How Long Does it Take to Get a NY Medical Marijuana Card?

Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in New York is a process with an indefinite time span. The amount of time it takes to complete the whole process depends on the applicant, the practitioner who is certifying the applicant and the state of New York. One has to understand the role each of the three play and the possible time it may take to complete each step of the process.

However, the process is not as hard as it seems and the state of New York tends to give faster reception to issues of MMJ card application than other states. So, before you start stressing about how long does it take to get a NY medical marijuana card, first worry about getting certified by a doctor or physician in New York.

How Long Does it Take to Get Certification?

Well, this is the most indefinite part of the process. To get certification, one has to get evaluated by a medical marijuana doctor first. After the doctor approves of your condition’s eligibility to be treated by cannabis, the doctor then certifies you. Well depending on the clinic you use, you may receive your certification in your email within 24-36 hours or even less.

The practitioner however, can certify on spot if you qualify. This means he or she will enter your information in the Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS), generate your certificate and send it to you right away.

Again, this depends on the clinic you use.

Certification and Telemedicine?

With the introduction of telemedicine, the process of getting certification for a Medical Marijuana Card in New York, has never been easier. Instead of walking into a clinic physically to get evaluated by a medical practitioner, you can complete the whole process digitally. This means through trusted online clinics like NY Medical Card, you can get an appointment with a doctor and get evaluated through a video call.

The time it takes for you to get an evaluation after getting an appointment however depends on the clinic you choose to use but some clinics do not take more than 15-30 minutes to give you a call. This has proved to be both a money and time saving way to get certification.

How Long Does it Take to Register With The State?

Registering your certification with the state of New york is one of the easiest processes. Well, this is probably because the state also offers guides on how to register to those who do not understand the process.

All you have to do is register your certification with the state registry. The process is a bit faster if you already have an account with the state registry. It will only take about 3-6 minutes or more depending on the applicant. However, if you do not have an existing account, you have to make one first before registering with the state. The process may even take longer for someone who has an existing account but has forgotten the login information.

So, if the state approves your application, you will receive a Temporary Registration Card that will allow you to access cannabis products from the state marijuana dispensaries as you wait for the physical card. The Temporary MMJ ID is supposed to be used in conjunction with a state issued photo ID.However it is advisable to stay with your certification as a supporting document.

How Long Does it Take to Receive Your Physical Card?

According to the Office of Cannabis Management OCM website in New York State, it may take about 7 business days to receive your physical medical marijuana card in your mail. However, this is not quite definite. It may take more time, about 9 days for you to receive your MMJ card in the mail.

Renewal Process

In New York State, the process of renewing your MMJ card is a bit easier than in other states. Instead of going through the whole process again, practitioners can extend the existing certification if they are the one who issued it. The certification number remains the same although a new copy of the certification is sent to the applicant.
For the patient whose certification has been extended, the patient does not need to re-register. The patient can continue using his or her existing Registry ID card.

Caregiver’s ID

Application to be a caregiver takes almost the same effort and time as that of a patient. However there are three basic steps to becoming a registered caregiver for a medical cannabis patient. Firstly, you must get designated by a certified patient or other appropriate person (for patients who are minors or incapable of consent) as a caregiver on the patient registration. The patient should have an approved registration.Secondly, you must create an account in the state registry and register as a caregiver. If you are approved you may receive a temporary registry ID card that can be printed and used immediately in conjunction with a government-issued photo ID. You can visit a dispensing facility to purchase products for your patient, with the temporary registry ID as you wait for the physical card.

State registration and the waiting time for a physical card can take the same time as that for a patient. An individual may act as a designated caregiver for up to four patients.

Summary

For patients looking for certification from a medical practitioner, telemedicine is a faster way and you can complete that part of the process in less than an hour. The time you take to receive the certification depends on the doctor and clinic.

State registration my.ny.gov is a very easy process which takes less than 10 minutes to complete depending on the applicant.

It takes about 7 working days for the state registry to process and deliver a physical registry card to your mail. Meanwhile they give you a temporary ID which you can use to access cannabis products.

Also read: How to Get a New York Medical Marijuana Card? A Definitive Guide

August 3, 2022August 8, 2022

Can I Get A Medical Marijuana Card With A Felony?

