Missouri Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions

Photo by Jose Cruz

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Missouri?

Yes, medical marijuana is currently legal in Missouri. However, it is restricted to patients with one of the medical ailments officially designated by the state. Having one of these qualifying medical conditions is one of Missouri’s medical marijuana card requirements to get your card.

The Missouri government, like many other states, decides at the state level which illnesses and disorders qualify for a cannabis prescription. This is often baked into medical marijuana law and bureaucracy. Luckily, there is often a process in place to petition for new conditions to be added.

As of February 6, 2023 recreational cannabis also became legal in Missouri. This post will outline all of the laws in the state with a special focus on the qualifying medical conditions and how to easily acquire your medical card in Missouri.

Let’s quickly look at Missouri’s laws before we dive into how to get your card.

Missouri Medical Marijuana Laws in 2024

Missouri began its medical marijuana journey in 2014 with HB2238 which legalized the production of CBD oil for the treatment of persistent seizures. The Department of Agriculture was given the right to grow industrial hemp for research purposes. Also, it required that patients consult with a neurologist to determine that 3 different treatment options were not responsive before being cleared for CBD oil.

In the same year, SB 491 decriminalized possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana. A first time offense was reduced to a class D misdemeanor (an infraction) with a fine of $250-$1,000 with no jail time. This bill also reduced penalties of the sale and cultivation of cannabis, and eliminated the ban on probation or parole for third-time drug felony convictions. However, this law did not fully take into effect until 2017.

In 2018 there were three different potential measures to legalize medical marijuana in Missouri. Amendment 2, Amendment 3 and Proposoition C. All 3 had varying details including different tax rates and provisions. 65% of Missouri voters voted for Amendment 2 which legalized medical marijuana with a 4% tax rate, legalizing growing cannabis. Licensed sales began on October 17, 2020.

In 2022, Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3, also known as the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, appeared on the ballot which would legalize recreational cannabis and establish the logistics for the new business in the state. It passed with 53.1% of the vote.

Regarding important Missouri marijuana laws in 2024, the Missouri Marijuana Consumption and Regulation Amendment was proposed as an initiated constitutional amendment but it did not appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot.

The amendment would have removed marijuana from the list of controlled substances and considered it a food, not a controlled substance or drug. It also would have removed all marijuana government oversight and regulations and taxes as well as remove any restrictions including zoning for cannabis businesses.

It’s not surprising this measure did not make it to the ballot, however, it does show that there is a rather progressive cannabis community in Missouri.

How does one acquire cannabis in Missouri? Are there restrictions and limitations?

Missouri Medical Card Requirements & Limitations:

Before applying for medical marijuana it’s important to know what the requirements are and any limitations you may take on or to your recommendation.

The requirements for a medical marijuana card in Missouri are:

• A legal photo ID
• Proof of residency
• Physicians recommendation of a qualifying condition
• For minors under 18, a signed Parental/Legal Guardian Consent Form
• A clear photo
• The $25 application fee

There are certain limitations when getting your medical marijuana card in MO. These include:

• Patients can only purchase up to six ounces per 30 days. This includes purchasing both as a patient and recreational purchases. However, a doctor can approve a higher amount if it best serves your condition.
• Medical marijuana cannot be consumed in public places including workplaces, schools, and other public areas​.
• Consumption is limited to private properties, however, property owners can prohibit use on their premises even if you have a card.
• Missouri law does not have protections for patients so employers and landlords do not have to accommodate medical marijuana use, even with a valid card.
• According to federal law, for Missouri medical marijuana cardholders, gun ownership and use is illegal.

Photo by Getty Images

What are the Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Missouri?

According to Article XIV of the state’s constitution, the qualifying medical conditions in Missouri include:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Intractable Migraines Unresponsive To Other Treatment
• A chronic medical condition that causes severe, persistent pain or persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and Tourette’s syndrome
• Debilitating psychiatric disorders, including, but not limited to, Post-Traumatic Stress Order (PTSD), if diagnosed by a state licensed psychiatrist
• HIV/AIDS
• A chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medications that could lead to physical or psychological dependence, when a physician determines that medical use of marijuana could be effective in treating that condition and would serve as a safer alternative to the prescription medication
• A terminal illness
• In the professional judgment of a physician, any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition, including, but not limited to, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, autism, neuropathies, sickle cell anemia, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia, and wasting syndrome.

While there’s an official list of qualifying medical conditions, the law does put it at your physician’s discretion to decide if cannabis is right for you. So how do you find a doctor in Missouri?

How to Acquire a Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri in 3 Easy Steps

Green Health Docs has medical marijuana doctors in Missouri on hand to make it a simple 3 step process to get your medical card.

1. Book Your Appointment

Schedule an appointment by filling out the form at the top of this page or call or text 240-356-1000 to set up your consultation over the phone. You can schedule same-day appointments, so you can be seen by our doctor within 15 minutes of scheduling!

2. Talk to Your Doctor

Your doctor will determine whether you qualify for a Missouri medical marijuanas card after a quick 10-15 minute evaluation.

3. Get Your MO Medical Card

If approved, you’ll receive your written certification the same day which you can then use to apply online for your Missouri medical card at the state website’s patient portal.

Missouri Medical Weed FAQs

Some of these laws can be a tad bit confusing so here are some answers to common questions.

Is It Legal To Grow Pot In Missouri?

Yes, it is legal to grow marijuana in Missouri for medical or personal use. Both require a special license to grow and you must follow certain criteria.

Plants must be cultivated in a secure, enclosed area that is not visible to the public, and you need to obtain a cultivation license, which costs $109.60. Medical patient cultivation licenses are $54.80.

How Many Marijuana Plants Can You Grow In Missouri?

You are allowed to grow up to 18 plants in total, which includes:

• 6 mature plants (flowering)
• 6 immature plants (not flowering)
• 6 seedlings (under 14 inches)

There are also possession limits for patients. You can only be in possession of up to one 90-day supply of dried, unprocessed marijuana or its equivalent, as long as any amount in excess of the patient’s 60-day supply remains in a Department-approved enclosed, locked facility.

Can A Kansas Resident Get A Missouri Medical Card?

Yes, as of December 8, 2022, Missouri residency is no longer a requirement for a state medical marijuana card. This means patients from other states can legally obtain their own Missouri medical card if they have a qualifying condition or recommendation from a state-approved physician.

While it is not illegal for a cardholder from another state to possess cannabis you will need a medical marijuana card to purchase cannabis in Missouri.

How Much Is A Medical Card In Missouri?

Getting your patient ID a.k.a. Your medical marijuana card in Missouri is currently $27.40 and, as per new legislation in 2022, you don’t need a Missouri medical card renewal for 3 years. Applying for the right to cultivate your own cannabis requires a different card which costs $54.80.

Final Thoughts

The qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Missouri are fairly liberal. This is great news for potential patients because essentially it’s at the discretion of your doctor. Having a medical recommendation can often mean lower taxes and fees for getting your card. Plus, you get to treat your underlying condition.

If you’re curious about how to acquire a medical marijuana card in Missouri let Green Health Docs make the process fast and simple.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.