How to Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Montana Step by Step

Montanans with qualifying diagnoses can obtain medical marijuana cards that grant them access to every dispensary in the state, the right to purchase products with higher THC content, and an exemption from the adult-use tax.

If you’re coping with the day-to-day side effects of a medical condition and/or suffering a diminished quality of life, medical marijuana may be able to help. Cannabis effectively manages the symptoms of several psychological and physiological disorders, allowing patients to enjoy their lives and achieve a higher level of daily functioning.

This article covers the program’s qualifications, its mandatory documentation, and the steps necessary to submit your application. Compiling a complete and accurate application will give you the strongest chance to procure a Montana MMJ card.

Step 1: Identify Your Qualifying Condition

While cannabis is not curative, it effectively reduces the intensity and persistence of the symptoms of many debilitating medical conditions. Medical marijuana could help you regain the ability to engage in your life by managing debilitating symptoms that resist many conventional interventions.

Montana physicians can only issue a certification for medical marijuana to patients with a diagnosed condition from the state-approved list. The qualifying medical conditions under Montana medical marijuana law include:

Agitation related to Alzheimer’s disease
Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Cancer
Central nervous system disorder resulting in chronic and painful spasticity or muscle spasms
Crohn’s disease
Epilepsy or an intractable seizure disorder
Glaucoma

HIV/AIDS
Hospice care
Intractable nausea or vomiting
Multiple sclerosis
Painful peripheral neuropathy
Severe chronic pain that significantly interferes with daily activities
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Step 2: Meet with A Licensed Physician

As a prospective medical marijuana patient, the next step is meeting with a medical or osteopathic doctor licensed to practice in Montana. They will take a look at your medical records and conduct a brief examination to confirm your diagnosis qualifies you for medical cannabis treatment.

The appointment will be like a typical doctor's visit. It can be an in-person or telemedicine consultation. Medical marijuana doctors are experienced and compassionate providers who understand and believe in the benefits of cannabis.

Be forthcoming and comprehensive about how your condition impacts your day-to-day life. Ask any questions you may have about the benefits, risks, and proper dosing of marijuana. Providing your complete health history and medication list will help rule out a possible contraindication with cannabis.

If they deem you eligible for medical marijuana treatment, your treating physician will give you a physician statement to submit as part of your application.

Step 3: Compile Your Paperwork

You will then create an online account to apply for the registry. Montana only accepts electronic application forms. The following documentation is necessary for all applications:

A Current Passport-Style Photograph: The image must be in color, taken in front of a plain, neutral-colored background, and less than six months old. This photo will appear on your registry card.
Proof of Residency: You must upload a copy of your Montana driver’s license, Montana state or tribal identification card, voter registration form, or Montana hunting or fishing license to prove you’re a Montana resident.
Physician Statement: The form must be completed by a licensed Montana physician and dated within 60 days of your application submission. Do not alter the completed form in any way.

Ensure all digital copies are clear when uploading them to your online account. Distorted or unclear images will delay your approval for a Montana medical card by requiring correction and resubmission.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

The online portal will guide you through each step of the application. You will enter your legal name, social security number, permanent and mailing addresses, and the referring physician’s information.

Review each section of your application after you complete the demographic information and upload the required documents. Ensure each required field is filled in and correct. Inaccuracies and omissions will delay your approval.

Your application for an MMJ ID card will be accepted for review upon your submission of the application fee. New and replacement cards are $20. You can pay online using credit, debit, or an ACH. The state also accepts payment by check or money order payable to the Montana Department of Revenue at PO Box 5835, Helena, MT 59604.

Note that minors (applicants under 18 years of age) must appoint a designated caregiver (typically a parent or legal guardian), who must submit their own application.

Step 5: Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card

Following your approval by the state of Montana, you will have immediate access to a temporary medical cannabis card that is valid for 60 days. A physical card issued by the Montana Medical Marijuana Program will arrive at your mailing address within two to four weeks.

Registry cards expire one year from their date of issuance. You must notify the state within ten days if your name, permanent address, mailing address, referring physician, or qualifying diagnosis changes.

Registered cardholders can shop at any recreational or medical dispensary in Montana, where they can buy cannabis products such as edibles, concentrates, and tinctures, as well as CBD-infused items. You must present the card during your visits to access the medical menu.

Need Help Obtaining A Montana Medical Marijuana Card?

The Sanctuary can guide you through the Montana application process. If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact us to review the program requirements and qualifying diagnoses. Our caring staff will answer your questions and connect you with a skilled medical marijuana doctor who can issue a Physician Statement.

Once certified, we can advise you about the online application process and required documents to ensure you submit a strong application. Working together, we can secure your right to manage symptoms with medical marijuana as quickly as possible.