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New York used to have a list of qualifying conditions. This list was eliminated when regulations were changed in response to recreational legalization. Now, patients in NYC and elsewhere can receive certification for medical marijuana so long as their certifying physician decides that medical marijuana is appropriate for their condition.

Find answers to other common New York patient FAQs.

In New York City, the decision of what conditions qualify for medical cannabis is up to your physician.

You don’t need to be diagnosed with a specific qualifying condition to qualify for medical marijuana in New York City. This decision is up to your physician.

Medical marijuana cardholders in NYC receive many benefits that recreational users don’t get! Medical marijuana is taxed at a lower rate than recreational cannabis. Registered patients also receive better legal protections, including rental protections that don’t exist for recreational cannabis users.

NuggMD offers low-cost New York medical cannabis evaluations, and there’s no risk because patients who don’t qualify for the program will get their evaluation for free! The NY state MMJ registration is free, so your evaluation is your only expense.

Since medical cannabis hasn’t been legalized on the federal level, most health insurance companies won’t cover medical marijuana products. This will likely change in the future once the federal government finally legalizes cannabis.

New York no longer produces plastic registry ID cards. Instead, you’ll be automatically registered with the state when you are certified, and your Patient Certification will contain your registry ID.

At NuggMD, approved patients are registered with the state within 24-48 hours.

With NuggMD, you are ONLY charged for your evaluation if you are approved. We believe everyone deserves access to a qualified medical cannabis practitioner, and the cost of an evaluation shouldn’t be a barrier. If you cancel after you sign up and enter your payment information, there will be a small $10 fee for payment processing.

You’ll only be charged if you’re approved for your medical marijuana certification. If not, your evaluation is free! If you sign up and pay for your evaluation, but then cancel before your evaluation, there is a small $10 fee for the payment processing. You can also change your mind after your evaluation if you wish and request a refund, but you must do so before the practitioner has issued your certification. Once you’ve been certified, a refund for services will no longer be available. Please send an email to support@www.nuggmd.com with the subject line “Refund Request” and a brief description of your issue. Patients won’t receive a refund for failure to follow through with their certification process once the practitioner completes the certification requirements. It is the patient’s responsibility to complete their certification. If you’re stuck or having trouble completing your certification, please reach out to customer service and our agents will help you through the process. We want to make sure you’re 100% satisfied with your purchase being that you, the customer, are the most important thing to us! Once a refund has been initiated, please allow 3-5 business days for the funds to transfer back to the card you used for the transaction. A refund is no longer available more than 30 days after the date of your evaluation. If any issues arise, please feel free to reach back out for further assistance.

Of course! You have the right to see any physician you choose for your medical marijuana re-evaluation. Per New York law, your evaluating physician must be an MD or DO who has taken the Department’s required training and received approval to recommend cannabis. All NuggMD practitioners are licensed in the state for which they provide evaluations and have acquired all state-required cannabis training and certifications.

No. Patients must provide a New York driver’s license or non-driver ID to apply for the medical cannabis program. Caregivers are allowed to use an ID from another state, but not patients. Additionally, patients are required to provide proof of residence along with their New York state-issued ID. For a complete list of documents needed for a New York medical marijuana card, see the Office of Cannabis Management’s acceptable proofs and documents list.

In New York City, there are nearly 100 recreational and medical dispensaries across the city and surrounding areas such as the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Astoria, and Staten Island. Nearby suburbs host additional dispensaries, with locations in Jamaica, Middle Village, Long Island City, Bellerose, White Plains, Bayside, and Ridgewood.

Yes, both medical and recreational users can have cannabis delivered directly to their doorsteps in New York City.

In New York, when you buy recreational cannabis, there’s a 13% tax (9% state and 4% city). Also, stronger cannabis products have an extra tax based on their strength. For medical cannabis, the price includes a 7% tax, so you won’t see it listed separately.

New York is currently developing regulations for on-site cannabis consumption sites. Specific rules for consumption lounges are expected to be developed by the end of 2024.

In NYC, you can smoke or vape medical cannabis in locations where tobacco smoking is permitted, following the city’s smoke-free air regulations. However, consuming cannabis in motor vehicles (even parked) or restaurant outdoor dining areas is prohibited. Violating these rules could lead to fines.