Is Weed Legal In New York?
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Yes. Weed is legal in New York.

In 2016, New York legalized weed for medical purposes. It approved patients to consume weed legally for medical reasons. In 2021, the state legalized the consumption of marijuana for recreational purposes.

Though the state legalized medical marijuana much later than other states, it did not take long to legalize the adult use of weed.

The state government of New York tried repeatedly to pass the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act from 2018 to 2021. It could not get into the final stage for multiple reasons. In 2021, the legislature proposed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act independent of the office of the Governor. The act was passed in 2021.

According to the MRTA, individuals aged 21 and above can possess a total of 3 ounces (85 grams) of weed for recreational reasons. They can buy a maximum of 24 grams of concentrated marijuana.

Since the legalization of recreational weed, retailers have been experimenting with different products. Adults can now buy weed products in the form of tinctures, capsules, weed flowers, lozenges, and more.

New York state legislature does not approve the liberty of home cultivation. Residents of New York cannot grow marijuana for recreational use. The process of legalization is under process.

Once legalized, an adult can plant a total of 6 marijuana plants at home. A maximum of 3 matured and 3 seedlings would be allowed.

Yes. It is legal in New York. The state legislature passed the New York State’s Medical Marijuana Program in 2016. According to the provisions of this act, a licensed doctor can prescribe a patient marijuana dosage for medical use. Similarly, a patient is free to buy weed from a licensed medical store.

They will need a New York medical marijuana card issued by the government of New York. KIF helps patients to obtain their ny medical  cards.

Check out our step by step guide to get medical marijuana card in New York:

As per the act’s regulations, a patient can purchase up to a 60-day supply at any given time. Their licensed doctors regulate the dosage. The act also permits patients to cultivate weed plants at home.

An adult patient can grow a total of 6 marijuana plants. They can cultivate 3 matured plants and 3 seedlings in a secluded place away from public exposure.

The New York legislature has opted for an unlikely list of qualifying conditions. New York has no list of diseases segregated as qualifying conditions. A doctor is free to recommend a patient weed products as a medicinal alternative for any disease.

The licensed store agent can also recommend an alternative if the doctor’s recommended product is unavailable. Contact KIF doctors for seamless processes of medical marijuana card registration.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession

  • Possession of weed over 3 ounces and below 16 ounces is a punishable offense. They will be fined up to $150.
  • Possession of marijuana over 1 pound and below 5 pounds is a misdemeanor in New York. It is a punishable offense. Offenders may get imprisonment of 1-year maximum, followed by a maximum fine of $1000.
  • It is a felony to possess weed above 5 pounds. Offenders may be sentenced to a maximum of 4 years of prison service, followed by $ 5,000 in fines. The possession limit must be below 10 pounds.
  • Possessing more than 10 pounds of weed is a felony in New York. An offender may have to spend 7 years at maximum for that. They may be fined up to $5000.

Is Weed Decriminalized in New York?

Weed was partially decriminalized in New York in 1977. The state decriminalized the rest in 2014.

However, an individual must not possess more than the legalized amount.

The federal body of the United States of America does not approve the use of weed for any purposes. Possessing weed on properties possessed by the federal government is a criminal offense.

Future of Cannabis Legalization in New York

The state government of New York took constructive measures to flourish the weed market in the state. It legalized medical use in 2016. The act legally pioneered the commercial sale of medical weed in New York. The weed market started flourishing gradually. In 2021, the profits increased after the legalization of adult use.

The state did not approve the permission for home growing to encourage the growth of the weed market. As per the latest reports, adults can grow plants after 18 months of the first dispensary operation. Medical marijuana card owners can grow plants after 6 months of their first purchase.

The future of marijuana in New York is positively clear. Different forms of products are introduced to boost sales. The gradual profit has influenced the economy of the state positively. It has employed hundreds of job seekers since then.

New York Marijuana Laws in 2024

  • Adults aged 21 and more can purchase up to 3 ounces (85 grams) of cannabis for recreational use. They must produce their age-proof issued by the government to prove their right to purchase.
  • Medical marijuana card owners can purchase a 60-day limit in one go. They must produce a doctor’s prescription for that.
  • Minors are not permitted to buy medical marijuana. Their caregiver has to buy on behalf of minors.
  • Caregivers can plant marijuana plants for minor patients until they reach the legal age.
  • You must not consume weed in public places. You are prohibited from consuming weed at workplaces, public parks, and schools.
  • You must not drive while consuming marijuana. You cannot even ride a car while consuming weed.

FAQs

My family has 3 qualifying patients. How many plants can I grow in total?

You can grow a total of 12 plants, including a maximum of 6 matured and 6 seedlings. The state government of New York permits a maximum of 12 plants per household.

I have a history of weed consumption. Will it create any negative impression on my job?

The state of New York has taken constructive measures to prevent discrimination in the workplace. Your office must not discriminate against you for your history of weed consumption. It should not create a negative impact on interviews.

Can a patient from another state buy marijuana in New York?

No. An out-of-state cannot purchase weed in New York. New York does not approve inter-state purchase of marijuana.

I have a medical marijuana card. Can I smoke weed in public places?

You must not consume weed in public places. The state has approved weed smoking in places where tobacco smoking is permitted. Please ensure you are not violating any law. You must not smoke on federal lands.

By Kif Team

The Kif Team has expert team of writers with a profound understanding of holistic medicine. We specialize in assisting individuals in obtaining their medical marijuana cards. We firmly believe in the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis for various health conditions. Our mission is to educate and enlighten as many people as possible about its potential advantages.

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