How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Nevada

A question that people ask me all the time is, how do I get a Medical Marijuana card? I don’t know how to begin?

Editor’s Note: If you are a legal medical marijuana patient from any legal state, you can buy your medicine in Nevada.Nevada Medical Marijuana Card – The thought of the whole process can be overwhelming, to the point that they do nothing and never even try. So many have all these questions. How much is the card? Is it worth the trouble? How does it all work? How long does the process take? As a patient, I’ve actually fulfilled the requirements for the Nevada process, and I want to share my journey.

In case you missed my story on my conditions and how medical marijuana helped me, click here to read my story.

1. I had spoken in depth with my doctor about my conditions and he knew my medical chart.  He advised me to try medical marijuana and to obtain my card. I urge you to start with your doctor. I know it can be difficult, but if you want to try medical marijuana, find a doctor who understands cannabis as medicine. They can help advise you, as to how to medicate, your options and keep track of your lab tests to make sure that your body is responding correctly. Just like any other medicine, you should have a doctor involved.

2. The actual paperwork for Nevada can be a bit tricky, as you must make sure all the information is completely filled out. If it not filled out correctly, the application will be rejected and you have to wait 6 months before you can re-apply.

After I paid the $50 fee to the state of Nevada, all I had to do was sign the doctor provided paperwork (you have to work with a doctor that can provide a medical marijuana recommendation) and to provide all my other doctors’ names and phone numbers and give permission to get all those records with my previous diagnoses and medications. That’s it! It was so easy. I got my medical marijuana doctor’s recommendation that day!

3. I waited about a month before finally getting a packet from the state. The legal conditions that are accepted in Nevada:

To become a medical cannabis patient in Nevada, a person must be diagnosed with a chronic or debilitating condition and reside in Nevada. Patients must register with the state to receive protection from prosecution and may otherwise assert an affirmative defense in court. Registered patients may legally possess up to 2 ½ ounces in a single 14-day period, as well as cultivate up to 12 plants or designate a primary caregiver to assist them. Beginning in 2015, patients will also be able to access a state licensed distribution system. Below you will find an overview of state requirements and links to other helpful information.

QUALIFYING CONDITIONS

• AIDS
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Cachexia (wasting and malnutrition associated with chronic disease)
• Persistent Muscle Spasms (including Multiple Sclerosis)
• Seizures (including Epilepsy)
• Severe Nausea
• Severe Pain
• Additional conditions specifically approved by the Department of Health and Human Services

PATIENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a resident of Nevada
• Must be in the care of an attending physician who is licensed in Nevada
• Must be diagnosed with a chronic or debilitating medical condition
• Must be informed by attending physician about benefits and risks of medical marijuana
• Must receive written documentation from attending physician that marijuana could mitigate diagnosis
• Must register with the State of Nevada and obtain a valid identification card*
• Must not possess more than seven plants (three mature, four immature)*
• Must not possess more than 2 ½ ounces in a single 14-day period*
• Must not drive, operate or control any vehicle or vessel while under the influence of marijuana
• Must not unlawfully possess a firearm
• Must not possess or use marijuana or related paraphernalia in public view
• Must not knowingly deliver marijuana to a person without a registration card
• Must not engage in other conduct prohibited by Nevada law

4. I was sent my 30 day temporary approval letter, meaning I was totally legal to obtain medical marijuana in Nevada. You have to make sure the approval is always in your possession until you get your actual card. The same goes for when the actual card arrives – always have it with you. During this 30 day time period, they will also do a background check on you.

*Patients who exceed possession amounts and/or do not participate in state-run registry are subject to prosecution, but are entitled to present a medical necessity defense in court

5. I went to the DMV with my letter, paid $11, gave them my contact information, and gave them my fingerprints. They took my picture and BAM! I got my official medical marijuana card, which looks just like a license! It’s good for a year from the date of issue.

6. I now can buy from Nevada dispensaries or grow up to 12 marijuana plants. I also can buy 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana every 2 weeks. Sadly, most insurance companies do not cover medical marijuana at this time. Also, Nevada has no discounts if you receive government help, like many other states do. So we have to pay fully out of pocket. But to feel so much better, it’s 100% worth it to me.

Even though this seems like a lot it’s always best to remain legal! It would cost so much more in lawyer fees, court fees and fines if you’re not legal.