Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card in a Recreational State like Missouri
April 29, 2024
Even though recreational marijuana is available, getting a medical marijuana card in Missouri still has its perks.
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What are the benefits of a medical marijuana card in Missouri?
- What are the differences between medical and recreational weed in Missouri?
- How do I get a medical marijuana card in Missouri?
There are many reasons to get a medical marijuana card in Missouri rather than opting for recreational cannabis, for example:
- Cheaper marijuana
- Larger possession limits
- Lower age limits
- Employee protections
- Continued patient-doctor relationship
- State Reciprocity
Quick Med Cards has helped thousands of patients get certified for medical cannabis in Missouri. We have drawn feedback from many Missouri patients and we have studied the Missouri marijuana laws to compare medical versus recreational cannabis in the state. So, let’s dive in.
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Missouri Recreational ‘Weed’
In November 2022, voters approved Amendment 3, which legalized adult-use cannabis in Missouri for those aged 21 and older. This amendment passed with 53% of the vote. However, it wasn’t until February 3, 2023, that sale of recreational marijuana commenced in the state.
Difference Between Medical and Recreational Weed in Missouri
Below are the main differences between medical and recreational weed in Missouri:
- Medical marijuana is only available to patients with qualifying conditions who have a medical card. Meanwhile, recreational cannabis is available to all adults aged 21 and over.
- Cardholders in Missouri can buy up to 6 ounces of dried, unprocessed marijuana or its equivalent every 30 days. However, recreational users can only buy 3 ounces of dried, unprocessed cannabis or its equivalent in a single transaction.
- Medical marijuana users in Missouri can possess a 60-day supply of cannabis. Meanwhile, recreational users must store any amount of cannabis above the 3-ounce limit at their residence.
- Medical cannabis products are only subject to a 4% tax. Meanwhile, recreational cannabis in Missouri is subject to a 6% marijuana tax in addition to local sales tax.
- The cultivation card (to grow marijuana at home) for cardholders costs $50 annually, while the cultivation card for recreational users costs $100.
There are also similarities in medical and recreational marijuana in Missouri, for example:
- Both medical and recreational users must apply for a cultivation card to grow up to six mature, six immature, and six marijuana seedlings at home.
- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) regulates both the medical and the recreational cannabis market in the state.
Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri
1. Missouri Cannabis Limits
Getting a Missouri medical marijuana card means you can possess more cannabis than recreational users. With a medical card, you can buy up to 6 ounces of dried cannabis or its equivalent every 30 days. Additionally, you can legally possess a 60-day supply of cannabis.
Recreational users can only buy up to 3 ounces of cannabis or its equivalent in a single transaction. Moreover, they can possess a maximum of 3 ounces of marijuana and must store any excess in a secure, locked location.
The advantage of possessing more cannabis than recreational users is enjoying the convenience of not making frequent trips to the dispensary to top up your medication. Additionally, you save more money in the long term by making bulk purchases. Finally, with a higher possession limit, you can maintain consistency in your treatment with a steady supply of cannabis to manage the symptoms of your illness.
2. Price Difference Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis
Another benefit of getting a Missouri medical card is having access to cheaper cannabis than recreational users. Medical cannabis is subject to a 4% tax in Missouri. Meanwhile, recreational cannabis is subject to a 6% marijuana tax plus any additional local sales taxes.
Besides the differences in taxation, dispensaries offer discounts to medical users that recreational consumers may not get. These factors added up can make medical marijuana a more cost-effective option.
3. Employee Protections
A Missouri medical marijuana card provides employment protection, which is not available to recreational users. Under Missouri law, employers cannot make employment-related decisions based solely on a positive drug test for cardholders.
It is worth noting that this employment protection applies if the positive test results from lawful consumption off the employer’s premises and not during work hours.
On the other hand, recreational users may face disciplinary actions at work if they test positive for cannabis use.
The employee protections for cardholders mean that your MMJ card can help give you job security, peace of mind, and fair treatment in the workplace.
4. Medical vs Recreational Potency
A Missouri medical marijuana card gives you access to more potent and specialized cannabis products that are tailored to specific health concerns. The certifying healthcare provider will give you a personalized treatment plan to ensure effective symptom management.
With medical-grade cannabis, you can expect a more consistent and reliable relief from your symptoms compared with recreational marijuana use.
