How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri In 2024

Looking for a Missouri medical marijuana card? Then you’ve come to the right place!

We created this handy guide to show you how to become a Missouri medical marijuana patient and to assist you along the way.

Keep reading to learn about Missouri’s medical marijuana program and how to get your own MMJ card.

Missouri Medical Marijuana Program

Missouri voters approved medical marijuana on November 16, 2018. Later that year, Article XIV took effect giving the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) the ability to regulate and license MMJ.

In 2019, the Missouri Medical Marijuana Registry program was introduced to the public. The MMRP offered safe and secure medical cannabis access to qualifying patients. And on June 28, 2019, residents were allowed to register with the Department.

It wasn’t until October 16, 2020 that the first licensed medical cannabis sale actually occurred. Yet Missouri had one of the quickest implementations of MMJ in the nation, taking just over 23 months.

Currently, qualified medical cannabis patients can legally purchase medical marijuana in the state of Missouri.

What Can You Buy as an MMJ patient in Missouri?

Qualifying patients are allowed up to 4 ounces of dried cannabis flower, or its equivalent, in any 30 day period.

At this time medical marijuana card holders are only allowed increased possession limits if approved by the Missouri DHSS.

How Much Medical Marijuana is Equivalent to 4 ounces?

To determine equivalent products, the state uses Missouri Marijuana Equivalency Units (MMEs). The 4 ounce limit equates to 32 MMEs.

1 MME is equal to:

• 2.5 grams of dried cannabis
• 1 gram of concentrate
• or 100 mg of THC infused products (edibles, tinctures, etc.)

For example, if you only purchase cannabis tinctures, you’d be allowed up to 3200 mg of tincture every 30 days.

Patients can request a larger possession amount if needed. This will require two separate physician certificates detailing what amounts the patient requires.

Patients can also grow marijuana plants with a Patient Cultivation Card. To do so, you will need to apply for a cultivation license.

Missouri Medical Card Requirements 

To apply for a medical marijuana card, you must be a legal resident of Missouri, over the age of 18, and have a physician’s certificate.

In order to qualify as a medical cannabis patient and obtain a MMJ card, you must:

• Be a legal Missouri resident
• Submit proof of residency
• Be over 18 or have a caregiver over 21 years of age
• Pass a background check
• Have one or more of the qualifying health conditions
• Obtain a certificate from a Missouri-licensed medical marijuana doctor (must be issued in the last 30 days prior to submitting your application)
• Have a valid government issued ID card
• Submit a recent color photo

Acceptable Forms of ID

• Valid Missouri state issued ID card
• Valid Missouri state issued Driver’s license
• Valid passport

Note: Out of state ID cards and driver’s licenses do not qualify.

Acceptable Proof of Residency

• Copy of valid Missouri issued ID card
• Copy of valid Missouri issued Driver’s license
• Recent utility bill
• Current Missouri DMV registration 

Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions in Missouri

The state approves specific debilitating conditions which permit patients to apply for a medical marijuana card.

Here’s a list of qualifying medical conditions under Article XIV of the Missouri Constitution:

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Autism
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Chronic medical conditions
• A chronic medical condition that causes severe or chronic pain
• A chronic medical condition that is typically treated with medications that can cause physical or psychological dependence
• Crohn’s Disease
• Debilitating psychiatric disorders
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Hepatitis C
• Huntington’s Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
• Intractable migraines that haven’t responded to alternative treatments
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuropathies (Nerve pains)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Seizures
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• A Terminal illness
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Wasting syndrome

Medical marijuana approval is usually quick and easy if you suffer from a debilitating condition on Missouri’s list of qualifying medical conditions.

Missouri does accept other conditions. A physician must determine that medical marijuana can be of use to you or a safer alternative to prescription medication. Be sure to check with your doctor in case your health condition isn’t on the list.

How to Get a Medical Card in Missouri

To get a patient ID card you’ll need to visit a board certified physician licensed to practice in the state of Missouri.

The doctor will determine if you’re eligible for medical marijuana. If you are deemed eligible you’ll be given a physician certification, or recommendation, for MMJ.  

This visit can be done online or offline. However, online services are much cheaper! Plus, most well established companies offer money back guarantees. So in case you’re not approved, it won’t cost a thing.

To get a Missouri medical marijuana card, follow these simple steps:

1. Discuss Your Needs With A Medical Marijuana Doctor

You’ll need to see a physician via an online telemedicine service or an in-person office visit.

The doctor will determine if you qualify for medical marijuana based on your medical history. You will not be required to submit personal medical records but doing so may make the process swifter.

If the physician approves you for medical marijuana, you’ll receive a medical certificate to use cannabis. 

2. Register as a New Missouri Medical Patient 

First you’ll need to register for a new patient account with the DHSS. This must be done on the Department’s Complia Application Portal.

Have your social security number handy. You’ll need it to match your state application with your certificate.

You’ll also need to enter your full name, date of birth, phone number and email address. Next, choose the correct type of application and click register to finish. 

