Miracle Leaf® medical marijuana guide
Medical Marijuana Caregivers in Florida, Georgia & Texas
Caregiver registration for medical cannabis in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. State eligibility, fees, patient limits, and the registration process explained.
Caregiver registration lets a designated adult purchase and possess medical cannabis on behalf of a qualifying patient. Each state defines eligibility, registration steps, and patient-caregiver limits differently. This guide is authored by the Miracle Leaf® physician network.
Who needs a caregiver
State medical-cannabis programs allow a caregiver registration when the patient is a minor, when the patient is incapable of self-administration, or when the patient has a debilitating diagnosis that prevents independent dispensary visits. Caregivers do not consume the cannabis themselves. They serve as a designated proxy for purchase, possession, and administration.
Florida caregivers under OMMU
Per Florida Statute 381.986(6), a qualified patient may designate a caregiver who is 21 years of age or older, registered in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, and not a qualified physician. Caregivers complete a state-approved caregiver certification course and pay the $75 annual state fee. Each caregiver may serve up to one patient at a time, with limited exceptions for certain family or guardian relationships and for terminally ill patients.
The Florida process runs as follows. First, the qualified patient designates the caregiver on the OMMU registry application. Second, the caregiver completes the state-approved caregiver-certification course online. Third, the caregiver submits the $75 state fee and the Department of Health background check. Fourth, upon approval, the caregiver receives a registry ID card and may purchase at any licensed treatment center on the patient's behalf.
Caregivers must keep purchases within the patient's 35-day smokable or 70-day non-smokable supply window and retain dispensary receipts.
Georgia caregivers under the DPH Low-THC Oil Patient Registry
Per O.C.G.A. 16-12-202, a parent or legal guardian of a minor qualifying patient may register as a caregiver and possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil on the patient's behalf. The minimum caregiver age is 21. A parent of a minor patient may serve as caregiver regardless of age in some scenarios, so confirm with the Georgia Department of Public Health Low-THC Oil Patient Registry. Adult patients may also designate a caregiver when the patient cannot independently obtain product, subject to registry review.
Registration is processed through the Georgia Department of Public Health Low-THC Oil Patient Registry and the certifying physician submits the caregiver designation along with the patient certification.
Texas caregivers under TCUP
Per Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 487, a parent or legal guardian may serve as the designated caregiver for a minor patient receiving low-THC cannabis under the Compassionate Use Program. For adult patients incapable of self-administration, a caregiver designation is recorded in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas at the time of prescription. Caregivers must be 21 years of age or older. The caregiver picks up the prescription from a state-licensed Texas dispensing organization.
Caregiver rules at a glance
| State | Caregiver minimum age | Annual fee | Patient limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 21 | $75 state fee | One patient (limited exceptions) | 381.986 |
| Georgia | 21 (or parent of minor) | None published | One patient at a time | O.C.G.A. 16-12-202 |
| Texas | 21 (or parent of minor) | None published | One patient at a time | HSC Ch. 487 |
What caregivers should bring to the patient's evaluation
A caregiver should bring a government-issued photo ID for both the caregiver and the patient, proof of state residency for both, and medical records documenting the patient's qualifying condition. If the patient is a minor, bring legal proof of the parent or guardian relationship. Bring a method of payment (cash, credit, or debit; HSA/FSA cards are not accepted).
Sources and citations
- Florida Statute 381.986 (Medical Use of Marijuana). State .gov primary statute.
- Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). State program portal.
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Low-THC Oil Patient Registry. State .gov patient-registry administrator.
- Georgia Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC). State .gov dispensary and production regulator.
- O.C.G.A. 16-12-200 et seq. (Haleigh's Hope Act). State primary statute.
- Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 487 (Compassionate Use Program). State .gov primary statute.
Caregiver rules change as state programs evolve. Confirm current registry requirements with your state agency before applying. This page is informational and is not legal advice.
Common questions