About The Program
The Missouri Medical Marijuana Program is stricter than most other state programs. Missouri requires a bona fide physician-patient relationship, with documentation of comprehensive care. This may include blood or urine testing, other diagnostic testing, review of medical records, an in-person physical exam, or a telemedicine exam and history. The certifying exam cannot be billed to insurance. The comprehensive documentation for good medical care, i.e. the workup prior to the certifying exam and all regular medical care, can be billed to insurance.
The best way to receive comprehensive care while using medical cannabis is to establish a bona fide relationship with a Missouri medical physician. Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain medical marijuana from dispensaries or can grow limited marijuana plants for their own consumption as allowed by Missouri law. Keep in mind that recreational or casual marijuana use is strictly prohibited and is disqualifying.
Missouri FAQs
On Nov. 6, 2018, Missouri voters approved Amendment 2 to permit state-licensed physicians to recommend marijuana for medical purposes to patients with serious illnesses and medical conditions. These FAQs are intended to provide clarifying information about Amendment 2 until applicable rules and regulations can be developed and implemented, which will be no later than June 4, 2019.
Can I legally possess medical marijuana now?
No. While the Department understands that Missourians are anticipating this form of therapy, Amendment 2 requires a series of steps be executed before medical marijuana is made available.
When will medical marijuana be available?
The Department will begin accepting applications for cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensing facilities on Aug. 3, 2019, and we anticipate medical marijuana may be available for purchase as early as January 2020.
How do I get medical marijuana?
Step 1: You must visit a state-licensed physician (not a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant) to obtain a physician certification.
Step 2: Apply for an identification card from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (starting July 4, 2019).
Step 3: Once your application is approved and you receive your identification card, purchase medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary.
Will I be able to go to the pharmacy to fill my medical marijuana?
No, only a Missouri licensed dispensary facility.
Can someone with an out-of-state medical marijuana card or a physician certification possess medical marijuana in Missouri on December 6?
No. The reason is that while the possession is technically allowed, there will be no marijuana available for legal possession. There will not yet be any licensed dispensary facilities to purchase marijuana from; cultivation identification cards will not yet have been issued; and transportation of marijuana into Missouri from another state or purchase of marijuana from street dealers is prohibited under state and federal law.
Can anyone other than a state-licensed physician provide a physician certification?
No.
What conditions qualify?
- 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 disorder, 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 medication 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
- Any terminal illness
- 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 I have a qualifying condition, how do I apply?
After you have a physician certification, you can apply with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. An application form is being developed and will be available online no later than June 4, 2019.
When can I apply for my identification card?
Application forms and application instructions will be available to qualified patients and their primary caregivers no later than June 4, 2019. The department will begin to accept applications on July 4, 2019. The Department anticipates an online application process.
When will I receive my identification card?
Within 30 days of application, if your application is approved.
What is a primary caregiver?
Someone who is twenty-one (21) years of age or older;r esponsible for managing the well-being of a Qualified Patient; and designated on the primary caregiver’s application for an identification card or in other written notification to the Department.
How much does an identification card cost?
$25, initially. Approved payment methods are to-be-determined.
Will I be allowed to grow my own marijuana plants for medical use?
Yes, with the appropriate identification card and in an appropriately secured facility.
Can I visit a doctor now to obtain certification for my qualifying condition?
Any physician certification you receive for medical marijuana must be no more than thirty days old at the time you apply for a patient identification card, and DHSS will not begin accepting patient identification cards until July 4, 2019.
