New York Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions
New York Medical Marijuana Qualifying conditions have recently been updated.
New York’s medical cannabis market is notoriously one of the strictest in the country, with only 150,000 patients across the entire state. Compared, New Mexico has approximately 112,000 patients, with a population of 2 million compared to New York’s more than 19 million.
List of Former Qualifying Conditions in New York
As of December 2021, this was New York’s list of qualifying conditions for NY medical marijuana card:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Spinal cord injury with spasticity
- Pain that degrades health and functional capability as an alternative to opioid use or substance use disorder.
- Additionally, patients qualify if they are diagnosed with 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
- PTSD or opioid use disorder
- Seizures
- Severe nausea
- Chronic or severe pain
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms
Physicians in New York could only recommend medical cannabis to patients with the above-listed conditions before this new rule. A great number of states already allow healthcare providers to use their best judgment when recommending medical cannabis, which means a patient doesn’t have to have an explicitly-listed condition to qualify; the decision is left up to your physician.
This is just one change made by regulators in recent times. New York’s Cannabis Control Board voted unanimously last year to further legislation allowing medical marijuana patients to cultivate plants at home for personal consumption.
How Do I Apply For a Medical Marijuana Card in New York?
Regulated adult-use cannabis sales are set to begin in New York very soon. So is getting a medical marijuana card still worth it?
Under New York’s adult-use program, adults 21+ years of age can buy and possess up to three ounces of cannabis. You can receive a 60-day supply of medical cannabis, which depends on what your physician recommends for your condition. New York medical marijuana patients also pay less in taxes compared to adult-use customers, which lowers the barrier to access.
Quick Guide to Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card in New York
Check Your Eligibility
Now that changes have been made to the list of qualifying conditions, your chances of being eligible for a medical marijuana card in New York. The new rule says physicians can use their best judgment.
Find a Physician
Your physician must be eligible to practice medicine in the state of New York before recommending medical cannabis to you.
Apply With The State of New York
You will submit an application to the state of New York after receiving your doctor’s recommendation. The state of New York has officially waived the application fee, which used to be $50.
Find a Doctor to Recommend Medical Marijuana
Heally connects you with licensed physicians in new york to get your card. You can choose between in-person or online visits.
To speak with a doctor, visit getheally.com, sign up, and we’ll be in touch shortly.
For more in-depth instructions about applying for a medical marijuana card in New York, read our guide.
