We’re transitioning to a new patient system to improve your experience; if you experience any issues or need assistance during the transition, please reach out to us at info@releafspecialists.com.
We’re transitioning to a new patient system to improve your experience; if you experience any issues or need assistance during the transition, please reach out to us at info@releafspecialists.com.
To participate in New York’s Medical Cannabis Program, you generally need to complete an evaluation with a healthcare provider who is authorized to certify patients. The provider must determine that medical cannabis is clinically appropriate for you.
For patients who are 18 years of age or older and capable of consenting to medical treatment, the patient can be certified directly by an authorized healthcare provider.
Patients under 18 years of age may also participate in New York’s Medical Cannabis Program when they meet the applicable requirements. A designated caregiver is required for a patient who is under 18 or incapable of providing consent for medical treatment. The caregiver must be at least 18 years old.
Therefore, it is not accurate to say that you must be 18 or older to participate in New York’s Medical Cannabis Program. The 18+ requirement applies to patients who can consent directly, while younger patients may participate through the appropriate caregiver process.
New York residents may participate in the state’s Medical Cannabis Program when they meet the applicable program requirements.
You may be asked to provide documentation showing your New York State residential address.
The Office of Cannabis Management lists several documents that may be accepted as proof of New York residency.
The documents you need can differ according to your personal situation.
The New York Office of Cannabis Management has determined four general categories of documentation:
You may need to provide a document showing your current New York State residential address. OCM accepts several types of documents, including:
Valid New York State driver’s license or non-driver ID card
Valid New York City ID card
Recent or current utility bill
Hospital or medical certificate
Current lease or mortgage agreement
Current property tax document
Current health insurance card or statement of explanation of benefits
Current Social Security Administration benefits statement
Homeowners or renters insurance
Current pay stub
Current voter registration card
Jury duty notice
Recent statement of military or college housing
Assisted living/nursing home statement
Statement from a medical marijuana practitioner
Correspondence from New York State or a local government agency
Some documents must be recent or current. For example, OCM imposes time limits on certain documents, such as utility bills. Your supporting documents may also need to match the personal information associated with your medical cannabis certification, including your name, date of birth, and address.
Depending on your circumstances, this might involve:
Current New York State driver’s license
Valid New York State non-driver ID
Another acceptable government-issued identification
Make sure the identification you provide contains accurate information that can be used to verify your identity.
If the supporting documents are in a different legal name than your current legal name, you may be asked to provide documentation of your legal name change.
The documents you will need will depend on your personal circumstances. Before submitting your information, review the latest OCM requirements to make sure you have the correct documents.
Being diagnosed alone is not sufficient for medical cannabis certification.
Under New York’s current Medical Cannabis Program, a patient may be eligible when an authorized certifying healthcare provider determines that medical cannabis is clinically appropriate. The healthcare provider evaluates the patient’s individual circumstances before issuing the certification.
This means you should not rely only on an online list of “qualifying conditions.” Your healthcare provider must determine whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your particular situation.
New York’s current system generally uses a medical cannabis certification containing a registry ID rather than issuing new physical patient registry cards.
Once certified, patients can use their medical cannabis certification, either as a paper copy or on a smart device, together with a government-issued photo ID at a licensed New York State medical dispensary.
OCM also notes that patients who registered before March 20, 2023, and still have an older registry ID card may continue to use it under the applicable rules.
Depending on the provider and applicable requirements, medical cannabis evaluations may be available through telehealth.
For patients who prefer an online appointment, Releaf Specialists offers online medical cannabis certification and recertification services for eligible New York patients.
The evaluation is still a healthcare assessment. An online appointment does not mean automatic approval. The healthcare provider must determine whether medical cannabis is clinically appropriate.
New York does not charge a state registration fee for patients participating in the Medical Cannabis Program. But the medical examination and certification may be charged by private health providers.
At Releaf Specialists, the current fees are:
The cost of medical cannabis products purchased from a dispensary is separate from the healthcare provider’s certification fee.
Patients should confirm current provider pricing before scheduling an appointment.
After an authorized healthcare provider certifies you, you can use your medical cannabis certification according to New York’s program requirements.
OCM states that certified patients can use their certification together with government-issued photo identification at a licensed New York State medical dispensary to purchase medical cannabis products.
New York also allows certified patients to designate up to five caregivers.
Eligible patients and caregivers may also have the ability to cultivate medical cannabis at home, subject to New York’s current home-cultivation requirements. Under the 2026 changes, eligible patients and caregivers may be 18 years of age or older for medical home cultivation.
After certification, patients should bring:
The certification contains a registry ID and can be used with government-issued photo identification to purchase medical cannabis from a licensed New York State medical dispensary.
Patients 18 or older who are capable of consenting to medical treatment can be certified directly by an authorized healthcare provider. Patients under 18 may also participate when they meet the applicable requirements and have the required caregiver arrangement.
New York residency documentation may be required to participate in the program. OCM provides a list of acceptable documents that can be used to establish a New York residential address.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need proof of New York residence, proof of identity, a photo, and proof of a legal name change if applicable.
Telehealth may be available through an authorized provider. Releaf Specialists offers online certification and recertification appointments for eligible New York patients.
At Releaf Specialists, the current initial certification fee is $150, while recertification is $100. New York’s state registration fee is $0.
New York’s current system centers on a medical cannabis certification issued after an authorized healthcare provider determines that medical cannabis is clinically appropriate. Patients will have to present identification and proof of New York residency, and other documents depending on their situation.
Patients 18 and older who can consent may be certified directly, while patients under 18 can participate through the applicable caregiver process. Once certified, patients can use their certification and government-issued photo ID at licensed New York State medical dispensaries.
For patients looking for a convenient option, Releaf Specialists provides online medical cannabis certification and recertification services for eligible New York patients.
Schedule an online evaluation with Releaf Specialists. A licensed medical professional will review your medical history to determine whether or not certification for medical cannabis is the right step to take for your unique situation.
