Find Out if You Qualify for Missouri Medical Marijuana

Suppose you’re a Missouri resident considering applying for an MMJ card or a current out-of-state cardholder looking to move to the state. In that case, you can take steps to secure your medical marijuana card online. The Missouri medical marijuana card process can be done online from the convenience of your home.

You will first need to obtain a recommendation and signed certification from a licensed physician that you have a qualifying condition. Once certified by a medical professional, patients can go through the application process online, either through the state website or telehealth providers like Leafy DOC. Read on as we review the steps to apply for and renew your Missouri Medical Marijuana Card. 

Is Medical Weed Legal in the U.S.? 

Medical marijuana programs have been legalized in over two-thirds of the states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medical marijuana programs allow patients with specified conditions to own, grow and utilize cannabis products to aid in managing their condition, even if recreational cannabis users are not authorized.

Approved requirements vary by state, and many programs will require patience to apply for a medical cannabis card. This process will typically include a consultation and evaluation by a physician. A primary care provider can often suggest it for medical cannabis patients with long-term or chronic conditions.

The Road to MMJ Legalization in Missouri

• 2014: Missouri lawmakers amended the criminal code to reduce marijuana possession penalties with Senate Bill 491; CBD oil with low THC was legalized
• 2017: Kansas City amended local laws regarding the possession of up to thirty-five grams of marijuana for adults age 21 and older to a civil offense punishable by a 25 USD fine.
• 2018: Missouri residents passed Amendment 2 to legalize medical marijuana use by adults in the state. 
• 2020: The state began awarding licenses to dispensaries, labs, manufacturers, and growers; the first medical marijuana dispensary opened in Missouri

What are the benefits of Medical Cannabis?

Over fifty peer-reviewed medical studies have been conducted on the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis and its many cannabinoids and terpenes. The consensus that emerged from these studies is that cannabis can provide medical benefits for many different conditions.

While most of these studies have focused on the help of the specific cannabinoid CBD, other major and minor cannabinoids, in conjunction with terpenes, show significant promise in treating both physical and mental ailments.

Missouri Medical Marijuana Qualifications

A Missouri medical marijuana patient must be 18 or older to visit a medical marijuana dispensary. Only those with a valid state-issued driver’s license, Government ID can apply for a patient id number and a license for the medical marijuana program. A Missouri resident must also have medical history showing a qualifying medical condition diagnosis that allows medical marijuana doctors to recommend them as a patient that can legally obtain medical marijuana.

Qualifying Conditions in Missouri

Missouri residents with the following qualifying conditions can apply for patient registration and a Missouri medical card:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Any terminal illness
• Autism
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Persistent pain, Chronic pain/neuropathy
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS or an acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Huntington’s disease
• IBS (Inflammatory bowel disease)
• Intractable migraines
• Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Opioid substitution (physical or psychological dependence)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Persistent muscle spasms
• Post Traumatic Stress Order (PTSD)
• debilitating psychiatric disorders
• Tourette syndrome
• Sickle cell anemia
• Seizures
• In a physician’s professional judgment, any other chronic medical condition that may be alleviated by medical marijuana treatment can be included, especially when prescription medication has not been working.

Applying for an MMJ Card with Leafy DOC

There are a few steps for qualifying patients to get a medical marijuana card in Missouri with the help of Leafy DOC. First, you’ll select your state to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about the Missouri medical marijuana card process.

First, you’ll schedule your evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home. Submit an intake form with personal details and a summary of your medical records; then, we’ll help you book an on-demand telehealth appointment or schedule a convenient time for later.

An online recommendation with Leafy DOC starts at 149 USD for new patients and renewals in Missouri. If you are not approved, there is a money-back guarantee.

Connect with a licensed medical marijuana doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video. Our licensed physicians will evaluate your qualifying condition, address your questions and concerns, and provide the physician certification form if approved.

Log in to the Missouri Department of Health website at https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana/ and register as a patient using your medical marijuana certification from Leafy DOC and the required documents. After the state approves your registration, they will email you a downloadable patient I.D. card you can print. Once you have the MMJ card, you can visit Missouri dispensaries and purchase medicinal cannabis products.

Not only can Leafy DOC provide a way to see a doctor via telehealth and obtain your medical card, but we also offer access to knowledgeable and helpful customer support and a personalized health coach that can guide you before and after the MMJ card process. Our mission at Leafy DOC is to provide a seamless customer experience, educate people about cannabis, and ultimately help people get medical cards quickly and efficiently.

