Is It Easy to Get a Medical Card in Montana?

Is It Easy to Get a Medical Card in Montana

Table of Contents

Medical marijuana is legal in Montana. If you are a resident of the state and would like to obtain a medical marijuana card, there are certain conditions and requirements that you must meet. In this guide on “Is it easy to get a medical card in Montana”, we will look at the programs, the requirements, and how to get the card with Green Leaf Medical Center.

Montana Medical Marijuana Program

STATE PROGRAM APPROVED ON: NOVEMBER 2, 2004

ONLINE APPLICATION: YES

MD EVALUATION REQUIRED: YES

CARD VALIDITY: 12Months

PATIENT REGISTRY FEE: $30

PHONE: (406) 444-0596

OFFICIAL GOV SITE:  dphhs.mt.gov

Montana has not permitted recreational cannabis use since 1929. However, medical marijuana is now legal in the state and is the only legal way to consume marijuana. The Montana Medical Marijuana Act (MMA) of 2004 has changed several times since its introduction into law, but currently permits registered patients to possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower and 4 plants. To get a Montana medical cannabis card, you must be a resident of the state and be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions listed in the MMA section.

Since 2011, Montana’s medical marijuana program has been in the news a lot. In 2011, House Bill 161 tried to repeal I-148 after both houses of the state legislature passed the law, but Governor Brian Schweitzer vetoed the bill, saving the program. The reason for the attempt to eliminate the program was due to the enormous rise in people being able to legally purchase medical marijuana in the state.

It is not as easy to get a medical card in Montana as it was. In 2009, only 2,000 people had them, but that number swelled to 31,000 within two years. After the veto from the Governor, the Legislature decided to place heavy restrictions on the program for people to legally purchase medical marijuana. District Judge James Reynolds blocked many of them. However, there were enough to reduce the number of MMJ cardholders to 9,000 by 2014.

It is not as easy as you’d think to get onto the Montana medical marijuana program for a card. Only 2,000 people had a marijuana card in 2009, but by 2011 that number had grown to 31,000. After the veto from Governor Brian Schweitzer, the Legislature placed heavy restrictions on the medical marijuana program with the aim of making it harder to get a card. District Judge James Reynolds blocked many of the restrictions the Legislature tried to pass but in the end, there were still enough to reduce the total number of medical cardholders in Montana to 9,000 by 2014.

It is now more difficult to get your Montana MMJ card, but it is still possible to get a medical marijuana recommendation from a physician and get a Montana medical card. In this guide, we will go through how to get a medical card.

Getting a Montana Medical Marijuana Card Online via Telehealth with Green Leaf Medical Center

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a legal medical marijuana patient online is now possible in many states, including Montana, thanks to telemedicine. Some medical marijuana laws now allow patients to connect with an expert medical marijuana doctor remotely, instead of having to visit in person. Medical cannabis patients often suffer from very serious conditions and this is why dispensaries are deemed an essential service. If you’re interested in getting a medical marijuana card in Montana, Green Leaf Medical Center offers a telehealth platform that makes the process easy and convenient.

If you’re looking for an easy way to get a medical card in Montana, as a Montana resident, the Green Leaf Medical Center is your best bet. With our online application process, it’s simple and straightforward to get the card you need to access medical marijuana in the state. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Montana medical marijuana laws and getting a medical card, so that you can make the best decision for your needs.

Who Can Apply for the Montana Medical Cannabis Program?

There are strict rules on who can apply to become a medical marijuana patient. You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a medical marijuana card. If you are a minor or someone who is over 18 but cannot access cannabis for themselves, they need a Caregiver. Caregivers must be at least 21 years old to gain a Montana medical card. You will also need to be a Montana resident and have one of the many qualifying medical conditions.

What Does a Medical Cannabis Identification Card Allow for in Montana?

A medical marijuana card in Montana allows the cardholder to possess up to 1 ounce of usable marijuana. Caregivers are also allowed to possess up to 1 oz. for the patient’s use.

How do I apply for a Montana Medical Cannabis Program?

To get yourself a Montana medical marijuana card in Montana, you can achieve this in 4 simple steps with the Green Leaf Medical Center.

1. Register online with Green Leaf Medical Center

Register yourself on the Green Leaf Medical Center online platform. All of your personal details are kept secure on our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.

2. Speak with a certified medical marijuana doctor, licensed in Montana state

We have an experienced team of locally Montana medical marijuana doctors who will assess you and your condition with a quick and easy medical assessment using your provided medical information. Most of the medical marijuana appointments take 15 minutes or less with a licensed physician.

