Montana Medical Marijuana

With a solid 62 percent of the voters approving, Montana stepped onto the Medical Marijuana scene in 2004. Montana Medical Marijuana law is the 11th such initiative that allows for the medical use of marijuana to its state residents. All registration and administrative duties are handled by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Individuals who currently have qualifying medical conditions must register with the state by submitting a registration application, a physician’s statement—from a licensed physician, along with their caregiver’s information, if applicable. In addition, each applicant is required to submit a $50 registration fee annually. Some private programs are available to provide financial aid for those unable to afford the annual fee. Applications are received at:

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Licensure Bureau
2401 Colonial Dr, PO Box 202953
Helena, MT
59620-2953
Phone: 406-444-2676

Medical Marijuana Montana law allows any licensed physician to recommend the medical use of cannabis, without fear of prosecution. Patients under the age of 18 must also obtain consent from their parent or legal guardian. The debilitating medical conditions which qualify under Montana Medical Marijuana law are:

• Severe / Chronic Pain
• Severe Nausea
• Seizures / Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis / Chron’s Disease
• Cachexia
• Cancer / Glaucoma
• AIDS
• or any additional conditions approved by the department

Medical Marijuana Montana Law specifically states that any qualified individual is not protected when consuming in public or while operating any motor vehicle. A qualified patient may possess no more than one ounce of usable cannabis and six plants. Caregivers and patients are operating within the law if they each possess nor more than the above state amount. Caregivers may be in the care of more than one patient at a time, however Montana Medical Marijuana law does not specify how Dispensaries or Collectives are to operate.

Medical Marijuana Montana Law does provide housing or employment rights. No insurance companies are required to reimburse for any expenses related to the consumption or cultivation of cannabis for medical needs.

Medical Marijuana Montana law does, however, protect individuals from other states if they possess a current registration card or its equivalent, from their state.