Guess What? Medical Marijuana is Legal in Missouri!
If you want to consume some weed in Missouri, you’re in luck. If you need it for medical reasons, all you need to do is become a registered medical marijuana patient. If you want to purchase "recreational cannabis", without a medical marijuana card for "adult-use", you’ll have to wait.
Since weed for medical use was legalized in 2018 in Missouri, there’s been a lot of voices heard for greater access, and a strong pushback against government controls. For example, this summer, cannabis interest groups rallied medical marijuana patients to raise their objections after Missouri regulators told dispensaries they were prohibited from advertising cannabis sales.
On the rec use side, pro-weed groups in Missouri have filed initiative petitions for the 2022 elections to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in the state.
"Missouri voters are ready for full legalization of cannabis. We’re working to create an open market with low taxes and low barriers to entry by qualifying and passing a robust adult-use constitutional amendment by initiative petition in 2022," says Fair Access Missouri.
Fast History of Weed Legalization in Missouri
Missouri has proved to be one of the more progressive US middle states regarding weed legislation. In 2014, the state legislature passed Missouri SB 491, decriminalizing possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana, with a first offense punishable by a $500 fine and no jail time.
IN 2018, Missouri voters approved Amendment 2, a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana use as recommended by state-licensed doctors, as well as laying out regulations for licensing and certification. They also passed the Medical Marijuana and Veteran Healthcare Service Initiative, named for the 4% tax on cannabis sales designated for veterans through the Missouri Veterans Health and Care Fund.
Who Is Eligible for Medical Marijuana in Missouri?
To become a medical cannabis patient in Missouri, you must be at least 18, with an established residency. If they have qualifying conditions, minors in the state can also become part of the medical marijuana program, but this requires a parent or legal guardian, 21-plus years old, to act as caregiver. Legal-age patients may also appoint a caregiver to buy medical weed on their behalf.
To be eligible for medical cannabis in Missouri, you need to have a qualifying condition, including:
- 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
- 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 To Register for Legal Weed in Missouri
The first step to buying legal weed is to obtain a medical marijuana card. To do this, you need to see a doctor for authorization.
You may see a qualified medical professional from home in a private, online consultation with HelloMD, or with a doctor in person. Please note that many physicians don’t have a lot of experience with cannabis and may be hesitant to provide cannabis authorizations. This is why telehealth services such as HelloMD are around.
Within 30 days of receiving the Physician Certification Form, you are required to
sign up for an account on the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program portal, providing such information as:
- A digital photo
- Proof of residency
- A current Missouri utility bill, or a Missouri motor vehicle registration
- Parents/legal guardians will need to upload a Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form and proof of legal guardianship.
Where To Buy Legal Weed in Missouri
If you are a patient or a caregiver with an ID card from Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), you can purchase medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary or have it delivered to you.
The AMEND 1:1 (THC to CBD) tincture can be found at Jane Dispensary in St. Louis
An approved medical weed patient is allowed to purchase up to four ounces of dried, unprocessed marijuana or its equivalent in a 30-day period. (All cannabis bought from dispensaries must be in its original packaging). You might be able to get approved for a greater quantity of medical cannabis if two independent doctors agree to the increased amount.
The Missouri Department of Health may put limits on the amount of medical weed possessed, "provided that the limit is not less than a 60 days supply."
To enter the dispensary, you’ll probably need your patient (or caregiver) license, a valid Missouri-issued photo ID, and an accepted method of payment.
Need a Medical Marijuana Card?
HelloMD can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private. You only pay if you’re approved!
