How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in New Mexico

Related

• How to Get Your Medical Card in New Mexico
• The Requirements and Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in New Mexico
• Benefits of 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.

Follow these steps to get certified for your medical card:

1. Complete this information form and create your Quick Med Cards account.
2. Pick a convenient time for your appointment with one of our cannabis doctors in NM.
3. Attend your marijuana evaluation over a video call.
4. Get certified for medical cannabis.

After certification, complete your medical card application on the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program Patient Portal.

Also, 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

To register as a patient with the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Adult patients must be at least 18 years old.
• Minor patients must have a parent or legal guardian serve as their designated caregiver and provide the required documentation.
• You must be a New Mexico resident and provide proof of residency.

Note: Eligible nonresidents enrolled in a recognized governmental medical cannabis program may also qualify to purchase medical cannabis in New Mexico through reciprocity.

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

You must enter the following information to complete your New Mexico medical marijuana card application:

1. Review and verify the information entered by your NM cannabis doctor.
2. Provide your mailing address if it was not included by your MMJ doctor.
3. Upload a copy of your state-issued identification, such as:
   • New Mexico driver’s license
   • 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. Schedule an appointment with an authorized New Mexico medical marijuana provider.
2. Attend your medical cannabis evaluation.
3. If you qualify, your provider will start your application in the NM Online Patient Portal and complete the medical-provider section.
4. After the provider submits their portion, follow the portal email to create or access your personal account.
5. Review the information entered by the provider, complete your section, enter the required New Mexico identification information, upload the required documents, and sign the application.
6. If a caregiver is included, the caregiver must complete their portion before the application is sent to the program.
7. Submit the completed application for state review.
8. After approval, access your electronic medical cannabis card through the portal.

New Mexico electronic applications are typically processed within 5 business days after receipt. The electronic card becomes available immediately after approval. Applications that are not submitted within 90 days of the provider’s signature may be archived.

When did the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program Start?

New Mexico first allowed the medical use of cannabis in 1978 under the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act.

In 2007, the state created its current Medical Cannabis Program (MCP) through the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. The law allows eligible patients with qualifying conditions to use medical cannabis.

Today, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) manages the Medical Cannabis Program and the state’s medical cannabis patient registry.

Guidelines for Medical Cannabis Patients in New Mexico

New Mexico medical cannabis patients must follow state laws and Medical Cannabis Program rules when possessing, using, purchasing, or growing cannabis. Important rules include:

• Patients may purchase up to 425 units, approximately 15 ounces of cannabis, during a rolling 90-day period.
• Adults 21 and older may grow up to 6 mature cannabis plants and 6 seedlings, with a maximum of 12 mature plants per household.
• Patients and primary caregivers may not sell medical cannabis or exchange it for money, goods, or services.
• Medical cannabis may not be used in public places.
• Patients may not operate a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis.

Key Takeaways

• New Mexico’s Medical Cannabis Program was created under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act.
• An authorized medical provider must start your application, and you must complete and submit it through the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program Online Patient Portal.
• Patients under 18 may qualify for medical cannabis with a parent or guardian serving as their caregiver.
• Medical cannabis patients may purchase up to 425 units, approximately 15 ounces, during a rolling 90-day period.
• The New Mexico Department of Health does not charge a state fee to enroll in the Medical Cannabis Program or use the Online Patient Portal.

Common Questions about the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program

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