5. Age for Marijuana in Missouri
For some people, another significant benefit of obtaining a medical marijuana card is the lower age limit. In Missouri, adults aged 18 and eligible minors can get medical marijuana, whereas only adults aged 21 and over can buy recreational cannabis.
The lower age limit ensures that those below 21 can access cannabis treatment regardless of age. This also means that younger patients can begin treatment sooner, potentially leading to better health outcomes and symptom management in the long run.
6. Expertise of Missouri Medical Marijuana Doctors
Having a doctor guide you through your treatment is one of the main reasons to get a Missouri medical marijuana card for many patients.
The process starts with a cannabis doctor evaluating and certifying you for medical marijuana treatment. However, the doctor’s involvement doesn’t stop there. As a cardholder, you get personalized medical advice to ensure your treatment is effective. Your MMJ doctor can also help you understand the correct dosages, methods of consumption, and potential interactions with other medications. Additionally, you will benefit from continuous monitoring by a physician to ensure your treatment plan is working as intended.
By choosing medical marijuana, you gain expert medical guidance, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of your cannabis regimen.
7. Reciprocity
Some states allow visiting patients to access medical marijuana with their out-of-state MMJ cards. Having a Missouri medical marijuana card lets you enjoy reciprocity in states with medical marijuana programs. Reciprocity laws can vary across states, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with the out-of-state medical card policy in the state you plan to visit.
Reciprocity lets you access medical marijuana while traveling so that you can continue your cannabis regimen without interruption, even when you are out of state.
Key Takeaways
- Marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in Missouri.
- Choosing medical marijuana over recreational cannabis in Missouri gives you the following benefits:
- Cheaper marijuana
- Larger possession limits
- Lower age limits
- Employee protections
- Reciprocity
- Continued patient-doctor relationship
Conclusion
While recreational cannabis in Missouri offers convenience for adults 21 and over, a medical marijuana card provides more benefits, especially for health needs. With a medical card, you enjoy employee protection. You can access cheaper and more potent products. You also get guidance from doctors trained in cannabis medicine. Most importantly, you can use cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment, not just for recreation. Are you managing chronic pain? Maybe you are battling insomnia? Perhaps you are seeking relief from other conditions? A Missouri medical card allows you to get the maximum benefits of cannabis safely and responsibly.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in MO
Getting a medical marijuana card in MO is simple. You need a medical marijuana doctor in Missouri to certify you for medical cannabis. This certification proves that you have a qualifying medical condition. Afterward, you must complete your medical marijuana card application on the Complia portal.
Follow the steps below to get your Missouri medical marijuana card online:
1. Book an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in MO.
2. Attend your marijuana evaluation over video call.
3. Receive your marijuana certification if you are eligible.
4. Complete your medical marijuana card application on the Complia portal.
5. Wait for approval and get your Missouri medical marijuana card.
Quick Med Cards is the cheapest and easiest way to get your medical marijuana card in Missouri. So, schedule an appointment with us and get your marijuana certification in minutes!
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Questions about the Benefits of a Missouri Medical Marijuana Card
Do you have more questions about the benefits of a medical marijuana card in Missouri? You may find the answers below.
Did recreational marijuana pass in Missouri?
Yes. In November 2022, voters approved Amendment 3, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. This amendment allows nonmedical users to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana. Additionally, it established a regulated market for recreational sales, which began in February 2023
Is Missouri recreational or medical?
Marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in Missouri. Missouri legalized medical marijuana in 2018. Later, the state legalized recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and over in 2022.
Where can I smoke with my medical card in Missouri?
You can smoke medical marijuana in Missouri at private residences and properties where the owner permits it. It is illegal to smoke marijuana in public spaces and vehicles. Also, using cannabis in the workplace, even with a medical card, may result in disciplinary actions.
Do you need a medical card in Missouri?
You don’t need a medical card to purchase and use marijuana recreationally in Missouri if you are 21 or older. All you need is to provide your government-issued ID when making purchases in Missouri dispensaries. However, you do need a medical card to buy medical marijuana.
Does Missouri accept out-of-state MMJ cards?
No, Missouri does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards for purchasing cannabis. However, visiting patients with out-of-state MMJ cards can legally possess marijuana in the state as long as they have an amount less than what state cardholders are limited to.
Can you buy recreational marijuana in Missouri?
Yes, you can buy recreational marijuana in Missouri if you are at least 21 years old. When visiting the dispensary, you must present your valid government-issued ID.