Find a Doctor & Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Montana
Is cannabis legal in Montana?
In 2004, the use of medical marijuana was legalized in Montana through a referendum vote.
The Montana Medical Marijuana Program, which is overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Revenue Cannabis Control Division, grants licenses and permits to patients, allowing them to cultivate up to six (6) plants and possess one (1) ounce of usable marijuana.
Patients also have the option to designate a caregiver who can grow six (6) plants and possess one (1) usable ounce on behalf of the patient.
In 2011, there was a consensus that the program needed an overhaul, but there was disagreement regarding the approach. While patients and businesses sought legal protections and reasonable regulations, lawmakers attempted to repeal the law entirely, enacting SB423 which put harmful provisions on medical cannabis patients.
In February 2016, the Montana Supreme Court ruled in favor of the restrictive law, enforcing burdensome provisions. As a result, by August, over 93% of the state’s 12,400 patients lost access to medical marijuana providers.
Fortunately, on November 8, 2016, voters intervened once again. They approved I-182 with a 57% majority, removing harmful provisions and establishing a basic regulatory framework for businesses serving patients, which was previously absent from the law.
Compassionate Clinics of America is proud to be one of the medical marijuana clinics providing people access to a licensed medical marijuana doctor who can recommend a medical marijuana card.
Recreational cannabis became legal for purchase in possession in the state of Montana in January 2021. Despite this, there are several benefits to having your medical marijuana card in a recreational cannabis state like Montana.
Who qualifies for a medical cannabis card in Montana?
To be eligible for medical cannabis in Montana, you must be a resident of the state and have one of the qualifying medical conditions recognized by the program. Individuals who are 18 years old or older can participate in the program.
To become a medical marijuana patient, a medical marijuana doctor will have to verify that you live with one or more of the following qualifying medical conditions:
· Cancer
· Glaucoma
· Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
· Cachexia or wasting syndrome
· Severe chronic pain that is persistent and severe pain that significantly interferes with daily activities as documented by the patient’s treating physician
· Intractable nausea or vomiting
· Epilepsy or intractable seizure disorder
· Multiple sclerosis
· Crohn’s disease
· Painful peripheral neuropathy
· Central nervous system disorder resulting in chronic, painful spasticity or muscle spasms
· Admittance into hospice care
· Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You can get a medical marijuana Physician Statement from Compassionate Clinics of America, who has a staff of medical professionals who are licensed to recommend people for medical marijuana cards in the state of Montana.
How do I get a medical marijuana card in Montana?
Residents may register with the program after obtaining a recommendation from a licensed physician who will fill out the Physician Statement for Debilitating Medical Condition form.
The Physician Statement is submitted to the regulators of the state’s medical cannabis program, the Department Public Health and Human Services. All applications must be completed through the TransAction Portal (TAP).
What are the benefits of having a Montana medical marijuana card?
Even though recreational cannabis is legal in Montana, there are several benefits to having a medical marijuana card in montana. One of the benefits is lower taxes. Montana charges a 4% tax on medical marijuana and marijuana products sales and 20% tax on adult use marijuana and marijuana products sales, which saves you a lot of money on your medicine.
Medical marijuana patients also have legal protection in terms of family or employment law situations that proves you have a recommendation from a Montana medical marijuana doctor to use cannabis for a qualifying condition.
Medical cannabis cardholders in Montana are generally allowed to purchase marijuana with higher possession and cultivation limits compared to recreational users. As a registered patient, you can possess up to one ounce (28 grams) of usable cannabis and cultivate up to four mature plants and four seedlings.
In addition to higher cultivation limits, having a medical marijuana card in Montana allows you to cultivate your own cannabis plants for personal use. This can be advantageous if you prefer to have control over the growing process or if you live in an area with limited access to dispensaries.
How much does it cost to get a medical cannabis card in Montana?
The fee that is paid to the Montana Cannabis Control Division for a new or renewal cardholder registration is $20. It is $10 for a replacement Montana medical card.