With the legalization of the use of medical marijuana in 37 states of the USA, there has been a sustainable rise in the number of marijuana consumers. Obtained from the Cannabis Sativa plant, cannabis or marijuana is a popular psychoactive substance known for recreational and medical benefits. However, the laws and qualifying conditions for the use of marijuana vary from state to state.

The criteria usually include being a U.S. citizen and having the appropriate age. For instance, the legal age to use marijuana in most U.S. states is a minimum of 21.

But what if you are charged with a felony? To people’s knowledge, in the USA, a felony is a highly serious crime like murder or rape compared to less serious offenses. The punishment for felonies is generally very severe depending on the type of the crime. Millions of people live with a felony in the USA. Convicted felons lose many rights in the United States, including voting, foreign travel, parental perks, and social benefits.

Not getting a Medical Marijuana Card can be another right that a convicted felon may be deprived of. However, this depends on where you live. Before we dive deeper, let’s first understand what an MMJ card is.

An Overview of Medical Marijuana Card

Though marijuana is well known as a recreational drug, it is known to help individuals boost their health and quality of life. Medical marijuana is an alternative drug for people suffering from various health issues like depression and anxiety to name a few.

However, it is important to get a medical marijuana card to use marijuana for medical use. An MMJ card is a document approved by a certified medical expert that allows someone to legally obtain and use marijuana to real all of its medical benefits. However, there are certain conditions like appropriate age that you must qualify for to get an MMJ card. The qualifying conditions vary from state to state.

Can I Get Medical Marijuana Card With a Felony?

In some USA states like Mississippi, certain felons convicted of serious crimes like rape, don’t have voting rights. For a convicted felon even accessing normal things like getting a job, travelling, or voting is a roadblock.

Imagine how hard it can be to get an MMJ card. Interestingly enough, obtaining an MMJ card with a felony depends from state to state.

For convicted felons, it is feasible to get an MMJ card approved by a licensed physician, however, you are subjected to a background screening.

This background check focuses on your criminal history and record. While the offences listed in your criminal record are important, the most vital will be whether or not you are charged with a drug offence. In case you are charged with a drug offence, there is a high chance that you won’t qualify for an MMJ card.

States That Allow Felons to Use MMJ

Interestingly, a convicted felon is more deprived of benefits like voting rights and public housing than medical marijuana.

A majority of MMJ programs have no hard restrictions for felons. In most cases, one must qualify the following conditions to get an MMJ card

Above a specific age limit
Suffering from a health issue
Completing the application form honestly
Recommended by a licensed doctor
Licensing fee payment

There are many states that are in favour of allowing felons to use medical marijuana. This includes

California: As per Proposition 64 in California, nonviolent marijuana criminals can clear their records. Doing so allows them to enjoy rights like getting a gun licence, enjoying a government job, and starting a cannabis-growing business.

New York: Similarly, with the legalisation of recreational marijuana in New York, the bill allows felons to get an MMJ card in NY. However, it is important to get it approved by an authorised cannabis doctor in NY.

Arizona: Arizona allows drug traffickers, murderers, and felons to get an MMJ card after receiving certification from a licensed medical marijuana doctor.

States That Don’t Allow Felons to Use MMJ

Most U.S. states allow felons to get an MMJ card. However, exceptions do exist. Some U.S. states that don’t issue an MMJ card if you are convicted are

Illinois: Sadly, Illinois is one of the states that don’t allow felons convicted of drug offenses to access or get an MMJ card.

As per state law, the person applying for an MMJ card needs to get their fingerprints scanned and go through a background check. You won’t get an MMJ card in case your reports show that you have been charged with a drug offense.

It is important to note that applicants who clear test results under the provision for first-time offenders can easily get MMJ cards.

Iowa: Just like Illinois, Iowa doesn’t allow felons convicted of drug offences to get an MMJ card. The state follows a simple mantra, “Once a criminal, always a criminal.”

Can Felons Get Medical Marijuana Business Licence?

As mentioned above, states like New York and California allow felons to use medical marijuana to improve their health conditions. But when it comes to getting a medical marijuana business licence, things are different.

As per legal marijuana programs, it is restricted to get a commercial business licence if the felon is convicted of drug offences.

Almost every U.S. state has similar restrictions to “legitimize the trade”. The main reason behind this is the trading of marijuana from a legal to an illegal state.

