If you live in New York and you have a medical condition that qualifies, you may want to get a medical marijuana recommendation.
But what exactly is the process for obtaining one?
In New York, getting a medical marijuana recommendation means meeting certain requirements, getting checked out by a qualified medical professional, and signing up with the state’s medical marijuana program.
In this article, we’ll explore the steps you need to take to get your medical marijuana recommendation in New York.
Eligibility Requirements
In New York, people must first meet certain requirements before they can get a recommendation for medical marijuana. These requirements include:
- Being a resident of New York with proof of residency
- Having a qualifying medical condition as recognized by the state
- Obtaining certification from a registered practitioner
To prove residency, individuals must provide a government-issued ID or driver’s license that shows their current address.
They also have to show proof of their diagnosis and any other relevant medical records.
What Qualifies You for a Medical Marijuana Recommendation in New York?
Before we dive into the process, let’s first discuss what qualifies you for a medical marijuana recommendation in New York.
Under New York state law, patients with certain medical conditions are eligible to use medical marijuana as a treatment option.
These conditions include:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Parkinson‘s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Spinal cord injury with spasticity
- Epilepsy
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Chronic pain
- Neuropathy
- Opioid use disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorder
- Chronic inflammation
- Seizures
- Tourette syndrome
- Glaucoma
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms
If you have one of these conditions, you might be able to get a recommendation for medical marijuana in New York.
Step 1: Find a Registered Practitioner
The first step in getting a medical marijuana recommendation is to find a registered practitioner who can certify that you have a qualifying medical condition.
In New York, registered practitioners are doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who have finished a course that the Department of Health has approved.
To find a registered practitioner, you can use the Department of Health’s online directory. This book has a list of all the registered doctors and other medical professionals in New York who are allowed to certify patients for medical marijuana.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment
Once you’ve found a registered practitioner, you’ll need to schedule an appointment to see them. During this appointment, the doctor or nurse will look at your medical history to see if you have a condition that qualifies.
If the doctor thinks you have a condition that qualifies, they will give you a medical marijuana card. They will also give you a recommendation, which you will need to get your medical marijuana card.
Step 3: Register with the Department of Health
After you get your recommendation, you will need to sign up with the Medical Marijuana Program of the New York State Department of Health. You can register online using the department’s online portal.
As part of the registration process, you’ll need to show proof of who you are, where you live, and that you have a recommendation for medical marijuana. You’ll also need to pay a registration fee.
Step 4: Obtain Your Medical Marijuana Card
Once you’ve registered with the Department of Health, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card in the mail. You can buy medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary in New York if you have this card.
Conclusion
In New York, getting a medical marijuana recommendation means finding a registered practitioner, making an appointment, registering with the Department of Health, and getting your medical marijuana card.
