational right from the start. In October 2020, the sales of MMJ finally commenced, and individuals seeking to apply online must visit the DHSS website. It is worth noting that in order to confirm their state residency, applicants are required to provide one of the following identification documents:

A valid Missouri driver’s license
A valid Missouri I.D. card
A current Missouri motor vehicle registration
A recent Missouri utility bill.

 

Step 1 – Get in Touch with an MO Healthcare Provider & Schedule a Consultation

When a state newly legalizes MMJ, it can take a long time for the program to start functioning. Nonetheless, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has provided clear instructions on the necessary steps to expedite the process.

The first step is to schedule an appointment with a licensed MD or DO who is in good standing in Missouri. During the consultation, the physician will review your medical records and ask relevant questions to determine if you are eligible for MMJ.

In most instances, you will need to complete the Standard Physician Certification Form. However, if you require a higher monthly dosage, you must fill out the Alternative Physician Certification Form. This form needs to be completed by two different doctors, and you must submit two copies. If the recommended dosages on the forms differ, you are entitled to the lower dosage. Minors are required to complete a Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form.

 

Step 2 – Sign up for a Missouri MMJ Program Online

To enroll, utilize the Registry Portal on the internet. Then, select the option labeled Patient/Caregiver Application Registration. It’s probable that you’ll receive a notification about leaving the main website. Grant permission by clicking yes, and you’ll successfully join the registry. It’s important to remember that the DHSS exclusively accepts fully filled-out applications submitted through the registry.

 

 

Step 3 – Complete Your Missouri Medical Marijuana Card Application

To ensure compliance, you must submit your application within 30 days after receiving your physician’s recommendation. Access the Registry Portal, where you can find the options Create Application and New Patient Registration. The evaluation process by the DHSS will take about 30 days, and they will process the forms in the order they are received.

In case the DHSS finds any errors or incomplete information in your form, they will send you an email requesting corrections. You will have a period of ten days to make the necessary changes; otherwise, your application will be rejected. Upon approval, you will receive an email containing a patient ID, which you can print out. This patient ID serves as the sole proof required, as the Missouri MMJ program does not issue physical cards.

 

Step 4 – Visit a Dispensary

After obtaining your patient ID number, you are at liberty to go to any of the increasing count of dispensaries in Missouri.

 

Who Can Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in MO?

To apply for a medical marijuana card in MO, you need to be a resident who is 18 years old or older. Additionally, you must have a qualifying condition, and we provide a list of these conditions below.

 

Cost of Missouri Medical Marijuana Card

In Missouri, the total expense for a medical marijuana card consists of a $27.76 application fee, which is applicable to both patients and caregivers. The card remains valid for one year, and to renew it, the fee remains $27.76. In addition, there is an additional charge of $110.99 for individuals who wish to cultivate cannabis. The typical cost range for a consultation in Missouri is approximately $99 to $200.

 

MO MMJ Card Qualifying Conditions

The qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in MO consist of:

Cancer
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Intractable migraines that are unresponsive to other treatments
HIV/AIDS
Severe or persistent pain/muscle spasms, including those associated with multiple sclerosis, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and Tourette’s syndrome
Psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD
A chronic medical condition typically treated with prescription medication that may lead to physical or psychological dependence. In such cases, a physician determines that medical marijuana could be beneficial and safer than a prescription drug.
Any terminal illness
ALS
Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn’s disease
Huntington’s disease
Sickle cell anemia
Autism
Agitation caused by Alzheimer’s disease
Neuropathies
Cachexia and wasting syndrome
Additionally, based on a doctor’s professional judgment, any chronic, debilitating, or other medical condition, including hepatitis C, may also qualify.

Missouri residents have been fortunate in several aspects. They had two alternative choices to Amendment 2, and if either had been approved, the number of qualifying conditions would have been significantly restricted.

 

Also Read: How To Renew Your Missouri Medical Marijuana Card Online?

 

 

FAQ

Can minors apply for a Missouri medical marijuana card?

Yes, minors who have a qualifying condition can apply for a Missouri medical marijuana card. However, they require a parent or legal guardian to serve as their primary caregiver and oversee their medical marijuana use.

 

How long does it take to receive a Missouri medical marijuana card?

Once your application is submitted to the DHSS, it may take several weeks for them to review and process it. The timeframe can vary, but typically it takes around 30 days to receive a medical marijuana card if your application is approved. It’s important to note that this timeframe can be longer during periods of high application volume.

 

Where can I use my Missouri medical marijuana card?

You may buy and consume medical marijuana from Missouri-licensed dispensaries if you have a current medical marijuana card. It’s critical to follow all state laws and rules and to consume medicinal marijuana only when advised to do so by your doctor.

 

Are there any restrictions or limitations on using medical marijuana in Missouri?

Yes, there are some limitations and restrictions. Only your authorized medical condition and the recommended dosage are permitted uses of medicinal marijuana. Operating a vehicle or other equipment while intoxicated with marijuana is prohibited. Additionally, it is not permitted to use marijuana in places where it is illegal in public.

 

Can I grow my own marijuana with a Missouri Medical Marijuana Card?

Yes, authorized patients may grow their own cannabis plants. The DHSS permits registered patients to cultivate up to six flowering plants and six non-flowering plants for their own personal medical use.

 

Conclusion

Patients can explore the advantages of medicinal marijuana with confidence and in compliance with state laws if they have a current Missouri medical marijuana card. Always put responsible use first and follow the instructions provided to guarantee a secure and productive therapeutic experience.