A designated caregiver is a person who is selected by a qualifying patient as the person authorized, on the qualifying patient’s behalf, to possess, obtain from a certified medical marijuana dispensary, dispense, and assist in the administration of medical marijuana. Caregivers must apply for a registry card. It is not legal for caregivers to consume, by any means, medical marijuana that has been dispensed on behalf of a registered qualifying patient. Further, a designated caregiver is not prohibited from receiving compensation or reimbursement of expenses from a qualifying patient for assisting a qualifying patient with the medical use of marijuana.

To qualify as a designated caregiver, you must be:

1. Twenty-one (21) years of age or older;
2. Responsible for managing the well-being of a qualified patient
3. Designated on the primary caregiver application for an identification card or in other written notification to the Department.

Medical marijuana caregivers cannot have more than three patients.​*

Children / Minors with Qualifying Conditions

Qualified patients under 18 years of age cannot purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary. The legal guardian or parent is required to register as a caregiver to buy medical marijuana for a minor.