Montana Medical Marijuana Card Requirements & Qualifying Conditions

Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 10, 2024

If you are looking to get medical marijuana in Montana, then you’ve come to the right place.

By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:

  • What qualifies you for a medical card in Montana?
  • What are the Montana medical card requirements?
  • How can I get a Montana medical marijuana card online?

We strive to bring you accurate and up-to-date information. So, we regularly update this article with the latest information from the official Montana Department of Revenue, Cannabis Control Division website.

Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Montana

You may be eligible for medical cannabis in Montana if you suffer from any of the illnesses on this list of qualifying conditions:

  • A central nervous disorder resulting in chronic, painful spasticity or muscle spasms
  • Admittance into hospice care
  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy or an intractable seizure disorder
  • Glaucoma

Montana Medical Card Requirements

To meet the main requirements for a medical card in Montana, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Be a resident of Montana.
  • Have a physician recommendation form.

A licensed medical marijuana doctor in Montana must complete your physician recommendation form. This recommendation confirms that you have a qualifying condition.

To apply for a medical marijuana card as an adult, you must be 18 years or older. However, minors can also qualify for a Montana medical card if their parent or legal guardian becomes their caregiver.

Requirements for Minors

In Montana medical marijuana patients below 18 can get cannabis treatment if they have a qualifying medical condition. However, minors cannot submit a medical card application on their own. Instead, their parent or legal guardian must consent to the cannabis treatment and serve as the child’s designated purchaser (caregiver).

The qualifying patient’s parent or legal guardian must submit the following documents and information:

1. Proof of legal guardianship. For example:

  • Birth certificate
  • Court document

2. Consent to fingerprint form. (For legal guardians or parents who intend to cultivate cannabis on the minor’s behalf.)

Additionally, minor patients must receive a complete and signed physician statement to confirm that they are eligible for medical cannabis. The physician statement for minors differs from the one adults get. How? Two physicians must fill out the physician statement form unless the minor’s treating physician is an epileptologist, neurologist, or oncologist.

Requirements for Caregivers

Adult patients can choose up to two designated purchasers (caregivers) to buy medical marijuana on their behalf.

Montana medical marijuana laws dictate that caregivers must be at least 21.

Caregivers must provide the following documentation and information:

1. Proof of Montana residency. For example,

  • Driver’s license
  • State or tribal ID card
  • Passport

2. Birth certificate (If the qualifying patient is younger than 18)

3. The caregiver’s date of birth (For adult patient caregivers)

It is worth noting that a qualifying patient must register you as their designated purchaser during their application or later when they receive their medical marijuana card. Therefore, as a caregiver, you should provide the patient with the information highlighted above.

Reciprocity

Visiting patients can’t access medical cannabis in Montana with out-of-state MMJ cards – there’s currently no reciprocity. However, those holding a Montana medical card can use it in some states. States that recognize out-of-state MMJ cards include:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Hawaii
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • Oklahoma
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • Utah
  • Washington, D.C.

Different states have different reciprocity laws for out-of-state medical cards. So, it’s crucial to understand the rules before traveling. For instance, Hawaii requires registration for an out-of-state card before allowing access. In contrast, Montana cardholders visiting Maine can use their cards directly at dispensaries. 

To avoid potential inconveniences, you should research thoroughly beforehand. Understanding each state’s laws on out-of-state MMJ cards is necessary when you’re a traveling patient.

What documents and information do I need for the Montana medical marijuana card?

After you get the physician recommendation form, you must apply for your medical card with the Medical Marijuana Registry. Below are the documents and information you need to provide:

1. Passport-style photo

2. Proof of Montana residency. For example,

    • Montana driver’s license
    • Montana state or tribal identification card
    • Voter registration form
    • Montana hunting or fishing license

3. Physician statement (if applicable)

In addition to the documents above, you may also need to provide extra documentation if you have specific needs. For instance:

a) Petition for an exception to monthly purchase limits. (For cardholders who want to increase their monthly buying limit from 5 ounces to 8 ounces.)

b) Proof of property ownership (For applicants who want to grow marijuana) in the form of a:

    • Deed
    • Title
    • Mortgage paperwork
    • Property tax information

c) Property owner permission. (For applicants who want to grow cannabis but do not own the property where they will cultivate.)

d) Designated purchaser’s date of birth. (For cardholders who want to choose a caregiver to buy marijuana on their behalf.)

