Why Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Montana Still Matters in 2025

Montana may have legalized recreational cannabis in 2022, but that doesn’t mean the medical marijuana program is obsolete. In fact, there are still compelling reasons to get —or keep— a green card in the Treasure State. From lower taxes to better legal protections, and the ability to grow more plants at home, Montana's medical marijuana system continues to offer real advantages for patients who rely on cannabis as part of their wellness journey.

Here’s a breakdown of why getting a medical marijuana card in Montana is still a smart move—and how it gives you more freedom, more savings, and more control.

1. Higher Plant Counts for Home Cultivation

One of the biggest advantages of Montana’s medical marijuana program is the significantly higher home cultivation limits for registered patients. While adult-use (recreational) consumers can legally grow:

  • Two mature and two seedlings per individual
  • With a household maximum of four mature plants and four seedlings

Medical patients are allowed double that amount:

  • Four mature plants and four seedlings per patient
  • If patients are related by blood or marriage, they can legally combine their grow limits for a household total of 8 mature plants and 8 seedlings

This increase matters—especially for patients who depend on specific strains or need consistent dosing to manage chronic conditions. Being able to grow more plants at home means more medicine on hand, better customization of strains and cannabinoids, and greater self-reliance and control over what goes into your body.

Patients with a green thumb or limited income often find that home growing offers both therapeutic and financial benefits by making some of their own products at home. Plus, the legal protection of the card ensures you’re operating fully within the law, even with an expanded plant count.

2. Tax Savings That Add Up

Recreational cannabis in Montana is subject to a 20% state tax, and most counties add a local option tax of an additional 3%. That’s potentially 23% in taxes every time you visit a dispensary as a recreational consumer!

In contrast, medical cannabis patients only pay a 4% state tax on their purchases—Some counties add an additional local option tax of 3% for at total medical tax of 7%, a 16% savings over recreational taxes! This results in a tax savings of nearly 70%!

For patients who medicate regularly, this can lead to hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars in savings annually. Whether you're buying flower, concentrates, tinctures, or topicals, or edibles, it’s a fact that having a medical card keeps more money in your pocket.

3. Access to Medical-Only Products with Higher Potency Options

While Montana has allowed dispensaries to serve both medical and recreational customers, not all products are created equal. Some products—especially higher-potency edibles or higher THC plant potency of above 35% —are reserved for medical patients only.

That’s because the state limits recreational edibles to 10 mg of THC per serving and 100 mg per package. Medical patients can access stronger products, up to 800mg for edible purchases as well as specific products like:

  • High-CBD or balanced THC:CBD ratios not commonly stocked for rec use
  • Targeted formulations for sleep, pain, anxiety, and inflammation
  • Tinctures and capsules designed for more precise dosing
  • Higher THC on concentrates, and larger cartridge capacity for Medical cardholders

Medical access gives patients the ability to choose what actually works for them—without being restricted by recreational potency caps.

4. Legal Protections and Employment Safeguards

While Montana legalized adult-use cannabis, medical patients still have added legal protections that recreational consumers don’t always cover recreational consumers. Having a state-issued medical card can provide stronger standing in cases involving:

  • Child custody
  • Housing
  • Employment-related concerns
  • Interactions with law enforcement or probation requirements

Many employers still maintain drug-free workplace policies, but having a medical card can help establish your cannabis use as part of a legally recognized treatment plan—especially when supported by your physician.

In short: Having a green card in Montana adds a layer of legitimacy, protection and expanded access that can make all the difference, especially if your rights are ever called into question.

5. Support from Our Team of Professionals

Becoming a medical cannabis patient in Montana means building a relationship with a licensed Montana physician who understands your health concerns and supports cannabis as a treatment option. This is especially valuable for patients managing qualifying conditions like:

  • Chronic pain
  • PTSD
  • Cancer
  • Epilepsy
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Gastrointestinal diseases
  • And more

Medical cannabis evaluations give you a chance to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals with one of our knowledgeable and compassionate providers. This professional oversight helps patients make more informed choices about strains, dosage, and delivery methods that work best for each individual.

Plus, Alternative Wellness Montana specializes in patient advocacy and education—and being locally owned and operated helps make the certification process smooth, accessible, and empowering.

6. The Process Is Easier Than You Think

Getting a Montana medical marijuana card is simpler than many people assume. With both in-person and telemedicine appointment options available, patients can apply from anywhere in the state and only takes a few simple steps. Get your card quickly and easily with Alternative Wellness Montana

Here’s how it works:

  1. Schedule an appointment call us or schedule online with one of our licensed physicians
  2. Complete the evaluation and receive your Physician Statement
  3. Submit your application to the for the Montana medical marijuana program through the online portal at the Cannabis Control Division
  4. Receive your card—Once you finish the registration process you can print your temporary medical card to begin purchasing at any Montana dispensary. The temporary card is good for 60 days, while your hard copy is processed and mailed out. Typically, you’ll receive your card within 10-14 days

Once approved, patients can purchase from any licensed dispensary AND with a just few more steps, legally cultivate cannabis at home within the higher medical plant counts.

At Alternative Wellness, we’re happy to walk you through the process

Final Thoughts: The Card Is Definitely Worth It

Whether you're a long-time medical cannabis user or someone exploring cannabis as a new healing tool, getting a medical card in Montana is still one of the best choices you can make.

Not only does it save you money and protect your rights, but it also gives you more control over your medicine—from strain selections to home cultivation options. In a landscape where recreational cannabis laws continue to shift, having a medical card keeps you grounded in a secure, supportive system designed with patients in mind.

If you're ready to start your journey—or renew your card—the local providers at Alternative Wellness Montana are here to help every step of the way.