New Mexico residents can get certified by a New Mexico-licensed practitioner, in person or by telehealth — free to enroll, with a two-year digital card. We also explain what applies to visitors from Texas.
The New Mexico Department of Health runs the Medical Cannabis Program through its Online Patient Portal.
A New Mexico-licensed practitioner approved by the program sees you in person or by telehealth and starts your application if you qualify.
You finish the application in the Online Patient Portal. The state charges no enrollment fee.
Review typically takes about five business days, and the card stays valid for two years.
Sunland Park sits right against El Paso, and plenty of shoppers here come from Texas. Here's what applies to whom.
Residents of Sunland Park, Santa Teresa, Anthony, Chaparral, and the rest of New Mexico can enroll with a qualifying condition — no state fee, two-year card.
New Mexico patient cards are for New Mexico residents. Adults 21+ can shop adult-use with a valid ID. If you hold a valid medical cannabis card from your home state or tribal nation, you may qualify as a reciprocal participant.
Cannabis remains illegal under Texas and federal law. Carrying it across the state line is illegal even with a New Mexico card, and federal Border Patrol checkpoints operate on highways in the region.
General information only, not legal advice.
New Mexico's adult-use cannabis excise tax is 14% as of July 2026 and rises one point each July until it reaches 18%. Enrolled patients are exempt, up to the medical limit.
Cannabis excise tax only, shown against the 18% rate it reaches in 2030. Gross receipts tax is handled separately.
You'll need a diagnosis of one of these. The program doesn't accept write-in conditions.
From one of New Mexico's longest-running medical cannabis operators. Several other licensed stores cluster along Appaloosa Drive near the racetrack — confirm hours before you go.
A landmark peak with a pilgrimage trail to the summit, where views take in New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua at once.
“I'm a Sunland Park resident with insomnia that wrecked my sleep for years. The telehealth visit was easy, and enrolling didn't cost a thing.”— Veronica A., Sunland Park
New Mexico enrollment is for New Mexico residents. If you have a valid medical cannabis card from your home state or tribal nation, you may qualify as a reciprocal participant; adults 21+ can also shop adult-use.
Practitioners 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.
Nothing. The Department of Health doesn't charge to enroll or renew. Your practitioner's fee is separate.
No. Cannabis remains illegal under Texas and federal law, and carrying it across the state line is illegal even with a New Mexico card.
On the Department of Health's Medical Cannabis Program site.
Sunland Park sits in the southern corner of Doña Ana County along the Rio Grande, immediately west of El Paso and near the Santa Teresa port of entry. It's home to Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino and to Mount Cristo Rey, whose summit overlooks New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua. 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.