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Missouri Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
Over 197,000 patients in Missouri have active medical marijuana cards as of August 2022. Cannabis-based symptom management allows people with chronic and life-limiting medical conditions to function without significant physical or emotional restrictions.
As more studies on the benefits of medical marijuana are conducted, it is becoming more popular and widely accepted. You should consult a licensed medical marijuana doctor about your treatment options if you have a condition that affects your ability to function and reduces your quality of life.
Cannabis effectively engages the immune and nervous systems to manage the symptoms of many medical conditions, as well as the side effects of conventional treatments, though it is not a cure-all.
The following are some of the most common qualifying conditions for medical marijuana treatment in Missouri.
Chronic Pain
Medical marijuana is frequently prescribed by doctors to treat chronic pain brought on by autoimmune diseases, nerve damage, and other conditions. As an alternative to opiate medications, which pose serious risks for addiction and have numerous negative side effects, providers support the treatment.
Cannabis is available in edibles, topical gels, and transdermal patches, all of which offer a more gradual release of cannabinoids for long-lasting symptom relief. Many patients claim that using medical marijuana keeps them active without the grogginess that comes from taking prescription painkillers.
Cancer
Pain, nausea, and appetite loss are side effects of cancer and its main treatments, chemotherapy and radiation. The use of medical marijuana as a supportive therapy for cancer patients was one of its first widespread applications.
Cannabis can help patients support their recovery by increasing their nutritional intake by reducing nausea and boosting appetite. The therapy can also help address the anxiety and depression that frequently follow a cancer diagnosis.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation are all symptoms of PTSD, a condition that has a profound impact on one’s life. Medical marijuana can reduce stress and stabilize mood. Cannabis is frequently used by patients to reorient themselves and keep their emotions in check.
According to numerous studies on PTSD and cannabis, patients had less severe symptoms when using the drug. One recent study found that medical cannabis users with PTSD were 2.5 times more likely than non-users to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
Multiple Sclerosis
Serious muscle spasms and pain brought on by multiple sclerosis (MS) impair motor function and lower patients’ quality of life. Cannabis eases the muscle tension that limits movement while reducing the inhibiting pain.
Because there are few effective conventional treatments for the severe nerve pain associated with MS, many patients turn to medical cannabis. For many people, cannabis effectively controls symptoms without the sedative and dulling side effects of traditional medications.
Crohn’s Disease
Numerous patients find that medical marijuana helps them control the nausea and abdominal pain brought on by Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers hypothesize that cannabis’ calming effects aid in the management of anxiety brought on by the unpredictable nature of Crohn’s disease.
The effect of marijuana on the intestinal inflammation that causes Crohn’s disease is currently being studied by gastroenterologists, but more research is required.
Full List of Missouri Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Intractable migraines
- Epilepsy
- HIV or AIDS
- Any terminal illness
- Agitation due to Alzheimer’s disease
- Neuropathies
- Sickle cell anemia
- Glaucoma
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Hepatitis C
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Autism
- Huntington’s disease
- Chronic/persistent pain
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
- Persistent muscle spasms
On the website of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, a complete list of the chronic medical conditions and psychiatric disorders that can qualify Missouri residents for participation in the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program is available.
Don’t Have a Qualifying Condition on This List?
You might be able to register as a Missouri medical marijuana patient even if you don’t have one of the aforementioned ailments. Any chronic, crippling, or other medical conditions that a licensed Missouri doctor determines will benefit from medical marijuana are recognized by the state as qualifying ones.
Furthermore, under Illinois’ Opioid Alternative Pilot Program, patients who could or have received opioids may be eligible for medicinal marijuana.
Contact the Sanctuary if you think cannabis could help you manage the effects of your condition. One of our staff members will make a recommendation for a qualified medical marijuana physician who can evaluate your medical background and suitability for cannabis.