To access medical cannabis in New York:

1. Consult with a Licensed Healthcare Provider
2. Obtain a Certification: If the provider determines that medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition, they will issue a certification. This document includes your Registry ID number and serves as your official authorization to purchase medical cannabis in New York. As of March 2023, the state no longer issues physical Registry ID cards; the certification itself is sufficient.
3. Certification Valid for 1 Year |  Notably, for terminally ill patients, indefinite certification period
4. Visit a Licensed Dispensary: Bring your certification (either a paper copy or displayed on a smart device) and a government-issued photo ID to any licensed medical cannabis dispensary in New York State to purchase medical cannabis products .

Certified patients are permitted to cultivate medical cannabis at home under specific regulations. For detailed guidelines on home cultivation, refer to the Office of Cannabis Management’s official resources.

https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/07/homecultivationoverview.pdf

1. Schedule a Consultation with a Certified Healthcare Provider
   • Book an appointment with a New York State-licensed practitioner authorized to certify patients for medical cannabis.
2. Undergo Medical Evaluation
   • During the consultation, the provider will assess your current medical condition to determine if continued medical cannabis use is appropriate. If so, they will issue a renewal certification.
3. Receive Your Updated Certification
   • Once approved, you’ll receive an updated medical cannabis certification, which includes your Registry ID. As of March 20, 2023, New York no longer issues physical medical marijuana cards; the certification itself serves as your authorization to purchase medical cannabis.
4. Access Medical Cannabis
   • With your renewed certification and a valid government-issued photo ID, you can continue purchasing medical cannabis products from licensed dispensaries across New York State.

• Certification Validity: Medical cannabis certifications in New York are valid for one year from the date of issue.
• Renewal Window: It’s advisable to initiate the renewal process at least 30 days before your current certification expires to ensure uninterrupted access to medical cannabis.

• Submit Early: It’s a good idea to submit your renewal application before your current certification expires to avoid any lapse in your ability to legally purchase cannabis.
• The process typically takes 1–2 weeks, but it’s wise to start the renewal process at least 30 days before your current card expires to ensure there are no issues with the timing.

1. Minors (Under 18 Years Old):
   • A caregiveris required for all minor patients (patients under the age of 18) to assist in obtaining, administering, and managing their medical cannabis.
   • The parent or legal guardianof the minor is the caregiver, and they must be registered with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program (NYS MMJ).
2. Adults with Disabilities or Health Conditions:
   • An adult patientmay need a caregiver if they are unable to access or use medical cannabis themselves due to physical or cognitive impairments. For example, if the patient has a condition that affects their ability to visit a dispensary or handle their own medication.
   • A caregiver can help by picking up medical cannabis from dispensaries, administering doses, or assisting with storage and usage instructions.
3. Severe Illness:
   • Patients with conditions that severely limit their ability to manage their cannabis (e.g., being bedridden or severely impaired) may need a caregiver for assistance in managing their treatment.

To become a caregiver in New York, the person must meet these requirements:

1. Age: The caregiver must be at least 21 years old.
2. No Felony Convictions: Caregivers cannot have felony convictions related to controlled substances or violent crimes.
3. Registration: Caregivers must be registered with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program.
4. Caregiver Limit: A caregiver can assist only one patientat a time, except if the caregiver is the parent or legal guardian of more than one minor patient.

• Purchase Medical Cannabis: The caregiver can purchase cannabis products on behalf of the patient from licensed dispensaries, with a valid registry ID.
• Administer Cannabis: They can assist in administering the prescribed cannabis to the patient, including ensuring proper dosage and method of consumption (e.g., tinctures, oils, or vaporized products).
• Monitoring Use: The caregiver may need to monitor the patient’s usage and track how much cannabis is used.

1. Obtain a Certification: The caregiver must be designated by the patient’s certifying physician or healthcare provider.
2. Register with NYS Medical Marijuana Program: Caregivers must complete an online registration process, including submitting personal information .

To qualify, you must be a New York resident diagnosed with one of the state-approved medical conditions, such as cancer, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, or chronic pain. A licensed New York physician must evaluate and certify your condition.

Yes! With DigiDrs, you can complete the entire process online—from your initial application to your virtual doctor evaluation. Once approved, you’ll receive your Medical Cannabis Certification and can immediately purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

New York law permits registered patients to access various forms of medical cannabis, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and metered-dose inhalers. Smoking and vaporizing cannabis is permitted for patients aged 21 and over, provided their physician recommends this form of administration.

After your doctor approves your certification, DigiDrs typically delivers your recommendation within 24 hours. You can then use your certification and a valid government-issued ID to purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries in New York.

Once you have your Medical Cannabis Certification, you can legally purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries approved by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. A full list of dispensaries is available on their website: cannabis.ny.gov