7 things to know about Nevada's medical marijuana program
Nevada's medical program is run by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, which keeps the patient cardholder registry. The Cannabis Compliance Board licenses and oversees dispensaries. Patients must be full-time Nevada residents with a qualifying condition. They get a statement from a Nevada-licensed provider who can prescribe, then apply and pay online. Once approved, a patient can print an approval letter and use it at dispensaries for up to 60 days while the card arrives by mail. No DMV visit is needed. Adult-use cannabis is also legal, but cardholders skip the 10% retail excise tax and may grow at home only if they live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.
7 things to know
- The Division of Public and Behavioral Health runs the patient registry, and the Cannabis Compliance Board regulates dispensaries.
- Applications and payments are made online, and cards are mailed without a DMV visit.
- Patients choose a 1-year card for $50 or a 2-year card for $100.
- An approval letter can be used at dispensaries for 60 days while the card is in the mail.
- Cardholders do not pay the 10% retail excise tax charged on adult-use sales.
- Home growing (12 plants) is allowed only for cardholders more than 25 miles from a dispensary.
- The registry offers no fee waivers or payment plans, and all fees are non-refundable.
At a glance
- 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
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)
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.