Medical Cannabis

Why Should I Consider a Medical Cannabis Card?

There are many benefits to having a medical cannabis card here in New Mexico. It is easy to walk into a dispensary and purchase cannabis and cannabis products for recreational use, but having a medical cannabis card entitles you to a number of benefits, including:

● Lower costs for medical cannabis
● Tax exemptions on medical cannabis purchases
● Access to specialized cannabis products for medical use
● Access to higher-potency and better-quality cannabis
● Ongoing care from healthcare providers
● Higher purchase limits than recreational users
● Reserved supply of cannabis during shortages
● Enhanced legal protections for medical users
● Option to designate caregivers
● Reciprocity in medical cannabis states
● Reduced stigma when buying and using medical cannabis

What is the difference between medical and recreational cannabis in New Mexico?

● Medical cannabis is available to patients of any age with a valid medical card. Recreational cannabis is available to anyone 21 or older.
● Medical users need an NM medical card. Recreational users need only a valid ID.
● Cardholders can buy up to 15 ounces (425 units) every 90 days tax-free. Recreational users can buy 2 ounces, 16 grams of extract, or 800 mg of edibles per transaction, with taxes applied.
● Medical users can possess up to 15 ounces of MMJ (product). Recreational users can possess only 2 ounces, 16 grams of extract, or 800 mg of edibles.

What are the tax benefits associated with having a medical cannabis card?

In New Mexico, all sales of recreational cannabis are subject to a cannabis excise tax of 12% (this is expected to increase to 18% by 2030). Recreational cannabis is also subject to various gross receipts tax (the current rate for gross receipts tax in the city of Santa Fe is around 8%). Medical cannabis is exempt from both of these taxes, making it significantly less expensive than recreational cannabis.

How does this impact the cost of cannabis? For example, if you were to buy an ounce of a high-quality strain of marijuana for recreational use, most dispensaries in New Mexico would charge in the neighborhood of $130 per ounce. Add to the cost the cannabis excise tax and gross receipts tax, and the total cost will be around $156. With a medical cannabis card, you would save around $26. Savings like this add up over time, which means more money in your pocket.

What medical conditions qualify for a medical cannabis card in New Mexico?

There are currently 30 qualifying conditions for the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program. These conditions include (but are not limited to):

● Anxiety Disorder
● Autism Spectrum Disorder
● Crohn's Disease
● Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder
● Glaucoma
● Inflammatory Autoimmune-mediated Arthritis
● Insomnia
● Intractable Nausea/Vomiting
● Multiple Sclerosis
● Obstructive Sleep Apnea
● Painful Peripheral Neuropathy
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
● Severe Chronic Pain
● Ulcerative Colitis

What do I need to bring to my Medical Cannabis Application visit at Ione Medical?

You will need a New Mexico Driver’s License or Real ID. Some conditions, such as anxiety or insomnia, can be diagnosed during your visit (or may already be in your medical record if you are a Member of Ione Medical). However, you may need to bring outside medical records in order to confirm a diagnosis of your qualifying condition.

How much does this service cost?

Established Ione Medical Members will pay $50 +tax for a 30-minute Medical Cannabis Application visit.

Non-Members will pay $150 +tax for a 60-minute Medical Cannabis Application visit (Initial Consultation not required)

How do I schedule a visit?
You can call the office during business hours, or schedule a visit online.