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How to Qualify for Medical Marijuana in New Mexico

How to Qualify for Medical Marijuana in New Mexico

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How to Qualify for Medical Marijuana in New Mexico

New Mexico Medical Marijuana Program

In 2007, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act was established, which allows the New Mexico Department of Health to register patients to possess legally and use medical cannabis. Under this bill, patients can also legally grow their own medical marijuana.

The New Mexico Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program

The New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program is only available to New Mexico residents with certain medical conditions. Medical cannabis products are distributed by State approved dispensaries only. If you believe your medical conditions qualify for a Medical Cannabis card, discuss your symptoms with a licensed physician. Once the doctor has approved you to receive medical cannabis, you must submit an application to New Mexico Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Program administrator’s office along with all required forms.

What conditions qualify for the Medical Marijuana Program in NM?

Patients in New Mexico diagnosed with one or more of the following medical conditions are allowed legal protection under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act:

Will additional conditions be added to the list of qualifying conditions?

The  Medical Advisory Board can be petitioned with a request to add a new condition to the list of qualifying conditions. The Medical Advisory Board will hold a public forum where the public is allowed to present evidence about the benefits of cannabis relating to the medical condition. The board members will then decide where or not they agree that medical marijuana is a viable treatment for the medical condition.

Where to find a Medical Marijuana Doctor in NM?

Medical practitioners in New Mexico cannot prescribe cannabis; they can only make recommendations.

The New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program has both mental health specialists and physicians who are licensed to diagnose any of the qualified medical conditions. A PTSD specialist is also available. You can schedule an appointment online.

Where are the legal cannabis dispensaries in New Mexico located?

Legal marijuana dispensaries are located across the entire state of New Mexico. The majority are based in Albuquerque and the northern half of the state.

Cannabis is still classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic by the federal government, so marijuana cannot be sold in pharmacies. Once your medical marijuana application is approved, you will receive a list of licensed dispensaries. When new producers are licensed, you will receive the contact information for each new dispensary registered.

What does my medical card get me at a New Mexico dispensary?

Patients with a medical cannabis card in NM may possess up to six ounces over a three-month period. Amounts over six ounces must be approved by the New Mexico Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program.

To legally possess more than six ounces, the medical provider must submit a letter to the New Mexico Department of Health, requesting an increase.

Where can you smoke?

Patients with a medical cannabis card cannot use or possess medical marijuana in the following places:

  • In a public vehicle
  • In the workplace of the patient or primary caregiver
  • In a public park
  • On school grounds or property
  • In a recreation center, youth center, or other public places
  • On federal property such as airports, immigration checkpoints, national parks, and reservations

Additionally, patients cannot operation a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis.

Are patients and caregivers shielded from discrimination?

Yes. Primary caregivers must be a resident of New Mexico, and be 18 years of age, or older. Primary caregivers mush also be designated by the patients’ physician as necessary to take responsibility for managing the well-being of a qualified patient.

What is the future of the Medical Cannabis Program in NM?

Today, more than 11,000 New Mexicans are registered in the Medical Cannabis Program. However, many New Mexico residents believe certain regulations make it difficult to participate in the program.

For examples the New Mexico Department of Health requires two physicians to certify patients with chronic pain. This is a problem for patients who do not have insurance coverage for doctor visits. As a result, many patients bypass the legal medical cannabis program.

Many New Mexico residents are hopeful regulation will change in the future, making participation easier.

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