Get certified by a New Mexico-licensed practitioner, in person or by telehealth. Enrollment is free, your digital card lasts two years, and patients skip the adult-use excise tax.
The New Mexico Department of Health runs the Medical Cannabis Program, and nearly all of it happens online.
A New Mexico-licensed practitioner approved by the program.
In person or by telehealth, with a review of your records.
If you qualify, your practitioner opens it in the Online Patient Portal.
Complete it online and upload your documents. No state fee.
Review typically takes about five business days; the card lasts two years.
Eastern New Mexico University draws students from across the region, including plenty from Texas. Here's what applies.
You'll need to be a New Mexico resident to enroll as a patient. If you already hold a valid medical card from your home state, you may qualify as a reciprocal participant instead.
Universities that receive federal funding generally prohibit cannabis on campus and in residence halls, even for patients. Follow ENMU's policies.
Portales is about 20 miles from the Texas line. Cannabis remains illegal under Texas and federal law, even with a New Mexico card.
General information only, not legal advice.
New Mexico's adult-use cannabis excise tax is 14% as of July 2026 and rises a point each July to 18%. Enrolled patients don't pay it, up to the medical limit.
Illustrative example only. Gross receipts tax and store pricing are not shown. Patients may buy up to 425 units — about 15 ounces of flower — per rolling 90 days.
You'll need a diagnosis of one of these. The program doesn't accept write-in conditions.
On South Avenue D with free parking and an accessible entrance. Portales has more than ten licensed stores in all, including several downtown — confirm hours before you go.
Just outside town, one of North America's most important archaeological sites, where evidence of the ancient Clovis culture was found in the 1930s.
“Twenty-some years on a dairy wore out my knees. The telehealth visit was easy, and enrolling didn't cost me a thing with the state.”
— Gary W., Portales“I grew up here and go to ENMU. They were clear about campus rules before I ever booked.”
— Alyssa R., PortalesPractitioners licensed in New Mexico to prescribe controlled substances and approved by the Department of Health's Medical Cannabis Program.
Yes, for both new certifications and renewals.
No. The Department of Health doesn't charge to enroll or renew. Your practitioner's fee is separate.
Patient enrollment requires New Mexico residency. If you hold a valid medical card from your home state, you may qualify as a reciprocal participant.
Cards last two years. You can reapply starting 30 days before yours expires.
On the Department of Health's Medical Cannabis Program site.
Portales is the seat of Roosevelt County on New Mexico's eastern plains, home to Eastern New Mexico University and known for the Valencia peanuts grown in the surrounding valley. Dairies and farms stretch across the county, and nearby Blackwater Draw holds some of the continent's oldest evidence of human life. Residents follow the same statewide medical cannabis process as all New Mexicans.
The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act created New Mexico's program in 2007. The Department of Health enrolls patients through its Medical Cannabis Program, and the Cannabis Control Division licenses dispensaries.
Excise-tax exemption, a larger purchase allowance, and eligibility from 18 keep enrollment worthwhile for New Mexico residents. See the Medical Cannabis Program for current rules.
Appointments with New Mexico-licensed practitioners.
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