Medical marijuana has served as a source of controversy among experts from various fields. Few issues generate more attention from legislators, academics, researchers, clinicians, and the general public than medical marijuana.
Medicinal cannabis has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of various conditions as long as the dosage is controlled and the intake schedule is monitored by a doctor. Many patients have also testified to the manifold advantages of medicinal marijuana, but some Americans remain skeptical.
Many physicians in Montana provide medical marijuana card assessments. Here, we’ll clarify some medical marijuana myths and explain how to locate a dispensary near you.
We’ll also answer some commonly asked questions and detail how to find medicinal marijuana physicians in Montana.
Medical marijuana, also referred to as medical cannabis, is a drug that is used to treat certain medical conditions. It is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. Medical marijuana can be smoked, vaporized, or eaten in the form of edibles. It can also be taken in the form of a pill, tincture, or oil.
The active ingredient in medical marijuana is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the chemical that causes the plant’s psychoactive effects. These effects can include relaxation, heightened senses, and an altered state of consciousness.
Medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
In Montana, medical marijuana is legal for patients with qualifying conditions. Patients must have a valid medical marijuana card to possess and consume medical marijuana. Medical marijuana cards are issued by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Each patient is limited to 2 ounces of marijuana. Consumption of medical marijuana is allowed in private residences only. It is illegal to consume medical marijuana in public places.
Despite the state’s legalization of marijuana, neither cardholders nor recreational users are permitted to use the drug in public in Montana. Due to the ongoing federal prohibition of cannabis, using it on federal property or in national parks may subject you to additional penalties.
Marijuana use is permitted in private residences, including your home. Still, to make sure that your landlord does not have a formal policy against marijuana use, check your lease or rental agreement. A $50 fine is levied as punishment for public consumption.
In Montana, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while high on marijuana. Police officers have the authority to pull over vehicles when they suspect that the driver is intoxicated. They can take a driver to a hospital for blood testing if they think they are under the influence of cannabis, including medical cannabis. DUI is defined as a THC level of 5 ng/ml or more.
First-time offenders face fines between $300 and $1,000 and sentences ranging from one day to six months in jail. These penalties grow steeper as the offender’s crimes accumulate.
To apply for a Montana medical marijuana card, you must be a resident of the state of Montana and at least 18 years old. You will need to provide proof of residency and your age, as well as a copy of your photo ID. You will also need to provide documentation from your treating physician verifying that you suffer from a qualifying medical condition. Once you have gathered all of the required materials, you can submit your application form online or by mail.
If you are under 18 years of age or otherwise unable to submit an application yourself, you can appoint a designated caregiver—usually one of your legal guardians—to submit it and pay the application fee for you.
If you are approved for a Montana medical marijuana card, you will be able to purchase cannabis from any licensed dispensary in the state. You will also be able to grow up to four mature plants for personal use. However, it is important to note that all of the requirements for obtaining a card are subject to change, so it is essential to remain up to date on any new regulations that may be implemented.
If you are a resident of Montana and you would like to become a medical marijuana patient, you will need to find a qualified doctor who can provide you with a written certification.
Start by visiting the website of the Montana Medical Association or the American Medical Association. Both of these organizations can help you find a qualified physician who can assist you in obtaining your medical marijuana certification.
Make sure that you choose a doctor who is licensed, who is an active member of the MMD, and who also specializes in providing patients with medical marijuana certifications.
There are 378 adult-use recreational marijuana dispensaries and 66 medical marijuana dispensaries in Montana. Cardholders can make purchases at either type of dispensary, though medical dispensaries only cater to patients. These locations include:
You can save time by calling ahead to confirm that the items you want are in stock, confirm store hours, and find out the purchase policies. The locations of all medical and adult-use dispensaries are continuously updated by the Montana Department of Revenue.
When it comes to getting a Montana medical marijuana card, every patient’s application must provide the following information:
You will also need to provide a copy of your driver’s license or state ID, as well as a recent passport-style photograph. Finally, you must include an official medical marijuana recommendation from your physician with your application to the state for an MMJ card.
In certain situations, you may be asked to provide additional medical records in order to complete the application process.
Montana’s qualifying conditions for medical marijuana treatment include severe chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer, wasting syndrome, cachexia, intractable nausea, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), painful peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system disorders, intractable seizure disorders, and epilepsy.
In order to obtain a card, you must first meet with a licensed physician to discuss your condition and whether or not medical marijuana may be an effective treatment option for you. If your physician believes that you could benefit from medical marijuana, they will issue you a written recommendation for it.
In order to become a certified medical marijuana patient in the state of Montana, you must see a licensed physician who has been approved by the state to certify patients for medical marijuana. You can find a list of approved physicians on the Montana Department of Health and Human Services website.
Marijuana cards in the state of Montana are valid for one year from the date of their issuance. Registered cardholders must visit their physicians annually to renew their cards, or else they will no longer be considered valid patients under state law.
Yes, you are able to apply for a Montana medical marijuana card as long as you are a resident of the United States. However, you will still need to have a current Montana ID or driver’s license and proof of residency.
There are plenty of dispensaries in Montana that Montana residents can visit to use their medical cannabis cards. A list of some of these dispensaries can be found on the Montana Medical Marijuana Program’s website.
Medical cannabis products can be used legally in Montana in certain designated locations. These include: private residences, hospitals, and certain licensed businesses. Marijuana cannot be smoked or consumed in public places, and it is illegal to use it while driving.