New York Medical Marijuana Card Benefits

New York medical marijuana card benefits

In 2021, New York State has allowed for recreational adult cannabis use and recreational dispensaries are slowly opening throughout the state. Many people ask, “what are the benefits for getting my New York medical marijuana card?”

Although cannabis is now legal for recreation use in New York and you do not necessarily need a card, there are still many reasons why you should still see a doctor and get your medical marijuana ID card and becoming a medical patient. Having your medical marijuana card in New York allows you to access benefits that recreational users cannot. Additionally, it is always better to be caught using cannabis and be a part of the medical cannabis program rather than just being a recreational user.

Possession

Medical marijuana patients may possess up to a 60-day supply of medical marijuana at one time.

Recreational users can only buy three ounces of cannabis flower and 24 grams of cannabis concentrate.

Having a higher possession limit may be beneficial for your medical condition if you are unable to visit a dispensary often whenever your three ounce supply is out.

If you are ever caught with cannabis, having your medical marijuana card acts as proof to law enforcement that you are allowed to possess a higher amount (up to 60 day supply).

Age Limit

Like alcohol sales, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase recreational cannabis. However, if you are under 21 you can apply to get your medical marijuana card at 18+. If you are under 18, a caregiver can apply on your behalf. Once you have your medical marijuana card, you can use cannabis if you are younger than 21.

Getting your medical marijuana card at age 18 is up to your doctors discretion and whether they think that medical cannabis would help a health condition.

Cultivation

The ability to grow your own cannabis plants is only for certified medical marijuana patients or a designated caregiver in New York. You must be certified by a cannabis doctor to be able to then cultivate your own plants. Also, you must be 21 or older even if you do have a medical marijuana card at a younger age.

Patients and caregivers may only grow in or on the grounds of their private residence.

Certified patients may have 3 mature and 3 immature plants. If there are two certified patients in one home, they may have 6 mature and 6 immature plants. If there are three or more certified patients in a home, the maximum number of plants allowed is still 6 mature and 6 immature plants. There may be no more than 6 mature and 6 immature plants per household.

Once harvested, a certified patient or caregiver may have up to 5 pounds of cannabis at their private residence.

It is illegal to sell or barter homegrown medical cannabis.

To read more, visit the Office of Cannabis management’s guide to homegrown.

Protection

Since cannabis is still registered as an illegal drug by the federal government, it is best to have your medical marijuana card for protection in case of any issues. It is better to always have your medical marijuana card when using cannabis rather than not having your card! Having your medical marijuana card proves to law enforcement that you are a registered patient with the state with a valid condition and reason for using medical cannabis.

Some people choose to get their medical marijuana card for protection when it comes to child custody. Being a medical marijuana patient using cannabis to treat a medical condition proves you are using cannabis for your health.

Additionally, depending on your employer, they may be more lenient on you if you are using cannabis after work. Although it is not required by employers that they accept cannabis use, it can help strengthen your argument when you are using cannabis for a health condition.

Getting Your New York Medical Marijuana Card

There are many benefits for getting your New York medical marijuana card. Being able to prove that you are a verified medical marijuana user with a qualifying condition is important.

Finding a certified, medical marijuana doctor is the hard part but PrestoDoctor can help. PrestoDoctor can help you get your medical marijuana card online from the comfort of your own home.

Get started by creating an account and filling out a brief health questionnaire for the doctor. No medical documentation required. You can choose a doctor, date, and time of your choice and we often have same day appointments available.

Appointments take about 15-30 minutes and you will only pay if you’re approved. We have a 100% money back guarantee.

If you have any questions, message the live chat on our website and our support team will assist you.

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