A guide to getting medical marijuana in Missouri
By Brandon Dunn
Missouri’s Medical Marijuana program is days away from beginning to accept applications from patients. But throughout the internet, misinformation, misunderstanding, and unanswered questions abound.
Even trusted Missouri news sources in every corner of the state have printed, or aired, incorrect or incomplete information. When discussing medical care, laws, and regulations, there isn’t a place for the largest traditional sources of information in the state to repeatedly jeopardize the compliance and access of Missouri residents seeking alternative therapies.
Greenway has worked with advocates, attorneys, and state agencies to answer some of the most common questions for Missouri patients looking to get a medical marijuana certification.
How do I know if I qualify?
While the common saying is that there are 9 qualifying conditions for patients that is a drastic oversimplification, several of the criteria listed encompass multiple conditions and are left purposefully open for your physician to interpret what they feel your best treatment options are. Individuals who suffer from any of more than 35 conditions may be eligible for certification by their medical professional.
- Cancer;
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Intractable migraines unresponsive to other treatment;
- A chronic medical condition that causes severe, persistent pain or persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and Tourette’s syndrome;
- Debilitating psychiatric disorders, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress order, if diagnosed by a state licensed psychiatrist;
- Human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
- A chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medications that could lead to physical or psychological dependence, when a physician determines that medical use of marijuana could be effective in treating that condition and would serve as a safer alternative to the prescription medication;
- A terminal illness; or
- In the professional judgment of a physician, any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition, including, but not limited to, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, autism, neuropathies, sickle cell anemia, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia, and wasting syndrome.
How do I get my Missouri patient license?
The Missouri Medical Marijuana program is open to Missouri residents who meet one of the qualifying conditions listed above, or feel that medical marijuana may benefit them in the treatment of a separate condition.
The first step is to consult your physician, specialist, or therapist. Be prepared to provide proof of residence. There are four ways to prove Missouri residency:
- a copy of a valid Missouri driver’s license
- a copy of a Missouri Identification Card,
- a copy of a current Missouri motor vehicle registration, or
- a copy of a recent Missouri utility bill.
It is best practice to come prepared with all available medical records and a list of all current prescriptions.
In instances where you no longer have a physician, or a physician doesn’t feel comfortable certifying new Missouri patients, there are other resources available to those seeking counsel about the benefits of medical cannabis and discussing whether or not certification is right for them.
In the case of a non-emancipated minor, the parent or legal guardian must provide written consent via the department’s dedicated form.
Patients will then complete the application and include the physician’s certification, in later months the certification will automatically be transmitted by the physician.
The physician certification must be no more than thirty days old at the time the patient submits the application to the state. If a patient requires more than the monthly purchase limit of medical marijuana, two physician certifications are required. The certifying physicians must specify an amount greater than four ounces per month.
Should the two certifying physicians disagree on an amount, the department will approve the lower of the two amounts specified.
How much does it cost to get my patient license?
A patient or caregiver applying for a license will be subject to a $25 fee. The license is good for 12 months.
Where can I purchase medical marijuana?
In Missouri, medical marijuana patients will only be permitted to purchase medicinal marijuana from a state licensed and inspected dispensary facility. However, no dispensary facility is expected to be licensed until the end of 2019, and as of now, no facility is expected to be able to sell medical marijuana until early 2020.
How much medical marijuana can I buy when dispensaries open?
A patient will be allowed to purchase 4 ounces of dried, unprocessed, medical marijuana in a 30 day period. 1 ounce of dried, unprocessed marijuana is equivalent to 8 grams of medical marijuana concentrate or 800 milligrams of THC contained in infused products.
Are there alternatives to dispensaries?
You won’t be able to go to your local pharmacy or grocer and purchase medical marijuana, but patients may elect to cultivate, or if unable to grow themselves, may designate a caregiver to grow medical marijuana for them. Patients who apply for a cultivation license must pay a $100 fee.
What is a caregiver?
A caregiver is defined by DHSS as an individual who is 21 years of age or older who is responsible for managing the well-being of a Qualified Patient; and has be designated on the primary caregiver’s application for an identification card or in other written notification to the department.
Can I still obtain a certification and patient license if I had a prior conviction for possession?
Yes. Previous convictions do not disqualify an individual from obtaining an identification card.
When you’re ready to apply, do so here.
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