Get certified by a New Mexico-licensed practitioner, in person or by telehealth. Enrollment is free, cards last two years, and a registered caregiver can shop for patients who can't make the drive.
The New Mexico Department of Health runs the Medical Cannabis Program through its Online Patient Portal.
A New Mexico-licensed practitioner approved by the program sees you in person or by telehealth.
If you qualify, your practitioner starts your application in the Online Patient Portal.
Finish it online and upload your documents. The state charges no fee.
Review typically takes about five business days; the digital card lasts two years.
New Mexico lets a registered primary caregiver buy, transport, and help manage medical cannabis for a patient. Here's what the state requires.
Caregivers must be New Mexico residents at least 18 years old, with a New Mexico-issued photo ID.
The patient and the patient's certifying practitioner both approve the caregiver in writing.
One caregiver can manage the care of up to four qualified patients.
Like patient cards, caregiver registry cards are free from the Department of Health.
Summarized from New Mexico's medical cannabis rules at 7.34.3 NMAC. Patients under 18 must have a caregiver, typically a parent or legal guardian.
Three different roles under New Mexico law, side by side.
New Mexico accepts only the conditions on its official list, with no write-ins. A certified practitioner must confirm one of these.
See the Department of Health's official list.
Lea County's first drive-through dispensary, serving medical patients and adult-use customers — handy for caregivers and anyone with limited mobility. Other licensed stores sit along South Main Street. Confirm hours before you go.
A small lake with a flat walking loop and shade trees — an easy outing close to home, especially for patients and caregivers together.
“My dad has Parkinson's and can't drive anymore. I'm his registered caregiver now, and the drive-through makes pickups simple.”
— Teresa M., Lovington“Years in the oilfield left me with nerve pain in my feet. I'm retired now, and the telehealth visit took less time than the drive to Hobbs.”
— Wayne K., LovingtonPractitioners licensed in New Mexico to prescribe controlled substances and approved by the Department of Health's Medical Cannabis Program.
Yes, for both new certifications and renewals.
The patient and the certifying practitioner both approve the caregiver, who applies through the Medical Cannabis Program with New Mexico ID.
Yes, with a qualifying condition and a primary caregiver, typically a parent or legal guardian.
Nothing. Patient and caregiver cards are free. Your practitioner's fee is separate.
On the Department of Health's Medical Cannabis Program site.
Lovington is the seat of Lea County on the high plains of southeastern New Mexico, near the Texas line. Ranching, dairies, and the Permian Basin oil fields shape the local economy, and the Lea County Fair & Rodeo fills the event center every August. The Lea County Museum keeps the region's history close at hand. Residents follow the same statewide medical cannabis process as all New Mexicans.
The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act created New Mexico's program in 2007. The Department of Health enrolls patients and caregivers through its Medical Cannabis Program, and the Cannabis Control Division licenses dispensaries.
Excise-tax exemption, a larger purchase allowance, eligibility from 18, and caregiver support keep enrollment valuable. See the Medical Cannabis Program for current rules.
Appointments with New Mexico-licensed practitioners.