Connecticut Medical Marijuana Caregiver Requirements 2026
Connecticut's medical marijuana program, overseen by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), offers an accessible caregiver program with one of the lowest age requirements (18) and the option for caregivers to also be patients.
Quick Facts: Connecticut Caregiver Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $25 |
| Card Validity | 1 year |
| Max Patients | 1 |
| Processing Time | Up to 30 days |
| Home Cultivation | Not permitted |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Connecticut resident required |
Why Connecticut's Caregiver Program Stands Out
- Low Age Requirement: Only 18 years old (most states require 21)
- Dual Status: Caregivers can also be registered patients
- Affordable: Only $25 registration fee
- Tax Savings: Medical patients save compared to recreational
Who Can Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Connecticut?
Age Requirement:
- Must be at least 18 years old (one of the lowest requirements)
Residency:
- Must be a Connecticut resident
- Must possess valid Connecticut identification
Background Check Requirements:
- State criminal background check required
- Disqualifying offenses include:
- Felony drug conviction within 5 years
- 5-year lookback period
- No fingerprinting required
Additional Requirements:
- Can also be a registered patient yourself (dual status allowed)
- Must be designated by a qualifying patient
- One caregiver per patient only
How to Register as a Connecticut Caregiver: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Patient Designation A qualifying patient must designate you as their caregiver through the DCP system.
Step 2: Create DCP Account Visit the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection portal.
Step 3: Complete Application Submit your caregiver application with:
- Personal identification
- Proof of Connecticut residency
- Patient designation confirmation
Step 4: Pay Registration Fee Submit the $25 registration fee.
Step 5: Receive Your Card Once approved (up to 30 days), your caregiver ID card will be issued.
Required Documents for Connecticut Caregiver Registration
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Connecticut residency
- Patient designation form
- $25 registration fee
Connecticut Caregiver Rights and Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do:
- Purchase medical marijuana from licensed Connecticut dispensaries
- Possess up to 2.5 ounces per 30-day period
- Transport cannabis between dispensary and patient
- Assist with administration of medical marijuana
- Be a registered patient yourself (dual status)
What Caregivers CANNOT Do:
- Grow marijuana plants (not permitted in CT)
- Serve more than 1 patient
- Transfer cannabis to non-cardholders
- Possess cannabis without valid registration
Possession Limits for Connecticut Caregivers
- Monthly Limit: 2.5 ounces per 30-day period
- Product Types: All approved forms from licensed dispensaries
- One Patient: Each caregiver limited to 1 patient
- Tracking: All purchases tracked through state system
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caregiver Registration | $25 |
| Annual Renewal | $25 |
| Replacement Card | $10 |
Medical vs. Recreational in Connecticut
Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis, but medical patients benefit:
- Tax Savings: Medical purchases are taxed at lower rates
- Earlier Access: Medical program has been established longer
- Product Selection: Medical-specific products available
- Lower Age: 18-year-olds can be medical patients/caregivers but not rec customers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Connecticut caregiver also be a patient? Yes! Connecticut allows caregivers to hold their own patient registration simultaneously.
What is the minimum age to be a caregiver in Connecticut? 18 years old—one of the few states with this lower age requirement.
How many patients can a Connecticut caregiver serve? Connecticut limits caregivers to 1 patient each.
Can Connecticut caregivers grow marijuana? No. Home cultivation is not currently permitted in Connecticut for medical patients or caregivers.
How much does it cost to become a Connecticut caregiver? The registration fee is $25 per year.
Why get a medical card when recreational is legal? Medical patients save on taxes, and 18-20 year olds can only access cannabis through the medical program.
Official Resources
- Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- Patient & Caregiver Registration
- Find Connecticut Dispensaries
- Qualifying Conditions
Get Your Connecticut Medical Marijuana Card
MMJ.com connects Connecticut patients with certified physicians for convenient telehealth evaluations. Get your card and designate a caregiver today.