What are the Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in NY in 2025?
Photo by Timo Wagner
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in New York?
Yes, medical marijuana is currently legal in New York. As of November 2024, there have been 103,688 registered patients and 4,444, certifying medical practitioners. Additionally, the state has made recreational cannabis legal. This post will outline the qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana in NY and how to get your own.
This post will outline the medical marijuana laws in New York and explain how to get your card simply in the Empire State.
New York Medical Marijuana Laws in 2025
New York legalized medical marijuana with the Compassionate Care Act passed into law in 2016. This law allowed for the use, manufacture, delivery, transport, and administration of marijuana for patients and designated caregivers.
On March 31, 2021, recreational marijuana was legalized for adult use through the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). The Act permits adults above the age of 21 to possess, purchase, obtain, and transport marijuana in limited
The (MRTA) also amended the medical program for medical patients. It expanded the list of qualifying medical conditions, increased the number of caregivers a patient may designate, and also added more product categories and dispensing limits.
New York recently shared some research data about its medical marijuana program and found it has no negative impacts on mental health and may actually help, especially in adults of a certain age.
This is a small snapshot but here’s more information and a deeper dive into NY state weed laws.
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New York Medical Card Requirements & Limitations:
The requirements for purchasing medical marijuana in New York include:
- A legal state-issued ID
- A recommendation from your provider
- Your signed patient certification with your registry ID number
Once you get your recommendation you can register with the state to get your registry ID.
The limitations to your New York medical marijuana card include some purchasing limits. Patients or their designated caregivers can purchase up to a 60-day supply of medical cannabis.
Patients can grow up to six plants (only three mature) per private residence. They can be grown either indoors or outdoors but must be in an enclosed space not visible to the public. Additionally, patients can only possess up to five pounds of harvested cannabis at a time.
What are the Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in New York?
Many states decide the illnesses and conditions that qualify for a medical prescription. This is often using research and they are baked into the law. New York, is similar to Virginia and Oklahoma in that it puts that decision at the discretion of your medical provider.
This means that if your doctor decides medical cannabis is right for your condition you can qualify for medical marijuana.
That being said, here are some potential conditions eligible for medical marijuana as listed by the state:
- Acute pain management
- Alzheimer’s
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Autism
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington’s Disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Mental Health Conditions (anxiety, depression, etc)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropathies
- Opioid substitution
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Substance Use Disorder
- Spinal cord damage
Ultimately, you may be eligible for the use of medical cannabis for any condition deemed clinically appropriate by your healthcare provider so finding the right doctor is important.
How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in New York in 3 Easy Steps
Green Health Docs makes getting your medical marijuana card online simple. We have state-approved physicians readily available to give you same-day appointments and make the process of getting your card seamless.
1. Book an Appointment
Schedule by filling out this form or call or text 240-356-1000 to set up your consultation over the phone. We offer same-day appointments and you can be seen by an NY-approved doctor within 15 minutes of scheduling!
2. Have Your Appointment
Your doctor will determine whether cannabis will be right for you with a short convenient visit.
3.Get Your NY Medical Card
If approved, your doctor will give you a written recommendation that allows you to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
Photo by Ben O’Bro
New York Medical Weed FAQs
How Do You Renew A Medical Card Online In New York?
Renewing your NY medical marijuana card is simple. Simply sign into your account and check the expiration date. If you require renewal you can simply make an appointment with a Green Health Docs physician to get an updated medical marijuana recommendation.
You’ll then submit that to the state and be able to renew your ID and you’ll receive your new ID.
How Much Is A Medical Marijuanas Card In NY?
Currently, New York has no fees for entering the medical marijuana program. You no longer need to purchase a card and are instead issued a state ID number for the program and can use your number and state-issued ID to purchase cannabis at a dispensary. The only fee may be your visit to your doctor.
Is Medical Marijuanas Covered By Insurance In NY?
Given the federal status of medical marijuana, cannabis is not covered by medical insurance in New York state or any other state in the United States. Your doctor visit may be covered by your health insurance if the visit includes more than your medical marijuana recommendation.
Who Can Prescribe Medical Marijuanas In NY?
Physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) who are registered with the state’s medical marijuana program are eligible to prescribe cannabis to patients.
Does New York Accept Out-of-State Medical Cards?
Patients in states with a legal medical marijuana program can potentially use their recommendation in New York State. However, they must register with the New York State Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program as a visiting patient.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the success of medical marijuana in New York and a thriving recreational cannabis industry it’s easier than ever to obtain your medical marijuana recommendation in New York. Green Health Docs has physicians on hand who are state-approved and understand how medical cannabis can help manage symptoms and even treat certain medical conditions.
How to Get a New York Medical Marijuana Card
If you’re interested in obtaining a New York medical marijuana card, Green Health Docs can help. Visit our New York med card page to get more information and to schedule an online telemedicine appointment with a doctor. You’ll just need to have a condition that qualifies for medical marijuana treatment in the state of NY and a valid photo ID and to get started. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule your NY medical card appointment over the phone, give us a call or text 7 days per week at 240-356-1000.
This article is reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician. He is also the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.