How does having a medical marijuana card benefit me when I can buy recreational cannabis legally?

Medical marijuana cardholders are able to purchase flower with >35% THC and edibles with >100mg THC and can purchase edibles containing up to 800mg per purchase. Cardholders are able to grow 4 adult plants with 4 seedlings as opposed to 2 plants/seedlings under the adult use program. There is also a significant cost savings not paying the 20% recreational tax. In addition, many counties in Montana do not allow recreational marijuana sales. Having a card allows you to purchase in counties that only allow medical marijuana sales.

What are Montana's qualifying conditions to get a medical marijuana card?

• glaucoma

• positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome

• cachexia or wasting syndrome

• severe chronic pain that is persistent pain of severe intensity that significantly interferes with daily activities as documented by the patient's treating physician

• intractable nausea or vomiting

• epilepsy or an intractable seizure disorder

• multiple sclerosis

• Crohn's disease

• painful peripheral neuropathy

• a central nervous system disorder resulting in chronic, painful spasticity or muscle spasms

• admittance into hospice care

• post-traumatic stress disorder

• cancer

How do I get my Montana medical marijuana card?

New patients must meet with a doctor for a review of their medical condition(s) and records to determine if they qualify for the Montana Medical Marijuana program. Once approved by the doctor, the patient must then register and pay a state application fee online via the TAP Portal. A temporary card will be issued to the patient through the TAP Portal after submitting payment for the application fee. The temporary card is valid for 60 days and will allow the patient to purchase while waiting for their official card to arrive in the mail.

Do I need to be a resident of Montana to get a medical marijuana card in Montana?

Yes, the state requires proof of residency to submit an application to become a medical marijuana patient. Acceptable forms of documentation include Montana driver’s license, Montana state or tribal identification card, voter registration form, Montana hunting or fishing license.

How much does it cost to get my medical marijuana card?

The fee to see the doctor is $160 (cash or credit card) and the state application fee is $20 ($20.80 if you use a credit or debit card). The fees are the same for new patients and renewals. 

How long is my medical marijuana card valid for?

Approved applicants will be issued a card for one year from the approval date, typically 2-3 days after submitting your application. Your card must be renewed annually. Patients must see the doctor and re-register with the state through the TAP Portal every year. You will receive renewal reminders from the State of Montana and Montana Medical Cards.

My dog ate my medical marijuana card. How do I get a replacement?

Go to the TAP Portal and scroll down to the cannabis plant. Click on Replace a Lost or Destroyed Card and then follow the screen prompts.  Montana Medical Cards is happy to assist patients with this.

I moved or my name has changed. How do I update the information on my card?

Go to the TAP Portal and scroll down to the cannabis plant. Click on Apply for or Manage a Medical Marijuana Card and then enter your card number and cardholder information. Update Address and Name Change will be options on the next screen. Montana Medical Cards is happy to assist patients with this.

If I grow for myself, can I still shop at cannabis dispensaries?

Yes, home growers are still allowed to purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries in addition to growing their own plants.

How is marijuana measured?

It depends on the kind of cannabis product. Please consult the state’s detailed guide explaining how the different products are measured.

What are my purchase limits as a medical marijuana patient in Montana?

Registered cardholders may purchase up to 1 ounce of flower per day and up to 5 ounces of flower per 30-day rolling period. Edibles and concentrates are weighed differently by the state. 800mg of THC in edibles and 8g of marijuana concentrates are the equivalents to 1 ounce of flower. Petitions to increase your monthly limit to 8 ounces are available through your Alternative Wellness doctor for an additional, one-time fee.

If I am physically unable to make it to a dispensary, can someone else purchase my medical marijuana for me?

Yes, during the online registration process a patient can add 1-2 designated purchasers. Your application will require a picture of their ID/driver’s license. Their name will be listed on your medical marijuana card as a designated purchaser. They will be able to purchase on your behalf by presenting your card and their photo ID at a dispensary.

How much is the tax on marijuana in Montana?

Medical marijuana is taxed by the state at 4% and adult-use marijuana is taxed at 20%. Counties may enact local-option marijuana excise taxes of up to 3% on medical marijuana, adult-use marijuana, or both. 

Can I have my card if I'm on probation or parole?

People under the supervision of the Department of Corrections are currently not eligible to participate in the Montana Medical Marijuana Program unless they have a judge’s order to do so. When supervision ends, they can then apply for their card.

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is a theory that proposes various compounds found in marijuana work together to create distinctive and effective benefits. The marijuana plant contains delta-9 THC, and it is a cannabinoid (a chemical compound) that is associated with producing the effect that causes consumers to feel “high”. However, there are many cannabinoids found in marijuana; not just delta-9 THC.

Recently, there has been increased focus on the additional cannabinoids (chemical compounds) contained in the marijuana plant as well as the marijuana’s terpenes (or essential oils) and how they may produce the effects and benefits that a consumer experiences when using marijuana and marijuana products. The theory that the whole plant is greater than its parts is referred to as the “entourage effect.” This theory proposes that various compounds found in marijuana work together to create distinctive and effective benefits.

For additional info, please refer to the state’s guide on marijuana and the entourage effect.