• Basics of the New York Law

New York passed a law to legalize medical cannabis in 2014 through Assembly Bill 6357. The law allows qualifying patients to possess a 30-day supply of marijuana. Cultivation of is not allowed. New York residents who wish to obtain cannabis for medical use must submit a “New York Therapeutic Cannabis Registry Application” that includes a Written Certification from any physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who is licensed in NY verifying that he or she suffers from one or more qualifying medical conditions. Currently you cannot use medical marijuana ID cards from other states to obtain NY  cannabis.

  • Patients

Anyone applying for a marijuana medical card must pay a nonrefundable $50 application fee. The renewal fee is $50. A parent or legal guardian must register to serve as the primary a caregiver for minors submitting applications for medical use of marijuana in the "Empire State". Patient and caregiver fees can be waived by simply selecting “Bill Me Later” during the checkout process.

Any patient who needs assistance with obtaining or administering medical cannabis can designate up to two caregivers who must also apply.

  • Caregivers

Any patient who needs assistance with obtaining or administering cannabis can designate up to two caregivers who must also apply. A patient must indicate whether he or she will utilize a caregiver at the time of application for a cannabis medical identification card. A parent or legal guardian must serve as the primary caregiver for a patient who is a minor. Caregivers pay a $50 application and annual renewal fee and can assist up to 5 certified patients.

  • Physicians

Physicians who are interested in making recommendations for marijuana treatment in NY must possess a current and unrestricted state medical license and Drug Enforcement Agency number. They are also required to complete a 4-hour New York Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program course before they can recommend marijuana.

  • Qualifying Medical Conditions

In-order-to qualify as a cannabis patient in the state of New York a resident must suffer from one or more qualifying medical conditions. These conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury with spasticity, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, Huntington’s disease, cachexia or severe weight loss, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe or persistent muscle spasms, Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and severe or chronic pain. If you need more information about the marijuana law or licensing process visit the New York State Medical Marijuana Program website.