More and more states across the US have started legalizing cannabis, both medicinally and recreationally — and Missouri did so at the end of 2022. But, just because adult-use cannabis is legal, doesn’t mean that getting a medical card in Missouri isn’t worth it anymore.
In fact, getting a medical card in Missouri brings more benefits than recreational cannabis does.
From saving tons of money to enjoying higher possession limits and so much more, here are all the benefits of getting — or keeping — your Missouri med card.
Cannabis Legalization in Missouri
Before we talk about the benefits of getting your medical card in Missouri, let’s talk about the history of cannabis in the Show-Me State.
Missouri legalized medical marijuana in 2018 when voters approved Amendment 2, the Medical Marijuana and Veteran Healthcare Service Initiative.
The ballot measure made it legal for patients to buy and use medical marijuana if they registered through the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and obtained a medical marijuana card.
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Medical Marijuana Versus Recreational Marijuana
It took a while, but in November 2022, voters approved Amendment 3. This ballot measure worked to legalize and regulate the sale of recreational marijuana.
The measure came into effect in February of this year, and dispensaries are slowly opening up and accepting recreational consumers.
Whenever a state has both medical and recreational cannabis, a lot of residents wonder about the relevance of getting a medical card. But, what most people fail to realize is that medical patients will always have priority.
This means that cannabis is discounted, comes with lower taxes, and if there’s a shortage of cannabis in your area, you’ll be the one to get the product. Here are more benefits to getting your medical card in Missouri, specifically.
The Benefits of Getting a Medical Card in Missouri
Getting a medical card may have an initial fee at first, but the benefits that come with these cards not only pay for the card almost immediately, but the advantages make cannabis consumption better overall.
You can enjoy these benefits after getting a medical card in Missouri.
You Enjoy Employee Protection
A crucial benefit that comes from getting your medical card in Missouri is employee protection.
Anthony David, chief operating officer at Green Precision Analytics, a cannabis testing lab in Kansas City, said: “If you’re using cannabis for medical reasons, as most of the patients in the state of Missouri are, having that medical card affords you protections with your employer or with your insurance company.”
“I think it affords you those protections that you wouldn’t have under adult usage, so it would be the same if you’re taking Xanax that you’re not prescribed.”
Some employers allow you to use medical marijuana but not recreational marijuana. Your Missouri MMJ card is proof that you use marijuana for therapeutic purposes.
With a medical card, you can enjoy your cannabis without concern — just as long as you’re only having it off the clock, of course.
Bigger Possession Limits: You Can Buy More Marijuana
The recreational and medical possession limits in Missouri are quite different.
According to Missouri marijuana possession laws, you can buy up to four ounces of marijuana within 30 days if you have an MMJ card.
You can even buy more than four ounces if two independent physicians state in their certifications that you need a larger amount to meet your health needs.
Missouri marijuana possession laws also state that if you have a Missouri medical marijuana card, you can possess up to a 60-day supply – eight ounces – of dried, unprocessed marijuana if you don’t grow marijuana at home.
If you have a Missouri medical marijuana card and you grow marijuana at home, you can possess up to a 90-day supply – 12 ounces – of dried, unprocessed marijuana.
By contrast, recreational users can buy only three ounces of marijuana; this means their supply runs out faster, and they must visit the dispensaries more often.
Getting a medical card in Missouri means enjoying larger amounts of cannabis at once, saving you trips to the dispensary — and a whole lot of money.
You Save Money Through Discounts and Lower Taxes
As a medical marijuana patient, you have access to exclusive discounts and loyalty programs at dispensaries, which can help you cut costs.
Just by having a medical card, many dispensaries will offer you huge discounts on your product — typically around 30-40% off. That’s huge.
Another cost-saving angle is tax.
The tax on medical marijuana is 4% while that on recreational marijuana is 6%, and recreational marijuana may be subject to other taxes like municipal tax.
Plain and simple, this means you can buy your medical cannabis at much lower costs than you will without a medical card.
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You’re Always a Priority
Unfortunately, the marijuana supply is not infinite; shortages happen. But if Missouri runs low on marijuana, the state will supply products to dispensaries that serve medical marijuana patients before recreational dispensaries.
As a cardholder, this means that your health needs are a priority, so you get express service.
By getting a medical card in Missouri, you also have access to better, faster service, including marijuana delivery.
You can check out websites like Doobie or Weedmaps to see which dispensaries in your area will deliver to you. But, keep in mind that this is only an option for medical patients.
You Have a Lower Age Limit
If you’re under 21, you can’t buy recreational marijuana, plain and simple. According to Missouri marijuana possession laws, only adults aged 21 and over can buy and use recreational marijuana.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait till you’re 21 to apply for medical marijuana because the age limit is 18.
More so, if you’re a parent with a child who you think could benefit from medical cannabis, you can apply on behalf of your kiddo. As their caregiver, you will register with the state, purchase the products, and administer cannabis if need be.
No one is left out of the medical marijuana program because of their age.
Reciprocity: You Can Buy Medical Marijuana in Other States
If you have to travel to a different state where medical marijuana is legal, you may be able to use your Missouri medical marijuana card to buy marijuana there; this concept is called reciprocity.
Not every state with medical marijuana has reciprocity, so be sure to check state laws before you travel.
The Steps Toward Getting a Medical Card in Missouri
Now that you know all the major benefits of getting a medical card in Missouri, let’s talk about how to go about doing that — in the easiest, quickest, and most affordable way possible.
With Elevate Holistics, you can simply click here to book an appointment with one of our expert cannabis physicians. With our telemedicine platform, you’ll meet with our MMJ doctors over the phone or computer, so you don’t even have to leave the house.
If you qualify for medical cannabis, the physician will give you the recommendation you need to register with the state.
The Missouri medical card requirements state that you must:
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- Be a state resident with proof of ID
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- Be at least 18; minors can apply via caregivers
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- Have a physician certification
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- Provide a clear color photo
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- Pay a $25 application fee
When you have all the requirements, the next step is to apply for your medical marijuana card.
But, if you don’t want to go through the state registration process, you don’t have to.
With our priority full-service and full-service add-ons, our team will complete the process for you. All you’ll have to do is pay the state fee. And, we’ll have it finished within 27-72 hours depending on the service you choose.
You must ensure your application is complete and the information provided is correct, or the DHSS will reject it.
Click here for a more in-depth step-by-step guide to getting your medical card in Missouri.
Elevate Holistics: Your Guide to Missouri Cannabis Cards
Even though weed is fully legal in the Show-Me State these days, getting your medical card in Missouri still brings you more benefits than you can imagine.
But, the only way for you to experience those benefits is by booking an appointment and getting your own MMJ card today.
And don’t worry: the Missouri medical card price will not burn a hole in your pocket. We have built a service designed with one major purpose: to ensure your access to medical marijuana at the lowest comparable price, 100% online, and 100% hassle-free.
We can help you get your physician certification and set you on your way to marijuana therapy. If you’re interested in getting your medical card in Missouri right from home, you can click the link below to get started.
