Having come into effect in 2007, New Mexico’s medical marijuana program is rather old compared to the majority of other US states. At this time, New Mexico became the 12th state to legalize medical cannabis.
Once you become a medical marijuana patient in the state, you’ll be legally allowed to purchase and possess up to eight ounces of cannabis flower, which is considered a 90-day supply. Further, you can also apply for a separate personal production license (PPL) for legal home cultivation.
Considering the state failed to pass a bill to legalize recreational cannabis in February 2020, you’ll need an MMJ card to legally purchase and possess cannabis in New Mexico. Here’s how to get one.
COVID-19 Update
Medical dispensaries are still open in New Mexico, having been deemed essential services back in March. In fact, the number of transactions has doubled since the pandemic took place, leaving supply in a dire situation.
Dispensaries are encouraging patients to opt for cannabis deliveries or curbside pickup to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Participation for curbside pickup varies per location.
Due to COVID-19, New Mexico has also provided 90-day extensions for cards set to expire between March 11, 2020, and June 13, 2020, to ensure continued access to medication until patients can see their healthcare providers. The Medical Cannabis Program encourages telemedicine appointments during this time for renewals. Telemedicine appointments allow you to meet with your healthcare provider using technology from the comfort of your time.
Quick Guide to Medical Marijuana in New Mexico
There are three basic steps to getting a medical marijuana card in New Mexico:
- Check Your Eligibility: New Mexico’s list of qualifying conditions is expansive. Check the list to determine if you qualify for the MMJ program.
- Contact a Physician: You’ll need a signed physician’s statement from a doctor licensed to practice medicine in the state. Heally can connect you with a licensed physician.
- Complete Your Application: Complete the process by submitting an official patient application to become a medical marijuana patient.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New Mexico in Three Steps
The New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program is restricted to legal residents of New Mexico with proof of residency. Further, patients must be 18 years of age or older or have a valid caregiver over the age of 18 for minors.
You’ll also need to have legitimate medical records listing a diagnosis for one or more of the state’s qualifying conditions.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Qualifying conditions include:
- Severe Chronic Pain (you must have a second certification from a specialist)
- Intractable Nausea/Vomiting
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (you must have medical records showing a psychiatrist’s diagnosis)
- Inflammatory autoimmune-mediated Arthritis (you must have a certification from a rheumatologist)
- Severe Anorexia/Cachexia
- Painful Peripheral Neuropathy
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders
- Glaucoma (you must have medical records showing an ophthalmologist’s diagnosis)
- Cancer
- Hospice Care
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord
- Inclusion Body Myositis
- Hepatitis C infection and currently receiving antiviral treatment
- Spasmodic Torticollis (Cervical Dystonia)
- HIV/AIDS
2. Get a Certification from a Physician
Once you’ve determined that you have a qualifying debilitating condition with the diagnosis and medical records to back it up, it’s time to get a certification from a physician. A physician who’s licensed to practice in New Mexico will need to provide you with a signed physician’s statement stating that you’re a valid MMJ patient, which you’ll need for your application.
Heally makes it easy to get this certification. We connect you with a licensed physician in your state, so you can get through this step quickly and easily. During the appointment, the doctor will ask you questions about your medical condition and determine whether medical cannabis is a viable treatment option.
3. Complete Your Application
Applying to become a medical marijuana patient in New Mexico starts by downloading the New Mexico Department of Health’s official application form. Complete this form and attach the complete medical certification form that was filled out by your licensed medical provider. Next, attach a copy of the physician’s notes and a copy of your New Mexico state photo ID or driver’s license.
If you’re a minor, attach a copy of your birth certificate and a completed Caregiver Application with the form. If you’re over 18 and need to assign a caregiver, attach the Caregiver Application.
Once you’ve completed the paperwork, drop off the application to the New Mexico Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Program.
For drop-offs:
Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program
1474 Rodeo Dr. Suite 200,
Sante Fe, NM 87505
Mailing address:
Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program
1190 S St Francis Dr
PO Box 26110
Sante Fe, NM 87502-6110
Finally, all you’ll have to do is wait for your registry identification card, which will come in the mail in 7 to 10 business days. This MMJ card will allow you to purchase medical cannabis from licensed non-profit producers in the state. There are currently over 660 dispensaries in New Mexico. Your card will be valid for 12 months.
