Missouri is the latest state in the U.S. that has legalized medical marijuana. Missouri residents voted in November 2018 to legalize medical cannabis. You can legally consume cannabis in Missouri only if you become a medical marijuana patient. You can find more information about Missouri medical marijuana patients and how to apply for the Missouri Medical Marijuana (MMJ) program below.
How To Be An MMJ Patient In Missouri?
Registration for a patient is easy
- Learn if you are eligible for medical marijuana treatment.
- Ask your physician for a recommendation.
- Register for your state-issued medical marijuana card.
You must be 18 years of age to apply for the medical marijuana program. Parents or guardians of minor children who require marijuana treatment (e.g., Dravet syndrome or epilepsy) must act as the child’s caregiver. A caregiver is defined by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as someone (21 years old or older) who manages the health and well-being of an MMJ-qualified patient. A Missouri medical marijuana card can only be issued to minor patients to their guardians or parent.
Am I Eligible For Cannabis Treatment?
These conditions are required for MMJ in Missouri:
- Any terminal illness
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Autism
- Chronic pain/neuropathy
- Crohn’s Disease
- Cancer
- Cachexia and wasting syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Huntington’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Intractable migraines
- IBS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Opioid replacement
- PTSD (or other debilitating mental disorders)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tourette syndrome
- Seizures
- Anemia due to sickle cell disease
Consultation With A Physician
First, schedule an appointment with a Missouri D.O. or M.D. to evaluate you. The consultation will include questions about you and a review of your medical records to determine if you are a suitable candidate for medical marijuana.
In most cases, the Standard Practitioner Certification Form will be required for documentation. You will need the Alternate Physician Certification Form to request a higher monthly dose. It would help if you also prepared to show proof of residency by bringing the following:
- A copy of the Missouri ID
- A copy of your valid driver’s license
- A copy of most recent utility bill
- A copy of the current motor vehicle registration.
(All documents must be issued in Missouri).
Two different doctors must complete two forms to become a patient. You can get a lower medical marijuana dosage if your doctors recommend it. Minor patients must complete a Parent/Legal Guardian Consent form.
You might ask the doctor these questions when you visit the doctor.
- How often and how much should I use it?
- What type of delivery should you consider?
- Can cannabis interact with prescription drugs or herbs I use?
- Do I need to use CBD strains with higher CBD?
- Do you have side effects?
Your medical cannabis doctor must know about any medications, supplements, or herbs you take so that they can evaluate side effects and potential interactions. Missouri residents with at least one qualifying condition on this list are eligible to apply for the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP).
Complete Your Application
You must submit your application within 30 days of receiving a doctor’s recommendation. Log in to the Portal. Click Create an Application and then click New Patient Registration. Within 30 days, the DHSS will finish its evaluation and process your forms according to their order. If you don’t complete the form correctly, they will send an email asking for corrections. Your application will be accepted if you make the necessary changes within ten days. After approval, you will receive an email with your patient’s I.D. The ID must be printed as you will need it for medical marijuana. Missouri does not issue physical I.D. cards.
A $25 fee will be charged to any caregiver or patient applying for a medical cannabis patient card. The license is valid for 12 months.
