New Mexico

Medical Cannabis Program

The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act

The Medical Cannabis Program (MCP) was created under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. The purpose of this Act is to allow the beneficial use of medical cannabis in a regulated system for alleviating symptoms caused by debilitating medical conditions and their medical treatments. The New Mexico Department of Health administers the MCP in accordance with the Act.  A Primary Caregiver (PC) may be designated by the Qualified Patient (QP) to take responsibility for managing the well-being of the QP in the use of medical cannabis.

The Program has 30 days to approve a completed application form from the date it is received in their office. The approved patient will receive their medical cannabis ID card along with a list of approved dispensaries and patient regulations.

The patient's license is valid for one year, and it is the patient’s responsibility to submit an application for renewal at least 30 days before their card's recertification date or expiration date.  The application for renewal may be submitted as early as 90 days prior to recertification/expiration, and the Program strongly encourages patients to submit applications at least 60 days prior to their card's recertification/expiration date.

REQUIREMENTS

A qualified patient is a resident of the State of New Mexico and is required to submit a completed patient application form applying under one of the approved QUALIFYING CONDITIONS.

The Online Patient Portal at the New Mexico Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program website allows qualified patients to have 24-hour access to check the status of their application, check their available units, review their sales history and access their electronic card.

Applications submitted through the Online Patient Portal are typically processed within 5 business days; and you may access your electronic card upon approval.

• For those under the age of 18, a clear copy of the birth certificate and a completed “Caregiver Application” and the documents needed for that application.
• For those 18 years old or older who need a caregiver, a completed “Caregiver Application” and the documents needed for that application.

PRIMARY CAREGIVER

"Primary caregiver” means a resident of New Mexico who is at least 18 years of age and who has been designated by the qualified patient or their representative and the patient’s practitioner as being necessary to take responsibility for managing the well-being of a qualified patient with respect to the medical use of cannabis pursuant to the provisions of the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, Section 26-2B-1 et seq., NMSA 1978.

Minors (children under age 18) are required to have a Primary Caregiver.

MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM WEBSITE LINKS

• Patients and Caregivers
• Patient Portal Access
• Educational Materials
• Quick Reference Guide