Conditions · Missouri

Does cancer qualify for a medical card in Missouri?

Yes. The Missouri Medical Marijuana Program lists Cancer as a qualifying condition. A Missouri-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.

About cancer

Cancer and its treatment — chemotherapy, radiation, surgery — can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and trouble sleeping.

Stronger evidence. The National Academies found conclusive evidence that oral cannabinoids prevent and treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. There is not enough evidence that cannabis treats or cures cancer.

Symptoms Missouri patients most often hope to ease:

  • Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
  • Loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss
  • Cancer-related pain
  • Burning or tingling nerve pain from chemotherapy
  • Trouble sleeping
Before you start. CBD can affect liver enzymes that process some chemotherapy and targeted drugs, so your oncology team must know about any cannabis you use. A few small studies have raised questions about whether cannabis use may affect how well immunotherapy works, which is worth discussing with your oncologist.

Read more: medical marijuana for cancer.

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

Cancer in nearby states

Frequently asked questions

Do I need medical records for cancer?

Helpful records include: pathology or imaging reports confirming your cancer diagnosis; recent notes from your oncologist describing your stage and current treatment plan; a full list of medicines, including chemotherapy, anti-nausea drugs, pain medicines and blood thinners. 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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