How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon 

In the market for an Oregon medical marijuana card? We’re here to help!

After careful research, we created this handy guide to assist you every step of the way.

Keep reading to learn about Oregon’s medical marijuana program in 2024 and to find out how to become an OR medical marijuana patient. 

Oregon Medical Marijuana Program

In 1973, Oregon became the first state in the country to decriminalize marijuana. However, it was met with a lengthy legal battle that spanned the 1980s-1990s.

It wasn’t until November 1998 that the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act was passed, legalizing medical marijuana possession, consumption and cultivation. 

The act, or Ballot Measure 67, also allowed doctor’s to recommend cannabis for qualifying patients without facing prosecution.

Oregon was the second US state to have a medical cannabis program. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) is currently run by the Oregon Health Authority.

Finally on November 4th, 2014 Measure 91 was approved, legalizing recreational marijuana.

In terms of cannabis, Oregon boasts some of the most lenient state laws.

What can you buy as an MMJ patient in OR?

Medical marijuana patients can have up to 24 ounces of “usable cannabis” and 6 mature plants.

Usable cannabis is defined as dried flowers and leaves of marijuana.

In total, a MMJ patient can possess up to:

• 24 ounces of usable marijuana
• 16 ounces of cannabis concentrate
• 72 ounces of cannabis products in liquid form
• 16 ounces of cannabis products in solid form
• 5 grams of cannabis extract
• 6 mature plants
• 12 immature plants
• 50 seeds

Oregon Medical Card Requirements (OMPP)

To be eligible for a medical marijuana card, you must be a legal Oregon resident.

Applicants must also be at least 18 years old. 

Individuals under 18 need to have a parent or legal guardian over 18 serve as their primary caregiver. Caregivers under 21 cannot grow cannabis plants.

In all, to qualify for a medical cannabis card, you must:

• be an Oregon resident
• be over 18 or have a designated caregiver
• submit proof of age
• submit proof of residency
• have at least one of the qualifying medical conditions
• have a signed physician’s statement
• complete an OMMP application
• pay the state fee
• provide identification of primary caregiver* (if applicable)

Acceptable Forms of ID

• Valid Oregon state issued Driver’s license
• Valid Oregon state issued ID
• Valid US Passport
• Valid US Issued Visa
• Permanent Resident Card
• Tribal ID

Acceptable Proof of Residency

• Valid Oregon state issued DL
• Valid Oregon state issued ID
• Recent utility bill
• Recent rental or mortgage agreement

Acceptable MMJ Certificates

• MMJ recommendation
• Attending Physician’s Statement (APS form)
• Medical chart notes diagnosing a qualifying medical condition

Oregon Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions List

To qualify for medical cannabis use, you must have a debilitating medical condition.

Oregon’s list of qualifying medical conditions include:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• A pervasive or degenerative neurological condition (i.e. Multiple Sclerosis)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Treatment for a medical condition or a medical condition that causes:
  • Cachexia (wasting disorder)
  • Severe nausea
  • Severe pain
  • Seizures (including those characteristic of Epilepsy)
  • Persistent muscle spasms

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon

Ready to get your Oregon MMJ card?

The first thing you’ll need to do is see a board certified physician that’s licensed to practice in Oregon.

The medical marijuana doctor will determine if you’re eligible for medical cannabis. If you qualify they’ll give you a MMJ recommendation.

This visit can occur online or in person. Insider tip: going online will save you a lot of cash and travel hassle.

Plus, most well established telehealth services offer money back guarantees. So if you’re not approved, it won’t cost you a thing!

Note, the OMMP considers physician recommendations to be valid for only 90 days from the date of issue.

Follow these 3 easy steps to obtain your Oregon medical marijuana card:

1. Consult With A Oregon Certified Healthcare Professional

You must see a licensed health care provider via online or in person.

Only certified physicians who can practice in the state of Oregon can recommend medical cannabis.

The medical marijuana doctor will determine if you’re eligible during the visit.