3.  Complete the MO State Application

Within 30 days of receiving a medical certificate from your physician, you must submit a Missouri MMRP application. 

Prospective patients will be approved or denied within 30 days of applying. 

To apply for the medical registry program, you will need:

• A valid identification card or passport
• Proof of Missouri state residency
• A signed certificate/recommendation (given to you via your MMJ doctor online or offline)
• SSN
• A color photo taken within the last three months
• To pay the $27.76 application fee 

4.  Get Your Medical Card From Missouri State

The Department of Health and Senior Services is allotted up to 30 days for processing your medical marijuana application. You will be issued a digital medical marijuana card in about 3 days after approving your application.

Patients will need to download their license from the DHSS website. Be sure to save a copy of your Patient ID Card on your phone and print a copy for your records. Missouri MMJ cards are only valid for 1 year.  

Once you receive your card you’ll be able to shop at a local dispensary. 

To find licensed dispensaries, check out Missouri’s Dispensary Facility List. 

How To Get An Missouri Medical Marijuana Card Online

Getting a Missouri medical marijuana card online is easy. Instead of seeing a physician in person, you can consult with a licensed medical marijuana doctor online.

Services like Leafwell or Veriheal make this super easy and both offer money back guarantees if you’re not approved. Yup. It’s cheaper, faster and risk free to get your MO medical card online via one of these services.

Overall, Leafwell is cheaper at $125 (excluding our 10% off coupon) vs $199 at Veriheal (coupon: NATURE10 for $10 off at Veriheal) and as both offer money back guarantees there’s no reason not go with the cheaper option here.

Making an appointment online and getting your certificate only takes a few minutes. And it’s valid for 1 year. No matter that telehealth service you choose, you’ll be able to get your card online, entirely from home.

Don’t lag on applying for a medical cannabis card! Missouri law requires physician certificates to be issued within 30 days from submitting your application.  

How Much Does A Missouri Medical Marijuana Card Cost Online?

The cost varies depending on what telemedicine service you use.  

We recommend checking out Leafwell and Veriheal. Both companies are available in Missouri and provide medical marijuana certificates to qualifying patients. They also have 100% money back guarantees.

Getting a medical marijuana card through Veriheal costs $149. While obtaining one from Leafwell is a little cheaper at $125. 

Missouri Medical Marijuana Card Benefits

Recreational use of marijuana is not legal in Missouri. So the only way to legally purchase medical marijuana is to have a MMJ card. Qualified medical marijuana patients have the following benefits:

Permitted to use cannabis

Only qualified patients are allowed to legally obtain and use medical marijuana. For anyone else, consuming cannabis is a felony.

Pay Lower Taxes

Missouri MMJ patients pay lower taxes. Medical cannabis is taxed at 4%. This is low enough that it’s not off-putting for previous black market users. Over time, this can add up to substantial savings.

Legal Possession Limits

Medical marijuana patients can possess up to 4 ounces (about 112 grams) of dried cannabis or its equivalent. If you do not have a card you cannot possess weed in the state of Missouri.

Grow Your Own Cannabis

Medical users can grow up to 6 flowering plants with a cultivation license. Applying for a cultivation license is simple. Patients will just need to pay an additional fee.

How Hard is it to Get a Medical Card in Missouri?

Like other states, it’s pretty easy. You’ll just need to meet the requirements.  

To qualify for medical marijuana in Missouri you must be over 18 and suffer from at least one of the medical conditions we outlined above. And to obtain a medical cannabis card, you must also complete an application with the state’s registry program.

Unlike other states, Missouri is a little more lax on a patient’s criminal history when it comes to marijuana possession.

For instance, being previously convicted of marijuana possession in Missouri does not disqualify individuals from applying for their MMJ card.

However, current medical marijuana patients who commit certain criminal offenses may have their existing card revoked. 

Medical Marijuana Caregiver Requirements in Missouri

MMJ patients who are unable to apply for or purchase medical cannabis on their own can designate a caregiver.

They can be a family member or an individual that takes primary care of the applicant. Note, if the patient is a minor the caregiver must be their legal parent or guardian.

Qualifying patients may have up to 2 caregivers. Caregivers may have up to 3 different patients at one time.

To qualify as a caregiver, you must be:

• Over 21 years old
• A Missouri resident
• Responsible for handling the well-being of the patient
• Designated by the patient on the application form

How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Caregiver Card

If you meet the requirements summarized above, you’ll need to submit a Missouri MMJ Caregiver Application. 

To apply for caregiver Missouri medical cards, follow these two easy steps:

1. Be included on the MMRP Patient Authorization Form

The medical marijuana patient must submit the patient authorization form. This serves as proof of the patient’s request for the specified individual to be their primary caregiver.

2. Complete a medical marijuana caregiver application

Next, the caregiver must submit a Primary Caregiver Registration Application with Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). This must be completed online via the Complia Application portal.

Can Missouri Medical Marijuana Patients Grow Weed?

Yes! Cannabis patients must apply for a patient cultivation card first if they want to grow cannabis.

