Oregon is one of the most prolific states in the legal U.S. cannabis market. Cannabis sales reached $1 billion in 2020 and are continuing to grow.
In 1988, the state legalized cannabis for medicinal use. Patients could only grow at home or have a caregiver do it for them. Oregon residents didn’t vote for a regulated medical marijuana program until 2012 when House Bill 3460 was passed. It was rejected twice previously, once in 2004 and once in 2010. Lawmakers started to make changes and began to create the regulated, thriving medical marijuana program Oregon has today.
You might wonder why a medical marijuana card in Oregon would make sense, as anyone who is at least 21 years old can go into any recreational dispensary and purchase cannabis. But for medical patients who rely on cannabis for a high quality of life, getting your medical marijuana card does provide some additional benefits not available to recreational users. If you’re a medical marijuana cardholder in Oregon, you can possess up to 24 ounces of cannabis in private and public. You can also purchase up to 24 ounces at one time from a medical marijuana dispensary with a valid patient card.
Cannabis taxes are notoriously expensive, especially in recreational markets. Medical marijuana patients in Oregon do not pay taxes on their purchases, while recreational consumers are subject to a 17% cannabis excise tax. Patients who consume cannabis in large quantities can get the medicine they need without paying additional taxes.
Recreational consumers can possess up to one ounce in public and eight ounces in private. You must be at least 18 years old to become a medical marijuana patient in Oregon, while patients under 18 with eligible conditions must have a parent or guardian as a listed caregiver.
Quick Guide to Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon
- See If You’re Eligible
Oregon has a list of qualifying conditions that are eligible for medical marijuana cards. Check the full list down below to see if you qualify.
- Get a Doctor’s Recommendation
You must get a licensed physician’s recommendation to apply for a medical marijuana card in Oregon.
- Apply For Your Medical Marijuana Card
The Oregon Health Authority processes all patient and caregiver applications. You must submit an application online or through the mail to receive your medical marijuana card.
Am I Eligible for a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon?
Here is the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Oregon. You should consult with a physician if you have one of these conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- A degenerative or pervasive neurological condition
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces one or more of the following:
- Cachexia (a weight-loss disease that can be caused by HIV or cancer)
- Severe pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures, including but not limited to seizures caused by epilepsy
- Persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to spasms caused by multiple sclerosis
Those who do not qualify for a medical marijuana card can still access cannabis from recreational dispensaries.
Getting a Doctor’s Recommendation for a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon
You are required to obtain a written recommendation from a board-certified physician. They must be licensed and eligible to practice in the state of Oregon. Insurance won’t cover costs associated with medical cannabis because it’s federally illegal. You will pay a fee, usually no more than $150, to see a cannabis-educated physician and get a doctor’s recommendation for a medical marijuana card.
Cannabis might interact with certain prescription medications. You should talk with your doctor about any medication you’re currently taking and your medical history. Your doctor can help you determine a dosage that’s right for you alongside any prescriptions you’re already on.
Apply for Your Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon
After receiving your doctor’s recommendation, you will apply for a medical marijuana card with the Oregon Health Authority. A basic application fee without a grower listed is $200. If you’re a veteran, your fee is reduced to $20. SNAP recipients pay $60, those on SSI pay $20, and Oregon Health Plan members pay $50.
Online applications will include the attending physician’s statement who recommended medical cannabis to you, a grow site consent form if applicable, a copy of your current and valid photo ID, and your fee payment. Caregivers applying on behalf of a minor will include the Minor Declaration Form. You must submit your application for a medical marijuana card within 90 days of receiving the doctor’s recommendation.
Talk to a Cannabis Physician
We make it easy to get your medical marijuana card in Oregon. Heally’s network of online and in-person cannabis-educated doctors is ready to hear from you. If you’re interested in getting your medical marijuana card, fill out our new patient form here and we will be in touch.
