Does cachexia & wasting syndrome qualify in Nevada?
Yes. The Nevada Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry lists Anorexia or cachexia as a qualifying condition. A Nevada-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About cachexia & wasting syndrome
Severe, unintended loss of weight and muscle that comes with serious illnesses like cancer or HIV.
Limited evidence. There's limited evidence that cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms Nevada patients most often hope to ease:
- Poor appetite and feeling full quickly
- Nausea that makes eating difficult
- Ongoing loss of weight and muscle
- Changes in taste or smell of food
- Fatigue and low energy
Before you start. Dizziness, low blood pressure and sedation can raise the risk of falls in people who are already weak. People with weakened immune systems should avoid smoking cannabis because of a risk of lung infections from contaminated plant material.
Read more: medical marijuana for cachexia & wasting syndrome.
How to get certified in Nevada
- Confirm that you have one of Nevada's qualifying conditions and a current Nevada driver's license or ID.
- Create an account on the online registry (mmportal.nv.gov) by scanning your Nevada license or ID.
- Download the application and have a Nevada-licensed provider who can prescribe complete the Attending Healthcare Provider Statement.
- Sign the waiver and acknowledgment, then upload all completed pages to the portal.
- Pay $50 for one year or $100 for two years by credit or debit card.
- Once approved, print your approval letter for dispensary use until your card arrives in the mail.
Nevada allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Nevada-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $50 for 1 year or $100 for 2 years
- Card lasts: 1 or 2 years
- Processing: Approval times vary; cards are mailed in about 7-10 business days, and the approval letter can be used for 60 days meanwhile
- Patient limit: 2.5 oz of usable cannabis in any 14-day period
- Home grow: Up to 12 plants, only if you live more than 25 miles from a dispensary (or meet other limited exceptions, such as being unable to travel)
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Nevada cost breakdown and Nevada program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Nevada
- Anorexia & appetite loss
- Anxiety
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- Neuropathy (nerve pain)
- Opioid use disorder
- PTSD
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
Cachexia & wasting syndrome in nearby states
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in California
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in Oregon
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in Utah
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in Arizona
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for cachexia & wasting syndrome?
Helpful records include: records confirming the underlying illness, such as a cancer, HIV or heart failure diagnosis; weight records over time showing unintended weight loss; notes from your oncologist, HIV specialist or dietitian about appetite and nutrition. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Nevada provider will tell you if more is needed.
How long does certification take in Nevada?
The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. Approval times vary; cards are mailed in about 7-10 business days, and the approval letter can be used for 60 days meanwhile.
Can I renew online in Nevada?
In most cases, yes. Cards must be renewed before they expire through the same online registry. You need a new provider statement and the 1-year or 2-year fee.
Sources
- Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry (DPBH)
- Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry FAQs (DPBH)
- Cardholder Application Process (DPBH PDF)
- Program Facts (DPBH PDF)
- FAQ - Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board
- Approved Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Nevada (DPBH)
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.