While marijuana is legal in Missouri, there are key differences between using recreational marijuana compared to medical marijuana. Many people choose to get a medical marijuana card because of the money and time it can save you.

Save Money

According to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, medical card holders will be able to benefit from lower tax rates than recreational users when they buy marijuana. Recreational marijuana will be taxed at a minimum of 6%. Starting October 1st, dispensaries in the Kansas City metro area will charge an additional 3% in local taxes, bringing the total to 9%. St. Louis and Columbia will institute 3% tax increases as well. However, medical users will continue to pay just a 4% tax on their purchase.

The average cost of an ounce in a Missouri dispensary is $355, so on this single purchase, a medical cardholder would save $17.75.

Purchase and Possess More

Recreational consumers can only buy three ounces of marijuana every month, and they may only possess up to three ounces at a time. Depending on the municipality, individuals caught with more than this amount can face a $250 fine for a first offense, a $500 fine for a second offense, and a $1,000 fine for a third offense. Individuals may also be required to perform community service.

Medical marijuana patients or their caregivers can purchase six ounces of marijuana in a 30-day period. That’s twice the amount allowed to recreational users. They also can possess up to 12 ounces at a time on their person. That’s triple the ammount allowed to recreational users.

Skip the Line with Priority Access

Most marijuana dispensaries provide priority access to those with a medical marijuana card. If you show up to your dispensary and see a line out the door, simply find a receptionist or security officer and show your medical marijuana card. You’ll find yourself escorted to the front of the line, passing all the recreational consumers!

Protection from Employer Discrimination

An employer cannot discriminate against you for having a valid medical marijuana patient ID card. This protects the employee in terms of hiring, firing, or terms & conditions of employment. Specifically, employers cannot discriminate against you for the following reasons:

1.  having a valid patient ID card; or

2. legally using lawful medical marijuana off-premises and outside work hours; or

3. testing positive for medical marijuana.

Exception 1: This does not apply to employers who would otherwise lose a monetary or license-related benefit under federal law.

Exception 2: These protections do not permit an applicant or employee with a valid patient ID card to use, possess, or be under the influence of medical marijuana while working (on the employer's premises or during work hours).