How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New York in 2023

Hey, folks from the Big Apple! Love weed, need it for wellness, or just wondering about it? Are you ready to dive into New York’s legal pot world?

With Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signing a law that will allow for recreational marijuana use by 2023, many individuals may be wondering how they can obtain their very own medical marijuana card. Fear not friends- we’ve got you covered! 

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about obtaining a medical marijuana card in New York come 2023. 

So sit back, grab your favorite strain (if legal), and let’s dive into the world of medicinal cannabis in New York state.

Benefits of Having a Medical Card in New York

As of January 1, 2020, adults in New York state are able to possess and use recreational marijuana. However, there are still many benefits to having a medical marijuana card, including:

• Access to higher quality and/or stronger strains of marijuana.
• Legal protection from arrest and prosecution for possession and use of small amounts of marijuana.
• The ability to purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries, which are regulated by the state government.
• Increased access to medical help and information about cannabis as a medicine, including guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.

Lower Costs

If you’re a New Yorker looking to obtain a medical marijuana card, there are a few things you should know. 

First and foremost, the process is much simpler and cheaper than you might think. In fact, it can be done entirely online in just a few minutes.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit the New York State Department of Health website and create an account.
• Log in and complete the online application form. Be sure to include all required information and documents.
• Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card in the mail within 10 days.

There are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a medical marijuana card in New York State. First, you must be 18 years of age or older. 

Second, you must be a resident of the state with a valid ID or driver’s license. 

Finally, you must have one of the following qualifying conditions: cancer, HIV/AIDS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage resulting in intractable spasticity, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy or Huntington’s disease.

Bigger Limits

In New York, the amount of medical marijuana that can be possessed at any given time was recently increased from a maximum of 30 days’ worth to a 90-day supply. 

The change went into effect on January 1st, 2020, and is a result of the state’s ongoing efforts to make its medical cannabis program more patient-friendly.

Previously, patients were only allowed to possess up to 2 ounces (57 grams) of marijuana at a time, but the new limit allows for up to 8 ounces (227 grams) to be kept on hand. 

This increase is significant, as it gives patients much more leeway in how they medicate and how much medicine they can have access to. 

While the higher possession limit is certainly welcome news for New York medical marijuana patients, it’s important to note that this does not mean that patients are now allowed to purchase larger quantities of cannabis at one time. 

Instead, the maximum amount that can be purchased in a single transaction has remained unchanged at 3 ounces (85 grams).

This means that patients will still need to visit their dispensary multiple times over the course of a 90-day period in order to maintain their maximum stash. 

However, the process should be easier now that dispensaries are able to offer larger quantities per sale.

Lower Age Restrictions

In order to qualify for a medical marijuana card in New York, you must be at least 18 years old. 

If you are under the age of 18, you may still be eligible for a medical marijuana card if you have a parent or guardian who is willing to register as your caregiver.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to get a medical marijuana card in New York, you must be a resident of the state with a valid photo ID. You must also be 18 years of age or older, and have one of the following qualifying conditions:

• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal Cord Injury with Spasticity
• Epilepsy
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Chronic Pain

In addition to having one of the above conditions, you must also obtain a written certification from a licensed physician in New York State confirming that you are likely to benefit from the therapeutic use of cannabis.

Can Minors Get a Medical Card in New York?

New York State law does not currently allow for the medical use of marijuana by minors. However, this may change in the future as the state legislature continues to debate the issue. 

In the meantime, if you are a minor and suffering from a qualifying medical condition, you may be able to get a “caregiver” designation from your parent or legal guardian. 

This would allow them to purchase medical marijuana on your behalf and administer it to you as needed.

Qualifying Conditions

In order to be eligible for a medical marijuana card in New York, you must first meet the qualifying conditions. The qualifying conditions are:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV or AIDS
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord damage with intractable spasticity
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders

In order to be eligible, you must also suffer from one of the following: severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, vomiting or wasting syndrome caused by cancer or HIV, cachexia or wasting syndrome caused by ALS.

How to Apply

In order to get a medical marijuana card in New York, you must first be a patient with a qualifying condition. 

Once you have been diagnosed by a certified physician, you will need to register with the New York State Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program. 

To do this, you will need to fill out an online application and submit it, along with the required documentation. 

Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be able to pick up your medical marijuana card from a designated dispensary.

Documents You’ll Need

If you want to get a medical marijuana card in New York, you’ll need to gather some documents first. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A valid photo ID: You’ll need to show a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to prove your identity.
• Proof of residency: You’ll need to show proof that you live in New York State, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
• A recent photo: You’ll need to submit a recent headshot-style photograph with your application.
• A completed application: You can find the application form on the New York Department of Health website. Be sure to complete all required sections and sign the form before submitting it.
• A non-refundable fee: The current fee for a medical marijuana card in New York is $50. This fee must be paid by check or money order made out to the “New York State Department of Health.”

