Updated on May 6, 2020. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
Missouri Medical Marijuana Program
Medical Marijuana became legalized in Missouri on December 6, 2018. Qualifying patients are able to register with the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) and it is anticipated that patients will be able to purchase medical marijuana in mid-2020.
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
Licensing & Regulations – Medical Marijuana
912 Wildwood
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: (573) 751-6400
E-Mail: MedicalMarijuanaInfo@health.mo.gov
Website: https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana/index.php
For More Information Please Visit the FAQ page of the Medical Marijuana section of Missouri’s Department of Health website at https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana/faqs.php
To Obtain Medical Marijuana in Missouri:
- Must be 18 years or older and a legal resident of Missouri. If you require a Primary Caregiver that person must be at least 21 years of age and must be designated on your application for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card.
- Must be evaluated in-person by a state-licensed physician (Not a Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant).
- Must be diagnosed with a Qualifying Condition and obtain a physician certification.
- Apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card from Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. Application Fees are $25 (approved payment methods are to be determined). Applications for Identification Cards will start being accepted July 4, 2019.
- Once application is approved and you receive your Medical Marijuana I.D. Card and can purchase Medical Marijuana from a state licensed Dispensary. Applications will be approved or denied within 30 days.
Please Note:
- The application for Identification Cards for Patients is still being developed. Applications will begin being accepted July 4, 2019.
- Dispensaries will be able to submit an Application Form for a license to operate on August 3,2019, however you can submit the Application Fee of $6,000 with a $10,000 Annual fee beginning January 5, 2019.
Patients suffering from epilepsy are eligible to use cannabidiol (CBD) oil and that the oil must be derived from hemp, and not marijuana. Hemp lacks many of the medicinal qualities marijuana, and many advocates believe it is nowhere near as effective as a medicine.
Recent Legislation Changes
Once dispensaries are open patients will be able to purchase medical marijuana. There will be a reported 192 licensed dispensaries in Missouri by the end of 2020, with at least 24 dispensary licenses for each United States Congressional district in the State of Missouri. An entity may apply and obtain anywhere from 1-5 total dispensary licenses. Additionally, Missouri will license 60 cultivation facilities to supply medical marijuana for licensed dispensaries.
The Missouri DHSS has received applications for over 500 dispensaries. Missouri’s rules governing cannabis-business licensing dictates that dispensaries will be spread across all parts of Missouri to ensure widespread access.
Decriminalization
Even though the Missouri medical marijuana program is among the most restrictive in the entire country, the state has at least made some common-sense movement toward decriminalizing possession of small amounts of pot.
In 2017, a new law went into effect that makes possession of fewer than 35 grams of pot punishable by a fine of between $250 and $1,000. While that’s still substantial, the penalty does not include any jail time. However, if anyone is caught with more than 35 grams (an amount equivalent to just about 1.25 ounces), that’s considered a felony offense that is punishable by as many as seven years in jail and a fine of as much as $5,000.
Our section on Missouri’s marijuana laws provides comprehensive information on the penalties associated with weed possession.
