As in all states within the United States that have legalized the use of medical marijuana have specific guidelines and procedures that patients must follow in order to receive a state-issued card. A medical cannabis card application may be restricted to residents of the state in some locations, but New Mexico allows for out of state patients with qualifying medical conditions to apply.
Gathering Documents
The first step for anyone in the Albuquerque area is to understand the qualifying conditions. Not all doctors in the state may be aware of these qualifying conditions, and they may not be trained in the prescription of medical marijuana for patients.
In general, medical conditions that are chronic or terminal, cause pain or discomfort for patients, or those that include neurologic conditions and some mental health conditions qualify for treatment with medical marijuana. Patients in hospice care also qualify for the program, as do those who have an opioid use disorder.
Medical documents are required for all conditions except for an evaluation for opioid use disorder. These medical documents should be current, and ideally, no more than two years old. If they are older, consider calling your physician and requesting updated documents.
Schedule an Appointment
To obtain a medical cannabis card, a patient must see a licensed and approved medical professional. These professionals evaluate the documentation provided and complete a medical history of the patient. They do not provide physical exams or diagnosis for the patient; it is only a records review process.
At this appointment in Albuquerque, the medical professional will explain the state medical marijuana program and develop a treatment plan based on your specific medical issues. Your application for a medical cannabis card will be reviewed, ensuring all areas are completed, and the application is not missing any required information.
Finally, the application is sent to the New Mexico Department of Health. The staff at the clinic can provide information on the next steps in the process and any questions you may have about medical marijuana in the state.