Medical marijuana is now legal in New York, which means that people with certain conditions can use it as an alternative treatment.
However, it’s important to understand that having a medical marijuana card provides more than just access to cannabis products.
One of the main benefits of having a medical marijuana card in New York is legal protection.
In this article, we’ll talk about how having a medical marijuana card in New York is important for legal protection and why it’s important for patients to get one.
Understanding the Legal Landscape in New York
Before we dive into the importance of having a medical marijuana card in New York for legal protection, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape in the state. While medical marijuana is legal in New York, it’s still a controlled substance under federal law.
This means that while the state may permit the use of medical marijuana, it’s still illegal at the federal level. This legal dichotomy can be a bit confusing for patients who are seeking alternative treatments for their medical conditions.
In addition, New York state laws regarding medical marijuana are continually evolving. Patients need to know about and keep up with the latest changes to the law to make sure they stay in compliance and are protected by the law.
The Importance of Having a Medical Marijuana Card for Legal Protection
One of the main reasons why having a medical marijuana card in New York is essential for patients is the legal protection it offers. Here are some of the ways a medical marijuana card can protect patients:
Protection from Legal Consequences
While medical marijuana is legal in New York, it’s still a controlled substance under federal law. This means that patients who use medical marijuana without a valid medical marijuana card can face legal consequences, including fines and even imprisonment.
Having a medical marijuana card provides legal protection for patients who are using medical marijuana as part of their treatment plan. It’s essential to note that even if a patient has a medical condition that qualifies them for medical marijuana use, they can still face legal consequences if they don’t have a valid medical marijuana card.
Protection from Discrimination
Patients who use medical marijuana without a valid medical marijuana card may face discrimination and legal consequences.
This kind of discrimination can come from employers, landlords, and other places with rules against using drugs. Patients are legally protected from this kind of bias if they have a medical marijuana card.
In fact, employers in New York State aren’t allowed to test current or potential employees for cannabis use or treat people badly because they use cannabis outside of work hours.
Protection from Arrest
In some cases, patients who use medical marijuana without a valid medical marijuana card may be arrested and charged with drug possession. Having a medical marijuana card can protect patients from arrest in certain situations.
For example, if a patient is pulled over by law enforcement and has a valid medical marijuana card, they may not be arrested for possession of marijuana.
Patients who need to travel with medical marijuana are also safer when they have a medical marijuana card. Patients with a medical marijuana card can legally own and transport medical marijuana within the state of New York and to other states that have reciprocity agreements with New York.
How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in New York
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of having a medical marijuana card for legal protection in New York, let’s talk about how to obtain one.
Here are the steps people in New York must take to get a medical marijuana card:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
To get a medical marijuana card in New York, the first step is to find out if you are eligible. In New York, a person must have a qualifying medical condition in order to get a medical marijuana card.
Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson‘s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, and chronic pain are among the medical conditions that qualify.
Step 2: Find a Registered Practitioner
The next step is to find a registered practitioner who can confirm that the patient has a qualifying medical condition. Patients can search for registered practitioners on the New York State Department of Health‘s website.
It’s important to note that not all healthcare providers are registered practitioners, so it’s important to specifically look for a registered practitioner who can certify for medical marijuana.
Once a patient finds a registered practitioner, they will need to make an appointment for a medical evaluation. During the evaluation, the doctor or nurse will look at the patient’s medical history to see if they have a condition that qualifies.
The practitioner will give a certification if they decide that medical marijuana is a good way to treat the patient.
Step 3: Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card
Patients can get a medical marijuana card through the online system of the New York State Department of Health if they have a certification from a registered practitioner. Personal information like name, address, and date of birth, as well as certification from a registered practitioner, are needed for the application.
Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card
Once the application is sent in and approved, the patient’s medical marijuana card will be sent to them in the mail. The card is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Patients can only buy medical marijuana from a registered dispensary after they have gotten their medical marijuana card. Patients are also limited to purchasing a 30-day supply at a time.
Conclusion
Getting a medical marijuana card in New York is easy and can give patients who use medical marijuana as a treatment option a lot of benefits.
Patients who use medical marijuana are protected by the law if they have a medical marijuana card, which also lets them buy medical marijuana from registered dispensaries. It also provides protection for patients who need to use medical marijuana in the workplace and when traveling.
Overall, getting a medical marijuana card in New York is easy and can give patients who use medical marijuana as a treatment option many benefits.