2. Receive Your Certificate

If a licensed medical marijuana doctor deems you eligible for medical cannabis you will receive a MMJ certificate.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) considers your recommendation to be valid for 90 days. 

3. Apply For Your Oregon Medical Card

You must fill out a medical card application form to the Oregon Health Authority within 90 days of receiving a MMJ certificate.

Upon submission you must also pay the state application fee. Note, you may qualify for a reduced fee if you have an Oregon health plan or receive government assistance.

Once approved, you’ll receive a medical card that’s valid for 1 year.

Annual renewal is required to maintain a valid MMJ card.

How to Get an Oregon MMJ Recommendation Online

Getting your medical marijuana certificate online is simple and convenient.

Instead of going into your doctor’s office you can consult with one virtually. Obtaining a medical marijuana card online will replace steps 1 and 2 of the process.

It only takes a few minutes to get an Oregon MMJ recommendation. And it’s valid for 90 days.

How Much Does an Oregon MMJ Certificate Cost

The total cost of getting a MMJ card online depends on the telehealth service you use.

We highly recommend checking out Leafwell and Veriheal for your medical marijuana recommendation.

Both of these telemedicine companies service Oregon and offer MMJ certificates to eligible patients. With these companies, you’ll have access to a licensed physician.

What’s better, both Leafwell and Veriheal have a money back guarantee! So in case you’re not approved the service is entirely free.

If you are approved, both telemedicine services charge $199 for a recommendation.

There is an additional fee to submit an application to the OMMP. You’ll need to pay $200 for the OMMP cardholder fee.

Oregon Medical Marijuana Card Benefits

Recreational cannabis is legal in Oregon but having a MMJ card comes with many benefits such as:

Lower taxes

Medical marijuana patients pay zero taxes on cannabis purchases! On the other hand, recreational users pay a 17% state tax and 3% local tax. With a card, you’ll save up to 20% on every MMJ product you buy.

Higher Possession Limits

Medical cannabis card holders are allowed to carry 24 times as much marijuana on their person and have three times as much in their homes.

Patients are allowed to possess up to 24 ounces of marijuana. Recreational users can have up to 1 ounce on hand or up to 8 ounces in their residence.

Larger Home Grow Limits

Medical marijuana patients can grow up to 6 mature and 12 immature plants per residence. Recreational users are only permitted 4 mature plants. 

Can Consume Cannabis at 18

No need to wait until you reach 21. With a valid MMJ card you can legally use and purchase marijuana at 18. To purchase adult-use cannabis you must be at least 21 years of age.

Oregon Caregiver Requirements

Patients who are unable to access or use cannabis can designate a caregiver to do so on their behalf.

A primary caregiver must be over 18 and a resident of Oregon. Caregivers who grow on behalf of the patient must be at least 21 years of age.

To qualify as a primary caregiver, you must:

• be over 18, or over 21 if planning to grow
• be primarily responsible for managing the well being of the patient
• be included on the patient’s application
• have a government issued ID
• not have been convicted of a felony offense
• only grow for up to 8 patients
• not be the patient’s healthcare provider
• provide a notarized declaration of person responsible for a minor form if the patient is under 18 

How to Get a Caregiver Card in Oregon

1. Ensure Patient Completes OMMP Application Form

The patient must designate a primary caregiver on their OMMP application. There is no separate caregiver form.

Caregivers cannot be the patient’s attending physician. If the patient is under 18, the parent or legal guardian must be their primary caregiver.

A patient is only allowed one caregiver.

2. Fill Out Caregiver Section of Application Form

The designated caregiver must complete and sign Section 2 of the OMMP application.

3. Submit Caregiver’s ID and Other Required Docs

Caregivers will need to provide a copy of their government issued ID.

Minor applicants must also submit a Declaration of Person Responsible for a Minor form signed by the minor’s parent or guardian.

Organizational or facility caregivers must submit the Organizational or Facility Caregiver Attestation form.

4. Pay the Application Fee

Upon submission, the patient must pay the $200 state fee. However, there’s no additional caregiver fee.

How Many Plants Can I Grow in Oregon with a Medical Card?

Patients with a valid MMJ card can grow up to 6 mature plants and 12 immature plants per residence. Cardholders are also allowed to possess 50 seeds.

In comparison, recreational users are allowed a much smaller grow limit. Adult-use consumers can grow only 4 plants per residence. 

Does Oregon Accept Out Of State Medical Cards?

No. Oregon does not have a medical marijuana reciprocity program. So they currently do not accept out of state medical cannabis cards.

Since marijuana is legal for recreational use, individuals 21 years of age and older may buy cannabis from licensed Oregon dispensaries.

Wondering where your medical marijuana card is accepted? Check out our article on Medical Marijuana Reciprocity Friendly States. 

Wrapping Up: Medical Card OR

Getting a medical marijuana card in Oregon is a simple process. Oregon residents over 18 just need to follow the few steps we outlined above.

If you have a debilitating medical condition and a MMJ certificate you can qualify.

Once meeting all the requirements, becoming a medical marijuana patient should be swift and easy.

Even though cannabis is legal for recreational use, having a MMJ card comes with some great benefits!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Medical Card at 18 in Oregon?

Yes. You only need to be 18 years old to apply for a medical cannabis card. If you have a qualifying medical condition and obtain a physician’s recommendation you’re eligible for an Oregon MMJ card.

How Long Does it Take to Get a MMJ Card?

If approved, you’ll receive a receipt letter that’s valid for 30 days. This receipt letter functions as a temporary registry ID card. After your OMMP application is fully processed, a physical MMJ card will be mailed to the address provided. 

If My Application is Not Approved, What is The Next Step in the Application Process?

If the OMMP determines that your application is incomplete you’ll receive an incomplete letter.

This letter will indicate what documents or items are missing from the app. You will be required to submit any missing items within 14 days. Failing to do so may result in rejection. 

Where Can I Use Cannabis in Oregon?

Cannabis use is only legal on private property and at home out of public view.

Public cannabis consumption is completely illegal. Smoking marijuana is prohibited in public places such as public transportation, schools, parks, streets and playgrounds.

Do I Have to Provide Medical Records to Get a MMJ Card?

No. You do not need to provide a full medical history if your physician provides you with a signed Attending Provider Statement (APS) form.

The APS form is valid for 90 days from the date signed. It is the patient’s responsibility to submit the form to the OMMP.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Medical Registry Card?

The total cost depends on how much you pay for the MMJ recommendation.

For example, if you get a certificate via Leafwell or Veriheal it will cost $399 for both the recommendation and the registry card. The state fee for the card is $200.

Can I Qualify for a Reduced Application Fee?

Yes. To qualify for a reduced fee you must be a SNAP recipient, have an Oregon Health Plan, receive SSI, or are a veteran. The reduced fee will be $60, $50, or $20, respectively. 

Patients seeking a reduced fee are required to submit valid proof. 

What Type of Providers Can Recommend Medical Marijuana?

Healthcare providers must have primary responsibility for the patient to recommend medical marijuana. A MMJ doctor can be a: MD, DO, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist or naturopathic physician. 

Can I Apply for a MMJ Card Via Mail?

Yes. In Oregon, you can apply for a MMJ card by mail or online.

If you choose to mail a printed application you’ll need to send it to the OMMP office. The entire application process can also be completed online. You’ll just need to complete the application form and submit all required documents on the Oregon Medical Marijuana Online System.

How Can I Become a Grower?

Medical marijuana patients will need to complete section 3 of the OMMP application to grow.

You must be at least 21 years of age to grow cannabis plants. Qualifying patients that grow for themselves do not have to pay a fee. You may be required to provide proof of zoning and a Grow Site Consent form.

Do Prospective Patients Need to Pass a Background Check?

No. Only designated caregivers must pass a background check at this time.