Montana is one of the states where it is legal to take medical marijuana and Montana issues medical marijuana cards to its qualified patients. A medical marijuana patient may possess up to one ounce of marijuana if they are registered and have a provider. If a patient does not have a provider, then they may possess a total of up to four plants and four seedlings.
Montana recognizes the following as qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- Severe chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- Immune deficiency syndrome or a related illness
- Epilepsy
- Crohn’s disease
- Wasting syndrome
- Intractable vomiting or nausea
- PTSD
- Central nervous system disorder
There is a fee to register as a medical marijuana patient in Montana and you will be required to submit the following information to the Montana Dept of Health and Human Services:
- A licensed doctor’s recommendation
- A $5 fee
- Patient application forms which are available online
When it comes to your doctor, either an MD (medical doctor) or a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) can issue you a recommendation. NDs (naturopathic doctors) are also some times licensed to issue recommendations for medical marijuana. A patient can become registered if they are under the age of 18, but they must have their parent or legal guardian act as supervisor and control usage. A separate form exists specifically for minor patients.
The state of Montana maintains a list of registered medical marijuana patients which is confidential. Only the Montana Dept of Health and Human Services is able to access the list. Law enforcement may access the list only to verify a patient’s status.
As a medical marijuana patient, you are entitled to grow your own medicine and you may also choose to have a provider help you to do so. Licensed providers many times are helpful if you choose to grow your own medicine as they have experience in this field and can assist you in the best processes. Keep in mind that federal law does not offer any protection for medical marijuana, so if you live in some kind of federally subsidized housing, it is possible for you to be evicted for growing your own e marijuana even if you are registered with the state. Following all of Montana’s medical marijuana laws is helpful on the state level, but not necessarily on the federal level.
Your employer may also forbid medical marijuana in the workplace, even if you are registered in the state of Montana. Montana law does not require that employers accommodate employees who are legally using and registered to use medical marijuana. If you have questions about drug testing in relation to your place of employment while you are a registered medical marijuana patient, it is always best to consult with your attorney for advice. Montana laws do not specifically address employment discrimination due to the use of medical marijuana.
