Cancer and medical marijuana in Montana: do you qualify?
Yes. The Montana Medical Marijuana Program lists Cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, when it causes symptoms that seriously harm the patient's health as a qualifying condition. A Montana-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About cancer
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 Montana 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
Read more: medical marijuana for cancer.
How to get certified in Montana
- See a Montana-licensed MD or DO, in person or by telemedicine, who completes the Physician's Statement for a Debilitating Medical Condition.
- Within 60 days of the statement date, start a new medical marijuana application in the Montana TransAction Portal (TAP).
- Upload proof of Montana residency and pay the $20 fee.
- If you plan to grow, add the property deed or the owner's written permission.
- Print the temporary card shown after you submit, and the physical card follows once approved.
- Name up to two designated purchasers aged 21 or older if you need help buying.
Montana allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Montana-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $20
- Card lasts: Up to 1 year (shorter if the physician says so)
- Processing: Temporary card can be printed right after submitting online
- Patient limit: 1 oz of usable marijuana
- Home grow: 4 mature plants and 4 seedlings per cardholder (adults 21+ under adult-use: 2 mature and 2 seedlings); must own the property or have the owner's written permission
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Montana cost breakdown and Montana program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Montana
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- Neuropathy (nerve pain)
- PTSD
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
- Terminal illness & hospice
Cancer in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for cancer?
How long does certification take in Montana?
Can I renew online in Montana?
Sources
- Montana DOR - Cardholder Information
- Montana DOR - Physician Statement for a Debilitating Medical Condition
- MCA 16-12-102 - Definitions
- MCA 16-12-515 - Legal protections, allowable amounts
- MCA 16-12-509 - Written certification, accompanying statements
- MCA 16-12-502 - Definitions (standard of care)
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
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.