While recreational cannabis is now available in Montana, medical patients enjoy a number of perks that aren’t available to adults without a med card. Thankfully, learning how to get a medical marijuana card in Montana has never been easier.
Steps to Get a Montana Medical Marijuana Card
Getting a medical card in Montana takes three small steps, and can offer peace of mind for patients.
- Get a medical evaluation. Meet with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine your health status and which qualifying condition(s) you have. Remember to ask any questions you may have about cannabis use, dosage, and potential interactions with other medications you are taking.
- Complete your registration with the state. If you're approved, you will receive PDF certification and can complete your state registration through Montana’s secure online application portal. A $20 signup fee applies.
- Receive your card. You can participate in Montana's medical cannabis program as soon as you receive your card. All med cards are valid for one-year and can be renewed for $20. Some cards may be extended based on doctor approval.
How to Complete Your Montana Medical Marijuana Renewal
Montana requires patients be re-evaluated and renew their medical marijuana card every 12 months. You can complete your renewal evaluation easily with NuggMD Montana regardless of where you had your original evaluation done.
Who Qualifies for a Montana Medical Marijuana Card?
Montana medical cannabis cards are available to patients aged 21 and older. Minor patients below 21 who meet the qualifying criteria can obtain medicinal cannabis with consent from a parent or legal guardian and with the support of a qualified Montana caregiver.
How can you tell if you qualify for a medical marijuana card in Montana?
- State Residency. All medical cannabis patients in Montana must be a state resident. State-issued driver's licenses, hunting or fishing licenses, voter registration forms, tribal identification cards, or a valid state-issued ID card must be presented during the application stage.
- Qualifying Condition. A certified medical marijuana doctor must carry out a health and medical history assessment to confirm a diagnosis for one of the state's qualifying conditions.
- Gun Ownership. While cannabis remains federally illegal, gun owners cannot apply for a medical cannabis card or purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries in Montana.
What Are the Qualifying Conditions to Get a Montana Medical Card?
Patients must be diagnosed with a qualifying condition to enroll in Montana’s medical cannabis program. A routine doctor's assessment can be conducted online through platforms like NuggMD, allowing you to determine if you are eligible for medical cannabis in as little as 15 minutes.
Qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Montana include:
- AIDS/HIV
- Cancer
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Central nervous system disorders
- Crohn's disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscle spasms
- Painful spasticity
- Painful peripheral neuropathy
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Severe chronic pain
- Intractable seizure disorder
- Intractable nausea or vomiting
Patients with severe chronic pain must prove symptomatic severity by presenting doctors with lab tests or imaging, or by obtaining a second doctor's opinion.
Patients who are admitted into hospice care for any other condition not featured on the list may still be eligible for medical cannabis in Montana.
If you have questions about your eligibility, consider meeting with a NuggMD medical practitioner. They can provide an honest assessment of your condition, and you receive a full refund if you don't qualify.
How to Find a Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor in Montana
A medical marijuana evaluation must be provided by a physician who understands medicinal cannabis and is willing to recommend the plant for therapeutic use.
NuggMD works with state-licensed medical marijuana practitioners in Montana who can evaluation your condition and help you decide if cannabis is worth trying. If so, they’ll help you understand the right products and dosage for your needs.
To get the most out of your medical cannabis doctor evaluation, bring medical records related to your condition. These may include:
- Patient charts
- Existing prescriptions
- Physical therapy data
- Medical test results
- Hospital records
If you are uncertain where to begin or don’t want to visit the doctor’s office in person, you can visit NuggMD Montana to meet with one of our certified medical marijuana doctors from the comfort of your own home.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online with NuggMD
Applying for a medical marijuana card in Montana is straightforward with NuggMD. We make it easy to consult with a qualified medical marijuana doctor online.
- Sign up online in as little as 30 seconds, and see a doctor in as little as 15 minutes.
- Get a medical evaluation with a Montana medical cannabis practitioner online to confirm your eligibility. No appointment is needed.
- Receive your med card. Once you are approved, we’ll provide instructions for how to complete your registration with the state so you can start accessing safe, lab-tested products.
What to Expect When Talking to a Montana Medical Marijuana Doctor Near You
You’re encouraged to bring any questions you may have about your condition or the use of medical cannabis to your evaluation. Your medical cannabis practitioner may ask about other treatments or medications you’re currently using, as this can affect the products or dosage they recommend.
Upload your medical records while signing up to ensure a fast, thorough evaluation and receive guidance tailored to your specific needs.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, contact NuggMD’s customer success team for help understanding how to get your Montana medical cannabis card.
What Types of Cannabis Products Are Available in Montana?
Qualified medical cannabis patients can purchase up to one ounce of cannabis flower, eight grams of cannabis concentrates, or 800 milligrams of THC-infused products or edibles.
Each licensed cannabis dispensary in Montana boasts its own unique selection of products.
Visit the official website of Montana Department of Revenue's Cannabis Control Division or the DPHHS website for more information about the program.
What If My Dose Is Too High?
New and experienced medical cannabis consumers should not overlook the importance of accurate dosing. Too little and you may not experience the relief you need. But too much could leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, almost every consumer has had too strong a dose at some point, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Every consumer's biochemistry is unique, meaning that one person might metabolize cannabis differently than the next. If you notice signs of overconsumption, such as rapid heart rate, uncontrollable shaking, anxiety, or poor judgment, get in touch with your medical cannabis doctor to discuss your dosage and concerns. They can offer case-specific guidance for how to adjust your dosage.
Have More Questions About How to Get Your Med Card in Montana?
If you have additional questions about how to get your medical card in Montana, you can explore other common Montana patient FAQs or read up on Montana’s cannabis laws and regulations.
Can’t find the answers you need? Our expert customer support team can help you understand the process and regulations surrounding Montana’s medical cannabis program. We’ve helped over one million patients and counting and are ready to help you!
