Missouri’s Medical Marijuana program is in full swing. Currently, there are nearly 200,000 licensed patients in the state.
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.
Patients Magazine 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.
If you meet one or more qualifying conditions contact your healthcare professional to discuss obtaining a physician certification. You can download the certification form here.
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.
You may consult your current physician or psychiatrist to obtain medical certification for a Missouri Medical Marijuana card, but for those without a current primary healthcare provider or whose provider may be unwilling or unable to write a certification, you may contact any of the statewide cannabis certification clinics or choose a telehealth provider.
When visiting you provider please remember to have them fill out the Physician Certification Form to be included with your application when applying. Minor patients will need to include a copy of the Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form as well.
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.
Once you’ve received your certification from your health care provider you will need to submit an application to DHSS.
You can do that now, by clicking here.
Before you submit your application ensure you have everything you need by checking the checklist below:
- Identifying information: name, date of birth, social security number;
- Residence address, mailing address or place where you can receive mail;
- Proof of Missouri residency: a copy of a valid Missouri driver’s license, a Missouri Identification Card, a current Missouri motor vehicle registration, or a recent Missouri utility bill;
- E-mail address;
- A completed Physician Certification Form
- A legible copy of your photo identification issued by a state or federal government entity;
- A clear, color photo of your face taken within the prior three (3) months;
- Optionally, a statement indicating whether the qualifying patient is currently receiving assistance from any Missouri programs for low-income individuals, and if so, which programs; This will ensure your ability to participate in lower-cost programs and receive income-based discounts at most dispensary facilities
- Signature and date of the application
- All applicable fees
- For minors and non-emancipated patients, a copy of the Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form
For those seeking to cultivate, you will also need to include an attestation and an additional fee.
Patients who will have a caregiver should submit the Patient Authorization Form, if your caregiver is cultivating on your behalf you will also need to complete the attestation and submit an additional fee.
Once approved you may access your Patient or Caregiver Identification (ID) Card via your Missouri Medical Marijuana Program Registry account (MMMP).
Registered patients and caregivers are required to have their ID card available when purchasing or in possession of medical marijuana.
- Log into your MMMP Registry account at mo-public.mycomplia.com
- ID cards for approved licenses can be accessed from the homepage by going to the “ACTIONS” column to the far right of the screen.
- Click on the button underneath “ACTIONS”
- Select “DOWNLOAD LICENSE”
- Save a copy of your digital ID card to your device.
- Print a physical copy to keep on with you.
The Department of Health and Senior Services will not be providing physical cards.
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 are only permitted to purchase medicinal marijuana from a state-licensed and inspected dispensary facility, or from their designated caregiver if they have a cultivation license but have elected not to grow for themselves.
How much medical marijuana can I buy when dispensaries open? A patient is 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 an additional 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 been 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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