Let’s Wrap Up

Hopefully, most of your doubts are cleared. Overall, a convicted felon can get an MMJ card in most legal states except Illinois and Iowa at present.

Last but the least, it is important to know that many states impose restrictions on caregivers with felony convictions. To your knowledge, a caregiver has a legal right to buy, transport, and deliver medical marijuana to a qualified patient.

Suffering from health conditions like depression or anxiety? If yes, medical marijuana is the right medicine for you. However, it is recommended to approach NY Medical Card to get a Medical Marijuana card from a licensed doctor on the same day.

May 28, 2021August 18, 2022

Best Marijuana Strains for PTSD After Getting a Medical Marijuana Card

Medical marijuana is known for having a wide range of health benefits. It is effective against many mental health and psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD. With a medical marijuana card, you can buy and use medical marijuana for your health condition.

You can simply look for a “medical marijuana card near me” on Google to apply for an MMJ card and access medical marijuana.

A lot of people suffer from PTSD in the United States. Both veterans and civilians suffer from this psychiatric condition. But medical marijuana has shown some promising results in helping people manage PTSD and its symptoms.

You just have to apply for a “medical marijuana card near me” to get access to medical marijuana for your condition. But it is important for you to choose the best marijuana strains that suits your condition.

While there are over hundreds of marijuana strains out there, it can become a bit confusing to choose the perfect strain. But don’t worry, we are here to help you. In this article, you are going to learn about the best medical marijuana strains that you can use to manage PTSD and its symptoms.

So, let’s get into it. But let’s first understand what PTSD is, exactly.

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a psychiatric disorder. A person may suffer from this disorder if they have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event in the past.

PTSD can lower the overall quality of life for the sufferer. People with PTSD can also experience flashbacks and nightmares of the traumatic event. Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include –

Nightmares
Flashbacks
Stress
Tension and anxiety
Loss of sleep
Fearful thoughts
Irritability and anger issues
Depression
Phobia

Now, studies have shown that medical marijuana can help PTSD sufferers in getting relief from its symptoms. Marijuana can enhance their quality of life, and help them lead a normal life. So, let’s learn about the best medical marijuana strains for PTSD.

Buy These Marijuana Strains for PTSD After Getting a Medical Marijuana Card Near Me

Harlequin
Blue Dream
Cannatonic
OG Kush

Strain 1. Harlequin

Harlequin is one of the most popular cannabis strains out there. It is widely popular for having high levels of CBD (around 15 percent) and moderate levels of THC (around 10 percent).

This 75 percent Sativa dominant hybrid cannabis strain is a great choice for anyone looking to get relief from the symptoms of PTSD. Harlequin is extremely effective against depression and anxiety. And the best part about it is that you can use it during the daytime, thanks to its CBD-rich profile.

Due to low levels of THC, you will not get too high after consuming this strain, which can be a plus point for most people with anxiety.

It is also very effective in reducing stress and pain, which can offer you more relaxation. So, if you are looking for a strain that does not produce the high but offers therapeutic benefits, then Harlequin should be your choice.

Strain 2. Blue Dream

Blue Dream is another Sativa dominant (60 percent) hybrid cannabis strain that is extremely effective in providing relief from PTSD and its symptoms. It comes with high levels of THC (between 17 and 27 percent) and low levels of CBD (about 2 percent).

Blue Dream can offer a soothing high that can help your body relax and stimulate your mind as well. This can help in enhancing your motivation while helping you get relief from any physical discomfort and pain.

PTSD sufferers sometimes experience physical pain. But Blue Dream can help in easing body aches and providing relaxation. It can also help in uplifting the mood of PTSD sufferers.

Strain 3. Cannatonic

If you are not a fan of high levels of THC, maybe you should try Cannatonic to get some relief. Cannatonic is a balanced hybrid (50% Indica – 50% Sativa) cannabis strain that comes with high levels of CBD (that stays between 6 and 17 percent).

It has low levels of THC (about 6 percent), which means you will not have to worry about getting too high after consuming this one. It offers a relaxed and calming sensation that can help in reducing anxiety.

Cannatonic is also very effective in enhancing your mood. So, if you struggle to control your anger because of PTSD, Cannatonic can help you.

