A medical marijuana caregiver is a designated individual authorized to purchase, possess, and administer cannabis on behalf of a qualifying patient who cannot do so themselves. Whether you're caring for an elderly parent, a child with epilepsy, or a disabled family member, becoming a registered caregiver ensures legal protection while helping your loved one access their medicine.
Who Needs a Caregiver?
Medical marijuana caregivers serve patients who:
- Minors under 18 — All states require parental/guardian caregivers for pediatric patients
- Elderly patients — Those with mobility issues or cognitive decline
- Disabled individuals — Patients physically unable to visit dispensaries
- Homebound patients — Those with conditions preventing them from leaving home
- Hospitalized patients — In some states, caregivers can bring medicine to care facilities
Caregiver Requirements by State
While requirements vary, most states require caregivers to:
- Be at least 21 years old (some states allow 18+)
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be a legal resident of the state
- Not be a patient themselves (in some states)
- Complete a registration application with the state
- Pay a registration fee (typically $25-$100)
Some states also require caregivers to complete training courses on cannabis administration, dosing, and safety.
Caregiver Rights & Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do:
- Purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries
- Possess the patient's legal allotment of cannabis
- Transport cannabis to the patient's location
- Assist with administration (depending on state law)
- Grow cannabis for the patient (in home-cultivation states)
What Caregivers CANNOT Do:
- Use the patient's cannabis themselves
- Sell or distribute cannabis to anyone
- Possess more than the patient's legal limit
- Purchase from unlicensed sources
- Transport cannabis across state lines
How to Become a Caregiver
The general process to become a registered caregiver:
- Confirm eligibility — Check your state's age and residency requirements
- Patient designation — The patient must formally designate you as their caregiver
- Background check — Submit to state and/or federal criminal background screening
- Submit application — Complete state caregiver registration with required documents
- Pay fees — Caregiver registration fees range from $0-$100 depending on state
- Receive card — Once approved, you'll receive a caregiver registry ID card
Caregiver Limits
Most states limit:
- Number of patients per caregiver (typically 1-5 patients)
- Number of caregivers per patient (usually 1-2)
- Possession amounts based on patient allotments
Select your state below for specific caregiver requirements, application instructions, and legal guidelines.