How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Nevada [2024 Guide]
Nevada's medical marijuana program became legal in 2001, and the state now covers a range of qualifying medical conditions. As of January 2022, there were 12,788 active medical cardholders, along with 612 caregivers and 974 recommending physicians in the state.
Various groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have called for the closing of supposed loopholes that continue to see medical and adult-use consumers at risk of prosecution.
In addition to medical cannabis, Nevada passed adult-use legislation in 2016, taking effect on New Year's Day 2017, giving in-state and visiting patients additional options to obtain their medicine.
Even with the legalization of recreational cannabis sales, there still is value for many patients in having their med card. Keep scrolling to learn about those benefits and how to get a medical marijuana card in Nevada.
How Do I Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Nevada?
As one of the more mature cannabis markets, Nevada has streamlined the MMJ application process to accommodate in-state and visitor traffic.
Citizens in Las Vegas and less tourist-heavy parts of the state can obtain their medication either through in-person visits or virtually, allowing you to stay cool and avoid the Vegas foot traffic.
- Schedule an appointment with a recommending physician. Patients can book an in-person visit themselves or have NuggMD Nevada expedite the process, allowing you to conduct the evaluation from the comfort and privacy of your home.
- If you haven't provided your medical records to the doctor already, bring them to your visit. Doing so allows the physician to understand your condition and needs fully.
- If approved, you'll receive an email with how to complete your application with the state. Follow the provided steps and pay the $50 annual or $100 two-year registration processing fee to complete your MMJ registration.
- You can download a temporary ID to start buying medical cannabis once you’re approved. Expect your hard copy license in the mail within 3-7 business days.
MMJ caregivers can register in the state of Nevada using the same process listed above. They must be 18 years or older to participate.
How Do I Renew a Medical Card in Nevada?
Patients must renew their cards either every year or every other year, depending on the fees paid during initial registration. Patients need to be aware of the expiration dates and renew beforehand to avoid any lapses in coverage. As part of Nevada law, a patient must visit a physician to be re-certified each time a renewal is due.
NuggMD simplifies the renewal process by notifying patients when their expiration is approaching. If you got your evaluation (or most recent renewal) with NuggMD, you’ll be prompted a couple of weeks before your current card expires to begin the recertification process.
Like the first time around, patients can complete their renewal all from home with NuggMD. Simply head over to NuggMD.com/Nevada to schedule your appointment and complete any other steps.
Got your first certification with a different doctor? No problem! If you're ready to switch doctors, NuggMD can provide you with your renewal evaluation.
Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis in Nevada?
Under Nevada law NRS 453A, a person with a qualifying medical condition is eligible for the state’s MMJ program. Patients from certain other states are also eligible to participate in Nevada’s medical cannabis program, as are Nevada minors (provided they have a qualified caregiver).
How to Find a Nevada Medical Marijuana Doctor for an MMJ Evaluation
With fewer than 1,000 recommending physicians in Nevada, some prospective patients may struggle to locate a doctor for their evaluation. NuggMD works with Nevada's state-licensed medical marijuana doctors, connecting patients with an honest assessment from a qualified professional who is committed to helping patients find the right treatment for their needs.
Provide your doctor with as much information as possible for the most accurate assessment. Be sure to submit or have on hand the following helpful charts and data, when applicable:
- Current prescriptions
- Hospital records
- Medical test results
- Patient charts
- Physical therapy records
If you aren't sure how to get a medical marijuana card in NV, or you want the process to be as simple as possible, allow NuggMD to offer a helping hand. Visit NuggMD Nevada to book your virtual evaluation.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online: The NuggMD Process
NuggMD simplifies the med card evaluation process for you. Here's how:
- Meet with a doctor online in minutes. Start by visiting NuggMD.com/Nevada and completing the short, 30-second questionnaire. We'll connect you with a state-certified physician via NuggMD's secure, HIPAA-compliant video chat platform, where you and the doctor can discuss your medical records and answer your questions.
- Get approved. If approved, you'll receive an email prompting you to visit mmportal.nv.gov to finish your state application packet. Simply forward your completed application to certifynv@nuggmd.com, and your doctor will sign off and return it in one to two days.
- Get your Nevada medical card. You can expect to hear from the state within 24 to 48 hours with a temporary card to print and use (your temporary card is valid for 60 days). Your permanent card will arrive in the mail, typically in 3-7 business days.
What to Expect When Talking to a Nevada Medical Marijuana Doctor on NuggMD
Physicians will need your medical records to assess your condition(s) accurately. Be prepared to discuss your history in-depth like you would during an in-person visit to your primary care physician. If you don't have this information available, the doctor may request that you provide additional records to determine if medical cannabis might help you.
Be prepared to ask questions too. Nothing is off the table. This is your time to learn about your needs and how cannabis may help. Ask everything you need so that you come away from your medical cannabis evaluation feeling empowered and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Cannabis in Pennsylvania
What Types of Cannabis Products are Available in Nevada?
Nevada medical cannabis patients can purchase flower, concentrates, edibles, and topicals. Patients can also grow as many as 12 plants at home under the following conditions:
- If there is no dispensary in the county where you live or you do not live within 25 miles of a dispensary
- If there was no dispensary operating within 25 miles of where you live when you first applied for your card and have not had a lapse in your registration
- If you are unable to travel to a dispensary due to illness or lack of transportation
- If the dispensaries in the county in which you live are unable to supply the strain of marijuana necessary for your medical condition
What Does Marijuana Feel Like?
Each person's experience with cannabis varies. Each cultivar, or strain, can have different effects thanks to its unique plant profile. While one strain uplifts you, the next may put you to sleep. Some of the most common effects include:
- Low energy/"couch-lock"
- Laughter
- Altered time perception
- Concentration struggles
- Increased relaxation
- Temporary memory issues
While rare, some people may feel adverse effects that create a "bad trip" after consuming cannabis. If so, you may experience bouts of anxiety, paranoia, and other uncomfortable feelings. While rare, it can occur. An excellent way to minimize the chance of a bad trip is by starting with a low dose. Try to consume 5mg or less when starting out. Assess yourself every 45 minutes (or up to 2 hours if consuming edibles) to decide if another dose is needed.
You may also benefit from a "sober spotter," a friend or family member with cannabis experience who will hang out with you during the session to make sure you have a positive experience.
What If My Dose Is Too High?
While an accurate dose will deliver the best experience, don't sweat it if you have too much. It happens to us all, and undesirable effects typically fade within 30 minutes to 2 hours. You can also take steps to help alleviate unwanted effects if you feel too high.
If you do have an unpleasant experience with your doctor's recommended dosage, contact them to assess your next steps and how you can adjust your dosage or regimen.
Have More Questions About How to Get Your Med Card in Nevada?
Learn more about Nevada's medical cannabis rules and regulations or visit the state’s medical marijuana program website to learn more.
- Nevada Patient FAQs
- Qualifying Conditions in Nevada
- Benefits of Getting a Med Card in Nevada
- How to Become a Caregiver in Nevada
Or contact NuggMD. Our customer service team is ready to answer all your questions, just like they have for over 1,000,000 patients.