You just have to get a “medical marijuana card near me” to buy and use this strain to manage your condition.

Strain 4. OG Kush

OG Kush is one of the most popular cannabis strains out there. It is a cross between the Hindu Kush and Chemdawg and comes with high levels of THC (20 to 25 percent). However, its CBD concentration is pretty low (about 1 percent).

So, if you are a beginner, consume this legendary strain carefully. But OG Kush is the perfect choice for people with PTSD. It can offer a euphoric effect that can help in relaxing your entire body.

Whether you are suffering from depression, pain, or inflammation, OG Kush can help you. It is also effective against other PTSD symptoms, such as mood swings and feeling detached.

May 13, 2021

7 Useful Tips For Finding a Good Medical Dispensary in New York

Right after you receive your medical marijuana card NY, it is obvious that the first thing you’d want to do is buy cannabis. The cannabis industry has grown to a point where you can consume cannabis in a dozen different ways.

However, it’s not only the choice of the method of administration that you need to be careful about but also the choice of source. For every qualified patient in the state, it is equally important to be able to find the right cannabis provider.

Cannabis is not federally legal which means that it is not FDA regulated. So, you cannot expect the same level of quality and safety with every cannabis product you buy in the state. For this reason, it is important that you take the time to find a dispensary that suits your needs and offers you the best products too. So, here are a few useful tips that can help you find a good dispensary in New York.

Look For a Verified Source

Your first step to finding a good dispensary is searching for a verified source. The state of New York allows the sale of medical cannabis but the authority only lies with a few medical dispensaries that are licensed and registered with the state marijuana program. It’s enough to say that you are looking for a cannabis source that is a verified dispensary or an online store. You can verify the license of the dispensary or store through the official government websites.

Buying cannabis from any individual or seller that does not have proof of license can be a serious offense for the seller as well as the buyer.

Read Customer’s Feedback

The best thing about consumerism today is that you can easily find the feedback of a product or service online. Customers are very active in expressing their opinions whether good or bad. This in turn helps other customers to be aware of the right products and services.

Thanks to Google, you can find reviews from customers on almost all of the legal dispensaries in New York. All you have to do is skim through the feedback to get an idea of the quality of the products, their service, the prices, etc.

If possible, try to connect with someone who has first-hand experience with the dispensary. It gives a much better insight and makes it easier to come to a decision.

Variety of Products

Good dispensaries will try to cater to a wide range of customers. So, you can find a variety of products in a store or dispensary.

Before the MRTA Act, which was signed by Governor Cuomo on March 31st, 2021, smokable substances weren’t allowed in the state. But with the new laws in place, you can also find smokable varieties of cannabis in the state medical dispensaries in addition to other products.

Cannabis can be consumed in more than one way and you must be able to choose one that fits your preferences. A larger variety allows any patient to experiment and try new products to find their perfect match.

Quality of Products

The quality of cannabis products is of utmost importance for medical patients. That’s because the higher the quality of cannabis, the more effective it will be for your medical condition.

Several illegal sources prefer profit over quality which is the reason why their products can often be found with contaminants that can do more harm than good. But, this is not the case with licensed sellers. The products are generally labeled and have a Certificate of Authenticity for every product to prove that each of them is tested and safe for use. Some dispensaries even have their own cannabis farms to source the best cannabis. So, you can also learn about the growing conditions of the cannabis you use.

The Attitude of the Staff

If you will be using cannabis as a medication, it is obvious that you will be needing a regular restock and therefore a regular visit to the dispensary you choose. So, it will be worth it to find a dispensary with a friendly staff.

Take your time to observe the attitude of the staff. The budtender attending to you must be friendly and knowledgeable. They should be able to help you with the best cannabis product or cannabis strain for your medical condition. Overall, you should have a good experience every time you make a visit to the dispensary.

Convenience For You

When searching for a dispensary, it is essential that you take your convenience into account. For starters, find a dispensary that’s closer to your location. You do not want to drive for hours every week or month just to restock your medication. It’ll be even more convenient if the dispensary offers home deliveries.

Secondly, consider the kind of cannabis product you’ll be using and choose a dispensary that is always stocked with it.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

In the present time, it’s essential for every dispensary to take up strict sanitization and follow all COVID-19 safety protocols properly. So, make sure that the dispensary you choose keeps their indoors and outdoors clean and all the staff wears the mask and sanitizes regularly.

