Medical Marijuana FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
To get started with the process of obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in New York, you will first need to consult with a licensed healthcare practitioner to determine if you have a qualifying condition. If you are found to be eligible, the practitioner will issue a certification, which you can use to register with the state’s medical marijuana program.
What do I need to book an appointment?
To book an appointment for a medical marijuana evaluation, you will typically need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency. You may also be required to provide medical documentation that supports your medical condition.
Is it safe to upload my documents online?
The safety of uploading your documents online will depend on the security measures in place on the website or platform where you are uploading your information.
What conditions can marijuana be used to treat?
Medical marijuana can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and many more. The specific conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana will depend on the laws and rules of each state.
Where is my certification valid?
Your certification for medical marijuana will typically only be valid in the state where it was issued. However, some states have reciprocity agreements that allow patients to use their medical marijuana certification from one state in another state.
Can I get a renewal?
Yes, you can get a renewal of your medical marijuana card as long as you continue to meet the state’s requirements and have a valid certification.
Can I get a renewal if I've been certified by a doctor not in your practice?
It will depend on the state’s laws and regulations, you should check with the state’s medical marijuana program for more information.
What marijuana products are available in New York State?
The specific marijuana products that are available in New York State will depend on the state’s laws and regulations. However, products such as dried flower, edibles, tinctures, and capsules, are commonly available in states that have legal medical marijuana programs.
Is it safe to use marijuana vape products?
The safety of marijuana vape products can vary depending on the quality of the products and the manufacturing process. It is important to purchase products from licensed dispensaries and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Always make sure to check for any safety recalls or warnings before using any marijuana vape products.
Is marijuana legal in New York?
Yes, marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in New York State. Adults aged 21 and older can legally possess, use, and purchase marijuana.
How do I get a medical marijuana card in New York?
To get a medical marijuana card in New York, you need to be certified by a qualified healthcare practitioner for a qualifying medical condition. After getting the certification, you can register with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program.
How does a medical marijuana card work?
A Medical Marijuana Card allows you to purchase and possess marijuana products from licensed dispensaries in New York State. It also allows you to possess a larger amount of marijuana than recreational users.
Is marijuana legal for recreational use in New York?
Yes, marijuana is legal for recreational use in New York State for adults aged 21 and older.
What do I need to do each year to stay enrolled in the program?
To stay enrolled in the Medical Marijuana Program, you need to renew your certification and registration each year.
What is the process of getting a recommendation/certification for medical marijuana?
To get a recommendation/certification for medical marijuana in New York State, you need to see a qualified healthcare practitioner who can certify you for a qualifying medical condition. After certification, you can register with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program.
What medical documentation should I bring?
You will need to bring proof of your identity and proof of your New York State residence when you apply for a medical marijuana card. You will also need to bring your certification from a qualified healthcare practitioner.
How much does a New York Medical Marijuana certificate and Card Cost?
The cost for a New York Medical Marijuana certificate and card varies, you should check with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program for the most current information.
How old do I have to be to apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in New York?
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in New York State.
How much cannabis can I possess in New York with an MMJ Card?
Medical marijuana patients are allowed to possess up to a 30-day supply of their medication, as determined by their practitioner. The amount of cannabis that constitutes a 30-day supply varies depending on the patient’s needs and the products they use.
Can I apply for my medical marijuana card online in New York?
Yes, it is possible to apply for a medical marijuana card online in New York State.
How does the online evaluation process work for getting a Medical Marijuana certificate Letter/Medical Certificate in New York?
The online evaluation process for getting a Medical Marijuana Certificate Letter/Medical Certificate in New York is similar to the process for in-person evaluations. You will need to provide proof of identity and proof of New York State residence, as well as a certification from a qualified healthcare practitioner.
How often do I need to renew my New York Medical Marijuana Card?
Medical Marijuana Card in New York need to be renewed annually.
Can I get an MMJ Card for my child in New York?
Yes, minors can be certified for medical marijuana in New York State if they have a qualifying medical condition and their parent or guardian gives consent.
What types of medical cannabis are available in New York State?
New York State allows for a variety of medical cannabis products, including pills, liquids, and oils, as well as vaporization and nebulization. Forms of consumption like smoking and edibles are not allowed.
What is the process of getting a recommendation/certification for medical marijuana?
To get a recommendation/certification for medical marijuana in New York State, you need to see a qualified healthcare practitioner who can certify you for a qualifying medical condition. After certification, you can register with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program.
Can I be/have a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in New York?
Yes, a designated caregiver can purchase medical marijuana on behalf of a patient who is registered in the New York State Medical Marijuana Program.
What are the medical marijuana laws in New York?
New York State has a Medical Marijuana Program that allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to receive certification from a qualified healthcare practitioner and register with the program to purchase and use medical marijuana. The state also legalized recreational marijuana in 2021.
Will I be added to a public database once I have my Medical Marijuana Card in New York?
Your information is kept confidential and is not publicly available, but the state keep records of the patients, practitioners and dispensaries that participate in the program.
How do I buy medical cannabis in New York?
Medical cannabis can only be purchased from licensed dispensaries in New York State. You will need a Medical Marijuana Card to purchase medical cannabis.
How can I get a New York medical marijuana prescription?
In New York State, medical marijuana is not prescribed, it is certified by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
What is the tax on marijuana in New York?
