Does chronic pain qualify for a medical card in Montana?
Yes. The Montana Medical Marijuana Program lists Severe chronic pain that significantly interferes with daily activities, as documented by the treating physician as a qualifying condition. A Montana-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About chronic pain
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults. Most trials looked at neuropathic pain and measured modest reductions in pain scores, and many patients use cannabis to cut back on other medications.
Symptoms Montana patients most often hope to ease:
- Persistent aching or burning pain
- Nerve pain such as tingling, shooting or electric sensations
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Side effects or limited relief from current pain medicines
Read more: medical marijuana for chronic pain.
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
- Cancer
- 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
Chronic pain in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for chronic pain?
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.