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Montana Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions

Medical marijuana is life-changing for many individuals whose debilitating medical conditions diminish their quality of life and alter their ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Cannabis effectively alleviates the symptoms of many physical and psychological conditions that respond poorly to traditional care.

For others, medical marijuana effectively controls the side effects of conventional interventions used to manage their illnesses. While the body of research surrounding medical marijuana continues to grow, many states agree that cannabis provides effective symptom relief without serious adverse side effects and minimal risk of dependence when used consistently with a doctor's recommendation.

The Montana Department of Health only issues medicinal marijuana cards to patients with a state-approved qualifying medical condition that’s been recognized by a licensed physician. This article discusses those qualifying conditions and how cannabis can help address them.

Familiarizing yourself with the accepted uses of adult-use cannabis will prepare you for a discussion with a qualified medical marijuana doctor, and educating yourself about the application process for obtaining a medical cannabis card in Montana will enable you to adhere to state laws and submit a strong application.

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1: Crohn’s Disease

Crohn's disease is a disorder in which intestinal inflammation causes pain, cramping, bloating, and other gastric symptoms. Many individuals cannot maintain a healthy weight due to nausea and loss of appetite. The unpredictability of the symptoms can leave patients stressed and overwhelmed.

Cannabis is an effective pain manager whose anti-inflammatory properties may help manage the frequency and severity of flare-ups. It can also improve nutritional intake by easing nausea and stimulating appetite.

2: Cancer

Cancer, and the radiation and chemotherapy used as treatments, can cause neuropathic pain, nausea, loss of appetite, depression, and anxiety. These conditions jeopardize recovery by making it difficult to comply with treatment and maintain body composition.

Medical marijuana quells nausea and stimulates appetite, helping patients with cancer take in more calories to maintain their strength. Cannabis effectively mutes nerve pain to enhance the overall quality of life. Some patients rely on marijuana to manage depression and anxiety symptoms stemming from the uncertainty of their diagnosis.

3: Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms result from contracture, usually due to a neurological condition or severe injury. The resulting tension and inflammation lead to widespread and debilitating pain that makes it difficult to function.

The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of medical marijuana ease spasms, allowing improved functional ability. Sativa strains, which have higher CBD than THC content, are most recommended for spasms because they cause a "body high" that eases physical symptoms.

4: Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can result from a medical condition, nerve damage, or as a long-term side effect of surgery or traumatic injury. The opioid medications often prescribed for pain carry a high risk of dependence, multiple adverse physical side effects, and can alter cognitive ability.

Medical marijuana effectively mutes pain signals from traveling across the nervous system, masking chronic pain that can make normal daily activities difficult. For many people, cannabis has milder side effects than conventional medication and a lower risk of dependence.

5: PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder results from overstimulation of the brain's danger response. Individuals with PTSD experience a hyper-state of arousal they cannot escape. This taxes the body, causes anxiety and depression, disrupts sleep, and makes it hard to engage in day-to-day life.

Many patients turn to medical marijuana for its calming effects. Cannabis can ease tension and lower anxiety, combatting the symptoms of PTSD. The treatment is a viable alternative to anti-depressants and medications prescribed to manage the disorder, which are ineffective for some individuals.

Full List of Montana Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions

Under Montana medical marijuana laws, Montana healthcare providers can only recommend medical marijuana to Montana residents with at least one of the following diagnoses:

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

It’s important to remember that cannabis is not a treatment for any disease or disorder. Marijuana helps with symptom management.

Don’t Have A Qualifying Condition on This List

Considering the ability of marijuana to manage many symptoms, it is a viable option for many patients with diminished quality of life. If you are unsure whether your diagnosis qualifies you for an MMJ ID card in the state of Montana, the Sanctuary can help.

While Montana has a narrow list of approved conditions, several disorders fall within the broader categories. Our team can answer your questions about eligibility and connect you with a qualified medical marijuana doctor who can issue a Physician Statement if appropriate. As a qualifying patient, you can then use that statement to apply to join the Montana Medical Marijuana Program and become a registered cardholder.

We can help you obtain an MMJ card as speedily as possible so that you and/or your caregiver can begin visiting licensed dispensaries and purchasing medical cannabis products such as edibles, concentrates, tinctures, and topicals as an official medical marijuana patient.