Besides the requirements above, you must pay $20 annually for your Montana medical marijuana card. If you lose your medical marijuana card, it costs $10 to replace it.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Montana Online

You can get your Montana medical marijuana card online by following these steps:

1. Get your Medical Marijuana Recommendation:

  • Book your appointment with one of our Montana medical marijuana doctors.
  • Attend your online marijuana evaluation over a video call.
  • Receive your complete and signed physician recommendation.

2. Register with the Montana Medical Marijuana Registry.

  • Complete the medical marijuana card registration and pay the $20 application fee.
  • Print your Temporary medical marijuana card.
  • Receive your medical marijuana card within 30 days.

Schedule your appointment with Quick Med Cards today and get your marijuana recommendation in no time. After all, we are the fastest and cheapest medical card provider in Montana.

Renewing your Montana Medical Marijuana Card

Renewing your Montana medical marijuana card online works the same way as your first-time application. The requirements for renewing are the same as well. To renew your Montana medical card online:

1. Schedule an appointment with a licensed cannabis doctor in Montana.

2. Attend your cannabis evaluation over a video call.

3. Receive your complete and signed physician recommendation.

4. Log into your Medical Marijuana Registry account.

5. Complete your renewal application and pay $20 for your new medical card.

6. Print your temporary medical card.

7. Receive your new Montana medical marijuana card within 30 days.

First time with Quick Med Cards? No worries! You can use Quick Med Cards for a cheaper and faster Montana medical card renewal.

Speak with Our Medical Marijuana Doctor Today

Same-day appointments available.

Common Questions about the Montana Medical Card Requirements and Qualifying Conditions

Do you still have questions about the Montana medical card requirements and qualifying conditions? You may find your answer below.

Is it easy to get a medical card in Montana?

Yes, getting a medical card in Montana is easy. You can complete the entire process online in a day, no matter where you are in the state. First, you need a Montana doctor to confirm you have a qualifying condition by signing a physician recommendation. You can get your recommendation online after a telemedicine appointment using Quick Med Cards. Once you have the signed physician recommendation, register on the state’s medical marijuana registry. It’s that easy!

How much does it cost to get a medical card in Montana?

The state fees are just $20 for a new Montana medical card and $10 for a replacement. However, you’ll also need to pay for your doctor’s consultation and recommendation, which is where costs can vary. Quick Med Cards offers the most affordable option in Montana, with our prices ranging from $45 to $149. The recommendation is included in the cost of your consultation.

How much is it to renew your medical card in Montana?

It costs $20 to renew your Montana medical marijuana card.

Can you get a medical card online in Montana?

Yes. You can complete the entire application process online. We offer telemedicine evaluations with licensed Montana doctors who can sign your physician statement. Afterward, simply apply for your Montana medical marijuana card through the state’s online registry. That’s all!

What qualifies you for a medical card in Montana?

You may qualify for a medical card in Montana if you are a resident with a qualifying medical condition. The list of qualifying conditions for a medical card in Montana includes:

  • A central nervous disorder resulting in chronic, painful spasticity or muscle spasms
  • Admittance into hospice care
  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy or an intractable seizure disorder
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Intractable nausea or vomiting
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Painful peripheral neuropathy
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Severe chronic pain

How long does it take to get a medical card in Montana?

You can expect to receive your Montana medical card within 30 days after submitting your application. However, you can download a temporary card immediately after completing your application. This printed temporary card allows you to purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries while you wait for the official card to arrive in the mail.

How old do you have to be to get a medical card in Montana?

You must be at least 18 to qualify for the Montana medical card. Minors (patients below 18) also qualify as long as their parents or legal guardians consent to the treatment and serve as caregivers (designated purchasers).

How many plants can you grow with a medical card in Montana?

You can grow four mature plants and four seedlings with a Montana medical card. However, the plants cannot be visible to the public. Recreational users can cultivate half of what medical users can: two mature plants and two seedlings.

Does Montana allow out-of-state medical cards?

No. Montana does not accept out-of-state medical cards. Only Montana residents can obtain and use the state-issued medical cannabis card to legally buy, possess, and use MMJ.

Patient Resources and Forms

How to Contact the Montana Cannabis Control Division

State Agency: Montana Department of Revenue

Phone: (406) 444-0596

Fax: (406) 444-4110

Email: DORCCD@mt.gov

Mailing Address:

Montana Department of Revenue
Cannabis Control Division
PO Box 5835
Helena, MT 59604-5835

Website: https://mtrevenue.gov/cannabis/