Is cannabis legal in New York?

Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational purposes in the state of New York.

The Compassionate Care Act, passed in 2014, permits patients with qualifying medical conditions to access and use cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

The participate in the state’s medical cannabis program, patients must register with the New York State Department of Health and obtain a certification from a registered medical marijuana doctor to be eligible.

Medical marijuana cards in New York are referred to as a Registry ID Card, however, as of March 2023, New York medical marijuana laws have changed and medical marijuana cards are no longer being issued.

Instead of holding a medical marijuana card, patient certifications will contain a registry ID number to be used in conjunction with a government issued photo ID to purchase medical cannabis products at the registered organization’s dispensary

Holding a NY Registry ID number allows a certified patients to use various forms and consumption methods of medical marijuana, including oils, capsules, and vaporization. Strict regulations govern its cultivation, distribution, and use to ensure patient safety and proper oversight.

Cannabis became legal for recreational use in New York as of March 31, 2021 with the passing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) by the state legislature. Under this law, adults aged 21 and older can possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes.

The MRTA also allows for the cultivation of a limited number of cannabis plants for personal use.

Who qualifies for a Registry ID number in New York? How do I get a New York medical marijuana card?

To qualify for New York Registry ID (formerly known as a medical marijuana card) and become a certified patient, you must be a resident of New York and provide proof of residency and have a medical condition deemed clinically appropriate by a health care provider.

While there is no official list of qualifying conditions for the state of New York’s Medical Marijuana Program, some examples of conditions to certify patients for medical marijuana include:

Chronic pain
Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Epilepsy
Parkinson’s disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Multiple sclerosis
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Spinal cord injury

The healthcare provider that recommends medical cannabis must be licensed in New York and registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Program. You may obtain a medical practitioner to provide you a medical cannabis recommendation through Compassionate Clinics of America. Through an online assessment, medical marijuana doctors will review your medical history and other relevant medical records you provide to determine whether medical marijuana would be beneficial for your treatment.

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After receiving the certification, you must register with the New York State Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program. the Registration process involves submitting an application, providing identification, and paying the required fee.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Registry ID number that allows you to obtain medical marijuana from registered organizations that are commonly known as dispensaries in New York and legally possess it.

Patients under the age of 18 or incapable of consent are required to have one designated caregiver who will be auto-registered at the time of certification by the certifying healthcare provider. The designated caregiver will be able to bring the patient’s medical marijuana certification, the caregiver registry ID, and their government-issued photo ID to the New York dispensary.

Medical cannabis patients may have up to five caregivers.

What are the benefits of having a Registry ID number (formerly known as medical cannabis card)?

Despite recreational cannabis being legal in New York, there are several benefits to becoming a medical marijuana patient in New York that those who have recreational cannabis use do not have.

One of the biggest advantages of having a medical marijuana certification is cost savings. Medical marijuana patients in New York pay a 7% excise tax on cannabis products, while recreational users pay 13% tax on cannabis purchased.

Medical use of the plant will undoubtedly result in significant cost savings over time for medical marijuana patients who consistently purchase medical marijuana from a registered organization (dispensary).

Another benefit of being a medical cannabis patient in New York is access to licensed dispensaries where you can buy medical marijuana products that are specifically formulated for therapeutic use. These medical marijuana products often have a higher potency and a wider range of options compared to those available for recreational use.

Get a Medical Cannabis Card in New York

The state of New York allows the purchase and possession of up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and 24 ounces of concentrated cannabis for medical cannabis patients.

In some cases, having a medical marijuana ID may also offer certain workplace and housing protections. However, it’s essential to understand the specific laws and regulations in your particular circumstances.

Effective October 5, 2022 certified patients and designated caregivers 21 years of age or older who are registered with the Medical Cannabis Program will be able to cultivate cannabis at home for patients’ personal use. Registered patients and caregivers can grow medical marijuana – up to six plants, only three of which could be mature.

For those under the age of 18, or those who are not able to purchase cannabis for themselves, they may have up to five designated caregivers to ensure that they can obtain medical cannabis products.

How much does it cost to get a medical cannabis card in New York?

The state has waived the fee to register for a registry ID number (formerly known as a medical marijuana card).

To get a new medical marijuana certification online with Compassionate Clinics of America, the cost is $149. The renewal fee to ID is $99.

We offer Sezzle payment options to break up the cost into separate, affordable payments.

What information and forms are required when a patient applies for a Medical Marijuana ID number?

In addition to your personal information and proof of residency for New York, you will be asked to provide any supporting documentation or medical records of your condition to help the Compassionate Clinics of America medical marijuana doctor to assess whether you will benefit from cannabis treatment.

How long is my Registry ID valid in New York?

Your recommendation for medical marijuana from a registered doctor is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date a patient is registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Program.

When can I renew my Registry ID?

Effective March 20, 2023, the Office has implemented modifications to the Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS) to facilitate automatic registration of qualified patients upon certification.

Consequently, there is no longer a requirement to complete a separate renewal application through the state.

However, it is important to note that if you were certified prior to March 20, 2023, you may still need to go through the process of completing a renewal application.

Can I use medical marijuana anywhere in New York?

Since recreational cannabis is now legal in the state of New York, adults may smoke or vape cannabis wherever smoking tobacco is allowed under the smoke-free air laws, with a few exceptions.

Both recreational cannabis use and medical marijuana use of cannabis is not allowed in motor vehicles, even if they are parked, or in outdoor dining areas at restaurants.

Get a Medical Cannabis Card in New York

Are medical marijuana cards from other state medical marijuana programs valid in New York?

If you are a medical marijuana patient in another state and have a state-issued medical marijuana card from your home state, unfortunately, you will not be able to use your medical marijuana card in New York to purchase medical marijuana.

You must have New York state residency to participate in the medical marijuana program, and New York does not offer cannabis reciprocity to medical cannabis patients from other states.

If you are a medical marijuana patient from another state, you will be able to purchase marijuana from a recreational retail store, and you will not have to provide your medical marijuana card.

How long does it take to process my application?

Due to changes in the medical marijuana system, and the fact that New York no longer issues medical marijuana cards for medical marijuana patients, those who receive their recommendation from a healthcare practitioner will be automatically registered within the Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS).

Will I be given a temporary card while my application is being processed?

As of March 2023, the Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS) allows for qualifying patients to be automatically registered when they are certified.

As mentioned, there is no longer a medical marijuana card, but rather a registry number that a patient is assigned and is registered with medical marijuana dispensaries.

Can a doctor complete a medical marijuana certification via telehealth?

Yes! Compassionate Clinics of America offers the opportunity for people to get their medical marijuana card online in 24 states!

While New York patients no longer receive a medical marijuana card, medical marijuana patients can register to get an ID number that will allow them to visit New York medical marijuana dispensaries to buy medical cannabis.

When does the physician certification expire?

A certification from a Compassionate Clinics of America is valid for a period from one (1) year following registration in the medical cannabis program.

Questions About Medical Cannabis Certification in New York?

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