How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri [2024 Guide]
Missouri has incrementally passed cannabis reform over the past decade. In 2014, the state decriminalized cannabis, then passed medical regulations in 2018. Medical cannabis sales began in October 2020, allowing qualified cardholders to participate in the market.
Adult-use was passed by voters in late 2022 with the passage of Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment. Recreational sales began shortly after and the sales numbers are phenomenal. In the first month of legal sales, over $70 million in recreational products flew off the shelves, with another $30 million in medical sales.
Keep scrolling to find out how to get a medical card in Missouri and other important information.
How Do I Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Missouri?
Applicants can get their Missouri medical card online through the state's medical cannabis portal:
- Meet with a state-licensed MD or DO to determine if you meet the criteria for a medical cannabis recommendation.
- Begin your patient registration with the state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Per the state, "If a 'Warning-Exiting Site' pop-up box appears, click "Yes" to proceed to the registry."
- Complete your application, new patient registration and pay the $26.50 registration fee in the patient portal. You can also register a Missouri medical cannabis caregiver at this time if needed.
Keep in mind the following:
- A physician may recommend more than the standard six-ounce per-month allotment if there is a compelling reason for the increased amount
- Minors must have their parent or guardian complete a parent or legal guardian consent form.
- Applications will be processed within 30 days, with cards valid for three years from the date the application is approved.
How Do I Renew a Med Card in Missouri?
Patients must begin their renewal process between 30 and 60 days before their card expires to avoid any lapses in coverage. Renewals submitted less than 30 days before your card expires are not guaranteed to be processed in time. Renewal used to be on an annual basis, but is now only required every three years.
Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis in Missouri?
To qualify for a MO med card, patients must be 18 or older. Minors can participate in the state’s MMJ program with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
The state allows cannabis recommendation for any condition that the doctor believes will benefit the patient.
As of 2023, medical cannabis patients in Missouri are no longer required to prove residency in the state.
Missouri does not prevent medical card owners from possessing guns but cautions that federal laws could conflict.
How to Find a Missouri Medical Marijuana Doctor for an MMJ Evaluation
Finding physicians willing to consider cannabis can still be a challenge. Those looking for a physician or wondering how to get a medical marijuana card in MO don't have to do all the legwork themselves.
NuggMD works with state-licensed medical marijuana doctors in Missouri who perform honest evaluations of your condition, helping you decide if cannabis is worth trying.
You'll need to provide in-depth records to obtain your Missouri medical marijuana card. Be sure to provide your physician with the following:
- Current prescriptions
- Hospital records medical
- Medical test results
- Patient charts
- Physical therapy records
Learn more about how NuggMD can help streamline the evaluation process. Visit nuggmd.com/Missouri to have your risk-free evaluation conducted in the comfort and privacy of your home.
If you can't find a physician in your local area or don't want to visit a doctor's office, be sure to visit NuggMD Missouri.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online: The NuggMD Process
NuggMD makes seeing a physician easy and straightforward. Follow these steps and be on your way to participating in Missouri's medical cannabis market:
- Sign Up. Complete a 30-second questionnaire.
- Chat With Your Doctor. Wait for a moment in our digital lobby, then meet with your physician after they've had the time to evaluate your records.
- Complete Your State Registration. If approved, your doctor will enter your recommendation into the state's online registry within 24 to 48 hours. Then, you will receive an email instructing you to visit the Missouri state portal to complete your application.
- Print Your Patient Identification Card. Look for an email approval from the state including your digital ID card. You can print your digital ID card provided in your approval email to use and visit a dispensary right away.
What to Expect When Talking to a Missouri Medical Marijuana Doctor on NuggMD
Like any other doctor visit, the physician will want detailed information about your medical history. Be prepared to discuss your medical conditions, medications, and additional details.
The evaluation is also the time to have all your questions answered. Ask everything on your mind. You should leave your evaluation feeling fully informed about your needs and how medical cannabis may be able to support your treatment. There are no wrong questions to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Cannabis in Missouri
What Types of Cannabis Products Are Available in Missouri?
The state allows the sale of flower, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, vape cartridges, pills, and other product categories.
What Does Marijuana Feel Like?
Experiences vary by person, strain, and consumption type. In most cases, cannabis consumers report one or more of the following:
- Relaxed
- Uplifted
- Difficulty concentrating
- Giggle fits
- Lower energy levels
- Temporary memory lapses
While most experiences are positive, some people have what can be called a "bad trip," where the dosage may have been too much for their body. This outcome can lead to fits of anxiety, paranoia, nausea and even psychosis. While rare, these outcomes are worth being aware of, and it’s important – especially for new consumers – to start with a low dose, and slowly increase until you find the right amount for you.
If you’re nervous about your first foray into cannabis, you may want to try a "spotter." Have a more experienced friend or family member watch you during your first couple of consumption experiences to make sure everything goes well. Essentially, your spotter should hang out with you and make sure you don't start to feel uneasy.
What If My Dose Is Too High?
Have no fear. While the moment can be unpleasant, you aren't in danger. You are not the first to feel the effects too acutely, and you can expect to feel more in control in a few hours or less. You can also take steps to help sober up from too strong a dose (or at least pass the time more comfortably).Once you feel better, consider calling your physician to discuss the outcome and how you can reduce dosage – or consider microdosing – to avoid feeling overwhelmed in the future.
Have More Questions About How to Get Your Med Card in Missouri?
Learn more about Missouri's medical cannabis rules and regulations and state-provided MMJ patient information, or browse our extensive set of patient resources:
Or contact NuggMD. Our customer support team is eager to demystify the process and rules for you, just like they have for over 1,000,000 patients. Our team of friendly, informed experts will answer your questions and help you understand the Missouri medical cannabis program in no time.
