How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Nevada

The state of Nevada has a rich past when it comes to cannabis legalization, dating back to 2000 when medicinal marijuana was made legal. However, the legal high that anyone above 21 years old can enjoy today in Las Vegas and Reno is just one side of the story; the other side includes the thriving Nevada Medical Marijuana (MMJ) program.

Whether you’re dealing with an ongoing disease, pain, or mental disorders, the medical card can help you save money and get quality weed at reasonable prices. If you want to learn more about the MMJ laws in the Silver State, continue reading below.

Before beginning the paperwork process, it is worth understanding why patients still choose a medical card in a “legal” state.

• Substantial Tax Breaks: Legal consumers in Nevada are subject to a 10% retail excise tax in addition to the regular state sales tax rate (which varies by jurisdiction, averaging around 8.375%). The medical card patient does not pay the additional 10% excise tax, which reduces the price of their medicine significantly.
• Increased Purchase Capabilities: With a medical card, one can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis within 14 days. On the other hand, recreational users can only purchase 1 ounce of flower or 1/8th ounce of concentrate per visit.
• Accessibility by Age: While legal consumption is limited to people aged 21 and above, anyone aged 18 and above is allowed to get a medical card. Patients under the age of 18 are also eligible with parental or guardian consent.
• Personal Cultivation: It is illegal in Nevada to cultivate cannabis when one lives within 25 miles of any dispensary facility. However, patients with special needs or who are unable to travel due to health concerns may be given an exception to cultivate plants.

To become a part of the Nevada Medical Marijuana Registry, you will need to fulfill these requirements:

• Residence: You should be a resident of Nevada and possess an official identification document issued by Nevada.
• Medical Certification: You should have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a doctor licensed in Nevada.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

Nevada law lists several specific debilitating conditions that qualify a patient for the program:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Medical conditions related to HIV

A chronic or debilitating medical condition that produces:

• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Persistent muscle spasms (including Multiple Sclerosis)
• Seizures (including Epilepsy)
• Severe nausea
• Severe pain (the most common qualifying condition)

Nevada utilizes an online registry system managed by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). The process is efficient and can often be completed in a few days.

Step 1: Create an Online Account

The first step involves visiting the Nevada Medical Marijuana Online Registry. An account will be created along with the commencement of the application process. At this point, the patient is required to make a payment as an initial application fee for downloading the Patient Application Packet.

Step 2: Consult with a Licensed Physician

After downloading the Patient Application Packet, the next step involves meeting a doctor to have a physical examination. It should be noted that the doctor should be an MD or DO practicing in Nevada. The doctor will examine the patient’s medical records and sign the “Attending Physician’s Statement.”

Many patients today go through medical marijuana centers where they can schedule appointments using online video conferencing facilities.

Step 3: Complete the Application

After signing the required forms from your physician, sign into the state’s website again and submit the following documents:

• Physician’s Statement form signed.
• Waiver and Acknowledgment forms signed.
• Your Nevada State Government-issued photo ID card scanned.
• A passport-sized picture taken against a plain background.

Step 4: Pay the State Fees

You must pay the registration fee through the portal to finalize the submission. Nevada offers two options for card duration:

• 1-Year Card: $50 state fee.
• 2-Year Card: $100 state fee.
• (Note: These fees are in addition to whatever the physician charges for the consultation, which usually ranges from $75 to $150.)

Step 5: Print Your Temporary Letter

Once your request has been processed by the state government (which takes between 24 and 48 hours), you will receive an approval email. From there, you can log in and print the Temporary Letter of Approval. The Temporary Letter of Approval has legal validity for 60 days, and you can use it to buy marijuana from any dispensary in Nevada.

Step 1: Schedule an Evaluation With a Licensed Physician

The first thing you need to do is obtain the physician’s written certification letter. Such a certificate should be obtained via a licensed physician who confirms your diagnosis and that your use of cannabis in a medicinal way is justified.

The good news is that Arizona has now introduced telemedicine services that facilitate the certification process. There is no need for you to visit any place since everything can be done on the Internet for your convenience.

The certification process will consist in filling out the ADHS Medical Marijuana Physician Certification Form and signing his signature thereon. Your certification letter will be valid for 90 days after signing.

Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents

Before accessing the online portal, prepare the following documents in electronic form:

• Identification and proof of AZ residency – It includes AZ drivers’ license, AZ state identification, a photo page from the U.S. passport, Birth Certificate, US Certificate of Naturalization, or US Certificate of Citizenship.
• Recent passport-type photograph – It must be taken no more than 60 days ago.
• Medical marijuana patient attestation – signed and dated – The document is available for download from the ADHS website.
• Physician certification form – completed and signed by the physician – It will prove that the applicant qualifies for medical marijuana use.
• SNAP verification – (Optional) – Required if you qualify for the discounted processing fee.

Step 3: Apply Through the ADHS Individual Licensing Portal

When you have completed all of your documentation, visit the ADHS Individual Licensing Portal (located at azdhs.gov). You can either sign up for an account or login if you have an existing account, and follow the steps below:

• Choose the medical marijuana patient application
• Upload all of the necessary documentation (ensuring all images are clear)
• Input all of your information as requested

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The default application cost is $150, paid online using credit or debit cards. The cost cannot be refunded.
If you are currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, you are eligible for a discounted application cost of $75, just attach evidence of this program to your application.

Step 5: Wait for Approval and Download Your Card

ADHS will try to process all completed applications within 10 business days. You will get an email when your application gets accepted, after which you will be able to download your digital card from your account.

Since Arizona implemented a digital card system back in 2019, you won’t have to wait for the physical copy to arrive; your digital card will serve as proof of registration.

Out-of-State Patients (Reciprocity)

The state of Nevada is among the most “tourist-friendly” medical marijuana programs out there. Valid cards issued by any other state or U.S. territory are honored in the state of Nevada. So if you live in California, Arizona, or even New York and have your medical marijuana card, you may buy marijuana-based products in Nevada dispensaries.

Designated Caregivers

Those who are unable to purchase marijuana themselves at the dispensary and cannot take care of administering their medication may appoint a caregiver. He or she needs to be above the age of 21 and be fully capable of taking care of the patient’s health of the patient. Also, he or she needs to be registered in the state and pass the background check.

A medical marijuana card will serve you right in Nevada for your medicinal purposes. Lower taxes and higher possession limits make your life easier when managing your condition through cannabis. With the help of your friendly doctor, all you need to do is follow the online application procedure.