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
- Phone: (775) 687-7594
- Email: MMRegistry@Health.nv.gov
- Portal: mmportal.nv.gov
- DPBH page: Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry
Official Sources
- DPBH Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry
- DPBH Medical Marijuana Patient Portal
- NRS 678C — Medical Use of Cannabis
- Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org