The cost for a medical cannabis certification from a licensed medical marijuana doctor in Montana is $129. The renewal fee for a medical cannabis certification is $100.
We offer Sezzle payment options to break up the cost into separate, affordable payments.
What information and forms are required when a patient applies for a Medical Marijuana ID card?
To apply for a medical marijuana card with the Department of Cannabis Control, you will need:
1) Proof of residency: Acceptable forms of documentation may include Montana driver’s license, Montana state or tribal identification card, voter registration form, Montana hunting or fishing license, etc.
2) A Photo: Photos should resemble that of a driver’s license or passport photo and may not be enhanced or altered in any way.
3) Physician Statement: Individuals applying for a medical card must have a physician’s recommendation signed by a Montana licensed physician (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy) within 60 days of application submission. Compassionate Clinics of America can provide this. Minor applicants must use the Physician Statement for Minors form. Minor applications require the approval of two physicians, unless the minor’s treating physician or referral physician is an oncologist, neurologist, or epileptologist.
There may be other Conditionally Required Documents upon application.
How long is my Montana medical marijuana card valid?
A medical marijuana card in the state of Montana is valid for a period of one (1) year.
When can I renew my ID card?
The process to renew your medical marijuana card will be similar to getting your medical marijuana card through the TAP portal.
You can see a different doctor to get a certification for your renewal. Be sure to bring any medical records to the online evaluation to support that you live with a qualifying medical condition.
We recommend you leave up to a month to renew your medical card as it can take up to four weeks to get your new card in Montana.
I’ve heard that I can renew my medical cannabis certification in Montana for $20. Where can I renew my certification in Montana for $20?
Please be advised that there are no medical providers who will provide you with your recertification for just $20.
The cost to renew your medical cannabis certification with Compassionate Clinics of America in Montana is $100, and we are with you throughout every step of the process.
In the event that you are not approved for your recertification, these fees will be wholly returned to you.
I live in another state, can I apply?
No, cannabis reciprocity is not recognized within Montana. Only Montana residents can access cannabis for medical purposes and get a medical marijuana card.
Can I use medical marijuana anywhere in Montana?
Despite recreational cannabis being legal in Montana, consuming cannabis in public is punishable by civil fines up to $50. There are no medical marijuana laws that support medical marijuana patients consuming cannabis in public.
We recommend that medical marijuana patients always consume within the privacy and safety of their own residences.
Can I own a gun and have a medical cannabis card in Montana?
Despite Montana’s relaxed firearms regulations, registered medical marijuana cardholders should be aware of certain restrictions, particularly regarding firearm possession and ownership. Federal law classifies marijuana as a “controlled substance,” making anyone who consumes it an “unlawful person.” Montana’s medical marijuana card doesn’t exempt individuals from this federal ban. Possessing firearms while being an unlawful person is a federal offense. Montana’s state politicians haven’t actively addressed the conflict between state legality and federal prohibition. While the department providing medical marijuana cards in Montana maintains patient privacy and doesn’t share cardholder information with the federal government, obtaining a firearm in Montana as a medical marijuana cardholder may still be considered unlawful under federal law.
How long does it take to process my application?
It could take up to four weeks to be approved for the Montana medical marijuana program and receive your medical card in the mail.
Will I be given a temporary card while my application is being processed?
After submitting a new or renewal application, registered cardholders will have access to a temporary card. This card can be printed from TAP. The applicant must have a physical copy of the temporary card for use.
Can a doctor complete a medical marijuana certification via telehealth?
Yes! When you work with Compassionate Clinics of America to get your medical marijuana certification, it is an online appointment. Be sure to bring your medical records that support your living with one or more of the qualifying conditions or debilitating illness to ensure that your doctor can understand why you are interested in medical cannabis.
When does the physician certification expire?
The physician certification expires the same time that the medical marijuana card does. It is valid for a period of one (1) year.
Questions About Medical Cannabis Certification in Montana?
Feel free to connect with us anytime at [email protected] or call us at (888) 611-4820.
To view the Frequently Asked Questions specific to the state of Montana, visit their website at:
