Having legalized medical marijuana in 2018, the state of Missouri opened the door for most of its residents to have access to cannabis for medicinal purposes. This was the culmination of years of advocacy for the benefits of this substance. Such legislation meant that those with qualifying medical conditions could now purchase cannabis legally at designated dispensaries. Having a medical marijuana card became one of the main conditions for purchasing cannabis. If an individual is looking for information on how to get a medical card online, there are now endless resources available to help with that.
Best Way to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri
It is now relatively easy to acquire a medical marijuana card in Missouri. Most people prefer to do it online because it is convenient and helps them to avoid many of the hassles associated with visiting a particular government office. With many marijuana dispensaries having physicians on-site and a telemedicine program, you can easily get your medical marijuana card.
One of the crucial legal requirements for getting a medical marijuana card is a doctor’s recommendation. Such a doctor has to be licensed to issue medical marijuana card recommendations. That’s why many medical marijuana dispensaries that process these cards have a licensed physician on their payroll. This is to make the online application process easier.
The application process typically involves a few crucial steps.
i)Online registration: This is the first step of the process. You’ll need to fill out your personal information, including your name and other relevant details.
- ii) Attend a telemedicine session: This is a consultation with a licensed medical marijuana physician. Such a physician will assess your needs and determine your eligibility for a medical marijuana card as per the state’s guidelines.
iii) Make online payment: Once you’ve passed the eligibility test, you can proceed to make the non-refundable application fee, usually less than $30.
- iv) Submit your recommendation to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS): This is the final step of the process before the issuance of your medical marijuana card.
It should be noted that these steps can vary slightly depending on your application. For example, if you’re applying directly through the DHSS site, you’ll have to take care of the doctor’s recommendation yourself. This means that you may have to wait for this approval before proceeding with the other steps like making the processing payment. Similarly, there may be slight variations if you’re applying as a patient or caregiver.
Prerequisites to Applying for an Online Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri
The following are the criteria for anyone considering applying for medical marijuana card in Missouri:
i)A legal Missouri resident. You must be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind. Proof of legal residence can be a driver’s license, a U. S. passport, or any of the legal identification documents issued by state authorities
- ii) Be suffering from one of the stated qualifying conditions
Exceptions are made for minors who may require medical marijuana. In such instances, their legal guardian or caregiver can complete the application process on their behalf.
There are numerous medical conditions that qualify an individual for consideration for a medical marijuana card. These conditions include:
i)Epilepsy and seizures
- ii) Uncontrolled migraines
iii) HIV/AIDS
- iv) Hepatitis C
- v) Huntington’s Disease
- vi) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- vi) Chronic pain
- v) Terminal illnesses like cancer
These are some of the numerous conditions that can provide eligibility for medical marijuana use in Missouri. Any debilitating condition that causes intractable pain is usually considered. Sometimes, a prescription for a particular illness may require drugs like opioids. These drugs have a high risk of dependence and abuse. In such cases, individuals can make a case for medical marijuana use.
Can You Cultivate Your Own Medical Marijuana?
Under the legislation that approved cannabis for medical purposes, those with medical marijuana cards can grow their own marijuana. There are flowering and non-flowering cannabis plants in addition to clones. A cardholder is permitted to grow six of each type at any given moment.
Caregivers cannot hold more than two medical marijuana cards unless they themselves are also patients. In such a case, they can grow six cannabis plants of each type for every individual that they represent.
Growing your own medical cannabis also comes with certain strict regulations. For instance, any cannabis plant cultivated on private property has to be out of sight of the general public. This means that it should not be in plain view for your neighbors or passers-by to see.
Ultimately, acquiring a Missouri medical marijuana card is a straightforward process as long as an individual meets the criteria. their own