Conditions · Missouri

Does cachexia & wasting syndrome qualify in Missouri?

Yes. The Missouri Medical Marijuana Program lists Any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition in a physician's professional judgment (for example hepatitis C, ALS, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, Huntington's disease, autism, neuropathies, sickle cell anemia, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, cachexia and wasting syndrom as a qualifying condition. A Missouri-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.

About cachexia & wasting syndrome

Severe, unintended loss of weight and muscle that comes with serious illnesses like cancer or HIV.

Limited evidence. There's limited evidence that cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms Missouri patients most often hope to ease:

  • Poor appetite and feeling full quickly
  • Nausea that makes eating difficult
  • Ongoing loss of weight and muscle
  • Changes in taste or smell of food
  • Fatigue and low energy
Before you start. Dizziness, low blood pressure and sedation can raise the risk of falls in people who are already weak. People with weakened immune systems should avoid smoking cannabis because of a risk of lung infections from contaminated plant material.

Read more: medical marijuana for cachexia & wasting syndrome.

How to get certified in Missouri

  1. See a Missouri physician or nurse practitioner for a certification (telemedicine is allowed if it meets the standard of care).
  2. Submit your application within 30 days of the certification date through the DHSS online registry portal.
  3. Upload a legible government-issued photo ID and a clear color photo of your face.
  4. Pay the patient card fee, and add the cultivation authorization if you want to grow.
  5. Wait for DHSS to decide, which it must do within 30 days.
  6. Buy at licensed dispensaries with your patient ID card.

Missouri allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Missouri-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.

Costs and timeline

  • State fee: $28.92 (July 2026-June 2027 fee schedule)
  • Card lasts: 3 years
  • Processing: DHSS has 30 days to process patient and caregiver applications
  • Patient limit: 60-day supply (12 oz of dried, unprocessed marijuana or equivalent); up to 90-day supply for patients with cultivation authorization, with the excess locked up
  • Home grow: With a cultivation authorization ($57.83): 6 flowering plants, 6 non-flowering plants over 14 inches and 6 under 14 inches per patient, in an enclosed, locked facility
  • Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
  • First visit online: Yes

See the full Missouri cost breakdown and Missouri program overview.

Other qualifying conditions in Missouri

See every qualifying condition in Missouri

Cachexia & wasting syndrome in nearby states

Frequently asked questions

Do I need medical records for cachexia & wasting syndrome?

Helpful records include: records confirming the underlying illness, such as a cancer, HIV or heart failure diagnosis; weight records over time showing unintended weight loss; notes from your oncologist, HIV specialist or dietitian about appetite and nutrition. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Missouri provider will tell you if more is needed.

How long does certification take in Missouri?

The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. DHSS has 30 days to process patient and caregiver applications.

Can I renew online in Missouri?

In most cases, yes. Patient cards last three years. Renew through the registry portal with a new physician or nurse practitioner certification before your card expires.

Sources

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.

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