Marijuana Patients and Caregivers

    Empowering Patients and Caregivers: How To Guide

    Medical Marijuana ID Card Evaluation Fees
    The cost to obtain a medical marijuana ID card ranges from $129 to $199 for patients and caregivers. In some states, individuals enrolled in government assistance programs such as Medicaid, PACE/PACENET, CHIP, SNAP, or WIC may be eligible for a free medical marijuana ID card.

    ID Card Processing and Delivery
    After payment, ID cards typically require 7 days for printing and up to 14 days for delivery via mail. The card will be sent to the address provided in your patient profile. In certain states, physical cards are not issued, and a QR code or digital ID is provided instead.

    PATIENT QUESTIONS

    How Do I Obtain Patient Certification?
    Our certified doctors can provide your patient certification through a telehealth consultation.

    Can I Register as a Patient if I Have a Criminal Record?
    Patients are not required to undergo a background check when registering. However, caregivers must complete a background check, and any criminal record will be reviewed during the approval process.

    What If I Am Home-Bound?
    Home-bound patients can either register themselves and designate a caregiver or have a caregiver complete the registration process on their behalf. Approved caregivers can collect medical marijuana from dispensaries for their patients.

    How Do I Link with a Caregiver?
    Provide your caregiver with your name, date of birth, and patient ID number. The caregiver will use this information during their registration. You must also add their name and ID number to your account to establish the link.

    CAREGIVER QUESTIONS

    What Is a Caregiver?
    A caregiver is an individual authorized to pick up medical marijuana from dispensaries on behalf of a patient. Caregivers are not certified medical practitioners.

    Who Can Serve as a Caregiver?
    Any individual aged 21 or older (or younger with state health department approval) can serve as a caregiver. Caregivers must register with the Department of Health and complete a criminal background check through the state’s authorized vendor.

    Who Needs a Caregiver?
    Caregivers are required for:

    1. Minors
    2. Home-bound adult patients
    3. Adults requiring assistance (e.g., nonverbal or unable to make medical decisions).

    Additionally, adult patients with a medical marijuana ID card can designate a caregiver by sharing their patient ID number.

    What Information Is Needed to Register as a Caregiver?
    To register, caregivers must provide a valid state driver’s license or state-issued ID card. If the patient is already registered, the caregiver will need the patient’s name, date of birth, and patient ID number.

    Can a Caregiver Assist Someone Who Is Not a Relative?
    Yes, patients may designate any individual as their caregiver. All caregivers must pass a background check.

    Can I Serve as a Caregiver with a Criminal Record?
    Caregivers with a criminal record are subject to review. Individuals with convictions related to the sale or possession of drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances within the past five years are not eligible.

    Can a Caregiver Assist Multiple Patients?
    Yes, caregivers may assist an unlimited number of patients. Check with your state.

    How Do I Register a Patient with a Disability?
    For patients under 18, a caregiver must complete the registration. Adult patients unable to register themselves may have a caregiver complete the process on their behalf.

    CAREGIVER REGISTRATION OPTIONS

    Which Registration Option Should I Choose?

    1. Adult Patient Caregiver Registration: For caregivers assisting an adult patient already in the system. The patient’s name, date of birth, and patient ID number are required.
    2. Caregiver for Existing Patient: For caregivers supporting minors, home-bound patients, or those needing assistance. These patients do not receive an ID card or visit dispensaries.
    3. Caregiver for New Patient: For caregivers assisting patients not yet registered. These patients do not receive an ID card or visit dispensaries. Caregivers must provide the patient’s name, date of birth, address, and phone number.
    4. DOH-Approved Caregiver Registration: Select this option if you want the Department of Health to share your contact information with patients seeking caregivers. If not, choose another option.

    STEPS TO BECOME A CAREGIVER

    1. Register on your state’s website.
    2. Complete a criminal background check.
    3. Await the outcome of your background check via email.
    4. If approved, pay for your ID card.

    HOW LONG DOES CAREGIVER APPROVAL TAKE?

    Approval typically takes 3 to 4 weeks following your fingerprint appointment.