The use of medical marijuana was legalized by voters in the state of Montana on November 2, 2004. Under the Montana Medical Marijuana Act, you may be able to use marijuana to help alleviate some of the symptoms of an illness, whether it be the pain of cancer or wasting from AIDS. This guide will explain how to get a medical marijuana prescription in Montana.

Montana is one of 13 states that allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes. If you are a Montana resident who wishes to use medicinal marijuana, you must obtain authorization from a physician and register with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

• • NOTE: This page is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as recommendation by Mahalo for any sort of illegal or unauthorized drug use. Always ensure that you are aware of all laws and risks regarding the use of marijuana before doing so. The information provided on this page was current as of March 2009 and the laws and processes described below are subject to change.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please contact your doctor and attorney before using the information presented here.

In Montana, patients who suffer from certain serious or terminal illnesses, including cancer or AIDS, may be able to use marijuana for medical reasons. Diseases or treatments for diseases that cause wasting, seizures, severe muscle spasm or nausea are covered under the Montana Medical Marijuana Act. In some cases medical marijuana use may be used to treat the actual medical condition, while in other cases it may be used to help relieve the side effects (such as nausea, etc.) that occur when taking drugs to treat a medical condition.http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/medicalmarijuana/i148text.pdf

• Before you can legally use marijuana for medical purposes in Montana, a physician must certify that you suffer from an illness that might benefit from its use. To do this, the doctor must make a thorough assessment of your current medical status and then fill out a form stating his professional opinion that you would might benefit from medicinal marijuana use.

• Montana maintains a confidential registry of all medicinal marijuana patients in the state. Once you have obtained a doctor's written authorization, you must register with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. You will be required to fill out a form that asks for your personal information and that of your doctor. You will also be asked to give information about any caregiver who may be approved to administer the medicinal marijuana to you.

• Use of marijuana for medical purposes is legal in the state of Montana. Patients, doctors and caregivers cannot be prosecuted if they follow set procedures. Guidelines for the use of medical marijuana in Montana are clear and laws are strictly enforced. If you obtain a physician's certification and register with the state as a medical marijuana user, you must renew the registration annually.