Caregiver

Requirements vary by state but commonly include: being at least 21 years old, passing a background check, registering with the state's medical cannabis program, being designated by the patient on their application, and limits on the number of patients a single caregiver can serve (typically one to five). Some states allow caregivers to cultivate cannabis for their patients at home, while others restrict caregivers to purchasing from licensed dispensaries on the patient's behalf. Caregivers are subject to the same possession and cultivation limits as their patients.

The caregiver system originated in early medical cannabis programs as a practical solution for patients unable to visit dispensaries or grow their own medicine. In some states, the caregiver model has evolved into a significant segment of the cannabis market, with caregivers providing personalized, small-batch cannabis tailored to individual patient needs. However, some states have moved to restrict caregiver cultivation as commercial dispensary networks expand, arguing that regulated retail provides better quality control and safety assurance.