The state of New York imposes a sales tax on marijuana products, and municipalities can also impose additional taxes. The specific tax rate can vary depending on the location.
How much marijuana can I purchase in New York?
Adults aged 21 and older can purchase up to 3 ounces (85 g) of cannabis or 0.85 ounces (24 g) of concentrated cannabis per transaction.
Does New York accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards?
No, New York State does not currently accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Patients from other states are not able to purchase or use medical marijuana in New York State.
What conditions make me eligible to get medical cannabis?
Patients in New York State may be eligible for medical cannabis if they have been diagnosed with one or more of the conditions listed on the state’s list of approved conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to, cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is important to note that the decision to certify a patient for medical cannabis use ultimately lies with the patient’s treating practitioner.
What is the first step to obtaining medical cannabis?
The first step in obtaining medical cannabis is discussing the treatment option with your qualified healthcare practitioner. If they believe it may be beneficial for your condition, they will certify you for the Medical Marijuana Program and provide you with a certification.
Can I legally grow my own medical cannabis at home?
Yes. Certified patients and designated caregivers over the age of 21 who are registered with the Medical Cannabis Program will be able to grow cannabis at home for the personal use of certified patients starting on October 5, 2022.
What do I do after my certifying practitioner gives me a certificate?
Once your doctor has given you a certification, you must sign up for the Medical Cannabis program through the online Patient Registration System.
Can I sign up on behalf of a minor or someone who can't make their own decisions about medical care?
Yes. If the person applying for a registry ID card is under the age of 18 or is otherwise unable to give permission for medical treatment, the application must be made by a responsible person over the age of 21.
How do I sign up as a caregiver for the program?
A patient who has signed up for the program must first name you as their caregiver when they sign up. After the OCM has approved the patient’s registration, the caregiver(s) must also register. The patient will be able to get information on how to register a caregiver. You need a valid DMV ID or a government-issued Non-Driver ID card to register with the OCM as a designated caregiver. Visit Designated Caregivers for more information on how to sign up.
When can I expect to get my ID card from the registry?
After your registration is approved, you will be given a Temporary Registry Identification Card, which you can use with a government-issued photo ID until your registry identification card arrives in the mail. Please give your Patient or Caregiver Registry ID Card about seven business days to arrive. Find out where the dispensing facilities are.
If a practitioner won't give me a certification, can I still sign up?
No, a patient can’t sign up without a practitioner’s signature.
Is it required for a facility to become a patient's designated caregiver?
No. Facilities do not have to take on the role of designated caregivers for patients.
How does a place sign up to be a patient's designated caregiver?
Here is a form for a designated caregiver facility: Form for Designating a Caregiver in a Facility
Am I allowed to use medical marijuana instead of opioids after surgery?
Yes. Patients can choose to use medical cannabis instead of opioids or in addition to them to treat pain after surgery. Patients must be registered with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management Medical Cannabis Program and get a certificate from a doctor.
Why do I have to show a photo ID from the government when I want to use my registry ID card?
Registered organizations must use both their registry ID card and a government-issued ID to make sure they are who they say they are. If the picture on your registry ID card doesn’t really look like you, you can use a government-issued photo ID to prove who you are when you buy or use medical cannabis products. The government-issued photo ID can also be used to prove your identity when you are using a temporary ID card from the registry that doesn’t have a photo.
What if the picture on my government-issued ID card doesn't really look like me?
With the government-issued photo ID, you will be able to prove who you are when you buy or use medical cannabis products. If the registered organization can’t figure out who you are from the government-issued photo ID you give them, they can’t give you the product.
What if the photo ID I got from the government, like a passport, has expired?
With an old government-issued photo ID, your identity can still be checked.
I don't have a printer, so I can't print the temporary ID card for the registry. Do I need to wait until I get my physical registry ID card in the mail?
There is no need to print out temporary cards. You can use a picture of the card on your cell phone or iPad, or you can open a picture of the card on your my.ny.gov account. To buy medical cannabis, you can show the picture along with your certification and government-issued ID at any dispensing location.
Do I need to get a new temporary ID card if my certification changes between when I get the temporary ID card and when I get the official ID card?
No, you don’t need to ask for a new temporary ID card if your doctor changes the recommendations on your active certification.
How many products can I buy if I only have a temporary registry ID card?
No, you will still be able to buy up to 60 days’ worth of the medical cannabis product(s) your doctor recommended on your certification.
Do my caregivers also get ID cards from the registry?
After registering as a caregiver and being approved, designated caregivers can also get a temporary ID card from the registry. The caretaker will follow the same steps as the patient to get the temporary registry ID card and print it out or show it on their phone. If a designated caregiver helps more than one patient, each patient will get a temporary ID card from the registry. This doesn’t apply to places that have been given the job of being a caregiver.
Does a caregiver who works in a facility get an ID card from the registry?
Facilities that have sent the required form for a designated facility caregiver to the OCM and whose registration as a facility caregiver has been approved will receive an email with a Designated Facility Caregiver Registration.
If you live in New York and are interested in getting certified to use cannabis for medical purposes, there’s no better time than now. Our licensed doctors can assist you in obtaining or renewing your medical marijuana card.
Medical Conditions
Your primary care physician can recommend cannabis to help you manage any of these medical conditions.