Possession and consumption of medical marijuana are legal for Missouri residents, provided you have a valid medical marijuana card that certifies you as a registered patient. Nevertheless, smoking medical marijuana in public is unlawful and will result in legal action if caught. It does not matter if you were vaping, smoking, or consuming an edible; the federal and state regulations emphasize consuming medical marijuana in private.
You will get arrested by the authorities if found smoking medical marijuana in public in Missouri, even if you are a cardholder. It is not legal to smoke marijuana without a medical card in Missouri and those who are can only legally do so in private. Here is everything there is to know about medical marijuana consumption in Missouri.
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Can I Smoke My Medical Marijuana in Public in Missouri?
You cannot smoke medical marijuana in public in Missouri. The state regulations on medical marijuana consumption restrict consumers from using the plant for medical use in any public space. Consuming marijuana in private is also illegal unless you have a medical marijuana Missouri card.
Where Can I Consume My Medical Marijuana in Missouri?
Although the law prohibits smoking medical marijuana in public, it provides an alternative for all marijuana users. You can smoke the plant outside your home as long as you remain in a non-public location. It is better to stick to an enclosed space, however, as Missouri law also implies that certified marijuana consumers should consider a spot with little chance of being observed by others.
The best place to consume your medical marijuana has to be at home. The public options available in Missouri are really not that many. Cardholders can smoke their cannabis in their private residences and legally purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries across the state.
What Laws Regulate Medical Marijuana in Missouri?
Medical marijuana was legalized in Missouri in 2018. The law only allows for registered patients to legally purchase medical marijuana in Missouri. Their medical condition must be determined valid by a state-licensed physician beforehand. As a medical marijuana card holder, you can purchase no more than four ounces within a 30-day period.
There are still many limitations on marijuana in Missouri. Recreational marijuana is strictly prohibited, and cardholders risk prosecution if they stray from the rules. Possessing as few as ten grams of marijuana in Missouri without a medical card is considered a Class A misdemeanor.
Cultivating marijuana is also legal in Missouri for certified patients and caregivers. The product must remain on private property and not be distributed to anyone apart from the patient in care.
How Can I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Missouri?
If you are a resident of Missouri, you are eligible to apply for a medical marijuana card. There are no age requirements for applying, however, patients under 18 must be represented by a legal guardian or a caregiver.
Caregivers must be at least 21 and possess a medical marijuana card that fully authorizes them to purchase on behalf of the patient and monitor their well-being.
Any prior criminal convictions will not influence the decision to issue you with a card. However, you risk card revocation if you commit certain drug offenses.
In Missouri, you qualify for a medical marijuana card if you suffer from a valid medical condition that could benefit from the treatment. Some of the conditions listed as qualifiable include, but are not limited to:
- Glaucoma
- Neuropathy
- Autism
- Terminal illness
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
You also need a certificate from any licensed Missouri physician confirming your condition and giving you a written recommendation for medical marijuana. You will need to submit this recommendation while applying for your medical card. You will then have to wait for the state’s approval and receive your medical marijuana card.
As a registered patient, you will be able to purchase medical marijuana legally from any licensed dispensary across the state. Marijuana card holders can only purchase four ounces within a 30-day period. The Department, can, however, approve larger amounts depending on the case.
Conclusion
A valid medical marijuana card is necessary to consume marijuana legally in Missouri. Always remember that even if you have a card, smoking in public puts you at risk of prosecution. Consuming medical marijuana at home is entirely legal and safe for medical marijuana card holders, provided they keep it away from the public eye.
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