Missouri decriminalized the use of marijuana in 2014. As per Senate Bill 491, first-time possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana is a non-imprisonable offense. The bill has also reduced the punishment for sale and cultivation. However, the proper framework for a comprehensive medical marijuana program was implemented in November 2018. Since then, getting a medical card online in Missouri has become comparatively simple. Below is the entire process and timeline for getting a medical marijuana card in Missouri:
Step 1
You need a physical certification from a state-licensed physician to get the card. A nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant certificate will not be considered valid. The physician will examine you, collect your medical history, do further tests if required and determine if you qualify for the card.
Step 2
You must submit your medical marijuana card application to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The application fee for the patient medical marijuana card and a caregiver card is $25.
Step 3
Once you get approved and receive your card, you can purchase the medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary or caregiver. You can also apply for a patient cultivation card if you want to grow your own medical marijuana. The fee for patient cultivation is $100.
How Long Does It Take To Get the Card?
If approved, you can get your card within 30 days of application. If your application is denied, the DHSS will inform you of the reason for your denial. You will then have ten days to change your application and resubmit. You will get your card immediately online if you get approved after resubmission.
Documents Required to Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card
You must bring a valid Missouri state ID when you visit the physician. If you have an out-of-state ID, you will also have to get a utility bill with the ID. You will be asked to share your medical history, answer questions about your current health, and fill out patient intake forms during your physician’s appointment before you are declared eligible for the card.
What are the Qualifying Conditions for the Medical Marijuana Card?
The qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Missouri, according to Amendment 2, are given below:
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Chronic Pain
- Intractable Migraines
- Cancer
- Chronic Muscle Spasms
- Hepatitis C
- Psychiatric Disorders
- AIDS or HIV
- ALS
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Tourette’s Syndrome (TS)
- Huntington’s Disease
- Neuropathy
- IBS
- Cachexia
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s
- Wasting Syndrome
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Any chronic medical condition for which medical marijuana is a safer treatment option than any other medication
How Much Marijuana Can I Possess After Getting the Medical Marijuana Card?
The Department of Health will set limits on the amounts of marijuana you can possess. The current possession limit permitted by a medical cannabis card in Missouri is up to 4 oz. every 30 days. If you need more than the permitted amount, you must get a recommendation from two physicians.
Benefits of Getting a Medical Marijuana Card
There are several benefits of getting a medical cannabis card in Missouri. Some of them are given below:
- It lets you purchase medical cannabis in the state legally
- You will have to pay just 4% tax on the products if you have a medical cannabis card
- You can grow up to 6 cannabis plants if you have a patient cultivation card
Becoming a Medical Marijuana Patient Caregiver
Some people may need help getting and administering medical cannabis to themselves. They typically hire a caregiver who can help them with medical marijuana. However, not everyone can become a caregiver. You must qualify to become a medical marijuana caregiver as well. The process of qualifying as a caregiver is similar to that of getting a medical marijuana card. When providing your information, you will have to provide the following details:
- Your name, social security number, and date of birth
- Your mailing address and proof of residence
- Your email address
- Your qualifying patient’s name and license number
- A valid government photo ID
If your qualifying patient is below 18 years, you will also have to prove that you are their parent or legal guardian. As a caregiver, you can administer medical cannabis to up to three people in Missouri.
Getting a medical marijuana qualification card is not very difficult in Missouri if you have one of the qualifying conditions and get certified by licensed physicians. Missouri Green Team can help you get your medical marijuana card without any hassles. We connect you to doctors online and get you access to several dispensaries.