New York Medical Marijuana Patient Information

What conditions can Medical Marijuana be used for in New York?

New York residents may be eligible for medical cannabis if they have a diagnosis of any of the conditions on the Department of Health's list of debilitating or life-threatening diseases. The Medical Marijuana Program will not issue a medical cannabis card for anyone without such a diagnosis. The list of conditions include:

• Cancer: Scientific studies have shown that medical cannabis can provide palliative care to patients who have cancer-damaged nerves. The chemicals in cannabis also help reduce nausea, vomiting, and other downsides with cancer chemotherapy.
• HIV infection or AIDS: Professionals have carried out studies proving the beneficial effects of cannabis use for individuals with HIV infection or AIDS. HIV patients who use medical cannabis maintain better weight, have less pain, and better manage their symptoms.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): According to research, ALS patients can use medical cannabis to gain palliative relief from their condition. Using cannabis helps patients reduce pain sensitivity, relax tight muscles, provide bronchodilation, stimulate the appetite, and induce sleep.
• Parkinson's disease: A recent study found that patients with Parkinson's disease gained relief from the specific motor and nonmotor symptoms when using medical cannabis. According to the same study, patients said that cannabis helped reduce their symptoms significantly.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS):Medical professionals have shown that MS patients can use medical cannabis to relieve pain and spasticity.
• Spinal cord injury with spasticity: Studies had shown that patients with spinal cord injuries experienced at least 30% pain reduction when they used medical cannabis.
• Epilepsy: According to medical experts, epileptic patients can use cannabis to ease their nervous systems and reduce the chances of a seizure.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: According to a recent study, 91% of IBD patients that consumed medical cannabis said their symptoms reduced. 83.9% had reduced pain in the abdomen, 48.2% had reduced joint pain, and 28.6% had improved diarrhea.

These conditions must come with one or more of the following associated or complicating conditions:

• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Severe or chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures
• Opioid use disorder.

Other conditions include.

• Neuropathy
• Huntington's disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Chronic pain

What does an MMJ Card Permit in New York?

New York medical marijuana cards grant cardholders numerous privileges per the state Compassionate Care Act. These privileges include the following;

• Increased Possession; in New York, the legal state limit for adult possession of marijuana and cannabis concentrate is 3 ounces and 24grams respectively. MMJ cardholders are allowed on-person possession of not more than a 30-day supply of cannabis dosage stated on their practitioner certificate.

• Minors access to efficient medical marijuana treatments, given that these minors are issued certificates from a registered NYS practitioner. A competent adult acting as the minor's caregiver would have to be designated and registered with the NYS Department of health. These caregivers would be issued their MMJ card to help purchase medical marijuana from state dispensaries and its administration to minors.

• Access to all medical dispensaries in New York where wide varieties of cannabis strains and products are made available to MMJ cardholders. It is important to note that access to New York medical dispensaries (registered organizations) is restricted to only valid New York MMJ cardholders.

• Protection from local law enforcement's prosecution for possession and use of medical marijuana. New York medical marijuana cardholders are protected under the Compassionate Care Act to legally buy, use, and transfer cannabis without fear of any criminal liabilities.

How long is a New York medical marijuana card valid?

New York medical marijuana cards are valid for as long as the certification issued by a recommending practitioner is valid. Registered medical marijuana patients and caregivers would have to revisit a registered practitioner and get a new practitioner certification when their medical marijuana card expiry. These newly issued certification numbers are used to re-register with the state medical marijuana program to get a new MMJ card.

Does New York have Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?

No, New York state does not have medical marijuana reciprocity hence only state-issued medical marijuana cards are valid within New York. Medical marijuana reciprocity refers to whether states have complementary medical marijuana laws that allow legal use of out-of-state MMJ cards within the state's jurisdictions. It is important to note that, out-of-state residents receiving treatment in New York can register with the NY medical marijuana program provided they have the following document;

• A copy of their lease
• Any utility bill from their current New York address
• Any documents approved by the New York State Department of Health containing sufficient evidence of their temporary residency in New York state.

Is an MMIC Valid outside of New York?

Yes, New York medical marijuana cards are valid in all states with active medical marijuana reciprocity programs. A New York MMIC protects its holder from criminal liabilities in states with medical marijuana reciprocity. In these states, cardholders are legally allowed possession and purchase of marijuana from the state dispensaries. States with medical marijuana reciprocity include the following;

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington.

Is an MMIC Valid in Other New York Counties?

Yes, the New York medical marijuana program is not county-based. Medical marijuana identification cards issued by the state's Department of Health and are valid at the state level making them valid in all New York counties.

Does New York Accept Medical Marijuana Cards issued by another State?

No, New York does not have medical marijuana reciprocity, only medical marijuana cards issued in New York are valid within the state's jurisdictions. Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are void within New York and can not be used to purchase marijuana from any New York state dispensaries. However, the state legalization of marijuana allows possession and use of marijuana by adults irrespective of their state of origin within the state. In fact, non-residents of New York, receiving treatments in the state are allowed to register in the state medical marijuana database. When approved, they are issued a New York state medical marijuana identification card.

Does a New York MMIC Protect Me Under Federal Law?

No, Evenwith a NewYork MMIC, cardholders can still be charged andpunished under federal drug laws for marijuana possession. Marijuana is listed as a schedule I controlled substance and marijuana possession, sale, and cultivation is prohibited under federal laws. Generally, Possession of any amount of marijuana for a first-time offender is a misdemeanor with a max fine of $1,000 and a sentence of up to a year in federal prison.