Federal update: DOJ partially rescheduled medical cannabis to Schedule III (April 28, 2026 final order). State-licensed medical operators may apply for expedited DEA registration through June 27, 2026; DEA hearing on full rescheduling set for June 29, 2026.

Nevada Medical Marijuana Program

How to get your Nevada medical marijuana card, the 14 qualifying conditions, fees and renewal, telehealth options, reciprocity for visitors, and the benefits of being a registered patient. Pick the section you need below — each topic has its own dedicated page.

Last verified: March 2026
28,308
Active Patients
$50/yr
Card Fee
14
Qualifying Conditions
18+
Minimum Age

Program Overview

Nevada’s medical marijuana program has been in operation since 2001 and is governed by NRS 678C. The program is administered by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), which operates the Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry. As of 2026 there are approximately 28,308 active registered patients in Nevada.

While recreational cannabis became legal in Nevada in 2017, the medical program continues to offer significant advantages — including a 10% excise tax exemption, access at age 18 instead of 21, more permissive home cultivation rules, and stronger legal protections under state law.

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health administers the Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry for the State of Nevada.

Nevada DPBH

The Four Topics, Four Dedicated Pages

The medical-card section is split into four pages so you can go straight to what you need:

Quick Comparison: Medical Card vs. Recreational

If you are deciding whether to apply for a card now that recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21+, here is a snapshot — the full comparison and break-even calculator are on the cost & renewal page.

Feature Recreational (21+) Medical Card (18+)
Minimum Age 21 with valid ID 18 with medical card; minors with caregiver
10% Excise Tax Yes Exempt
Annual Cost None $50/yr (plus physician evaluation)
Home Cultivation 6 plants/person if >25 mi from a dispensary More permissive regardless of distance
Out-of-State Access Yes, with 21+ ID NV residents only; NV honors out-of-state cards

Who Cannot Get a Nevada Medical Card

  • Out-of-state patients — you must be a Nevada resident with a Nevada ID. Visitors should use reciprocity instead.
  • CDL holders — federal regulations prohibit commercial driver’s license holders from cannabis use under any circumstances, regardless of state law.
  • Patients without a qualifying diagnosis — review the 14 conditions.

Contact DPBH

Official Sources