In 2018, voters approved an amendment that made medical marijuana legal in the state of Missouri. Three years later, marijuana dispensaries have started appearing in cities across the state. To buy marijuana legally, you’ll need to get a medical marijuana card that verifies that you have a recommendation from a physician. If you’re willing to pay extra, you could get a card that allows you to grow up to eighteen plants in your home.If you have a qualifying condition, it’s time to talk to your physician about getting your medical marijuana ID card. Here’s why you should act as soon as possible, and how Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center can help.
It Takes Time to Get Approved
Even if you qualify for a medical marijuana card, getting approved isn’t an instantaneous process. You’ll have to visit a doctor and get a recommendation, then fill out an application. Along with your application, you’ll need proof of residency, a picture of yourself, the application fee, and the signed recommendation. You must have received the recommendation within thirty days to qualify.Once you submit your application, you’ll have to wait up to thirty days for the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to review the form. If they accept your application, you can download your card and start purchasing medical marijuana. However, there’s always the possibility that the DHSS will reject your claim. If this happens, you may want to talk to an attorney about your options.
Getting Your Card Now Could Help with Previous Legal Charges
According to SB 509, if you get your medical marijuana card prior to August 28, 2021, previous Missouri marijuana possession charges will be automatically expunged from your record. This means the state will remove the charges from your criminal record.If you get your card later, you can also get your record expunged — but it will not happen automatically. Expungement can be a time-consuming process, so going with the automatic option will certainly be easier! If you apply for and receive your medical card later, an attorney can help you with the Missouri expungement process.
You Don’t Want to Wait for Treatment
Medical marijuana can treat a number of health conditions, including glaucoma, migraines, and epilepsy. Even if it can’t treat the condition itself, it could treat some of the chronic pain and symptoms associated with your condition.Applying for a medical marijuana card takes time–and the longer you wait, the longer you’ll have to deal with treatments that may be ineffective. You might not have to wait if you’re dealing with a condition that progresses quickly.Many people turn to medical marijuana because no other treatment has worked. If you’re at the end of the rope, don’t feel embarrassed about talking to a doctor about getting your medical marijuana card. Thousands of people across the United States use medical marijuana for various reasons. Some people need medical marijuana to treat physical conditions, while others use it for mental issues like anxiety and PTSD.For these reasons and more, it’s important to get your medical card as soon as possible. Talk to a doctor if you think that medical marijuana could make a difference in your life.
