How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New Mexico

What is an MMJ Card in New Mexico?

A New Mexico medical marijuana card or medical cannabis card is an official identification card for residents of New Mexico approved to legally use marijuana for medicinal purposes. Residents can apply for medical marijuana cards if they suffer from specific physical or mental health conditions. A New Mexico MMJ card, per the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, allows the owner to buy, possess, and consume medical marijuana to treat their condition. New Mexico's Compassionate Use Act allows registered patients to use medical cannabis without fear of arrest as long as they adhere to the state's cannabis regulations. The New Mexico Department of Health issues medical marijuana cards to patients and primary caregivers through its Medical Cannabis Program.

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in New Mexico?

Yes, minors (persons below the age of 18) can obtain medical marijuana cards in New Mexico, provided they have been diagnosed with any of the qualifying conditions. Eligible minors must also provide parental consent, medical power of attorney, or legal guardianship paperwork. Alternatively, a parent, guardian, or designated caregiver can apply for a medical marijuana card on their child's behalf.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in New Mexico in 2024?

Although medical marijuana is legal in New Mexico, patients must have qualifying health or mental conditions for which cannabis treatment is beneficial. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the following conditions qualify for medical marijuana treatment:

• Anorexia (severe cases only)
• Cachexia
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Alzheimer's disease
• Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
• Cancer
• Crohn's disease
• Injury to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with intractable spasticity
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Friedreich's ataxia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington's Disease
• Hospice care
• Inclusion body myositis
• Inflammatory autoimmune-mediated arthritis
• Intractable nausea/vomiting
• Lewy body dementia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Opioid use disorder
• Painful peripheral neuropathy
• Parkinson's disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Severe chronic pain
• Spasmodic torticollis (cervical dystonia)
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Ulcerative colitis

How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in New Mexico in 2024?

New Mexico stopped accepting paper applications from patients and caregivers intending to join its medical marijuana program on April 1, 2023. Therefore, the only way to apply for a medical marijuana card in the state is through the online registration portal provided by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).

Before applying for the New Mexico medical cannabis ID card, prospective applicants must first visit their medical providers. They choose to have telemedicine medical provider appointments rather than meeting in person. These must be providers approved by the state to provide medical cannabis recommendations. The medical provider confirms the eligibility of a patient and starts the registration process on their behalf. The patient can then visit the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program portal to continue their registration with the account details created during their visit to their medical provider.

The NMDOH provides concise instructions to help patients register on the online portal. The applicant must upload a state-issued ID as proof of their identity when completing the registration process. Acceptable forms of ID include New Mexico State ID and driver’s license. The NMDOH processes electronic applications within 5 business days of submission after which patients can access their electronic MMJ cards and print them.

A New Mexico medical marijuana card is valid for 2 years. This change took effect on June 16, 2023 with the enactment of House Bill 242.

How Does a Primary Caregiver Get a New Mexico MMIC?

A primary caregiver is a person who purchases, possesses, or cultivates medical marijuana on behalf of a patient who cannot perform these tasks themselves. Primary caregivers may operate on behalf of minors, disabled persons, or individuals that require assistance to perform everyday tasks.

Primary caregivers may obtain MMIC cards in New Mexico. However, they must:

• Be at least 18 years old and New Mexico resident
• Have no prior convictions for felony violation for trafficking of controlled substances (NMSA Section 30-31-20);
• Have no prior convictions for felony violation for distribution of controlled substances to minors (NMSA Section 30-31-21);
• Have no prior convictions for felony violation for the prohibited distribution of a controlled or counterfeit substance (NMSA Section 30-31-22);
• Have no prior convictions for felony violation for a violation of any equivalent statute in another state or country.

To get a New Mexico MMIC, a primary caregiver must also register online using the account of the patient under their care. Therefore, a designated caregiver can either register along with a new patient or be added to the account of an already registered patient. The NMDOH provides instructions for caregiver registrations too.

How long does it take to get a New Mexico MMIC?

A New Mexico medical marijuana card is available immediately upon approving an application. However, it can take up to 5 days after submission to approve a patient or caregiver application submitted online. New Mexico only provides electronic MMJ cards and no longer mails physical copies. Registered patients and caregivers can, therefore, print their medical marijuana cards from the electronic copies available on their profiles on the NMDOH portal.

Getting a New Mexico Medical Marijuana Card Online

New Mexico only accepts online applications for its medical marijuana card. To get one, arrange an appointment with your medical provider to recommend you for medical cannabis. The provider will also start your application process on the state’s Medical Cannabis Program online portal where you will also register. If approved, you will get an electronic medical marijuana card within 5 days of submitting your application.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Department of Health does not charge patients or caregivers that apply for medical marijuana identification cards. However, doctor appointments - to ascertain eligibility - may cost anywhere from $50 to $150.

How Do I Renew My Medical Marijuana Card In New Mexico?

Medical cannabis patients must renew their medical marijuana cards if they wish to keep their card privileges valid. The Department of Health expects patients to apply for renewal at least thirty days before their cards expire and does not charge a renewal fee.

To apply for renewal, registered patients and caregivers must do so from the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program portal where they registered. Before starting a renewal application, patients are required to visit their medical providers for evaluation.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in New Mexico?

That depends on who you are. If you are an adult patient, above 21 years old, you only need a valid driver's license or a valid state-issued photo ID. You will also need to get a state-approved physician to complete the medical provider's section before you can send in your medical cannabis card application.

If you are a minor, you will need to also provide parental consent, medical power of attorney, or legal guardianship paperwork with your identification.

If you are applying as a primary caregiver, you will need to provide your ID.

Are My Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Department of Health issues medical cannabis identification cards and keeps applicant's information in a strictly confidential patient registry. The Department does not allow public access to patient information, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The Federal Government instituted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in 1996 as a measurable standard for protecting confidential medical information. The Act mandates medical bodies to protect patient's medical files and ensure that nobody breaches them without the patient's consent.

What Information Appears On A New Mexico Medical Marijuana Card?

A New Mexico medical marijuana identification card typically displays the following details:

• The cardholder's full name;
• The cardholder's unique identification number;
• The cardholder's photograph;
• The identification card's issuance and expiry date;
• "Patient" or "Primary Caregiver" to designate the cardholder's status

Can Someone Track Me Down Through The New Mexico Registry?

The New Mexico Department of Health's medical marijuana patient registry is strictly confidential. Therefore, if you register for a medical marijuana card, nobody can use the information on the register to track you.