Today, we’re here to tell you all you need to know about New York State medical marijuana laws, including whether New York accepts out-of-state MMJ cards. Let’s dive in!
Can You Buy From A Dispensary With An Out-Of-State MMJ Card?
You can buy medical marijuana products from a dispensary with an out-of-state MMJ card in states that practice medical marijuana card reciprocity. These states recognize MMJ cards from other states and allow patients with out-of-state cards to purchase medical marijuana legally in local dispensaries.
Does New York Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards?
So, can I use an out-of-state medical card in NY? Unfortunately, the answer is no. It’s not currently possible to use an out-of-state medical marijuana card in New York.
New York Recreational Marijuana
Recreational marijuana became legal in New York on March 31st, 2021. However, it will take up to 18 months for recreational marijuana to be available at New York dispensaries.
This means that MMJ patients from other states will be able to purchase recreational marijuana in New York from late 2022. Recreational marijuana possession limits are lower than medical ones – recreational users may only possess up to three ounces of marijuana in New York.
Federal Medical Marijuana Law
Marijuana is still illegal at a federal level. This means that it is a federal offense to take marijuana across state borders.
Do You Have To Be A Resident To Get A Medical Card In New York?
In order to get a New York medical marijuana card, a person must be a resident of New York State or be temporarily residing in the state for the purpose of receiving treatment.
New York residents must show proof of residency by providing the ID number from their New York State Driver’s License or New York State Non-Driver ID Card. Temporary residents must provide documentation showing proof of temporary residence in New York State, such as:
- A copy of a lease
- A utility bill
- A hospital bill
- Other documentation containing information that proves temporary residency in New York State
What States Accept Out-Of-State MMJ Cards?
The following states accept out-of-state MMJ cards in 2021:
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Washington D.C.
Some states, such as Oklahoma, allow medical marijuana patients from other states to purchase MMJ if they get a Temporary Patient License.
How Do You Get A New York Medical Marijuana Card?
So, is it easy to get a medical card in New York? Yes, getting a NY MMJ card is a simple process! All you need to do is have a consultation with a state-licensed medical professional. The can be anyone who is licensed by New York State to prescribe medications within the state, such as physicians, dentists, podiatrists, and midwives. You can complete your consultation using a telemedicine platform such as MMJRecs.
Once your suitability for MMJ treatment has been verified, you can submit an application through the my.NY web portal. The New York Department of Health provides this helpful guide to submitting your online application.
New York Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
Conditions that qualify you for MMJ use in New York include:
- Cancer
- HIV infection or AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury with spasticity
- Epilepsy
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Neuropathy
- Opioid use disorder (only if enrolled in a treatment program)
- Opioid replacement
- Huntington’s disease
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- A severe debilitating or life-threatening condition that is accompanied by one or more of the following associated or complicating conditions:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe or chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms
- PTSD
- Opioid use disorder
What MMJ Products Are Available In New York Dispensaries?
The following MMJ products are available in New York dispensaries:
- Marijuana flower
- Vape cartridges
- MMJ edibles
- Lozenges, capsules, and tablets
- Tinctures and sprays
- Topicals and lotions
- CBD wellness products
- Powders
- MMJ equipment
What Are The Medical Marijuana Possession Limits In New York?
Medical marijuana patients can now purchase up to a 60-day supply of MMJ in New York dispensaries. Patients can grow up to six plants at home.
Where Can You Consume Medical Marijuana In New York?
You can smoke or vape medical marijuana anywhere that smoking tobacco is allowed, but smoking is prohibited in most public areas in New York, including outdoor dining areas at restaurants, parks, pools, offices, restaurants, bars, the subway, ferries, schools, and beaches. MMJ use is also not allowed in motor vehicles of any kind, even when they are parked.
In Which Other States Can New York MMJ Cardholders Purchase Medical Marijuana?
New York MMJ card holders can purchase MMJ in states that practice MMJ card reciprocity and in states that provide Temporary Patient Licenses to visitors from other states. New York MMJ patients can also purchase marijuana, albeit often in smaller amounts, in states that have legalized recreational marijuana.
Featured image by Arthur Brognoli on Pexels