Last verified: March 2026

About the OMMP

The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) was established by Measure 67 in 1998, when 54.6% of voters approved medical cannabis. The program is administered by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), not the OLCC. OMMP cardholders enjoy significantly higher possession limits, higher potency products, complete tax exemption, and expanded home growing rights.

However, the program has experienced a dramatic decline since recreational legalization in 2015. The combination of Oregon's $200 annual fee — the highest in the nation — and easy recreational access has reduced the patient population from a peak of approximately 78,045 to just 12,963 active patients.

Patient Decline by the Numbers

Qualifying Conditions

To obtain an OMMP card, a physician must diagnose you with one or more qualifying conditions. The most commonly cited conditions are:

Patients can qualify for multiple conditions. Percentages from OHA annual report data.

OMMP Card Fees

Oregon charges the highest medical cannabis registration fee in the nation, which is widely cited as a major factor in the enrollment decline:

By comparison, Alaska charges $25, Minnesota charges $50, and several states charge nothing. The fee does not include the physician consultation cost, which adds another $100–$250 depending on the provider.

Medical vs. Recreational: Why Keep a Card?

Despite the steep annual fee, an OMMP card provides significant advantages for patients who consume regularly or in larger quantities:

Designated Growers

OMMP allows patients to designate a grower who cultivates cannabis on their behalf. Key rules:

• A patient may designate one grower at a time
• A grower may cultivate for up to 8 patients simultaneously
• Growers must register with OHA and grow at a registered grow site
• The 6 mature + 12 immature plant limit applies per patient served
• Growers may not charge more than the cost of cultivation — they cannot operate as for-profit businesses

Zero Medical-Only Dispensaries

One of the most significant changes since recreational legalization: Oregon has zero medical-only dispensaries remaining. All dispensaries that once served only OMMP patients have either closed or converted to dual-license or recreational-only operations. Medical patients now purchase from the same retail stores as recreational consumers, presenting their OMMP card at checkout to receive the tax exemption and access higher-potency products.

How to Apply for an OMMP Card

1. See a physician — An Oregon-licensed physician, naturopath, or nurse practitioner must complete the attending physician statement documenting your qualifying condition
2. Complete the application — Available on the OHA website; requires personal information, physician statement, and proof of Oregon residency
3. Pay the fee — $200 standard, or reduced rate with proof of SNAP, OHP, SSI, or veteran status
4. Submit to OHA — Applications can be submitted online or by mail
5. Receive your card — OHA issues the OMMP card, valid for one year from the date of physician signature

Employment Warning

An OMMP card provides no employment protections. Oregon law (ORS 475C.013) explicitly states that legalization does not amend employment law, and the Oregon Supreme Court ruled in Emerald Steel Fabricators v. BOLI (2010) that employers are not required to accommodate medical cannabis use. See Employment & Drug Testing for details.

Official Sources

• Oregon Health Authority — OMMP
• ORS 475C — Oregon Cannabis Code
• OLCC — Cannabis Regulation