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Missouri is one of the latest states in the US to legalize medical marijuana, joining the growing list of states that allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes.
This has significant implications for patients who may be seeking alternative treatment options for their medical conditions, as well as for healthcare providers who may now be able to offer medical marijuana as a treatment option.
In this blog post, we will explore what the legalization of medical marijuana in Missouri means for patients and healthcare providers.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Use
Missouri has established a list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use, including cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, and several other chronic or debilitating conditions. Patients who have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition by a healthcare provider may be eligible for medical marijuana use.
Missouri also allows for medical marijuana use for any other condition that a healthcare provider determines could be alleviated by medical marijuana. This gives healthcare providers a certain degree of flexibility when determining whether medical marijuana could be a useful treatment option for their patients.
Process of Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card
To obtain a medical marijuana card in Missouri, patients must first obtain a certification from a healthcare provider stating that they have a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use.
This certification must be submitted along with a completed application to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The application fee is $25 for patients and $100 for caregivers.
Once the application has been approved, patients will receive a medical marijuana card that allows them to purchase and use medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in Missouri. Patients must renew their medical marijuana card annually and continue to meet the requirements for medical marijuana use.
Legal Responsibilities of Providers
Healthcare providers in Missouri who wish to recommend medical marijuana to their patients must meet certain legal responsibilities.
Providers must be licensed in Missouri and must have a physician-patient relationship with the patient. They also must determine that the patient has a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use and that the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks.
In addition, providers must provide patients with information about the risks and benefits of medical marijuana use, as well as alternative treatment options. Providers must also document the patient's medical marijuana use in their medical records and must regularly monitor the patient's progress and any potential adverse effects.
Benefits and Risks of Medical Marijuana Use
Medical marijuana use has been associated with a variety of potential benefits for patients with qualifying conditions. For example, medical marijuana has been shown to reduce chronic pain, muscle spasms, and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It may also improve sleep and appetite in patients with certain conditions.
Medical marijuana use also carries some potential risks. These risks include short-term side effects such as dizziness, impaired memory, and impaired coordination. Long-term use of medical marijuana may also increase the risk of respiratory problems and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
These risks should be carefully considered when determining whether medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option for a patient.
Comparison to Other States
Missouri's laws regarding medical marijuana use are relatively strict compared to some other states. For instance, Missouri prohibits smoking medical marijuana and requires that it be consumed through other methods such as vaping, edibles, or tinctures.
Missouri limits the amount of medical marijuana that a patient can possess and requires that it be purchased from licensed dispensaries.
Also, Missouri's laws regarding medical marijuana use are more permissive than those in some other states. For example, Missouri allows for medical marijuana use for any condition that a healthcare provider determines could be alleviated by medical marijuana, whereas some other states only allow medical marijuana use for specific qualifying conditions.
Summary
The legalization of medical marijuana in Missouri has significant implications for patients and healthcare providers alike. Patients suffering from a variety of conditions may now have access to an alternative treatment option that could provide relief where other medications have failed.
Healthcare providers must navigate the new landscape of medical marijuana use carefully, balancing their legal obligations with their patients' medical needs. While Missouri's laws regarding medical marijuana use are not as permissive as those in some other states, they are still more permissive than in the past.
The state's relatively strict regulations on medical marijuana use reflect a cautious approach to a relatively new treatment option that is still the subject of ongoing research. However, as more states legalize medical marijuana and more research is conducted on its safety and efficacy, it is likely that laws regarding medical marijuana use will continue to evolve.
Ultimately, the legalization of medical marijuana in Missouri offers a promising new treatment option for patients suffering from a variety of conditions. With careful consideration and guidance from healthcare providers, patients can explore the benefits of medical marijuana and potentially find relief from symptoms that have previously been difficult to manage.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri Today!
Although marijuana is now legal recreationally in Missouri, you should still get your medical card. If you have any questions, just give us a call!
There are so many benefits to having your medical marijuana card in a recreational state, including being responsible for less in taxes, saving at dispensaries, and higher possession laws.
If you don’t already have your medical marijuana card, we can help! Our doctors are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. During your evaluation, they will be happy to answer all your questions about how cannabis may be able to help with your anxiety or any other medical conditions.
Schedule an appointment with a marijuana professional online or by giving us a call at
(877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting the relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.
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