How to Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri Step by Step
Medical marijuana is an effective treatment for an array of chronic and debilitating physical and emotional conditions. The evidence for its treatment value is so strong that 37 states, including Missouri, have robust medical cannabis programs.
If you or a loved one has a diminished quality of life due to an ongoing medical condition, cannabis can provide effective symptom management to improve day-to-day function. The available products are highly regulated to ensure their quality and safety.
You can obtain a medical marijuana patient certification form from a physician, submit an application to the state of Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and receive approval to purchase cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary (or for your caregiver to do so) within 30 days if you follow each step of the process correctly.
Schedule Your Appointment with A Missouri Medical Marijuana Doctor
Call or text us: (484) 346-5140
Step 1: Identify Your Qualifying Condition
You can only obtain a medical marijuana card if you have a qualifying medical condition recognized by the state. Eligible conditions include:
- Cancer
- Intractable migraines
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis or a chronic medical condition that causes severe, persistent pain or muscle spasms
- Epilepsy/seizure disorder
- Agitation due to Alzheimer’s disease
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Hepatitis C
- Huntington’s disease
- Neuropathies
- Autism
- Chronic pain
- Sickle cell anemia
- Glaucoma
- PTSD or a debilitating psychiatric disorder
- Any terminal illness
- HIV or AIDS
- Inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
In addition, Missouri considers any chronic or debilitating medical condition that a physician believes will benefit from cannabis or a condition that is normally treated with prescription medication that could lead to physical or psychological dependence as a qualifying condition.
A consultation with a medical marijuana doctor is worthwhile if you or a loved one have any chronic condition that persists despite conventional treatment and alters your quality of life.
Step 2: Meet with A Licensed Physician
Before you can apply for an MMJ card, you must receive a physician certification form from a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) who is medical marijuana cards licensed to practice in Missouri. The physician will confirm your qualifying condition and conduct an examination.
You and the doctor will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will ask you about your prescription medications to review potential interactions and contraindications. Together, you will review the risks and benefits of treating with medical marijuana. You can complete the consultation in person or via telemedicine.
If the doctor determines medical marijuana can successfully treat your condition, they will issue the certificate and submit it to the state electronically.
Step 3: Compile the Necessary Paperwork
Before you proceed with your application, you should confirm you have all the necessary supplemental documentation. Each item will need to be uploaded to your electronic application. All documents must be valid and legible. Improper documentation will result in the rejection of your application.
For proof of Missouri residency, you must provide one of the following as part of your state application:
- Valid Missouri driver’s license.
- Valid Missouri ID card.
- Current Missouri motor vehicle registration.
- Recent Missouri utility bill with your name and address.
You will also need to submit a clear color photo of your face that is less than 90 days old and a parental or legal guardian consent form if applying on behalf of a non-emancipated minor. Finally, the state may request additional medical records from you.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
As a qualifying patient, your new patient application to the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program must be submitted within 30 days of your physician’s certification. You must register for an account through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service's online portal. The state only accepts electronic applications.
Once established, the system will prompt you through the required fields of the application. First, you will link the electronic physician certification to your account. You'll then complete your demographic information and upload your supplemental documentation.
Then you’ll acknowledge the patient attestation, sign, and date the application. Finally, you’ll pay your $27.76 application fee via the patient portal and submit your application.
Step 5: Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card
The state issues approval or denial within 30 days of receiving your application. Missouri does not issue physical cannabis cards. Once approved, a digital card will be available in your online portal. You can download the card to display on your mobile device or print a copy.
You must display your card at each dispensary visit. Be sure to have your card anytime you possess marijuana outside of your home. Cards are valid for one year. You can apply for renewal beginning 60 days before the expiration date.
Need Help Obtaining A Missouri Medical Marijuana Card?
Submitting a complete and accurate application is the best way to obtain quick approval. Incomplete submissions must be revised within 10 days of notice to be approved. Applications with false or misleading information will receive outright rejections.
The Sanctuary can provide information about the qualifying conditions recognized by Missouri, connect you with an experienced medical marijuana doctor, and guide you through each step of the application process. Contact us today to learn more.