Missouri Medical Marijuana Caregiver Requirements 2026
Missouri's medical marijuana program, administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), offers exceptional value for caregivers with 3-year card validity and home cultivation rights. Even with recreational legalization, the medical program provides significant tax savings.
Quick Facts: Missouri Caregiver Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $25 |
| Card Validity | 3 years |
| Max Patients | 3 |
| Processing Time | Up to 30 days |
| Home Cultivation | YES - 6 flowering plants per patient |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old |
| Residency | Missouri resident required |
Why Missouri's Caregiver Program is Outstanding
- 3-Year Validity: Longest card validity period in the nation
- Low Cost: Only $25 for 3 years ($8.33/year effective cost)
- Home Growing: Cultivate up to 18 flowering plants (3 patients)
- Tax Savings: Medical patients avoid 6% retail marijuana tax
- Dual Status: Caregivers can also be patients
Who Can Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Missouri?
Age & Residency:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must be a Missouri resident
- Must possess valid Missouri identification
Background Check Requirements:
- State criminal background check required
- Disqualifying offenses include:
- Class A or B felony within past 7 years
- Drug trafficking convictions
- 7-year lookback period for most offenses
- No fingerprinting required
Additional Requirements:
- Can also be a registered patient (dual status allowed)
- Must be designated by qualifying patients
- Cannot have more than 3 patients at once
How to Register as a Missouri Caregiver: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Patient Designation Up to 3 qualifying patients must agree to designate you as their caregiver.
Step 2: Create DHSS Account Visit the Missouri DHSS Medical Marijuana Portal.
Step 3: Complete Application Submit your primary caregiver application with:
- Personal identification
- Proof of Missouri residency
- Patient designation information
Step 4: Pay Registration Fee Submit the $25 registration fee.
Step 5: Receive Your Card Once approved (up to 30 days), your 3-year caregiver ID card will be issued.
Required Documents for Missouri Caregiver Registration
- Valid Missouri driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Missouri residency
- Primary caregiver application
- $25 registration fee
Missouri Caregiver Cultivation Rights
Missouri allows generous home cultivation:
Plants Allowed Per Patient:
- 6 flowering plants
- 6 non-flowering (vegetative) plants
- 6 clones (plants under 14 inches)
Maximum Plants (3 patients):
- 18 flowering + 18 vegetative + 18 clones = 54 plants total
Cultivation Requirements:
- Must be grown in an enclosed, locked facility
- Cannot be visible from public areas
- Must be at a residence you own or lease
- Only cardholders may access the grow area
Missouri Caregiver Rights and Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do:
- Cultivate up to 6 flowering plants per patient (18 max)
- Possess up to 6 ounces per 30-day period
- Purchase from licensed Missouri dispensaries
- Transport cannabis for your patients
- Administer medicine to designated patients
- Be a registered patient yourself
What Caregivers CANNOT Do:
- Sell cannabis to non-cardholders
- Serve more than 3 patients
- Exceed cultivation or possession limits
- Grow in unsecured locations
Possession Limits for Missouri Caregivers
- Monthly Limit: Up to 6 ounces per 30-day period
- At Home: Up to 6 ounces dried flower equivalent
- Plants: 6 flowering + 6 vegetative + 6 clones per patient
- Concentrates/Edibles: Included in ounce equivalents
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Caregiver Registration | $25 | $8.33/year |
| 3-Year Renewal | $25 | $8.33/year |
| Replacement Card | $10 | - |
Missouri offers the best per-year value of any state caregiver program.
Medical vs. Recreational in Missouri
Missouri legalized recreational cannabis, but medical cardholders benefit:
- Tax Savings: Medical purchases avoid the 6% retail marijuana tax
- Cultivation Rights: Only medical cardholders can grow at home
- Higher Limits: Medical allows more possession
- 3-Year Card: Best value registration in the country
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Missouri caregivers grow marijuana? Yes! Caregivers may cultivate up to 6 flowering plants, 6 vegetative plants, and 6 clones per patient they serve (up to 54 plants total for 3 patients).
How long is a Missouri caregiver card valid? 3 years—the longest validity period of any state. At $25, that's just $8.33 per year.
Can I be both a patient and caregiver in Missouri? Yes. Missouri allows individuals to hold both patient and caregiver registrations.
How many patients can a Missouri caregiver serve? Caregivers can assist up to 3 patients simultaneously.
Why get a medical card when recreational is legal in Missouri? Medical patients save 6% in taxes, can grow their own cannabis, and enjoy the excellent 3-year card validity.
What disqualifies you from being a Missouri caregiver? Class A or B felony convictions within the past 7 years, or drug trafficking convictions.
Official Resources
- Missouri DHSS Medical Marijuana
- Caregiver Registration
- Find Missouri Dispensaries
- Missouri Cannabis Laws
Get Your Missouri Medical Marijuana Card
Save on taxes and get cultivation rights with a Missouri medical card. MMJ.com connects patients with licensed physicians for convenient telehealth evaluations.