Medical marijuana has long been a subject of dispute among experts from various fields. Few topics generate closer attention from legislators, academics, researchers, clinicians, and the general public.
Medical marijuana has been shown to help relieve symptoms of various ailments as long as the dosage is limited and the consumption schedule is monitored by a clinician. In addition, many patients have testified to the numerous advantages of using medical marijuana. Still, some Americans remain skeptical.
Plenty of clinicians in New Mexico provide medical marijuana card evaluations. Here, we’ll debunk some medical marijuana myths and explain how to locate a dispensary near you.
We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions and detail how to find medicinal marijuana doctors in New Mexico.
Medical marijuana is a term used to describe the use of the cannabis plant as a treatment for various medical conditions. Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s that scientists began conducting serious research into its potential therapeutic benefits. Today, there is strong evidence that marijuana has therapeutic value for a wide range of conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, AIDS/HIV, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis.
Medical marijuana can be consumed in the form of a plant, tincture, oil, concentrate, vape, spray, or edible.
The New Mexico Medical Marijuana Program allows cardholders with qualifying conditions to possess up to 8 ounces of adult-use cannabis for medical use. In addition to that possession limit, patients are only allowed to grow up to 16 mature plants, provided they live in state-approved home cultivation areas and have personal production licenses. Registered patients may purchase medical cannabis from authorized dispensaries.
New Mexico cannabis law bans law enforcement from stopping or detaining individuals based on the smell of cannabis. However, public consumption remains illegal. Cannabis can be legally consumed on private property, out of public view, or in designated public areas. Dispensaries can permit individuals to use cannabis on their premises.
You cannot use medical cannabis in your workplace. Private businesses and property owners can ban marijuana consumption on their premises. Due to the federal prohibition, cannabis use in national parks and federal facilities is illegal.
You cannot operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis, even if you have a medical marijuana card. There is no legal THC limit. Violations fall under New Mexico’s DWI statute. First offenses are punished by up to nine days imprisonment and a $500 fine.
Violators must complete a minimum of 24 hours of community service and attend a driver rehabilitation program. Additional offenses are subject to increasing minimum penalties up to license revocation and three years imprisonment.
To apply for a medical marijuana card in New Mexico through the state’s medical cannabis program, you will need to gather the following information:
–Your full name
–Your date of birth
–The address where you live
–A copy of your New Mexico driver’s license or ID card
You can find the application form on the New Mexico Department of Health’s website.
Once you have gathered all of the required information, you will need to submit the completed application form to the Department of Health. You will then need to pay the application fee to the New Mexico state program, which is $50 for a three-year card or $25 for a one-year card.
If you are a minor or otherwise unable to submit an application on your own, you can appoint a designated primary caregiver to do so on your behalf.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive your medical marijuana card in the mail. You will then be legally allowed to possess and use medical cannabis products in the state of New Mexico.
If you are a resident of New Mexico and are interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card, you will need to find a doctor that is registered with the state to recommend cannabis:
Search online: You can search for a list of registered physicians on the New Mexico Department of Health website.
Make Appointment: Once you have found a doctor who is registered to recommend medical marijuana, you will need to make an appointment for an evaluation. During the evaluation, the doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and current condition. Be sure to bring any relevant medical records to the appointment.
After the evaluation, if the doctor determines that medical marijuana would be beneficial for your condition, they will fill out and sign a recommendation form. You will then submit that form along with the rest of your materials when you submit your application for an MMJ card.
Cardholders and their caregivers can purchase adult-use medical cannabis products at any dispensary in New Mexico. You should always call ahead to verify the hours, policies, and inventory of any dispensary you plan to visit. There are over 100 licensed marijuana retailers throughout New Mexico, with some of the best including:
The Medical Cannabis Program (MCP) does not maintain a list of dispensaries for the public. When visiting a dispensary, be sure to ask if they are a licensed facility and sell medical cannabis. Unlicensed retailers may sell Delta-9 products. These are not medical grade and should not be used to manage health conditions.
Some of the qualifying conditions for a New Mexico medical marijuana card include:
Some of the qualifying conditions for a New Mexico medical marijuana card include:
In order to be certified for medical marijuana in the state of New Mexico, a prospective patient must visit a physician who is registered with the New Mexico Medical Marijuana Program. This means that the physician has undergone training on how to certify patients for medical marijuana and has access to the program’s database of approved dispensaries.
The physician will then review the patient’s medical records and make a determination as to whether or not they feel that medical marijuana would be an effective treatment for the patient’s condition. If the physician does certify the patient, that qualified patient will then be able to register with the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program and receive their medical cannabis card.
First-time New Mexico medical marijuana cards are valid for one year, after which they must be renewed.
Yes, you can apply for a New Mexico MMJ card if you live in another state. However, you will need to prove that you’re a New Mexico resident.
There are dispensaries located throughout the state of New Mexico. Some of the larger cities that have dispensaries include Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces. There are also dispensaries located in smaller towns and rural areas. For a full list of dispensaries in New Mexico, you can visit the website nmdispensaries.com.
If you are an NM medical marijuana patient, you can use medical marijuana within authorized dispensaries. There are also a few locations where you can consume it on-site. These are called “cannabis consumption clubs.” You must have a valid medical marijuana card to enter these clubs. Finally, you can consume medical cannabis products in the comfort of your own private residence.