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In 2014, New York State passed a law that legalized medical marijuana for certain qualifying conditions. This groundbreaking legislation put the Empire State in the vanguard of progressive healthcare reform. An estimated 124,352 registered patients have since gained access to this potentially life-changing treatment option.
The eligibility requirements for a medical card are fairly straightforward: patients must be diagnosed with at least one of the qualifying conditions and have been prescribed a valid medication by an accredited New York physician. If your condition is not listed, it's unlikely that your MMJ doctor will issue you a medical marijuana certification.
In this article, we'll examine the 2025 list of qualifying conditions for obtaining a medical marijuana card in New York.
How Can You Qualify For Medical Cannabis in New York?
If you're considering applying for a medical cannabis card in New York, the first step is to make sure you meet the state's eligibility requirements. You're most likely qualified for medical marijuana in New York City if you meet these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age if you're submitting an adult application.
- Have an appropriate adult (parent or guardian) apply on your behalf if you're a minor. The parent or guardian must also submit a caregiver application.
- Be a resident of New York State and be able to provide proof of residency.
- Have a diagnosis for at least one of the qualifying conditions for a NY medical marijuana card.
- Have a medical marijuana certification from a qualified, New York-licensed physician.
17 Medical Qualifying Conditions List in 2025 For Medical Marijuana in NY
Like most US states with medical marijuana laws, the New York State Department of Health has created a list of conditions that qualify patients for a medical card. Most of the qualifying conditions are extremely debilitating or even fatal, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.
The eligibility criteria for medical marijuana usage have been expanded and now include the following 17 qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Damage To The Nervous Tissue Of The Spinal Cord With Objective Neurological Indication Of Intractable Spasticity
- Epilepsy
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Neuropathies
- Huntington’s Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Pain That Degrades Health And Functional Capability Where The Use Of Medical Cannabis Is An Alternative To Opioid Use
- Substance Use Disorder
- Alzheimer’s
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Dystonia, Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Autism Or Any Other Condition Certified By The Practitioner
I Have Met All The Criteria Or Requirements, Now What’s Next?
If you meet all of the criteria and requirements for obtaining a medical marijuana card in New York, it's time to start the application process. This requires registering with New York's medical marijuana program via your NY.gov account.
Here's a step-by-step process of how to apply for your medical marijuana card in NY:
Step 1: Get Your Medical Marijuana Certification From Kif
As mentioned earlier, you'll need to get a medical marijuana certification from an accredited NY physician. Without this, your application will not be accepted. Kif simplifies this process by connecting you with certified medical cannabis doctors. Since the entire process is online, you won't even have to leave your home!
All you have to do is sign up with Kif Doctors in New York state, select a time for your appointment, and complete the online health assessment. The doctor will review your medical history and can approve or decline you within minutes. It's that easy.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
Once you have your certification, it's time to gather the necessary documents for your application. These include:
- Proof of identity (state-issued ID, passport, New York driver's license, or motor vehicle registration)
- Proof of residence in New York State (state-issued ID, New York driver's license, motor vehicle registration, utility bill, or bank statement)
- A signed marijuana certification from a NY physician, such as the one you got from Kif
- (For minors) Parent's or guardian's consent form
- (For minors) Birth certificate
- A recent passport-sized photograph of the patient
Step 3: Submit Your New York Medical Marijuana Application
Once you have all the documents, it's time to submit your New York medical marijuana application. Create an account on the NY.gov website, fill out the application form, upload all documents, and pay the $50 application fee to complete your registration.
Step 4: Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card
Once your application is approved, you will receive a medical marijuana card via mail within 7-10 days. The card is valid for one year and can be renewed by submitting a renewal form on the NY.gov website.
While you wait for your card to arrive, you can use the digital medical cannabis card that is emailed to you immediately after the application is approved. This card can be used at any participating dispensary in New York for medical cannabis purchases for up to 30 days.
What Qualifies Me For A Medical Cannabis Card In New York?
Eligibility for a medical marijuana card in New York depends on whether you have one of the qualifying conditions. These include serious illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, epilepsy, and chronic pain; neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, dystonia, and muscular dystrophy; and other debilitating conditions like autism or any condition certified by a professional doctor.
You must also be a resident of New York State and have valid documents to prove it.
At Kif, we are committed to helping patients in New York get access to medical cannabis. We understand the challenges of this process and strive to make it as easy as possible for you.
So, if you meet all the criteria or requirements for a medical marijuana card in NY, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today!
Must Read: Can a Minor Get a Medical Weed Card in New York?
