Medical marijuana (MMJ) has been legal in the state of New York since the Compassionate Care Act was passed in June 2014. This allowed NY residents who needed MMJ to access it safely, within limitations. Since then, New York’s MMJ scene has expanded rapidly. It was officially decriminalized in 2019, and as of March 2021, has become legal for adult recreational use as well as medical use.
It will take some time for NY to open its first recreational dispensaries. But MMJ dispensaries are currently open, and the safest and easiest way to access MMJ in the state of New York is with a New York MMJ card. This guarantees you access to the wide variety of MMJ products available for sale at the state’s dispensaries.
Who qualifies for a NY medical marijuana card?
MMJ can help with a wide variety of health conditions. It can ease the physical pain associated with many chronic conditions, as well as providing relief for tension or mental anguish. In the state of New York, the following conditions can qualify you for a NY medical marijuana card:
- Cancer
- HIV or AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Neuropathy
- Huntington’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Chronic pain that disrupts daily life and functional capabilities (MMJ is used as an alternative treatment to opioids or in the instance of substance abuse disorder)
If your condition isn’t on the list but you feel you would benefit from MMJ treatment, be sure to consult a medical professional for more info.
How long does MMJ approval take in NY?
Applying for a NY MMJ card is a simple and efficient process. Simply apply for your online consultation with a licensed NY medical professional through the MMJRecs online portal. After you complete a quick questionnaire and upload a copy of your driver’s license, you will be scheduled for a consultation. This is usually a quick process where you and the physician will discuss the NY MMJ program and your medical history. If the physician considers you a suitable candidate, you will receive an email within 24–48 hours of your consultation containing your certification and instructions for registration with the state of NY.
You can use this certification, along with proof of identity and proof of residency, to register with the New York State Department of Health online. After this has been processed, you will receive a temporary printable NY MMJ card via email. You can use this to purchase MMJ at NY dispensaries for 30 days, but you should receive your physical registry ID card within 3–10 days.
As you can see, MMJ approval time in New York is not very long! The application process is simple and can be done entirely online, from the comfort of your own home.
Can a doctor prescribe marijuana in New York?
Only a licensed medical professional can evaluate your suitability for a NY MMJ card. Your consultation and evaluation can be done online with MMJRecs, so there is no need to visit a doctor face-to-face.
The following medical professionals are licensed to certify applications for MMJ cards in NY:
- Family physicians
- Oncologists
- Neurologists
- Psychiatrists
- Specialty physicians
- Rheumatologists
Once you have your New York MMJ card, you are free to purchase up to 30 days’ supply of MMJ each month at state dispensaries. The amount of MMJ prescribed to you depends on the dosing instructions given by the medical professional who evaluates you. This is done on a case-by-case basis. No out-of-state cards are currently accepted at NY dispensaries, meaning you have to have a NY MMJ card to avail of MMJ at any dispensaries in the state of New York.
More and more people are realizing the wealth of benefits associated with MMJ, and it’s becoming more and more accessible to those who need it with the availability of state-issued MMJ cards. The NY MMJ card is no exception; it allows the holder to access the MMJ they need easily, safely, and affordably. The timeframe for obtaining a NY MMJ card is short, and the whole process can be done online with ease. Check out MMJRecs to get started with your application today.
Featured image by Colton Duke on Unsplash