HOW TO GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

1. A person must get a written recommendation from a doctor that he
or she qualifies for using medical marijuana. The doctor uses a
state-issued form to write the recommendation. It is not a prescription.

2. The applicant submits the doctor's recommendation along with a
one-page application form, the name of his or her caregiver (if any)
and a $25 fee to the state Department of Public Health and Human
Services. Patients under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their
application form and act as their caregiver.

3. The DPHHS processes the application and enters the patient into
the state registry of medical-marijuana license holders. The registry
is not available for public review. If the patient has a caregiver,
that person undergoes a background check and cannot be a convicted drug felon.

4. The DPHHS mails a medical-marijuana card to the patient, who can
then begin using the drug. The patient (or his caregiver) is allowed
to possess no more than six marijuana plants and one ounce of usable
marijuana. The card must be renewed annually for a $10 fee.

- - The Billings Gazette