Steps to Apply

In order to get a medical marijuana card in New York, you must first be a resident of the state. You will also need to have a valid photo ID. Once you have these two things, you can follow these steps:

• Go to the website of the New York State Department of Health.
• Create an account and log in.
• Click on the “Medical Marijuana Program” tab.
• Click on the “Patient Registration” link.
• Complete the online application form.
• Submit your application along with the required documentation.
• Once your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment for a medical evaluation with a registered practitioner.
• After your evaluation, you will receive your registry identification card if you are approved for the program.

What to Expect During Your Leafwell Appointment

If you’re a New York resident interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a Leafwell-certified physician. 

During your appointment, the physician will evaluate your condition to see if you qualify for a medical marijuana card under New York’s program. They will also review your medical history and any previous medications or treatments you’ve tried.

If the physician determines that you may benefit from medical marijuana, they will provide you with a certification that you can use to apply for your card. 

The entire process usually takes less than an hour, and our staff is always available to answer any questions you may have.

Costs

The cost of a medical marijuana card in New York can vary depending on the method you choose to obtain one. 

The cheapest and most common way to get a medical marijuana card is through the state’s online application system, which costs $50. 

If you choose to visit a licensed cannabis doctor, the cost of the consultation will be determined by the doctor but typically falls between $200 and $300. 

Finally, if you use a private medical marijuana evaluation service, the cost will be around $350.

Medical Marijuana Reciprocity

New York has a medical marijuana reciprocity agreement with other states that have similar laws. This means that if you are a medical marijuana patient in another state, you can possess and use your medicine while in New York. 

However, you must have a valid registry identification card from your home state. The following states currently have reciprocity agreements with New York:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maine

Applying as a Caregiver

If you are interested in becoming a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in New York, there are a few things you need to know. First, you must be at least 21 years old. 

Second, you must have a valid driver’s license or other photo ID. Third, you must complete the Caregiver Application form.

The Caregiver Application form can be found on the New York State Department of Health website. 

Once you have completed the form, you will need to submit it to the address listed on the form. You will also need to include a $50 non-refundable application fee.

Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by the Department of Health. 

If your application is approved, you will be issued a registration card which will allow you to purchase medical marijuana from registered organizations in New York.

Where to Buy Medical Marijuana

In New York, medical marijuana is only available through the state-approved dispensaries. 

There are currently four operational dispensaries in the state, with more expected to open in the future. 

To find a dispensary near you, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website.

When visiting a dispensary, you will need to bring your valid NYS issued ID and your certification from a registered practitioner. 

Once you are at the dispensary, a staff member will help you choose the right product for your needs.

Cultivation

In order to get a medical marijuana card in New York, you must first cultivate your own marijuana plants. 

This can be done by growing them indoors or outdoors, but you must make sure that they are in a secure location where only authorized people have access to them.

Once you have grown your plants, you will need to dry and cure them before you can begin using them.

New York Medical Marijuana Laws to Know

In order to obtain a medical marijuana card in New York, there are a few laws that you need to be aware of. Here are some of the most important ones:

• You must be a resident of New York State in order to be eligible for a medical marijuana card.
• You must have a qualifying medical condition that is approved by the state in order to receive a recommendation from a physician.
• Once you have received a recommendation, you will need to register with the New York State Department of Health in order to obtain your medical marijuana card.
• There is a $50 fee for registering with the state. However, if you are on public assistance, this fee may be waived.

The Bottom Line

Medical marijuana is now legal in New York State! If you are a patient suffering from a qualifying medical condition, you can now register with the New York State Department of Health to receive a medical marijuana card. 

This card will allow you to purchase and use medical marijuana from registered dispensaries throughout the state.

To get started, you will need to obtain a certification from a NYS-licensed physician indicating that you suffer from one of the qualifying medical conditions. 

Once you have this certification, you can register online or by mail with the NYSDOH. There is a $50 registration fee, which must be paid via check or money order. 

Once your registration is processed, you will receive your NYC Medical Marijuana Card in the mail. This card is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Now that you have your card, you can start purchasing medical marijuana from registered dispensaries around the state. 

Make sure to bring your card with you when making purchases, as dispensary staff will need to verify your identity and status as a registered patient before completing any transaction.

Resources:

• https://cannabis.ny.gov/patients
• https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq
• https://www.hhs.gov/