How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in New Mexico

How do I Get Medical Marijuana through the New Mexico Cannabis Program?

To get medical marijuana through the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program, a cannabis doctor in NM must first certify you. Then, you must register as a patient on the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program Patient Portal and complete the medical card application. If the MCP approves, you’ll get a New Mexico medical card, which enables you to buy, use, and possess medical cannabis in the state.

It is worth noting that New Mexico no longer requires first-time patients to have in-person appointments. So, you can get your cannabis certification after a video call with one of our cannabis doctors in NM.

Online consultations with NM MMJ doctors are easy and affordable through Quick Med Cards. First, fill out the information form to create your account. Then, pick a convenient time for your appointment with one of our state-approved cannabis providers. After attending your consultation via video call, which may take 10 to 15 minutes, our cannabis doctor will provide a marijuana certification if you qualify.

You should note that physicians only certify individuals suffering from one of the qualifying conditions for a medical card in New Mexico. So, if your illness is not eligible, it is unlikely that a medical marijuana doctor will approve medical cannabis as a form of treatment. Usually, the doctor will consider cannabis treatment if you’re suffering from either:

• A chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to physical or psychological dependence.
• A chronic medical condition that causes severe, debilitating psychiatric disorders.

Registering for the New Mexico Cannabis Program

As mentioned earlier, a cannabis doctor must certify you for medical marijuana before registering as a patient with the New Mexico Cannabis Program. Once you get your complete marijuana certification, visit the New Mexico MCP Patient Portal and start your medical card application.

Besides your marijuana certification, there are a few other New Mexico medical marijuana card requirements you must satisfy for a successful application. For instance:

• Adult patients must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• Minor patients must have a caregiver such as their parents apply on their behalf. Additionally, caregivers must provide a complete Medical Power of Attorney or legal guardianship document to indicate legal authority when applying for the New Mexico medical card on behalf of minor patients.
• You must be a New Mexico resident with proof of residency.

*Also, out-of-state patients can use MMJ cards issued by their home state to buy medical marijuana in New Mexico.

Which information do I need to register for the New Mexico Cannabis Program?

You must enter the information below to complete your New Mexico medical marijuana card application.

1. Review and verify the information entered by your NM cannabis doctor.

2. Mailing address. (If not included by your MMJ doctor)

3. Upload a copy of your state-issued identification. For example:

• New Mexico driver’s license
• New Mexico ID
• Temporary New Mexico ID

How do I Apply for a Med Card in New Mexico?

New Mexico recently phased out paper applications for the medical marijuana card. Now, patients must complete their med card applications online through the New Mexico MCP patient portal.

Quick Med Cards makes the entire process easy. Follow the instructions below to get your NM medical card.

1. Book an appointment with a licensed NM MMJ doctor.

2. Attend your online marijuana evaluation via video call.

3. Get certified for medical marijuana.

4. Visit the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program Patient Portal and create your account.

5. Login to your account and complete your New Mexico medical card application.

6. Receive your New Mexico medical card.

When did the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program Start?

In 1978, New Mexico ventured into unchartered territory when it became the first state to pass legislation allowing the medical use of cannabis. But, it wasn’t until 2007, with the passing of the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, that the state finally legalized medical marijuana.

Following legalization, residents could use medical marijuana to relieve symptoms caused by chronic conditions.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) oversees the Medical Cannabis Program (MCP).

Guidelines for Medical Cannabis Patients in New Mexico

Although a New Mexico medical marijuana card provides legal protection to patients when handling medical cannabis, there are still rules a patient must follow; or their status as an approved patient may fail to protect them from prosecution or arrest. Some of the New Mexico medical marijuana laws include:

• Approved patients may not exceed the legal possession limit of 15 ounces of flower or bud.
• Patients aged 21 and over may not grow more than six (6) mature cannabis plants and six (6) seedlings with at most 12 mature plants per household.
• Patients and primary caregivers may not sell medical marijuana to other patients or primary caregivers but can transfer excess cannabis to them.
• Approved patients cannot use medical cannabis at a public park, recreation center, workplace, or any other public place.
• Finally, patients cannot operate a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis.

Key Takeaways

Common Questions about the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program

Below are answers to common questions patients have about the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program.