About Cannabis in New Mexico
In recent New Mexico cannabis news, HB 314 passed both chambers and has been signed by the Governor. House Bill 314 amends the state’s existing marijuana expungement law by permitting residents with past cannabis convictions “to verify whether automatic expungement has occurred and request expedited automatic expungement if eligible charges have not yet been expunged.”
New Mexico’s medical cannabis program dates back to 2007, offering residents of the Land of Enchantment very needed relief from specific medical conditions. The state is diligent in keeping data on residents enrolled in the program, reporting monthly the changes in condition counts and active patients.
As of July 2020, the New Mexico Department of Health reported that there are currently 92,295 active patients and 8,005 personal production license (PPL) card holders. Based on the most current data, PTSD, severe chronic pain, and cancer are the top three conditions, collectively equaling more than 85,000 of the registered patients.
Having been signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA) is effective as of June 21, 2021. This is an exciting step as it focuses on recreational cannabis legalization for adults 18 and up. In addition, the CRA has created a comprehensive licensing, taxing, and enforcement regulatory structure for cannabis that will be administered by the Cannabis Control Division (CCD).
The CCD will help with licensing and regulations for both recreational cannabis consumption and the Medical Cannabis Program that was initially created by the Lynn and Eric Compassionate Use Act (LECUA). However, the Medical Cannabis Program patient registry will still be maintained by the New Mexico Department of Health.
Patient Qualifying Conditions and Cost
New Mexico has almost 30 qualifying conditions that make residents eligible for the medical cannabis program. The qualifying conditions include:
Along with having one or more of the qualifying conditions, an eligible patient must also be able to prove they are a New Mexico resident by providing a current driver’s license or state identification card. Additionally, the patient must be at least 18. If a patient is younger, a legal guardian or parent can register for them.
Unlike most states, New Mexico does not charge an annual card registration fee, providing the service gratis.
Lastly, the New Mexico Department of Health permits physician recommendations regarding unlisted conditions, reporting, “If your patient does not have a qualifying condition and you feel they would benefit from the medical use of cannabis, that person can petition the Medical Advisory Board to add their condition to the current list.” These petitions can be accepted at any time.
Consumption of Medical Marijuana in New Mexico
Under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, the state’s Medical Cannabis Program does not allow patients or caregivers to consume or possess medical marijuana in the following areas:
- In a school bus or public vehicle
- On school grounds or property
- On federal property
- On Indian reservations (including casinos and private homes)
- In the workplace of the qualified patient’s or primary caregiver’s employment
- A public park, recreation center, youth center or other public places
Caregivers in New Mexico
Like a patient, a caregiver must also be able to prove they are a New Mexico resident by providing a current driver’s license or state identification card. A caregiver must also undergo a background check, proving they have never been convicted of a felony. There is no annual registration fee to become a caregiver in New Mexico.
If you are applying to be a caregiver for someone under the age of 18, it is important to submit a copy of the patient’s birth certificate as part of your application.
Cultivation of Medical Marijuana in New Mexico
The state of New Mexico allows medical cannabis program patients to both possess a certain amount of cannabis in several forms or cultivate it with a Personal Production License (PPL). If you applied and were approved for a PPL, you will receive a separate PPL card.
A PPL card expires every year and the renewal must be submitted at least 30 days before the PPL expires. There is a $30 fee to apply for your PPL card every year. Much like your medical cannabis card application, it is important to include original copies of documents instead of photocopies. PPL applications must be mailed or submitted in person.
Possession Limits in New Mexico
If purchasing cannabis, a patient is allowed up to 230 units or 8 ounces over a three-month period. In the state program guide, New Mexico breaks down the amount in detail based on the type of product, including chocolate bars, capsules, tincture oil, and wax. When purchasing dried flower, a unit equals about a gram of product.
The units of medical cannabis that you purchase are tracked every time you make a purchase at a dispensary. Units that you buy today will fall off your total available unit count after 90 days based on the rolling three-month period.
“All items from an approved dispensary should be labeled with the total amount of THC and number of units,” according to the New Mexico Department of Health. If a caregiver or patient applies for a PPL and is approved, they are permitted to cultivate up to 12 immature plants (non-flowering) and four mature plants (flowering).
The medical cannabis patient guide from the state Department of Health has a patient medical tracker that will help you track doses and what products do or do not work for you. It is important to store all the products you have bought in the original packaging it was in when it was purchased from the dispensary.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s simple. Use the form at the top of this page to begin the process, and Veriheal will begin setting you up with a physician who can evaluate your health and confirm your condition.
The cost for the medical marijuana evaluation with Veriheal is $199. If you are not approved, we will refund you in full.
No, the state does not offer any physician referrals, which is why Veriheal has set up shop in the Land of Enchantment to assist residents who wish to apply for a medical cannabis card.
Yes, chronic pain is a qualifying condition.
Yes. As of February 20, 2020, you must be a New Mexico resident to get a medical card in the state. A New Mexico state-issued driver’s license or ID must be included in your application to the state.
That depends on the state you are visiting, which is why it is important to contact the region in order to find out the medical cannabis rules and regulations.
From start to finish, the medical evaluation takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
If you are not approved, then your consultation is free. Veriheal has a network of highly qualified medical practitioners who are willing to evaluate any patient for medical cannabis. We have a very high approval rate; however, if you are not approved, you are refunded in full.
Medical cannabis patients in New Mexico are able to purchase a wide variety of products at their local dispensary. Products include dry cannabis flower, edibles, pre-rolls, vaporizers, concentrates, topicals and tinctures.