It is becoming a reality. Medical marijuana is coming to Missouri. The Department of Health, charged with the task of implementing the regulatory regime in Missouri, recently launched a webpage dedicated to medical marijuana.

It can be accessed here: https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana/index.php

It will be the central governmental hub for all things medical marijuana in Missouri. This is where the rules, regulations, applications, etc. will be posted.

The webpage currently provides limited details, but it does include an informative FAQ section, which is posted below. Notably, the Department anticipates that medical marijuana will be available for purchase by January 2020. Although identification cards will be issued by August 3, 2019, this lag time accounts for the fact that no medical marijuana will be immediately available. Instead, patients will either have to cultivate their own or wait until facilities are able to grow, distribute and then sell marijuana.

Here are the Department’s complete FAQs:

Frequently Asked Questions

On Nov. 6, 2018 Missouri voters approved Amendment 2 to permit state-licensed physicians to recommend marijuana for medical purposes to patients with serious illnesses and medical conditions. These FAQs are intended to provide clarifying information about Amendment 2 until applicable rules and regulations can be developed and implemented, which will be no later than June 4, 2019.

Can I legally possess medical marijuana now?

No. While the Department understands that Missourians are anticipating this form of therapy, Amendment 2 requires a series of steps be executed before medical marijuana is made available.

When will medical marijuana be available?

The Department will begin accepting applications for cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensing facilities on Aug. 3, 2019 and we anticipate medical marijuana may be available for purchase as early as January 2020.

How do I get medical marijuana?

Step 1: You must visit a state-licensed physician (not a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant) to obtain a physician certification.

Step 2: Apply for an identification card from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (starting July 4, 2019).

Step 3: Once your application is approved and you receive your identification card, purchase medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary.

Will I be able to go to the pharmacy to fill my medical marijuana?

No, only a Missouri licensed dispensary facility.

Can someone with an out-of-state medical marijuana card or a physician certification possess medical marijuana in Missouri on December 6?

No. The reason is that while the possession is technically allowed, there will be no marijuana available for legal possession. There will not yet be any licensed dispensary facilities to purchase marijuana from; cultivation identification cards will not yet have been issued; and transportation of marijuana into Missouri from another state or purchase of marijuana from street dealers is prohibited under state and federal law.

Can anyone other than a state-licensed physician provide a physician certification?

No.

What conditions qualify?

Cancer; Epilepsy; Glaucoma; Intractable migraines unresponsive to other treatment; A chronic medical condition that causes severe, persistent pain or persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and Tourette’s syndrome; Debilitating psychiatric disorders, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder, if diagnosed by a state licensed psychiatrist; Human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome; A chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to physical or psychological dependence, when a physician determines that medical use of marijuana could be effective in treating that condition and would serve as a safer alternative to the prescription medication; Any terminal illness; or In the professional judgment of a physician, any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition, including, but not limited to, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, autism, neuropathies, sickle cell anemia, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia and wasting syndrome.

If I have a qualifying condition, how do I apply?

After you have a physician certification, you can apply with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. An application form is being developed and will be available online no later than June 4, 2019.

When can I apply for my identification card?

Application forms and application instructions will be available to qualified patients and their primary caregivers no later than June 4, 2019. The department will begin to accept applications on July 4, 2019. The Department anticipates an online application process.

When will I receive my identification card?

Within 30 days of application, if your application is approved.

What is a primary caregiver?

Someone who is:

Twenty-one (21) years of age or older; Responsible for managing the well-being of a Qualified Patient; and Designated on the primary caregiver’s application for an identification card or in other written notification to the Department.

How much does an identification card cost?

$25, initially. Approved payment methods are to-be-determined.

Will I be allowed to grow my own marijuana plants for medical use?

Yes, with the appropriate identification card and in an appropriately secured facility.

When can I submit my application FEE for a cultivation, manufacturing, testing, transportation, seed-to-sale, or dispensing facility license?

Beginning on January 5, 2019.

Note: The method for application is currently being developed. The fee submission is nonrefundable. Submission of a fee is not a guarantee of a license.

When can I submit my application FORM for a cultivation, manufacturing, testing, transportation, seed-to-sale, or dispensing facility license?

Beginning on August 3, 2019.

When will I receive my cultivation, manufacturing, or dispensing license?

Within 150 days after the application is received, if your application is approved.

Are there fees associated with applying to become a cultivation, medical marijuana-infused manufacturing, or dispensing facility?

Cultivation Facilities require a $10,000 non-refundable application fee and a $25,000 annual fee.

Dispensary Facilities require a $6,000 non-refundable application fee and a $10,000 annual fee.

Medical marijuana-infused manufacturing facilities require a $6,000 non-refundable application fee and a $10,000 annual fee.

How do I get more information?

Email your inquiries to [email protected].

What is the Department doing to facilitate implementation of Amendment 2?

We are reaching out to stake holders for input and reviewing other states’ regulations to determine best practices. Check back to this website for updates and developments.