Montana Medical Marijuana Caregiver & Designated Purchaser Requirements 2026
Montana's medical marijuana program, administered by the Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division (CARD), uses a "designated purchaser" model rather than a traditional caregiver system. Designated purchasers can assist registered cardholders with obtaining their medical cannabis.
Quick Facts: Montana Designated Purchaser Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $20 |
| Card Validity | 1 year |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Montana resident required |
| Application | TAP Portal |
| Processing | Temporary card immediately |
Understanding Montana's Designated Purchaser Model
Unlike states with traditional "caregiver" designations, Montana uses designated purchasers — individuals authorized to purchase medical marijuana on behalf of a registered cardholder who cannot obtain it themselves.
Who Qualifies as a Designated Purchaser:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a Montana resident
- Must register with CARD through the TAP portal
- Must be designated by a registered cardholder
Montana's Provider System: Historically, Montana used a "provider" model where licensed providers grew cannabis for specific patients. The current system integrates providers into the licensed dispensary framework, with designated purchasers serving the patient assistance role.
How to Register as a Montana Designated Purchaser: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Patient Designation A registered cardholder must designate you through their TAP portal account.
Step 2: Create TAP Account Visit Montana's TransAction Portal (TAP) and create your account.
Step 3: Complete Application Submit your designated purchaser application with:
- Valid Montana identification
- Proof of Montana residency
- Patient designation confirmation
Step 4: Pay Registration Fee Submit the $20 registration fee through the TAP portal.
Step 5: Print Temporary Card A temporary registration card is available immediately after submission. Print it — digital images on phones are not valid.
Step 6: Receive Permanent Card Permanent card arrives by mail in approximately 30 days.
Designated Purchaser Rights and Responsibilities
What Designated Purchasers CAN Do:
- Purchase medical marijuana from licensed Montana dispensaries at medical tax rates (4%)
- Transport cannabis from dispensary to the registered cardholder
- Assist with administration of medical marijuana as needed
- Purchase up to the cardholder's allowed limits
What Designated Purchasers CANNOT Do:
- Use the medical marijuana themselves (unless they also hold their own card)
- Purchase for anyone other than the designated cardholder
- Exceed the cardholder's possession/purchase limits
- Operate a vehicle while impaired
Possession Limits for Designated Purchasers
- Per Purchase: Up to cardholder's limit (typically 1 oz usable)
- Monthly: Purchases count against cardholder's 5 oz/month rolling limit
- Product Types: All forms available at licensed dispensaries
- Tracking: Purchases tracked via METRC seed-to-sale system
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Designated Purchaser Registration | $20 |
| Annual Renewal | $20 |
| Replacement Card | $10 |
Montana does not offer fee waivers for designated purchaser registration.
Parents and Guardians of Minor Patients
Minor patients (under 18) require a parent or legal guardian to:
- Serve as their designated purchaser
- Manage their cannabis medicine
- Two physicians must certify the minor's qualifying condition
- The parent/guardian must register through TAP
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I need to be to become a designated purchaser in Montana? You must be at least 18 years old and a Montana resident.
Can I be both a patient and designated purchaser? Yes, if you hold your own medical card, you can also register as a designated purchaser for another patient.
How much does it cost? $20 for the initial registration and $20 for annual renewal.
Can I assist more than one patient? Check current CARD rules regarding patient limits for designated purchasers.
Do I need a background check? Background check requirements may vary. Contact CARD at (406) 444-0596 for current requirements.
Official Resources
- Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division (CARD)
- TAP Application Portal
- Cardholder Information
- Contact CARD — (406) 444-0596
Get Your Montana Medical Marijuana Card
MMJ.com connects Montana patients with certified physicians for convenient video telehealth evaluations. Get your card and designate a purchaser today.
