Currently, recreational cannabis isn’t legal in Montana. You need to qualify and apply for a medical marijuana card to legally purchase and use cannabis in Montana.
The Montana Medical Marijuana Act (MMA) was introduced into law in 2004, but it’s changed several times since. Unfortunately, due to a significant rise in MMJ cardholders in recent years, restrictions were placed on the program.
While it’s now less straightforward to get an MMJ card in Montana, all you have to do is follow three simple steps to apply.
With an MMJ card, you’ll be able to possess up to one ounce of usable marijuana as well as eight grams of concentrate, 8ml of vape cartridges, or 800mg of THC in edibles.
COVID-19 Update
There are currently two directives affecting the operations of the Montana Medical Marijuana Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. First, telemedicine appointments are allowed for all new and renewal medical marijuana recommendations by a licensed Montana physician. Telemedicine enables you to meet with a physician virtually from the comfort of your home, so you can get a recommendation without having to physically go into a clinic. You can sign up with Heally to be quickly and conveniently connected with a licensed doctor in Montana.
Second, curbside delivery is now allowed at dispensaries. All other provisions under the MMA remain the same.
Quick Guide to Montana Medical Marijuana Card
There are three basic steps to getting a Montana medical marijuana card.
- Determine Your Eligibility: You’ll need to meet basic eligibility requirements to apply, including having a qualifying condition.
- Meet with a Physician: You’ll need a recommendation for medical cannabis signed by a licensed physician.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the Montana Medical Marijuana Program Application Form, along with your payment and supporting documentation.
How to Get a Montana Medical Cannabis Card in Three Steps
1. Determine Your Eligibility
To get a medical marijuana card in Montana, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 who needs medical cannabis must access the program via a caregiver over the age of 21.
To be an MMJ cardholder, you also have to be a resident of the state of Montana. Note: the state does not have a reciprocity program.
You’ll also need a diagnosis for a debilitating qualifying condition or proof of a chronic pain diagnosis to qualify.
The qualifying conditions in Montana are:
- Chronic pain (you must provide it is so severe and persistent that it interferes with daily activities)
- PTSD
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy or an intractable seizure disorder
- Vomiting or Intractable nausea
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cachexia
- HIV/AIDS
- Admittance into hospice care
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Central nervous system disorder that results in chronic/painful spasticity or muscle spasms
2. Get a Medical Marijuana Recommendation
Once you’ve determined that you qualify, the next step is to book an appointment with a licensed physician in Montana. You can book an appointment online, which makes the process of getting your medical marijuana recommendation simple and easy.
Expect to provide your medical records and discuss your medical condition. The doctor will either provide you with a physician’s statement for a debilitating medical condition, a physician’s statement for chronic pain, or a statement to allow minors to use medical marijuana.
For a chronic pain statement, you will need proof supporting the diagnosis, such as an X-ray or MRI scan. If a cause cannot be found, a second physician’s statement must be included to confirm the diagnosis. A second statement also applies to a statement to allow minors to use medical cannabis.
3. Submit Your Application
After receiving your medical marijuana recommendation, you’ll need to complete the Montana Medical Marijuana Program Application and send it in as the last step. You can find the form and apply online via the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) website.
Along with the application form, you’ll need to provide any required documentation as requested, including a Montana state-issued ID or driver’s license.
Pay the $5 application fee and the $30 registered cardholder fee, press submit, and wait for your MMJ card to arrive. Waiting times vary based on the number of applications received at the time.