Per household, a medical marijuana patient with a cultivation identification card is allowed to grow up to:

• 6 flowering cannabis plants
• 6 non flowering cannabis plants (over 14 inches tall)
• 6 clones (cannabis plants under 14 inches tall)

Marijuana plants must be cultivated at home in a fully enclosed and secured area.

For a qualified patient with a primary caregiver, only one is required to have a cultivation card.

Cannabis plants can only be used by the respective medical marijuana patient and cannot be redistributed. 

How to Apply for a MMJ Cultivation Card in Missouri?

Only qualified patients and their caregiver(s) can apply to be a cultivator.

To get a cultivation card, you’ll need:

• To pay $110.99 for the application fee
• To add a cultivation registration to your new patient or new primary caregiver application fee
  or
• To add cultivation to your existing MMJ license via the Complia Application Portal

Does Missouri Accept Out Of State MMJ Cards?

No. Missouri does not have medical marijuana reciprocity. So they do not accept out of state medical marijuana cards.

However, medical cannabis users from other states are allowed to possess the same amount of MMJ as Missouri patients.

This is somewhat perplexing as you can’t legally buy medical marijuana in Missouri. Also, transporting it across state lines is a felony.

Wrapping Up Missouri Medical Card

Overall, getting a Missouri medical card is easy!

Residents over 18 with a qualifying medical condition and a certificate from a licensed medical marijuana doctor are eligible.

Since cannabis is only approved for medical use, a medical card is needed to lawfully own medical marijuana in Missouri.

For qualifying patients in need of a medical cannabis card, just consult our handy guide.

These documents must be included in the application: valid ID card, recent photo, proof of Missouri residency, and SSN.

Frequently Asked Questions: MO Medical Card

Where can I smoke With My Medical Card in Missouri?

Compared to other states, Missouri has stricter laws on where you can consume medical cannabis. 

You can only smoke marijuana in private. Qualified patients must smoke at their private residence and out of public view. 

Can Individuals Under the Age of 18 Get a MMJ Card In MO?

Yes. Patients under 18 must have a parent or guardian be their designated caregiver.

The minor’s parent or guardian must complete the Parental Legal Consent Form and submit a patient application on their behalf. 

Can I Submit my MO MMJ Application in person or via mail?

You can only apply for a medical marijuana card online. 

You must submit your MMJ application on Missouri’s Medical Marijuana Registry Program website. 

What is the Total Cost for Becoming a Medical Marijuana Patient In Missouri?

To obtain a medical cannabis card in Missouri, you’ll need to pay for the physician certification and the medical marijuana program application fee.

The doctor’s recommendation will vary depending on where you go. Missouri’s application fee is $27.76 for new patients and caregivers. 

How Much Does it Cost to Get a MO Patient Cultivation ID Card?

The fee for a cultivation card is $110.99. This is in addition to the application fee. With a patient cultivation ID card you are allowed to grow a max of 6 flowering plants. 

How Long Will it take for Missouri to Process My Medical Marijuana Application?

Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services takes up to 30 days to process new applications.

After you apply, you can expect to receive a confirmation email. It will contain an application ID number or reference code so you can check on the status. 

What Types of Medical Marijuana Products Can I Purchase In MO?

Cannabis patients are allowed to purchase the following medical marijuana products:

• dried flower
• edibles
• sublinguals: tinctures, capsules, oils, lozenges, sprays, dissolvable strips
• topicals: balms, salves, lotions, oils, bath bombs
• concentrates

Are Missouri Dispensaries Limited to Certain Cities or Counties?

No. Under Missouri law, cities cannot prohibit medical cannabis dispensaries. So you should be able to access licensed dispensaries anywhere in the state.

Can I See Any Doctor to Get a Medical Marijuana Recommendation or Certificate?

No. Physicians need to have a valid license in good standing to practice medicine in Missouri and register with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Can I Still Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card if my Condition is Not on Missouri’s list of Qualifying Medical Conditions?

In some cases, yes. Your doctor must diagnose you with a chronic condition and determine that medical marijuana can be a useful treatment. 

For example, patients with chronic conditions that cause persistent pain or persistent muscle spasms may qualify. Your physician will use their professional judgment to see if you’re eligible for MMJ in Missouri.

If My Medical Marijuana Registry Application is Rejected Can I Reapply?

Applications that are considered incomplete for any reason will be rejected. Individuals will be notified of a rejection. 

You do not have to complete a new application but must submit the missing information to the DHSS within 10 days of being rejected.

How Do I Renew My MO Medical Cannabis Card?

You will need to submit a renewal application online. It must be completed within 30 to 60 days before your card’s expiration date. 

You’ll need a new medical marijuana certification and to submit the same documents required for the new patient application.

How Much Does a MO Renewal Cost?

The cost is the same as applying as a first time medical marijuana patient. The fees are:

• Physician fees to renew ($112.50 at Leafwell using code NATUREANDBLOOM)
• $27.76 per patient or caregiver
• $110.99 for patient cultivator