How to Become a Missouri Marijuana Caregiver

What Is a Medical Marijuana Caregiver?

Missouri's medical marijuana program allows for patients to have a registered caregiver. A caregiver will be allowed to purchase medical marijuana products for patients that they have been linked to in the case of patients being unable to travel to purchase products for themselves. A caregiver is also required for any patient under the age of 18; in this event, a parent or legal guardian is required to obtain a caregiver ID in order to purchase medical marijuana for a minor.

​

Missouri has clarified a patient can have two (2) caregivers that can assist them to purchase medical marijuana.

​

The following criteria are required for an individual to register as a caregiver in Missouri: 

1. Must be 21 years of age or older;

2. Responsible for managing the well-being of a Qualified Patient; and

3. Designated on the primary caregiver's application for an identification card or in other written notification to the Department.

​

How to Get a Missouri Medical Marijuana Caregiver ID

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services has stated that the application process is online, and the application fee to the state for a caregiver ID has been marked at $25. Payment methods will be made with debit or credit card.

​

As of December 8th 2022, caregiver approved IDs will be valid for 3 years. Current ID card holders will retain their existing expiration dates, which will be valid for three years upon the next approved renewal.

​

Application forms and instructions are available now for qualified patients and their caregivers. The entire application process will be online.

​

How Many Approved Caregiver ID Cards Can One Individual Hold?
Article XIV allows for an individual to be a licensed caregiver for up to six (6) separate patients and therefore hold up to six (6) caregiver ID cards.

What Documentation Is Required to Apply for a Caregiver ID?

All caregiver applications require a legible copy of the primary caregiver’s government-issued photo identification card; a clear, color digital photo in which the applicant’s face can be clearly seen; and either a completed patient authorization form or written consent of the parent or legal guardian who will serve as the qualifying patient’s primary caregiver. The patient authorization form is available on the department’s website - https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/patient-services.php

Who Can Be a Caregiver for a Licensed Minor Patient?
Only legal guardians or parents of a licensed minor patient may serve as their licensed caregiver.
The legal guardian or parent that completed the Parental/Legal Consent Form in the minor patient’s application must serve as the qualified patient’s primary caregiver.

How Many Caregivers Can a Patient Designate?
Patients can designate up to two caregivers. The patient must be licensed and the caregiver(s) must be licensed according to 19 CSR 100-1.040(3)(C).

How Do I Apply to Be a Caregiver?
The caregiver must have a Patient Authorization Form completed by the approved patient they are applying to be the caregiver for. The Patient Authorization Form can be found on the website as well: https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/pdf/sample-patient-authorization.pdf.

After the caregiver has a completed Patient Authorization Form, the caregiver needs to complete an online application through the online registry system. For a complete guide for how-to apply, please visit the Patient Services – How-to Apply page on our website: https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/how-to-apply-pi.php.

Caregivers should create their own account in the registration system and should complete a ‘new caregiver application’ as applications created in a patients account will populate the patient’s information within the application and cannot be processed. Fees are nonrefundable.

Caregiver applicants who chose to create an application in another account must select ‘add an individual’, and then create an application.

Who Should Submit the Documents in a Caregiver Application? The Patient, or the Caregiver?
Caregiver applicants will need to submit an application on behalf of themselves, including all required information, such as a digital photo and government issued photo ID.

Is My Licensed Caregiver Authorized to Sell Medical Marijuana?
No. Only dispensaries licensed by the Department are authorized under Article XIV to sell medical marijuana, which must pass all testing requirements to ensure a safe product. Caregivers who sell medical marijuana are in violation of Article XIV and 19 CSR 100-1. The potential consequences for this include revocation of the caregiver license and prosecution by law enforcement for violation of other applicable laws.