Your guide to becoming a medical cannabis caregiver

A medical marijuana caregiver acts as a bridge between the patient, healthcare providers, and dispensaries.

Caregivers help ensure safe and legal access to medical cannabis. If you’re considering taking on this important role, here’s what you need to know about what caregivers do, how to qualify, and how to apply for a caregiver card.

What is a medical marijuana caregiver?

A medical marijuana caregiver, also called a cannabis caregiver, is someone legally designated to assist a registered patient with their medical cannabis needs.

Caregivers are crucial for patients who may be unable to access or manage cannabis treatment on their own. Common conditions that caregivers help manage with medical cannabis include:

• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• HIV
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

What does a medical marijuana caregiver do?

A caregiver’s role is supportive only, and they cannot use the patient’s marijuana products themselves.

Depending on state law, a medical marijuana caregiver may be authorized to:

• Purchase cannabis at licensed dispensaries
• Transport medical marijuana to the patient
• Assist with dosing and administration
• Grow medical cannabis on behalf of the patient

Caregiving for adults vs. minors

The responsibilities of a medical marijuana caregiver can vary depending on whether the patient is an adult or a minor:

• Adults: Adult patients may appoint a caregiver to help with dispensary visits, dosage guidance, or record-keeping.
• Minors: In most states, minor patients must have a parent or legal guardian act as their caregiver. States often impose stricter requirements for minors, such as multiple physician recommendations and extra documentation.

How to become a medical marijuana caregiver

The process of becoming a medical marijuana caregiver varies from state to state. The general process typically involves working with a healthcare provider, confirming eligibility, and obtaining a medical marijuana caregiver card.

Speak with a healthcare provider

The first step is for the patient to speak with a qualified healthcare provider and receive a cannabis recommendation. A caregiver should be included in treatment discussions to help develop a safe, effective plan.

Make sure you’re eligible

Each state sets its own eligibility criteria for medical marijuana caregivers. Common requirements include:

• Minimum age of 21 years (some states allow 18 years)
• Passing a background check
• Being officially designated by the patient
• Registering with the state’s medical marijuana program

Some programs allow patients to designate up to two caregivers, while other programs, like New York’s, allow patients to designate up to five. Details like these are just one example of how programs can vary from state to state.

Check the requirements for caregivers in your state.

Get your medical marijuana caregiver card

Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is completing a medical marijuana caregiver application. Successful applicants receive a caregiver card.

The caregiver card process varies by state, but usually requires submitting forms, providing proof of identity and residency, and paying an application fee. Renewal is often required every 1 to 2 years.

In many cases, caregivers and their loved ones can complete the registration process virtually using a convenient telehealth service, such as Leafwell’s.

Get your medical marijuana card

Select State

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The takeaway: Medical marijuana caregivers provide essential support to patients

Becoming a medical marijuana caregiver is a meaningful way to support a loved one’s health and well-being.

While the process of becoming a cannabis caregiver differs by state, it generally involves registering with the medical marijuana program, meeting eligibility requirements, and obtaining a caregiver card.

Leafwell’s compassionate providers can help you create a treatment and caregiving plan catered to your unique situation.

Resources

• Medical marijuana caregiver rules. https://pdaps.org/datasets/rules-of-caregivers-medical-marijuana-1501610940
• New York State Office of Cannabis Management: Designated caregivers. https://cannabis.ny.gov/designated-caregivers
• Nursing care of the patient using medical marijuana. https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(18)30094-2/fulltext
• Patients and caregivers. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/medical-marijuana/medical-marijuana-patients