New Mexico Marijuana Information & FAQ

The New Mexico Medical Marijuana program requires patients to join the registry in order to access marijuana from licensed dispensaries. New Mexico is one of the few states where PTSD is on the list of approved medical conditions.
01. What medical conditions will qualify a patient for medical marijuana?
The approved medical conditions for New Mexico's medical marijuana program include: chronic pain, glaucoma, PTSD, arthritis, hepatitis c, peripheral neuropathy, ALS, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, hospice care, severe nausea, multiple sclerosis, severe anorexia, cachexia, intractable spasticity, cervical dystonia, Huntington's disease andParkinson's disease.
02. What documentation do I need from the recommending physician to provide with my application?
A physician must fill out the medical certification form as part of the patient packet. For specific ailments, additional medical records or documentation may be necessary to provide as part of the application process.
03. Who can write a medical marijuana certification for a patient?
In general a medical provider who is licensed in New Mexico to prescribe and administer drugs can fill out the application for medical certification. However, for certain conditions, it may need to be a specialist in that area. For example, for arthritis, an American Board of Internal Medicine Certified Rheumatologist must fill out the form while for glaucoma an ophthalmologist's diagnosis is required. The application clearly sets out the requirements.
04. How much will it cost to apply for a registry identification card?
There is no fee for the New Mexico patient registry.
05. Can minors register in the program?
Yes, but the parent or legal guardian must be registered as the patient's caregiver.
06. What is the possession limit?
The possession limit of medical cannabis in New Mexico is 6 ounces of usable marijuana.
07. Is registration optional or mandatory?
Registration is mandatory for the legal protections offered by the state law.
08. Does the state honor other states' registries?
No, New Mexico has no reciprocity agreements with other states.
09. Can I choose any dispensary or do I have to designate a specific one?
New Mexico allows registered patients or caregivers to visit any of the licensed dispensaries. Once registered, patients receive a list of current dispensaries in the mail.
10. Can a physician revoke a patient's written certification?
There is no process outlined for a physician to revoke a written recommendation, but registered patients are required to update the registry if their medical condition or eligibility were to change.
11. How do I renew my card?
The same application for initial registration is used for renewal. There is no fee, but the updated documentation must still be provided. Patients are asked to renew between 60 and 30 days before expiration.
12. What happens if I lose my card?
Patients are asked to fill out the change of information/lost card form and submit it if they have lost their card.
13. How does the state law work with federal laws?
It is important to recognize that these state marijuana laws do not change the fact that using marijuana continues to be an offense under Federal law.
14. How can I become a designated caregiver?
A qualified patient can designate a caregiver. Caregiver's must sign the initial application, and fill out a caregiver form with consent to a background check. Photo identification is also required.
15. If I am a designated caregiver, can I grow marijuana?
No. Patients may apply to personally grow marijuana at their residence and caregivers can assist with the growing, but cannot grow at their own locations.
16. Can I be both a qualifying patient and a designated caregiver?
There are no restrictions for caregivers from being able to also register as a qualifying patient outlined, please contact the registry for more information.
17. How do dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives work?
New Mexico has a dispensary program where dispensaries must register and be approved by the program. Registered patients can choose to get their medical marijuana from any of the registered dispensaries. Licensed non-profit producers are limited to grow up to 150 mature plants and seedlings at a given time. Several rules and regulations apply to marijuana dispensaries in New Mexico.
18. How many dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives are allowed?
The Department of Health monitors the availability of cannabis to registered patients and issues licenses to meet the needs. Currently there are 23 licensed non-profit producers.
19. Who can cultivate marijuana?
Licensed non-profit producers can cultivate marijuana and patients who apply for personal production can also cultivate at their personal residence.
20. What rules apply to cultivation facilities?
For personal production, patients need to fill out a form and pay a $30 fee. Production is limited to personal residence only and for personal medical use. Security and other rules apply. Licensed non-profit facilities also have several rules and limits.

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