Frequently Asked Questions

Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in the State of New York?

The New York Department of Health has approved a number of qualifying conditions that will allow patients to access medical marijuana in New York. 

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Why Do I Need a New York Medical Marijuana Card?

Having a New York Marijuana Card shows that your name has been registered to the New York medical marijuana registry by a licensed New York medical marijuana physician. With this card, you can:

1. Purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries in the State of New York

2. Possess medical marijuana products in the New York

3. Consume medical marijuana products in the New Yor

 

How Do I Get a New York Marijuana Card?

In order to obtain your New York marijuana card, you need to have a certified New York physician confirm that you suffer from one or more of the qualifying conditions and recommend medical marijuana to you. Our staff at New York Marijuana Card is here to simplify the process, connecting you with a certified doctor, and filing all your necessary paperwork!

Am I Guaranteed for Approval to Get a Medical Marijuana After Visiting a New York Marijuana Doctor Office?

We can't guarantee approval for anyone, as the physician is the only individual that makes that determination whether or not a patient qualifies for medical marijuana treatment. Before your appointment, you will need a submit a copy of your medical records that documents your qualifying condition. If you need assistance in obtaining your records, we have a medical records team who is able to help get documentation at no extra cost. If you, for whatever reason, are not approved by the doctor,  you do not have to worry as the entire cost of an appointment will be a nominal fee.

 

What Conditions Make a Patient Eligible for Medical Marijuana in New York?

The statute defines a “serious medical condition” as any one of the following:​

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• Cancer

• HIV/AIDS

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Spinal cord injury with spasticity

• Epilepsy

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Neuropathy (weakness, numbness, pain from nerve damage)

• Huntington’s disease

• PTSD

• ​Chronic pain​ (pain that degrades health and functional capability as an alternative to opioid use or substance use disorder)

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The severe debilitating or life-threatening condition must also be accompanied by one or more of the following associated or complicating conditions:

• Cachexia or wasting syndrome

• Severe or chronic pain

• Severe nausea

• Seizures or severe or persistent muscle spasms

• PTSD

• Opioid use disorder

How Do I Get a New York Medical Marijuana Card?

Our team at New York Marijuana Card specializes in helping patients across the state of New York to obtain their medical marijuana cards. With telemedicine appointments available, our friendly staff is here to help you through the process. Give us a call, or send us a message, if you’d like to find out more information about how you can get approved for medical marijuana in New York.

 

What Do I Do After I Receive My Recommendation from the Doctor?

Once you receive your written recommendation from a medical marijuana physician, you must register with the Medical Marijuana program through the New York Department of Health's Patient Registration System. Detailed instructions on the registration process can be found on the New York DOH's website. Patients must pay a non-refundable $50 fee to the state to register for their card.

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When Will I Receive My New York Medical Marijuana Card?

After your registration has been approved, you will be issued a Temporary Registry I.D. Card which may be used with a government-issued photo identification until you receive your New York medical marijuana card in the mail. It takes approximately seven business days to receive your marijuana card.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Get My New York Medical Marijuana Card?

Some doctors charge far too much just for an initial evaluation. At New York Marijuana Card, we feel strongly that if you qualify for medical marijuana, you shouldn't have trouble accessing it due to cost. We offer discounts for veterans, as well as SSI / SSDI recipients. After the first appointment, all required follow-ups are free for 12 months. 

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​Where Can Patients Purchase Medical Marijuana in New York?

Once you have received your New York Marijuana card, you'll be able to purchase medical marijuana products at any licensed dispensary located across the state of New York.

 

Can I Smoke Medical Marijuana in New York?

No. It is prohibited in New York to smoke medical marijuana as dry buds and flowers will not be sold at dispensaries. The state also prohibits medical marijuana in the form of edibles. Most dispensaries in New York specialize in vaping, tinctures, and pills.

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How Much Medical Marijuana Can Be Purchased at New York Dispensaries?

Certified patients are allowed to purchase up to a 30-day supply of prescribed medical marijuana, depending on limitations set by their medical doctor. Purchases are reported to and kept track of by the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program database.

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Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana in New York?

No. It is prohibited for patients to grow their own medical marijuana in New York.

 

Will My Insurance or Medicaid Pay for Medical Marijuana?

We encourage you to contact your insurance provider or Medicaid official for an answer; however, we are not aware of any insurance providers that cover the costs of medical marijuana at present.
 

How Much Will Medical Marijuana Cost at Dispensaries?

The cost of medical marijuana varies depending on each dispensary. To view prices, take a look at the menu of a dispensary near you.

 

Does New York Have Reciprocity With Other States?

New York does not offer reciprocity with other states. Medical marijuana I.D. cards from other states are not accepted.

​What Is a Designated Caregiver, and How Many Can I Have?

A "caregiver" who is designated by the patient and approved by the New York DOH will be able to purchase and administer medical marijuana on behalf of a patient. A certified medical marijuana patient can have up to 2 caregivers.
 

How Do I Apply to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in New York?

A certified patient registered with the program must first designate you as a caregiver during the patient registration process. After the patient's registration has been approved by the New York DOH, the caregiver(s) must then register with the DOH. Caregivers must be a resident of New York and have a valid New York State Driver's License or New York State Non-Driver I.D. card. Caregivers must also pay a $50 non-refundable fee to register.

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Can I Register on Behalf of a Patient Who Is a Minor for Medical Marijuana Treatment?

Yes. If a patient is under the age of 18 or an individual who is incapable of consenting to medical treatment, the application must be submitted by an appropriate person over 21 years of age. These patients must have at least one, and up to two, designated caregivers who must be among one of the following:

• A parent or legal guardian of the patient

• A person appointed by a parent or legal guardian

• An appropriate person approved by the New York DOH upon a sufficient showing that no parent or legal guardian is available or appropriate. 

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Is My Personal Information Kept Private?

The privacy of our patients is a top priority of ours, so we make sure all patient information is kept confidential in our HIPAA-compliant file storage system.