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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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​Why Get a Missouri Medical Marijuana Card?

A Missouri medical marijuana card (sometimes referred to as an "affirmative defense" card) is simply the patient identification card that you will receive from the Department of Health and Senior Services once you've been registered as a medical marijuana patient in the state of Missouri. With your card in hand, you'll have all of the legal rights and benefits granted to patients under the state's medical marijuana laws. The card itself will look similar to any other identification card you might have. It will have your picture on it, your address, and a unique patient identification number. ​This ID card will provide patients with the following benefits:

A Proven Treatment ​Option

If you currently suffer from one or more of the qualifying conditions, we strongly suggest that you initiate your treatment regimen under the supervision of a physician who has the training, compassion, and belief in the medicinal qualities inherent in cannabis. At Missouri Marijuana Card, all of our doctors are not only licensed under the State of Missouri but also have taken additional, continuing medical education cannabis courses to ensure that they have critical and recent information related to the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana.

Access Dispensaries In Missouri

We also believe that any medical marijuana products should be purchased from a Missouri licensed dispensary. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services supports the use of medical marijuana (in its various forms) as a low risk and successful method of treatment for any one or more of the qualifying conditions. With your Missouri medical marijuana card in hand, you'll be able to access all Missouri dispensaries and purchase medical marijuana. These state-licensed marijuana dispensaries will carry many forms of medical marijuana in varying strengths and potency. You will be able to buy products such as tinctures, oils, creams, dry flower and plant material for vaporizers, as well as edibles.

Safe, Lab-Test Products

Each licensed Missouri dispensary will have a wide variety of marijuana flower (also known as ‘bud’) providing each patient with the opportunity to obtain the perfect match of THC and CBD strength, as well as a blend of indica and sativa. Based on guidance from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, beginning in mid to late 2020 and thereafter, medical marijuana dispensaries will open across the State of Missouri. These dispensaries will carry all types of medical marijuana products, including edibles, oils, patches, and vapes. However, a patient is required to have a Missouri medical marijuana card issued by the DHSS to gain access to any of Missouri’s dispensaries.

Protect Yourself Legally ​

Your Missouri marijuana card makes it easy for you to demonstrate to law enforcement that you are registered with Missouri's medical marijuana control, and thereby allowed to possess, transport, and consume medical marijuana products.

Access Other State-Approved Medical Marijuana Programs

A Missouri marijuana card allows you access to all dispensaries located within the state. That's a given, but you might end up getting more value than you originally anticipated. Many states with medical marijuana laws already on the books offer reciprocity with their program. As of today, Missouri does not allow you to purchase marijuana in states that have similar requirements.

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