MMJ FAQs

Who approves medical marijuana licenses in Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) regulates the state’s medical marijuana program. They’re responsible for reviewing, approving, and monitoring the licensure process for all medical marijuana purchased.

How much MMJ can I buy in Missouri?

Registered patients can purchase four ounces of cannabis flower products every thirty days. This is equivalent to one ounce of dried, unprocessed marijuana, eight grams of cannabis concentrate, or 800mg of THC-infused products. 

I am not a qualifying patient. Can I grow marijuana?

Anyone with an approved consumer personal cultivation identification card, not just qualified patients, can cultivate cannabis plants for personal, non-commercial use within their residence.

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services began accepting applications for personal consumer cultivation on February 6, 2023. More information will be made available on their website- http://cannabis.mo.gov

Who can certify a qualifying patient for medical marijuana in Missouri?

Under the Missouri medical marijuana bill, qualifying patients may be certified by an MD, DO, or a licensed nurse practitioner.

Do I need proof of Missouri residency to apply for a Missouri medical marijuana patient ID?

Not anymore. The newly passed Missouri mmj laws no longer require proof of Missouri residency to complete the patient application process for medical cannabis.

What documentation is required to apply for a caregiver ID card?

Primary caregiver applications require a legible copy of the government-issued photo identification card, a digital photo in which the applicant’s face can be seen clearly, and either a patient authorization form or written consent of the legal guardian of a minor patient. The patient authorization form is available on their website-https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/patient-services.php

What documentation is required to apply for a patient MMJ card?

First, you’ll need a physician or nurse practitioner certification less than thirty days old. The healthcare provider must submit it on behalf of the qualifying patient. You’ll also need a legible copy of the qualifying patient’s government-issued photo identification card; and a digital photo in which the applicant’s face can be seen without filters, hats, sunglasses, etc.

How long are medical marijuana cards valid?

Patient and caregiver applications processed after December 8, 2022, are valid for three years. Any cards approved before that date are good for one year until renewal. After renewal, they will also be approved for three years.

How long are consumer cultivation cards valid?

Consumer cultivation applications processed after December 8, 2022, are valid for three years. Any cards approved before that date are good for one year until renewal. After renewal, they will also be approved for three years.

Are there Registration Fees in Missouri?

Registration fees for the Missouri medical marijuana program may be lowered or waived for some people, including those on supplemental security income, social security disability income, and any Missouri state veterans receiving treatment.

Once you’ve received your evaluation, you’ll have to pay an additional 25 USD fee for your medical marijuana application with Missouri’s Department of Health. If you’d like to grow your marijuana for medical use, there’s an additional 100 USD fee.

When Should I Renew my Medical Cannabis Card? 

It is recommended to renew around a month before the expiration date to have time to complete the renewal appointment and application. Missouri medical marijuana cards expire one year after the certification date on the physician’s recommendation. New cannabis I.D. cards are issued upon recertification approval. The MMJ renewal price is typically 25 USD annually.

How Can I Become a Primary Caregiver?

A primary caregiver is an adult over 21 who can legally purchase, transport, educate, and administer medical cannabis to medical marijuana patients with a valid medical card.

Over thirty states have legalized medical marijuana programs, allowing caregivers to assist qualified patients. In these locations, state legislation provides legal protection for the patient and the caregiver from criminal penalties. 

In Missouri, the caregiver and patient must be able to provide proof of residency with a valid driver’s license or I.D. card. The caregiver must be added to the patient’s medical cannabis application as the primary caregiver to purchase and possess medical marijuana for the patient. The cost of a caregiver application in Missouri is approximately 26 USD.

A qualified MMJ patient may have up to two registered caregivers who are at least 21 years old and are residents of Missouri. Caregivers are allowed to assist three patients at once.

Where can I buy Medical Marijuana in Missouri? 

Once registered for the Missouri Medical Cannabis program and received your I.D. card, you may wonder what’s next. There are a few ways to obtain legal, medical marijuana in Missouri as a qualified patient. 

Once you’ve received your medical marijuana card, you can purchase medicinal cannabis at licensed dispensaries. Most Missouri dispensaries offer various medical marijuana products, from dried buds to tinctures and topicals.