Although it’s one of the most recreationally used substances in the state, thousands of New York residents medicate daily with cannabis. Medical marijuana offers them what most conventional treatments do not, a safe and effective way to soothe pain, nausea, and inflammation while improving moods and other medical and mental health disorders.
Despite decriminalizing marijuana for medicinal and adult use, many residents are not aware of how easy and affordable it is to become a patient in New York State. Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the process to help clear up any confusion for new and prospective cannabis patients in New York.
New Yorkers must be at least 18 years of age or older to use cannabis medicinally. Individuals under 18 who plan to use medical marijuana treatments must have an approved caregiver over the age of 21 apply on their behalf.
In addition to being of legal age, applicants must provide a copy of the following proving their age and proof of residency.
Parents, guardians, and approved parties interested in becoming designated caregivers for their young adults or minors must also register for a personal New York marijuana registry card before they can visit or procure cannabis treatments from any of the state’s licensed dispensaries or administer cannabis treatments to their patients.
New York doesn’t require patients to qualify for the medical marijuana program based on a set of approved medical conditions. However, that doesn’t mean just anyone can self-certify their symptoms or condition to get approved as a medical patient.
In order to be eligible for medical cannabis in New York, applicants must meet all program requirements and see a qualified medical provider to receive certification for their health symptoms that includes documentation on how their health may benefit from cannabis treatments.
Below are the most common medical conditions accepted by the New York medical marijuana patient program.
It is beneficial for those interested in becoming medical marijuana patients to discuss their health ailments and concerns in detail with a medical cannabis physician to learn if medical marijuana is for their circumstances.
There is no application fee for New Yorkers applying for medical marijuana recommendation cards. In order to successfully register with the state’s program, patients must see a qualified medical cannabis doctor for a health evaluation and certification.
Fees for medical marijuana medical evaluations vary by provider. Most patients rely on a medical cannabis physician network like Marijuana Doctors to make their costs more manageable.
Despite fewer requirements and adult use marijuana laws on the books, many patients could benefit from the transformational effects of cannabis use for their overall health. New Yorkers can apply for a medical marijuana card online through the state’s website or use a reputable medical marijuana recommendation and licensed physician referral network like Marijuana Doctors to save time and money.
Applicants must see an approved medical cannabis physician before registering online via the patient portal to start their registration with the state’s health department. Patients who apply through the state usually receive their cards within two weeks.
It’s natural for New Yorkers interested in unleashing the healing power of cannabis to have some questions about the state’s medical cannabis program. Here are some answers to the most common questions we receive.
With thousands of practicing medical cannabis qualified doctors, knowing who and where to go for a health and medical treatment recommendation is not easy. After all, there’s a bit of trial and error for applicants seeking to qualify with self-reported health symptoms. There are also the potential multiple appointments necessary to obtain a formal diagnosis.
Fortunately, New York covers all medical conditions that cause severe symptoms that interfere with daily living. Marijuana Doctors maintains an extensive database of highly qualified and knowledgeable medical physicians for New York residents to see online, at their convenience, to complete their evaluations to receive their medical recommendations.
Click here to use the Find a Doctor Locator to schedule an online appointment with a credible New York medical marijuana physician.
Medical marijuana recommendations are valid for 12 months from their date of issue in New York. We highly advise patients to start the renewal process at least 60 days before the expiration date on their cards to avoid treatment interruptions.
Patients may purchase up to 60 days’ worth of medicinal marijuana treatments. Certifying medical cannabis physicians are responsible for determining individual patient limits. Some patients may be prescribed lower dosage allotments based on their health needs and medical certifications.
Patients are allowed to purchase medical cannabis products in the following forms:
A caregiver is an authorized adult over the age of 21 who prepares, purchases, transports, and administers approved marijuana treatments to registered patients. New York allows caregivers to cater to up to four patients at any given time.
New York patients can visit any approved medical marijuana dispensary in the state to speak with an onsite cannapharmacist or budtender for medical marijuana product recommendations. Need to find the closest dispensary nearest you? Click here to use our New York Dispensary locator!
Now that cannabis is legalized in New York for medicinal purposes, there’s no better time to apply and experience the benefits for yourself. Contact Marijuana Doctors today!