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New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program
How to get a New Mexico medical cannabis card, what it costs, and what it gets you at High Desert Relief dispensaries in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Hobbs.
About the program
In 2007, New Mexico became the 12th state to adopt a medical cannabis program when it passed the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. The program is run by the New Mexico Department of Health’s Center for Medical Cannabis and Psilocybin. Roughly 60,000 New Mexicans were enrolled as patients in 2026.
Adult-use (recreational) cannabis became legal under the Cannabis Regulation Act in 2021, with sales starting April 1, 2022. The medical program carries on alongside it, with extra benefits for patients.
How to apply
Only a provider can start an application, after certifying that you have a qualifying condition.
Register on the Department of Health’s portal with your New Mexico driver’s license or state ID number.
Approvals are typically processed within five business days, and your electronic card is available in the portal right away.
Enrolling is free: the Department of Health charges no fee for the program or the portal. Cards are valid for three years, and you renew the same way, starting with your provider.
What a medical card gets you
Out-of-state patients
New Mexico accepts valid medical cannabis cards from other states and U.S. territories. Reciprocal participants can buy up to 425 units every 90 days, tax-free. Bring your card and photo ID to any HDR store.
Questions about your card?
Contact the Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Program at (505) 827-2321 or medical.cannabis@doh.nm.gov. Questions about products or dosing? Ask a budtender at your nearest HDR store, or read our cannabis FAQs.
Still have a question?
Ask a budtender at any of our six dispensaries in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Hobbs. We're happy to walk you through it.