Additionally, it will be ideal if they offer home deliveries or curbside pickups.

So, now that you are aware of how to choose the best dispensary near you, go ahead and use your medical marijuana card NY and buy your first stock of cannabis today.

May 8, 2021

Do You Still Need a Medical Marijuana Card NYC Now That Cannabis is Legal?

The biggest news for the state of New York this year has been the legalization of marijuana. Governor Cuomo finally gave a green light to a struggle that has been going on for more than 50 years. But now, with the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), citizens who are 21 years or older are now free to buy, use and even grow cannabis at home.

Though not all provisions of the Act are in effect presently, but with a regulating body in place by 2022, all provisions of the Act will be accomplished and implemented.

With the legalization of adult use cannabis, most legal patients of the state might question the need of a medical marijuana card NYC. Well, here’s a detailed answer to your question.

Why Should You Still Get a Medical Marijuana Card?

It makes sense that with marijuana legalization, many may question the need of a medical card. Now that adult-use cannabis is legal, why bother going further for documentation to access cannabis, right?

Well, there are more than one reasons why a medical marijuana card is still important for a patient.

Legal Reasons

Even though the MRTA Act was signed on March 31st, 2021, it is only partially implemented. Out of the many provisions that were put to effect immediately, the provision for adult-use of cannabis will still take time to be in effect in the state.

Why? Because the state is still developing a regulatory body. As a result, the sale of adult-use cannabis in NYC is still illegal and as a result, it won’t be possible to buy recreational cannabis at the moment.

So, the only way for you to access cannabis in the state until 2022 (estimated) is with a medical marijuana card.

But, what about after all the new laws are in effect and the sale of recreational marijuana officially begins? Well, even then you would need a medical card. In fact, having one for yourself may actually offer you a number of benefits that recreational cannabis consumers do not have access to.

Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card in a Recreational State

New York is now officially a recreational state just as some of its neighboring states like New Jersey and Massachusetts. And similar to these states, you will be able to see some extra advantages that will be applicable to medical marijuana only.

It can be presumed that once the recreational marijuana sales begin, all those with a legit medical marijuana card will be able to have some advantages over those without a card.

For starters, a medical marijuana card will give you extra legal security. Since a card is proof of a patient being qualified by certified doctors, it will give the patients extra leverage over buying, using, growing and even traveling with the herb.

The next possible advantage for medical card holders will be money savings. With recreational cannabis sales, the taxes are bound to increase. And it is possible that recreational consumers may have to pay more than those with a legit card. Similarly, dispensaries may even offer discounts and special rates for qualified patients.

For medical patients, cannabis is a medication they need to be better. Keeping this in mind, all those with a medical card will be able to access cannabis products with higher quality and ones that ensure safety. Additionally, the laws may also allow medical consumers with debilitating conditions to buy products with higher THC content for their needs.

All these benefits will only be applicable to those with a medical card. So, it’s best to find a doctor for a consultation today.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card NYC?

If you don’t already have registered as a qualified patient in the state, it’s the perfect time for you to get your medical marijuana card NYC. It’s very much possible that once recreational marijuana sales begin, the dispensaries will be packed with orders and consumers, making it difficult to get hold of good quality products. And it may also be difficult to get a consultation with a doctor.

So, the best option right now would be to get your medical card in a safe and convenient way using telemedicine.

There’s no hassle involved in applying for a doctor’s consultation online. You can apply for one in a matter of minutes.

Once you have an online clinic that you can trust, all you have to do is fill a form which asks questions about your health. Soon the doctor will connect with you for a video consultation.

At NY Medical Card, the doctor sends your recommendation by email on the same day if you qualify. If you are not approved by the doctor, you will receive a full refund. You can use the doctor’s recommendation to register with the state marijuana program and get your state issued medical marijuana ID card.

Upon receiving the medical card, you can use it for a period of one year to buy and use cannabis in the state. After a year, all you need is a simple renewal and continue benefiting from all the advantages that come along with it.

Now, considering all the legalities and benefits that are associated with having a medical marijuana NYC, we can conclude that it is essential to have a medical card even now that marijuana is legal in the state.

So, use your phone or laptop to apply for a consultation and get your medical card today.