How to Get A Medical Marijuana Card in New Mexico Step by Step
The first statewide medical marijuana bill passed in 1996. Based on over 25 years of patient success stories, successful regulatory framework, and ongoing studies, patients nationwide use cannabis to manage dozens of chronic physical and emotional disorders.
Today, 37 states have active medical marijuana programs. Obtaining a medical marijuana card in New Mexico is an easy process with a short turnaround time. Your card allows you to possess higher amounts of cannabis, grow more plants at home, and enjoy employment protections.
While the application process is simple, New Mexico has a lengthy appeal timeline for rejected applications. Familiarizing yourself with the program requirements and application process ensures you submit the best possible initial application, allowing you to begin treating with proper dosing as quickly as possible.
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Step 1: Identify Your Qualifying Condition
You must be diagnosed with one of the 28 qualifying conditions recognized by New Mexico to be eligible for a card. Doctors cannot add unlisted diagnoses to the application form. If you and your physician believe you would benefit from cannabis, but you do not have a qualifying condition, you may submit a petition to review.
The most common qualifying conditions in New Mexico are:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Severe chronic pain
- Cancer
- Painful peripheral neuropathy
- Inflammatory autoimmune-mediated arthritis
- Epilepsy/seizure disorder
Other qualifying conditions include glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), anorexia, cachexia, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord, Hepatitis C, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. If you experience a chronic condition that impedes your ability to function and diminishes your quality of life, you should discuss medical cannabis with a medical provider.
Step 2: Meet with A Licensed Physician
Any physician licensed to prescribe controlled substances in New Mexico can issue a certification to treat with medical cannabis. Providers are not required to issue certifications. Treating with an experienced medical marijuana doctor is the best way to obtain a medical cannabis card.
Marijuana doctors believe in the treatment value of cannabis. They complete ongoing training and have the clinical experience to provide you with comprehensive information on what cannabis can do for the symptoms of your condition, advise you about potential risks or complications with treatment, and help you manage your expectations for medical marijuana.
Doctors can conduct medical marijuana evaluations using telehealth.
Step 3: Compile the Necessary Paperwork and Register With MMMP
Even if you’re a qualified patient, the New Mexico Department of Health will reject your application if it's incomplete. This will delay your approval and potentially preclude you from treating with medical cannabis products. The New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program’s paperwork requirements for prospective medical marijuana patients are the same for both electronic and paper applications.
Complete applications include:
- A fully completed and accurate Patient Information section.
- A fully completed Medical Provider Section. Be sure the provider selected a qualifying condition, filled out their contact information, and listed their license number. You cannot change the Medical Provider Section. If it is incomplete, you must obtain a new form.
- A copy of a one-page clinic note from your doctor related to your qualifying condition
- A clear copy of your current New Mexico driver’s license or photo ID. The copy of the identification card must be clear and include a full-face photo
- The application form must be dated and have the original signatures of both the patient and the medical provider. You cannot submit a photocopy of the application
Note that the state may request additional medical records from you. In addition, if you’re a minor (under 18 years of age), you will need to have a qualified caregiver (usually your legal guardian) submit a caregiver application to the state of New Mexico.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Double-check every section of your application before submission. Verify that each field is filled out, legible, and correct. Only use blue or black ink. Retain copies of the documents for your records, but be sure to submit the originals to the state.
Paper applications can be mailed to the Department of Health, Medical Cannabis Program, PO Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110 or dropped off at the Department of Health office located at 1474 Rodeo Road, Suite 200 Santa Fe, NM 87505.
The state takes up to 30 days to process applications and issue determination. If you apply online, you can check your application status through your account dashboard. Cards mail out within five days of their approval.
Step 5: Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card
Once you have your card, you or your caregiver can visit dispensaries to make medical marijuana purchases. You’ll be able to buy products such as edibles, concentrates, topicals, and a wide variety of other items containing THC and/or CBD. Your card will exempt your cannabis purchases (up to the 15-ounce possession limit) from the excise tax.
Carry your card when you have cannabis on your person and every time you visit a dispensary. Purchases are logged in the state registry to track your 90-day supply. You can view your purchase history through your account dashboard.
Need Help Obtaining A New Mexico Medical Marijuana Card?
A New Mexico medical marijuana card entitles you to higher possession limits, allowing you to effectively manage your medical condition. With a complete and accurate application, you can begin making tax-free cannabis purchases in as little as 35 days.
The Sanctuary can advise you on the state's online and paper application process. Our compassionate staff can help you determine if you have a qualifying diagnosis and connect you with a skilled medical marijuana doctor. We can then help you assemble a strong application to maximize the likelihood of your approval. Contact us today to learn more.