Qualifying Conditions For A Medical Marijuana Card In New York [A Complete Guide]

We share qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in NY, along with the process, FAQs + how Dr. Marijuana Card can help you get your card ASAP!

What Conditions And Illnesses Qualify For Medical Marijuana In NY In 2022?

On January 24, 2022, New York dropped qualifying conditions for the medical marijuana program. 

This allows physicians and other medical practitioners to prescribe medical marijuana for any illness, as long as the condition can be treated by or managed with marijuana. 

Check out our blog on New York’s medical cannabis program eligibility expansion to learn more about the state’s medical marijuana program. 

What Conditions Or Illnesses Are Commonly Managed With Medical Marijuana?

Research has shown that marijuana is beneficial for managing pain, relieving anxiety, and improving sleep. In fact, medical aid is the top reason why the majority of Americans favor marijuana legalization. 

From mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety to gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as Crohn’s and irritable bowel syndrome, here are the most common illnesses that medical marijuana is prescribed for: 

  • Alzheimer's disease 

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 

  • HIV/AIDS 

  • Crohn's disease 

  • Glaucoma 

  • Insomnia 

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 

  • Migraines 

  • Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

  • Multiple sclerosis 

  • Muscle spasms, stiffness, and tremors 

  • Parkinson’s disease 

  • Seizures and epilepsy 

  • Severe and chronic pain 

  • Severe nausea or vomiting caused by cancer treatment 

Medical marijuana can help manage a wide range of conditions, from anxiety to gastrointestinal disorders

Who Can Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card In NY?

You need to be a legal (permanent or temporary) resident of New York to apply for a medical card in New York. 

  • If you’re of legal age (18 or older), you can apply for a medical card on your own 

  • If you’re a minor (17 or younger), a designated caregiver who is 21 or older can apply on your behalf 

If you are 21 or older, you are permitted to purchase, transport and own up to 3 ounces or 85 grams of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis, such as oils, tincture or vapes. 

How To Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card In NY

Here’s how to apply for a medical card in New York:

1. Prepare Your Documents

Before you connect with a certified medical marijuana (MMJ) physician, you’ll need to be prepared with some required documents. 

Documents required by the state include: 

  • A valid ID with your photo 

  • A birth certificate for patients under the age of 18 

  • Proof of residency within the state of New York 

  • A signed certification from a registered MMJ practitioner in New York 

Examples of valid IDs include: 

  • Driver’s license 

  • Passport Book 

  • NYC identification card 

  • Certificate of Citizenship 

  • Certificate of Naturalization  

  • Government employee ID 

  • U.S. military or military dependent ID 

Examples of acceptable proof of residency include: 

  • New York State or government-issued ID license 

  • Recent bank statement 

  • Credit card bill 

  • Consulate ID, if your New York address is displayed 

  • A statement from your landlord 

  • Current rent receipt or lease mortgage records 

Not a state resident? If you’re receiving treatment in New York, you can prove temporary residency by submitting your lease, hospital bill or utility bill. 

2. Set Up An Appointment

Next, schedule an appointment with a certified medical marijuana physician, such as Dr. Dave. 

During the appointment, your physician will assess your medical condition and determine if you are eligible to use medical marijuana.  

Connect with a certified MMJ doctor to receive your medical marijuana certification

3. Get Approval For Your Medical Marijuana Certification

Once you’ve been approved to use medical marijuana, you will receive your certification by email. 

With Dr. Dave, you can get a PDF copy of your NYS DOH medical marijuana certification right after your evaluation. It’s that quick and easy! 

4. Apply For Your Medical Marijuana Card

Next, you’ll need to create an account on the New York Department of Health’s website

Then, submit your practitioner certification with the following documents to complete your online application: 

If you are 18 or older: 

  • Proof of identity and New York State residency 

If you are 17 or younger: 

  • Select up to two caregivers who can purchase medical marijuana for you. Your designated caregiver must also register after your registration is approved. 

  • Allow your parents or legal guardians to submit a copy of their government-issued ID and a copy of your birth certificate. 

5. Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card

Your application will be reviewed by the New York Department of Health (DOH). After a successful review, you will receive your medical card via mail within 7-10 days. 

While waiting for your physical registry identification card, you can use a temporary card to purchase medical marijuana, for up to 30 days. You can access and download the temporary card from your New York State DOH account.  

6. Purchase Medical Marijuana

Finally, you’re all set to purchase medical marijuana from a registered dispensary facility. Here’s the full list of registered dispensing facilities in New York. 

Just don’t forget to bring your registry ID card or temporary card, your medical marijuana certification and a government-issued photo ID with you.

FAQs About Qualifying Conditions For A Medical Card In NY

1. How Much Does A Medical Marijuana Certification Cost in NY? 

At Dr. Marijuana Card, you can book a same-day appointment and HIPAA-compliant online consultation for a new certification or a renewal, for only $129. 

 If you do not qualify for a medical card, you will not be charged. 

2. How Long Does It Take To Get A Medical Marijuana Card? 

Most patients are able to successfully register online after getting certified and download a temporary ID card the same day, which can be used while waiting for the physical card to arrive in the mail. 

Typically, it takes 7-10 days to get your medical card in the mail. 

3. How Do I Renew A Medical Marijuana Card In NY? 

Since your registration for a medical card is valid for a maximum of 12 months in New York, you will need to renew your medical card each year, to continue purchasing medical marijuana in the state. 

To renew your medical marijuana card in NY, schedule a follow up appointment with a medical marijuana physician by following the process you used to get your certification.  

4. I’m A Minor Who Needs To Be Treated With Medical Marijuana. How Can A Caregiver Help Me? 

Qualified patients who are 17 or younger need a caregiver to provide consent to their medical marijuana treatment. 

A caregiver who is registered with the state of NY can purchase, possess, transport, deliver and administer medical marijuana on behalf of qualified patients who are minors.

5. Who Qualifies As A Caregiver In NY? 

Designated caregivers need to meet one of the following qualifications: 

  • The caregiver is a parent or legal guardian of a qualified patient 

  • The caregiver is designated by a parent or legal guardian as a caregiver 

  • The caregiver is approved by the state after establishing that no parent or legal guardian is available for the patient 

6. How Many Caregivers Can I Have? 

A qualified patient can have up to two designated caregivers. Caregivers can support up to five medical patients at a time.

How Dr. Marijuana Card Can Help You Secure A Medical Marijuana Card In NY 

At Dr. Marijuana Card, you can get a medical marijuana card in New York in four easy steps for $129. 

Set aside 15 minutes for a quick online appointment with Dr. Dave so he can determine if marijuana can help you manage your condition. 

Just have your preliminary information about your health records ready, and rest assured that your personal details will remain private and safe, according to HIPAA rules and the NYS law. 

During your online consultation, Dr. Dave will review your symptoms and medical history to determine if medical marijuana is the right treatment for you. 

Once approved, Dr. Dave will share your official medical marijuana certificate right after your evaluation. You’ll receive a PDF copy of your NYS DOH medical marijuana certification, which you can use to register for the NYS Medical Cannabis Program. 

If medical marijuana isn’t the right treatment for you, you won’t need to pay and can consider it a free consultation.  

Wrapping Up On Qualifying Conditions For A Medical Marijuana Card In New York 

Medical cards are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the health benefits marijuana offers. 

If you need to start on your treatment right away, look no further than Dr. Marijuana Card. 

Set up a consultation with Dr. Dave, a certified MMJ physician, to help you secure your medical marijuana certificate in just four easy steps.