Missouri voters approved a ballot initiative that legalized medical marijuana for qualifying patients on November 6, 2018. The legislation dates back to 2014, when the Missouri Hemp Extraction Program was established. This program allows Missourians to use hemp extract to treat certain types of epilepsy.

Now, in 2018, Missouri voters voted to legalize medical marijuana production, distribution, possession and use for qualifying patients. This is well beyond what HB2238 allows. Amendment 2 was passed in November 2018. This amendment allowed state-licensed physicians to recommend marijuana to patients with serious medical conditions and severe illnesses.

A qualifying medical condition is defined by Article XI Missouri's constitution as the following:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Migraines that are persistent and unresponsive to any other treatment
• Chronic medical condition that causes persistent, severe pain or muscle spasms. This includes multiple sclerosis, seizures and Parkinson's disease.
• If diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist in the state, debilitating psychiatric conditions, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder, can be treated.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (or acquired immune deficiency Syndrome)
• A chronic medical condition which is usually treated with prescription drugs that can lead to psychological or physical dependence. When a doctor determines that medical marijuana would be more effective than the prescription medication and would be safer, it could be considered medical marijuana.
• A terminal illness
• Any other chronic, debilitating, or other medical condition that a doctor deems necessary, such as hepatitis C.
• amyotrophiclateral sclerosis, Crohn's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Autism, Neuropathies, Sickle Cell Anemia, Agitation of Alzheimer's Disease, Cachexia, and Wailing Syndrome.

The 2018 law covers all aspects of Missouri's medical marijuana, from production to distribution and possession. A current document with rules is available. However, here's a brief excerpt that describes cultivation.

"Qualifying patients or primary caregivers will be issued identification cards by the department. These cards will contain unique, identifiable numbers for each patient as well as each caregiver-patient relationship. A qualifying patient and his or her primary caregivers can also apply for an identification card that allows them to grow up to six(6) marijuana plants exclusively for their use. Excerpt taken from the "Missouri secretary of State: Code of State Regulations".

Patients who want to grow marijuana must still follow strict rules about the care and quantity of the plants. You can read the Missouri medical marijuana rules here.

Missourians who want to use, possess and purchase medical marijuana must be aware of two important areas.

How to begin...

Missouri law requires that patients obtain certification from a licensed physician in good standing to comply with its requirements. This is where https://www.420id.com can help. 420ID, which is HIPAA compliant, understands the increasing demand for telemedicine in light of the 2020 events. Each step can be completed by the patient from their own home.

To obtain Missouri Medical Marijuana ID cards, and to renew them when necessary, licensed physicians must be certified. All of this can be done electronically without the need for an office visit.

You now have your card in hand

Patients can get a Medical Marijuana Card to allow them access to dispensaries in their area. Experts are available to assess each patient's needs and recommend products that have been approved by 19 CSR30-95.070. You can find everything from marijuana-infused products to pure marijuana flowers. The amount of medical cannabis dispensaries can sell to patients is also restricted. These restrictions are also detailed in the document.

It has taken a while for patients to have access to alternative treatments provided by big pharma. Patients with serious medical conditions now have the option to use medical marijuana. It is important that all patients are aware of the rules for buying and using medical marijuana. Do your research so you know what you can and cannot do. Get schedule today: