Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in Montana (2025)

Montana’s Medical Marijuana Program, regulated by the Montana Cannabis Control Division within the Department of Revenue, allows residents diagnosed with specific debilitating medical conditions to legally access medical cannabis. Patients must receive certification from a Montana-licensed physician and complete an online application process to obtain their medical marijuana card. While recreational cannabis is legal, having a medical card offers benefits such as lower tax rates, higher purchase limits, cultivation rights, and legal protections.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

As of 2025, Montana recognizes 13 qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana treatment, including admittance to hospice care. Patients must be diagnosed by a licensed Montana MD or DO and have the condition certified by a physician. The qualifying conditions are:

  • A central nervous system disorder resulting in chronic, painful spasticity or muscle spasms
  • Admittance into hospice care
  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy or an intractable seizure disorder
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Intractable nausea or vomiting
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Painful peripheral neuropathy
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Severe chronic pain

Montana does not accept petitions to add new qualifying conditions, and physicians can only recommend medical marijuana for these listed conditions.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a resident of Montana (proof required via state ID, driver’s license, tribal ID, voter registration, etc.)
  • Be 18 years or older to apply independently (minors may qualify with a legal guardian/caregiver application and additional physician certifications)
  • Receive a written certification from a Montana-licensed medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) within 60 days prior to application

Application Process

  1. Obtain Physician Certification: Schedule an appointment with a Montana-licensed MD or DO, either in-person or via telemedicine, to get a physician recommendation for medical marijuana if you have a qualifying condition.
  2. Apply Online: Complete your medical marijuana card application via Montana’s TransAction Portal (TAP), uploading your physician certification, proof of residency, a passport-style photo, and paying the $20 application fee.
  3. Receive Temporary Card: Once your application is submitted and accepted, you can print a temporary card valid for 60 days, allowing access to dispensaries while waiting for your official card to arrive by mail.
  4. Receive Official Card: The permanent medical marijuana card will be mailed within approximately 30 days and is valid for one year.

Caregivers and Minors

Patients under 18 may receive medical cannabis with two physician certifications and a registered caregiver (legal guardian). Caregivers must be at least 21 years old and registered as designated purchasers, authorized to buy and administer cannabis on behalf of the patient.

Booking an Appointment with Licensed Doctors

For Montana residents seeking quick access to medical marijuana certification, same-day appointments with licensed Montana medical marijuana doctors are available at:

This telehealth service offers secure and convenient video consultations with state-licensed physicians who can issue the necessary certification for your medical marijuana application.

Official Resources & Links