Medical Marijuana in NY

As of May, 2018 there are over 55,000 registered medical marijuana patients in the State of New York. With a population hovering around 20 million, it’s likely you are not one of them. If not, this article is for you!

In the last four years since medical marijuana was legalized in New York, it has become much easier to qualify for and enter the program. Today, you can get a recommendation from one of the 1,600 state approved marijuana doctors here if you meet the requirements of the program.

What are the requirements?

In order to be eligible you must have been diagnosed with a “severe debilitating” or “life threatening illness”, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic pain. Some of the qualifying illnesses include HIV, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.

In addition, you must also have complications from your illness like severe nausea, seizures or severe menstrual cramps. If your current doctor can’t write you a recommendation, you can visit the NY.gov website and look at the approved list of registered doctors here in the state.

Once you have found a doctor, you will have to go through an evaluation explaining why it is that you believe you need medical marijuana. After a thorough examination, the doctor will go over the choices of medicine available and what treatment you would benefit from the most. At this time, you will have to choose the type of medical marijuana you want to use as well as the type of administration.

What kind of medical marijuana is available?

The program allows liquids, capsules, inhalers and vape cartridges but not edibles or marijuana in flower form. The doctor will then write you a prescription for a specific brand, type and method of use and that will be the only product you can get until a new one is written.

When do I get the card?

After you leave the doctors office, you will have to register for your medical marijuana card with the state via NY.gov. Once you have completed the application and paid the $50 fee, you can submit your application. Expect to receive your card in the mail within 10-14 business days