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Medical marijuana is legal in Montana for patients who meet certain criteria. To possess and consume medical marijuana, patients must have a valid medical marijuana card. The state Department of Health and Human Services issues medical marijuana cards.
Registered cardholders may purchase up to 1 ounce of flower per day and up to 5 ounces of flower per month. In addition, patients can only use medical marijuana within their private residences. In public places, it is illegal to consume medical marijuana.
You must be a Montana resident and at least 18 years old to apply for a Montana medical marijuana card. A copy of your photo ID, as well as proof of residency and age, will be required. You'll also need documentation from your treating physician confirming that you have a qualifying medical condition. You can submit your application form online or by mail once you have gathered all of the required materials.
You can appoint a designated caregiver—usually one of your legal guardians—to submit your application and pay the application fee on your behalf if you are under the age of 18 or otherwise unable to do so yourself.
If you are granted a medical marijuana card in Montana, you will be able to purchase marijuana from any licensed dispensary in the state. For personal use, you will be able to grow up to four mature plants. It is important to note, however, that all of the requirements for obtaining a card are subject to change, so staying updated on any new regulations that may be implemented is critical.
Despite the state’s, marijuana legalization, public marijuana use is illegal in the state of Montana for both cardholders and recreational users. In addition, consuming cannabis on federal lands and within national parks can expose you to additional penalties due to the ongoing federal prohibition of cannabis.
You can consume marijuana in your home or other private residences with permission. Check lease or rental terms to verify landlords do not have a formal policy banning marijuana consumption. Public consumption is punished with a $50 fine.
You cannot legally drive under the influence of marijuana in Montana. Law enforcement officers are empowered to stop drivers on suspicion of impaired driving. If they believe a driver is under the influence of cannabis (including medical cannabis), they can transport them to a hospital for blood testing. A 5 ng/ml or higher THC level qualifies as a DUI.
First offenses are punished with one day to six months in prison and a fine between $300 and $1,000. Minimum penalties increase with each subsequent offense.
Medical marijuana is available in Montana for a variety of medical conditions. It's crucial to talk to your doctor about your symptoms because some chronic ones that don't respond to medical treatment may qualify you for Montana's medical marijuana program.
Some such conditions include:
If you live in Montana and want to start using medical marijuana, you'll need to find a qualified doctor who can provide you with a written certification.
Begin by going to the Montana Medical Association or American Medical Association's websites. Both of these organizations can assist you in locating a qualified physician to help you obtain your medical marijuana certification.
Make sure you choose a doctor who is licensed, an active member of the MMD, and who specializes in providing medical marijuana certifications to prospective patients.
Montana has 66 medical marijuana dispensaries and 378 adult-use recreational marijuana dispensaries. While medical dispensaries only serve patients, cardholders can shop at either type of dispensary. Locations include:
Calling ahead to ensure products are in stock, verify store hours, and learn purchase policies will save you time. The Montana Department of Revenue maintains a complete list of medical and adult-use dispensary locations.
Every patient must provide the following information on their application for a Montana medical marijuana card:
-Full name
-Birth date
-Physician's name
-Montana residential address
A copy of your driver's license or state ID, as well as a recent passport-style photograph, will be required. Finally, along with your application for an MMJ card, you must include an official medical marijuana recommendation from your physician.
You may be asked to provide additional medical records in order to complete the application process in some cases.
Severe chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer, wasting syndrome, cachexia, intractable nausea, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), painful peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system disorders, intractable seizure disorders, and epilepsy are among the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana treatment in Montana.
You must first meet with a licensed physician to discuss your condition and whether medical marijuana could be an effective treatment option for you. If your doctor believes you would benefit from medical marijuana, he or she will write you a recommendation.
You must see a licensed physician who has been approved by the state to certify patients for medical marijuana in order to become a certified medical marijuana patient in Montana. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services maintains a list of approved physicians.
In Montana, marijuana cards are only valid for one year from the date of issuance. Registered cardholders must visit their doctors to renew their cards every year, or they will lose their status as valid patients under state law.
Yes, as long as you live in the United States, you can apply for a Montana medical marijuana card. You will, however, need a current Montana ID or driver's license, as well as proof of Montana residency.
Montana residents with medical cannabis cards can visit one of the many dispensaries in the state. The Montana Medical Marijuana Program's website has a list of some of state-licensed dispensaries.
In Montana, medical cannabis products are legal in certain designated areas. Private residences, hospitals, and certain licensed businesses are examples of such areas. Marijuana cannot be smoked or consumed in public places, though, and using it while driving is prohibited.