New York legalized medical marijuana in 2014. Since then, about 133,000 have enrolled in the medical marijuana program created by the Compassionate Care Act. This article focuses on how to get a medical marijuana card in New York.

To become eligible for a medical marijuana card in New York, you have to meet the residency criteria for the program. This involves proving your current residency in New York State. You’ll also need to provide the documents including your New York State Driver’s License, Copy of a government-issued ID card. Temporary residents will need to provide a residence permit, a lease, utility bill, hospital bill, or other documentation as approved by the Department of Health.

Here are some medical conditions that make you eligible for New York’s medical marijuana program:

• Cancer

• HIV/AIDS

• Seizures

• Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Huntington’s disease

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Chronic pain

• Opioid abuse

Before getting a New York medical marijuana card, you have to obtain certification from a New York-licensed physician. The New York Department of Health has a list of physicians under the state’s medical-marijuana program.

An appointment with a doctor will help you know the pros and cons of using cannabis for any condition. Discussing with your doctor will also help determine your dosage, consumption rate, and the best method of consumption.

After a successful doctor appointment, you can start the online application. You have to visit NY.gov and create an account to begin the process. Creating an account is easy and after creating your account you will be directed to the Medical Marijuana Data Management System where you’ll be able to complete your application.

As a medical marijuana patient, you can designate a maximum of two adults as your caregivers.  Caregivers can help a patient buy or consume their medical marijuana. Caregivers also have to complete the online application process similar to the patient.

When you submit your application, the Department of Health will approve it and send you a temporary registration card online. You can use the temporary card with your government-issued photo identification to buy from dispensaries or you can wait for your physical medical marijuana card to be delivered within seven business days.

New York MMJ cards can only be used for one year. Medical marijuana patients are required to renew their cards every year. The process for card renewal is similar to registering for a new card. However, this time you can use a different doctor for documentation.

The recommended time to renew your medical marijuana card is within 30 days before its expiration. Also, renewing your card within 30 days reduces the likelihood of sitting without a medical marijuana card. It also means you will gain continuous access to your medicine. If you wait for a while without renewing your card, you may sit for long periods without access to medication.