How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New York
Schedule an Evaluation with a Certified Physician
Schedule an appointment with a licensed medical marijuana doctor.
Submit Your Application
Submit a medical marijuana card application through the state’s online patient portal. The state does not charge a fee. Registration is no longer required.
Receive Your Certification.
Registry ID cards are no longer being issued. Patient certifications will contain a registry ID number to be used in conjunction with a government issued photo ID to purchase medical cannabis products at the registered organization’s dispensary.
New York Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions
The state of New York does not hold prospective medical cannabis patients to a list of qualifying conditions. Instead, physicians can prescribe medical marijuana to any NY resident whom they believe would benefit from it.
Where Can I Buy Medical Marijuana in New York?
There are over 100 marijuana dispensaries operating in New York. As a certified patient or caregiver, you can purchase a variety of products, including gummies, topicals, tinctures, and cannabis flower. In terms of limits, you can buy up to a 60-day supply of medical cannabis.
About New York Cannabis Program
New York's medical marijuana program was established in 2016 following the passage of the Compassionate Care Act in 2014. The program allows patients with clinically appropriate conditions to access medical marijuana sold by state-licensed dispensaries.
To participate, patients must obtain certification from a licensed physician. Once certified, they can purchase medical marijuana products from dispensaries throughout the state.
How to Renew Your Card in New York
In New York, medical marijuana patients must renew their MMJ certifications annually. To renew yours, complete the following steps:
- Schedule Your Renewal Appointment:Book with with a licensed physician.
- Receive Your Doctor’s Recommendation: Once your doctor approves you for medical marijuana, they’ll email you a new electronic recommendation that you can use to continue shopping at New York dispensaries.
- Apply for a New Medical Marijuana Identification Card (Optional): If you want the legal protection and tax benefits of a New York medical marijuana identification card (MMIC), you can apply for a new one in person at the health department in your home county. The cost of renewing an MMIC varies from county to county.
How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in NY
A caregiver is someone who assists a qualifying medical marijuana patient with the purchase, transport, administration, and/or cultivation of medical marijuana. In New York, caregivers must be at least 21 years old.
To become a caregiver in New York, complete the following steps:
- Submit Your Application: Once a patient designates you as their desired caregiver, you can submit a caregiver application through the state’s online portal. There is no fee.
- Receive Your Card: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a digital caregiver ID card that you can use in conjunction with a government-issued ID to purchase medical cannabis from New York dispensaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can get your New York medical cannabis certification online. The state allows marijuana evaluations to be conducted via telemedicine.
There is no cost to obtain a New York medical marijuana certification because patients are no longer required to register with the state.
You’ll receive your NY medical marijuana certification as soon as your certifying physician sends it to you. Patients are not required to register with the state or apply for an MMJ card.
Yes, anxiety can qualify you for a medical cannabis certification in New York if your doctor deems it appropriate.
In New York, a minor can use medical marijuana as long as they designate a caregiver and a parent or legal guardian provides consent.
In New York, certified medical cannabis patients can purchase up to a 60-day supply of cannabis products.
In New York, adults aged 21 and over can buy recreational cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. However, you'll need a medical card to purchase medical marijuana products.
In New York, a registered MMJ patient can grow up to six plants, with a maximum of 12 plants per household.
No, New York does not honor out-of-state medical marijuana cards.
Whether you can use your New York medical card in other states will depend on those states' reciprocity laws. Some states accept out-of-state MMJ cards, while others don't. Be sure to research relevant legislation before traveling.
Yes, recreational marijuana is legal in New York for adults who're 21 and older.
In New York, a medical marijuana certification is valid for one year from its date of issuance.
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