When New Mexico legalized medical marijuana in 2007, it opened a path for tens of thousands of patients to get the medicine they need. However, navigating the state’s medical cannabis gatekeeping bureaucracy can be a daunting task. That’s why we asked for some help from our favorite Gallup cannabis dispensary.
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in NM: A Step-By-Step Guide According to This Gallup Cannabis Dispensary
Acquiring your medical cannabis card in New Mexico actually isn’t that difficult. The state makes the application process streamlined and simple. Just follow these steps.
Before You Begin: Qualifying Conditions
First and foremost, the state will only issue medical cannabis cards to patients suffering from one or more qualifying conditions. In New Mexico, some of the most common qualifying conditions include:
- Cancer - patients may be able to successfully manage symptoms of cancer (and some treatments associated with the condition) using medical cannabis.
- Chronic pain - CBD, a major cannabinoid, exhibits analgesic (painkilling) effects.
- Epilepsy - CBD has also demonstrated its effectiveness in treating several forms of epilepsy. In fact, the FDA has approved a CBD-based pharmaceutical to treat epilepsy.
- Glaucoma - by reducing intraocular pressure, medical cannabis may be able to reduce symptoms and severity of glaucoma.
- HIV/AIDS - like cancer patients, those suffering from HIV/AIDS may be able to find relief from their symptoms with medical cannabis.
- Inflammatory problems - another trait of CBD is the compound’s ability to reduce swelling. That makes it an option for patients suffering from conditions like arthritis or Crohn’s disease.
- Multiple sclerosis - medical marijuana may offer relief to patients suffering from this and other types of persistent muscle spasms.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of every condition the state recognizes. For more information, see the full list of qualifying conditions from the New Mexico Department of Health.
Step 1: Acquire Your Medical Documentation
Before you can apply for a medical cannabis card in New Mexico, you’ll need a doctor to confirm your qualifying condition. In New Mexico, the state requires you to collect your medical documentation from your doctor yourself - your doctor won’t submit it for you.
Step 2: Submit Application
Once you’ve collected your medical paperwork, you’re ready to submit your application. Gather your doctor’s note along with some kind of photo ID. Any state-issued ID will work, including drivers’ licenses or temporary ID cards. Submit your application either by mail or in-person at a Medical Cannabis Program office.
Step 3: Receive Your Medical Cannabis Card
After you submit your application, it’s time to play the waiting game. The state can take up to 30 days to process your application, and an additional 5 days to issue your medical cannabis card.
Fill Your Medical Cannabis Prescription at This Gallup Cannabis Dispensary
Congrats! After you receive your card, you can legally shop in any of more than 100 dispensaries across New Mexico. However, New Mexico’s geography and decentralized population centers mean that sometimes, dispensaries are few and far between. Fortunately for any patients in the western part of the state though, you can find some of the best marijuana in New Mexico at this Gallup cannabis dispensary.