OR Marijuana Qualification

Updated on January 7, 2019.  Medical content reviewed by Dr. Richard Koffler, MD, Board Certified Physiatrist

Who Qualifies for Medicinal Marijuana in Oregon

On November 03, 1998, Ballot Measure 67 was approved. It effectively removed all state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who meet medical marijuana qualifications in Oregon and possess a signed recommendation from an Oregon licensed Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). This recommendation must state that marijuana “may mitigate” his or her debilitating symptoms.

Once patients have received certification from their physician, patients are required to register with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Patient Registry program, administered by the Oregon Department of Health Services (DHS).

What Are Medical Marijuana Qualifications in Oregon?

Patients in Oregon diagnosed with one of the following severe, debilitating, or life-threatening medical conditions, are afforded legal protection under Oregon’s medical marijuana law, as per Ballot Measure 67 — “The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program”:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• A Degenerative or Pervasive neurological condition
• HIV/AIDS
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• or a medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces:
  • Cachexia
  • Severe pain
  • Severe nausea
  • Seizures including Epilepsy
  • or persistent muscle spasms including Multiple Sclerosis;

• other conditions are subject to approval by the Health Division of the Oregon Department of Human Resources.

How to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in Oregon

1. Patients must be a citizen of the United States. If you do not have an Oregon I.D. an out of state I.D., passport, or other photo I.D. with proof of residency such as bank statement, utility bill, etc is acceptable.
2. The qualifying patient must have been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition.
3. Patients must obtain legitimate medical records or documentation from his/her primary care physician describing his/her diagnosis. Ensure to bring all records with to the marijuana evaluation appointment — *Learn how to request your medical records
4. The Oregon Program requires all patients to have an established, bonafide doctor/patient relationship, which in some cases may take several appointments, to establish — *Find a certified medical marijuana physician in Oregon
5. Once the patient has been certified, the patient MUST register with the Oregon MMP Patient Registry. Registration is mandatory in order for patients to ensure protection under Oregon’s medical marijuana law.