Marijuana has proven effective in combating various medical conditions, so it’s increasingly gaining nationwide recognition. As of now, Washington D.C, Missouri, and more than 30 other states have legalized the use of medical marijuana. However, before a person can purchase medical marijuana in these states, including Missouri, you’ll need a medical marijuana card. Keep reading if you’re a Missouri resident interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card. This post will tell you everything you need to know about getting a Missouri medical marijuana card. We’ll also look into the various qualifying medical conditions and more. So let’s get started!
What Is A Medical Marijuana Card
A medical marijuana card is an identification card issued by the state to a patient that requires the use of medical marijuana to treat a medical condition. The card allows the patient with a doctor’s prescription to purchase, possess, and consume medical marijuana.
Why You Should Consider Getting A Medical Marijuana Card
Obtaining a medical marijuana card offers numerous benefits to a medical marijuana patient. Here are some of the reasons for getting a medical marijuana card.
Legal Protection
A Medical Marijuana card offers you legal protection against unlawful possession of a certain amount of medical Marijuana. With a medical marijuana card, you can avoid serious penalties and expensive fines for using or owning Medical Marijuana.
Medical Marijuana is Affordable
Purchasing recreational Marijuana is more expensive as it includes additional taxes and excise. If you’re a medical marijuana patient with a medical marijuana card, you’ll be exempted from paying additional taxes and excise on each marijuana purchase.
Access to Highly Potent Marijuana
Marijuana comes in various qualities and potencies, and for a patient looking for highly potent Marijuana, you can easily get them if you own a medical marijuana card. Recreational Marijuana has a potency limit which might not effectively relieve your symptoms. On the other hand, medical Marijuana has no potency limit, meaning once you have a medical marijuana card, you can purchase the highest potent marijuana at any marijuana dispensary in your state.
The Steps for Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri
Getting a medical marijuana card in Missouri can seem a little daunting at first, but it’s not too difficult. Here are the steps you need to take:
Check If You Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card
Before you apply for a medical marijuana card in Missouri, you need to have a qualifying medical condition, be a resident of Missouri, and be above 18 years or emancipated. For patients below 18, their parents or guardian is permitted to apply for the medical marijuana card on behalf of the underage patient. Also, you’ll need to tender some documents to prove that you’re a resident of Missouri. Some of these documents you can tender include; Missouri’s identification card, recent Missouri utility bill, Missouri’s vehicle registration, or Missouri’s driver’s license.
Some qualifying medical conditions include; cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Glaucoma, Migraines, Sickle cell anemia, HIV or AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other chronic conditions. However, confirm with your doctor if you have a qualifying medical condition.
Conduct an Evaluation and Get a Doctor’s Recommendation
Missouri requires a doctor’s evaluation and recommendation before applying for a medical marijuana card. The Medical Use of Marijuana Program must license your doctor because only a registered and licensed doctor can evaluate a patient for a medical marijuana card. The doctor will need to certify that you have one of the qualifying conditions and that you would benefit from using Medical Marijuana.
However, it would be best if you noted that not all doctors like to recommend medical Marijuana to their patients and might be reluctant to approve their patients for a medical marijuana card. Therefore make sure you reach out to a doctor that’s open to the idea of using Medical Marijuana. If you’re contacting a doctor unfamiliar with your medical records, you’ll need to provide evidence that you have a qualifying condition. Once you’ve been evaluated, you’ll be notified of your doctor’s recommendation within a couple of days.
Fill Out The Application
When you have your doctor’s recommendation, you can apply for a medical marijuana card through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You can find the application online at the Missouri state’s website (medicalmarijuana.mo.gov.) or your local Department of Health and Senior Services office. Endeavor to complete the form within 30 days of receiving your doctor’s recommendation. Once that is done, submit your application and other required documents and await approval from the Department of Health and Senior Services.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card
If your application is successful, you’ll receive an approval mail and your medical marijuana card in a few weeks.
In conclusion, remember that the requirements and procedures for getting a medical marijuana card can be modified at any time. Hence, it’s always best to check with the state government to stay up-to-date. Also, note that you’ll be charged application and processing fees, which often range between $25 and $100.