New York Medical Marijuana Caregiver Information

What Is a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in New York?

Caregivers are persons who assist registered patients under the New York medical marijuana program (MMP) to obtain medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries and administer medical marijuana on behalf of their patients. Minors and adults who cannot visit medical cannabis dispensaries to obtain medical cannabis are authorized to assign caregivers to assist them.

Initially, only individuals may be designated as caregivers. However, in October 2017, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) expanded the scope for medical marijuana caregivers by allowing patients residing at certain care facilities to designate these establishments as caregivers. Facilities that may be designated as caregivers include adult day care facilities, community mental health residences, hospitals, research institutions, mental hygiene facilities, private or public schools, and any other facility as determined by the Cannabis Control Board. Designated caregivers can lawfully possess, purchase, deliver, transport, transfer, and administer medical marijuana to registered patients.

A registered patient may designate up to five caregivers, while a caregiver may serve up to four registered patients under the New York medical marijuana program. Note that it is not mandatory for a facility to be designated as the caregiver for the patients housed within it. Also, there is no limit on the number of patients a designated caregiver facility may serve under the New York MMP.

How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in New York

To be eligible to complete a medical marijuana caregiver registration in New York, you must:

• Be aged 21 or older unless you have obtained special permission from the Department of Health
• Be a resident of New York State and possess a valid state-issued driver's license or other New York State identification card
• Not be the certifying physician for the patient who designated you as a caregiver

A patient registered under the state medical marijuana program must designate you as a caregiver during their registration process before you can register as a caregiver. Upon the approval of the patient's registration by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), you may commence your registration. To complete the registration process, you must possess a valid DMV ID or a government-issued non-driver ID card. To register as an individual caregiver, you must have a personal MY.NY.gov account. Follow these steps to create an account and register as an individual caregiver:

• Visit MY.NY.gov
• Select "Don't have an Account?"
• Follow the prompts to create a personal account
• Log in again to your account on MY.NY.gov
• Select the "Health Applications" tab
• Select the "Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS)" link
• Select the "Start New Registration" button
• Follow the prompts to complete registration as a caregiver

To register as a designated caregiver facility, an authorized facility representative must complete the Designated Caregiver Facility form. The completed form must be submitted by fax to (518) 474-6353 or by email to medical@ocm.ny.gov.

New York no longer issues physical medical cannabis cards to patients and caregivers. Only a patient’s certification for medical cannabis and a government-issued photo ID are required to buy medical cannabis at dispensaries in the state. The New York medical cannabis program also no longer charges patients or caregivers registration fees.

How to Find a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in New York

It is up to a patient to find a facility or individual who will consent to serve as their caregiver. The state only sets the eligibility criteria individuals and facilities must fulfill before they may be designated as caregivers under the New York medical marijuana program. It is recommended that patients select facilities or individuals who are reliable and familiar with their medical conditions.

How Much Marijuana Can a Caregiver Have in New York?

The New York Compassionate Care Act permits a designated caregiver to possess up to a 60-day supply of medical marijuana for each patient. The 60-day supply must correspond to the recommendation from the patient's certifying physician. A caregiver must always have their patient’s medical cannabis certification when buying or transporting cannabis in the state.

How Many Marijuana Plants Can a Caregiver Have in New York?

A designated caregiver, aged 21 or older, can grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants at home for the patient under their care. A caregiver with two or more patients can grow a total of 12 cannabis plants, including 6 mature and 6 immature plants.