3. Submit your application to the State website for the Montana Medical Marijuana Program

It can be easy to get your own medical marijuana in Montana – you just need to submit your licensed medical marijuana doctor certificate, personal information, and proof of identification to the state website. During the application process, you will need to make it clear of your plans to whether you wish to grow your own cannabis or purchase it at a dispensary within the state – you are unable to choose both options. 

If registered medical marijuana cardholders grow marijuana plants for personal use, there is no need to have a background check or register as a marijuana provider. The list of registered card holders’ names is not given to Law enforcement but they can call the department to verify that individuals are registered cardholders or providers.

The laws regarding medical and personal use of marijuana do change so it is important to remain as up-to-date as you can.

4. Once You Have Been approved, you can print your medical marijuana card the same day

Once approved for your Montana medical card you can print out a temporary certificate and visit any dispensary in the state. An official card will be sent to you by mail within 30 days from the Montana State Program.

All patients are required to register themselves with the Montana Medical Program and the DPHSS. The state of Montana keeps an official and confidential list of all the registered cardholders with medical marijuana ID cards. Only members of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, members of Law enforcement agencies may access and check the list when needed. The Law enforcement officers may access a most to check and verify a person’s medical patient status and rights to have a medical card.

What Does my Online Medical Marijuana Evaluation with Green Leaf Include?

The process we follow here at the Green Leaf Medical Center is easy, simple, and secure as it all takes place on our Telemedicine platform. You will have your consultation with a registered Montana medical practitioner who has previous experience issuing medical marijuana certification for patients with a wide range of medical issues and problems.

The Montana registered doctor will speak with you about your medical condition, why you feel you need to apply, and your medical history.

It can be easy to get a medical card in Montana. After you have consulted with a registered practitioner, they will be able to decide if they recommend the use of cannabis-based on the information they have obtained. If your application is successful, the practitioner will complete the certification and email it to you in PDF format. You can then use this to apply for a medical cannabis card from the state of Montana the same day. You will receive a digital card immediately, and a hard copy of your medical card will be sent to your home address.

If your application is not successful then you will get an email from the registered practitioner detailing the reasons they felt unable to provide a certificate. You will not be charged for the consultation.

What is the Cost of a Montana Medical Card and Consult?

The Green Leaf Telemedicine process for an online medical marijuana card is offered to you at $199.00 USD per consultation and follow-up, there are no hidden fees or additional costs involved when applying for your Montana Medical Marijuana Card.

Our service is quick and easy, so it saves both your money and time. We accept all major credit cards.

What Are the Conditions That Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Montana?

The following medical conditions qualify for a medical marijuana card in Montana:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • If you are positive for HIV/AIDS
  • When the condition or disease results in symptoms that seriously and adversely affect the patient’s health status.
  • Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome;
  • Severe Chronic Pain – That is persistent pain of severe intensity and it significantly interferes with daily routines and activities. Object proof of the chronic pain may include an x-ray, a tomography scan, or an MRI from the patients treating certified physician or confirmation of that diagnosis from a second physician. The second physician should be independent of the current treating physician who conducts the physical examination;
  • Intractable Nausea or Vomiting;
  • Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy;
  • Epilepsy or an Intractable Seizure Disorder;
  • Multiple sclerosis;
  • Crohn’s Disease;
  • Painful Peripheral Neuropathy;
  • A central nervous system disorder resulting in chronic, painful spasticity or muscle spasms;
  • Being admitted into hospice care in line with the rules of the department.
  • Any other medical treat

– Any other medical conditions or treatment for a medical condition approved by the legislature

* Chronic Pain— Effective November 08, 2016

* Post Traumatic Stress Disorder — Effective from November 08, 2016

Doctor Meeting

What Do I Need to Have Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card?

To get make an application for your Montana Medical Marijuana card you will need to have some of the following acceptable forms of identification documents:

  • ID
  • Proof of your physical address
  • Your medical records

Acceptable ID

  • Your Driver’s license
  • Valid US passport
  • State-produced ID card
  • Tribal ID card
  • Birth Certificate (for minors only)

If you are unable to provide valid and recent identification then you may be able to apply for a ‘hardship waiver’.

Acceptable proof of residency (at least two required)

  • Utility bill (dated within the last 2 months) – cell phone bills are not valid and accepted as proof of residency.
  • Bank statement
  • Letters and correspondence with a state department (these must be dated within the last 2 months)
  • Mortgage or rental agreement

Medical Records

  • A health summary
  • Progress notes
  • List of diagnoses
  • List of medication
  • Photos and images of prescription bottles

Do I Need to Show my Medical Records to the Green Leaf Medical Center?

Medical records are not required to be shown to us. It is however recommended to upload the medical records as it will help the Montana doctors to have a full and comprehensive understanding of your entire medical history. This will give them an accurate assessment and allow them to ensure that medical cannabis is a good option for you. The medical cannabis prescription is decided on a case-by-case basis.

You may be needed to provide one of the following documents to get a registered cardholder card:

  • A list of medication
  • The physician statement
  • Treatment plan
  • Progress notes
  • Radiology, MRI, or Xray
  • Lab test results

Upon request the Montana Government may require you to provide these details after the competition of your application.

How Does a Caregiver Apply For a Medical Marijuana Card?

A caregiver or legal guardian can apply on behalf of someone else but they must be over the age of 21. The person that the caregiver is applying for also needs to be over the age of 18 years old. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, then you must include a letter with all of the following information:

  • The relationship between the patient and caregiver
  • Proof that you live with or have resided together for six months
  • A copy of the patient’s photo ID
  • A notarized statement from the patient confirming you are their caregiver

If you have NOT resided with or have never met this person, then instead of a notarized statement then you must include a letter that includes all of the following information:

  • The relationship between the caregiver and patient
  • Proof that you are the primary caregiver
  • A statement of the patient’s diagnosis and presentation of symptoms
  • The severity of their condition
  • How medical marijuana has helped them in the past or could help them in the future
  • A letter from a licensed physician or other licensed health care provider attesting to your knowledge on how medical marijuana works, how it’s given, and what the side effects are.

Minors must fill out a registry application packet which can be requested from here: Department of Public Health and Human Services, Licensure Bureau, 2401 Colonial Drive, P.O. Box 202953, Helena, MT 59620-2953.

After changes to SB 423 all people named as caregivers must be registered as “providers” as it is important that growers and caregivers complete all the paperwork involved to become a provider. As a caregiver, you will also need to be able to provide proof of your identity and proof of your address.

In the state of Montana, the application fee for the caregiver is $25.

Note: Even as a registered caregiver you do not have the right to use cannabis.

Can a Qualifying Patient Grow Cannabis in Montana?

Yes, a qualifying patient is allowed to grow cannabis in the state of Montana but they must mark this on the cardholder application form and they will no longer be able to purchase marijuana. If an owner of a medical marijuana card has not named a dispensary as a provider then they are allowed to have in their possession up to 4 mature marijuana plants, 4 seedlings, and the 1 oz. of prepared marijuana flower and usable cannabis.

If you intend to grow your medical cannabis on a rented or leased property then a Property Owner Permission Form must be completed.

Are My Details Kept Safe and Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card?

Here at the Green Leaf Medical Center, we are committed to maintaining and protecting the privacy of our clients and patients. We operate our online services to be HIPAA compliant. We have our privacy policy in place to ensure that all of your confidential details are kept safe.

Indica vs Sativa

Does Montana Have Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?

No – patients coming from other states need to register with the DPHHS. Legal protections for patients who hold medical cannabis cards are restricted to Montana ID cardholders. If you are an out-of-state medical marijuana patient then you are not protected by Montana’s laws. From the period of 2003 until 2011 Montana did extend the legal protection to out-of-state cardholders.

There are some states who do accept out of state medical marijuana cards, this is called reciprocity and it is practiced in the following states:

  • Alaska ^
  • Arkansas *
  • California ^
  • Colorado ^
  • Hawaii *
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • Oklahoma *
  • Oregon ^
  • Puerto Rico
  • Washington ^
  • Washington D.C.

States that are followed by a * do need visitors to complete a visiting patient application form for the length of their stay.

For the states followed by a ^ they have adult-use programs but do not accept out-of-state cards.

Montana's Use Restrictions

In Montana you are restricted from consuming medical marijuana in the following places:

  • At a health care facility
  • A school
  • Any other property that may be owned or leased by a school or postsecondary school
  • On any form of public transport or school bus
  • Public spaces such as parks, beaches, recreation centers, and youth centers
  • In places of worship
  • In open public spaces
  • In any type of location that could be deemed to have a negative impact of the health of children.

How Long Do I Need to Renew my Card?

It is recommended that you start the renewal process of your Montana medical cannabis card 45 days before the expiry date.

Useful Links

The program for medical marijuana in Montana has be moved across to the Montana Department of Revenue and is under the Cannabis Control Commission. If you would like to get more information from the Green Leaf Medical Center about getting your Medical Cannabis Card in Montana then give us a call or message today.

To check for the latest updates and conditions you can visit: