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.

July 9, 2022August 12, 2026

How to Renew Your New York Medical Marijuana Card?

Renew New York Medical Marijuana Card - NY Medical Card

The medical marijuana card has many benefits, so it does not make sense for a medical user to spend extra unnecessarily when they have to make regular purchases. So, if you are wondering whether you should get your New York medical card renewed, the answer is yes.

Worry not, it isn’t as tedious as it may sound. Some patients have had to undergo long and tiring processes to obtain a medical card in the past and feel that getting a renewal must be just as difficult.

At NY Medical Card, getting a new card or renewing one are very easy and smooth operation. So, if you have had trouble with any clinic in the past, rest assured it won’t happen here. We are known for our instant consultations and quick approval of cards.

So, let’s have a look at the easy process of renewing your marijuana medical card in New York.

How to Renew an MMJ Card in New York?

Getting a renewal on your medical card is much easier than applying for one for the first time. Typically, you need to get your card renewed after a year of having it issued. However, you can also apply for it when you have 30 days left before its expiration.

On the other hand, filing for the renewal within 30 days of its expiry will also ensure that you do not have to go through the initial steps again. Doing so in the mentioned time frame means that you won’t have to go even a few days without your medication.

The steps for getting an MMJ card renewal in New York are:

If you have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition, you simply have to book a consultation over telemedicine. If you are getting your renewal at the same place where you got your card initially, then you’ll have to undergo another consultation. This allows the doctor to determine whether your condition is still valid, and that you still need a medical card.
Even if you have a consultation with the same doctor as before, it is advisable to be prepared with proper documentation. You will need a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, along with medical records regarding your qualifying condition. If there have been any changes in your health since first getting the card, make sure to convey them to the doctor. Also, mention any medications you may have stopped or started taking.
After the consultation, you should get the approval soon. Then you have to file the corresponding paperwork with the state. This step is often confusing to most medical users, but our team is here to guide you through it. You can learn how to get through the process easily. Furthermore, almost all of it can be done online, so you do not have to leave the comfort of your home for any part of the renewal process.

For the final step, you just have to pay for the card renewal and any applicable state fee. Although most online 420 doctors take a few weeks to send your card through the mail, some issues with the state could also delay it. This is why it is always best to apply before the time for renewal so you won’t be left without access to your medication.

Benefits of Renewing Your Medical Card

As a New York citizen, the thought must have crossed your mind if you should just start purchasing weed recreationally. Although you could do that, there are several benefits of sticking to the medical card, such as:

If you are below the age of 21, but above the age of 18, you can legally purchase medical marijuana without any hassle, as long as you possess a medical card. Even minors are allowed to get the card if a caregiver or guardian signs off on it. However, the caregiver must be older than 21.
You get access to exclusive deals and discounts. As a medical patient in New York, you can save up to 9% sales tax on every purchase. On the other hand, recreational users get no sort of exemption. So, if you have to regularly purchase marijuana, the bills would stack up without any discounts at all.
Although recreational cannabis can now be purchased in New York, medical users get full legal security. For instance, you would experience more leniency when found traveling with or transporting marijuana within the state boundaries.
As per the 2021 MRTA Act, the legal possession limit for adults over the age of 21 is three ounces. However, medical patients are allowed to purchase and possess 60 days’ worth of medical cannabis at a time. They are also allowed to shop for products like semi-solids, solids, topicals, edibles, and smokeables with high THC content with no regulations.

These are some benefits of obtaining and renewing a medical card in Marijuana. Now let’s address some common questions regarding the renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do If My New York MMJ Card Has Already Expired?

You can still apply for re-registration, but it will take a few days extra for the state to process your application with an expired MMJ card. If you make any purchases during this waiting period, you must remember that you’d be doing so as a recreational user. So, you won’t have access to any benefits that medical users do.

This is why you shouldn’t delay your renewal, especially if marijuana works perfectly for your condition. It is best to not be in a situation where your treatment is interrupted.

Do I Need to Get the Renewal at the Same Place I Got My New York MMJCard?

No, you do not have to visit the same doctor for a renewal. You can get your medical card renewed from anywhere you like.
If you are looking for reliable doctors online, get in touch with us today! We will help you get your medical card renewed without even leaving your house.

November 7, 2019August 12, 2026

Benefits of Marijuana for Medical Use

With scientific evidence that smoking cannabis can help in promoting wellness, more & more people are interested in learning how to get a medical marijuana card in NY & other legalized states.

Medical marijuana can help in managing a wide range of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, etc. The herb contains amazing cannabinoids, which possess ultimate medicinal properties. THC and CBD are the two most important cannabinoids.

When cannabinoids are delivered to the body, they interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). As a result, they change different bodily functions such as sleep, memory, mood, and appetite.
Read on to learn more about why you should introduce medical marijuana in your daily lifestyle, cannabis legalization, consumption methods, and more.

It Relieves Pain

One of the most important benefits of cannabis consumption is its ability to ease pain and related symptoms. The cannabinoids provide relaxation effects, reducing pain, improving focus, thus boosting productivity.

Although there’s a wide range of prescription medications for relieving pain, they are not safe. Some of the common side-effects of pain medications are—constipation, nausea, sedation, drowsiness, and slowed breathing.

Cannabis is a safe treatment for pain. Additionally, it’s less addictive as compared to opioids. A recent study found that the number of people using opioids was reduced to 25% in cannabis legalized states.

It Reduces Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental illness affecting about 40 million American adults. The most common symptoms of this condition are—excessive worrying, sleep problems, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, tense muscles, and panic attacks.

Consuming cannabis can help you boost memory, mood and promote sleep. This helps anxiety patients manage their symptoms completely.
Medical researchers have reported that CBD can help in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which provides health benefits without causing high effects.

It Promotes Sleep

Sleep is important for both mental and physical wellness. Sleep disorders such as insomnia can interfere with your relationships and the ability to function properly in daily life.
There are many reasons how cannabis can help you sleep better. It helps in reducing muscle & joint pain, which is one of the major contributors to poor sleep. Marijuana relaxes your body and mind, thus reducing stress and promoting sleep.

It Boosts Productivity

According to a recent study, marijuana consumers are more socially active, creative and satisfied as compared to non-consumers. Here’re three ways cannabis can help in boosting productivity-

Reduces distractions. Artists, athletes, etc. agree with the fact that consuming marijuana helps them get into the zone where they can focus on one thing.
Increases creativity. The herb boosts creative thinking, thus generating more creative ideas and thoughts.
Boosts sleep. It’s clear that a well-rested body and mind will help you feel like working and concentrate on your work.

Some of the best cannabis strains for boosting productivity are—Harlequin, Haze, Super Sour Diesel, and Jack Herer.

It Promotes Mindfulness

Mindfulness is important. It’s the ability to deal with the present situation without changing it. Mindfulness is being present, and it’s often used for treating anxiety disorders, depression, and drug addiction.
According to a study performed by SPARC Medical Cannabis Dispensary in California, marijuana helped promote mindfulness in 8 participants who were drug and alcohol addicts. Researchers reported a significant decrease in cravings for drugs among participants.

Cannabis Legalization in the United States

As per federal regulations, cannabis is illegal in America. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), cannabis is listed as a Schedule 1 Drug along with heroin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Schedule 1 drugs are substances/chemicals, which have no accepted medical use and have high risks of abuse.

However, 33 states currently allow medical use of cannabis. These include Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, California, New York, etc.

Each state has its own rules and regulations for buying, possessing and using cannabis. Like, In New York, the list of MMJ qualification conditions include-

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease
Cancer
Chronic joint pain that meets legal definitions, such as pain that lasts three months or more
Epilepsy
HIV/AIDS
Huntington’s disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Multiple sclerosis
Neuropathy
Opioid use or substance use disorder
Parkinson’s disease
Pain that degrades health and functional capability
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Spinal cord injury with spasticity
A severe, debilitating, or life-threatening condition accompanied by one or more of the following associated or complicating conditions:
Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
Opioid use disorder
Seizures

Also Read- Learn About the New York Medical Marijuana Laws

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in NY

In New York, cannabis is legal for medical use. To access marijuana products from any state-licensed dispensary, you require a doctor’s recommendation. The recommendation should state that you want to use medical marijuana for alleviating your symptoms.
With telemedicine services, you can apply for your MMJ card online in a few minutes. Here’s the complete process on how to get a medical marijuana card online-

Sign up your account online
Talk to a licensed doctor through HIPAA-compliant software
Get your MMJ card in PDF format through the email

Note- a medical marijuana card in NY is not valid forever. You need to renew it before it expires to continue receiving medicinal benefits of cannabis.

Different Methods of Consumption of Cannabis

How cannabinoids is delivered to your system can influence marijuana’s effects on your body. Here are the common cannabis consumption methods-

1. Smoking

The most common methods of consuming medical marijuana. In this, dried cannabis flowers are smoked through a bong, pipe, or joint. It delivers immediate effects, which may last for 1-3 hours.

2. Vaping

A smokeless form of inhaling cannabis. It involves heating marijuana below its combustion point. You can feel the effects within thirty minutes, which last for a few hours.

3. Edibles

Cannabis edibles are available in different forms—candies, snacks, chocolate, pizza, sodas, etc. Thus, cannabinoids reach the cells through the liver. Usually, edibles take a bit more time to deliver their effects, which last longer than other consumption methods.

4. Topicals

Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, etc. can be applied directly to the skin to get more focused therapeutic effects. Onset time is 5 minutes to 2 hours while the effects last up to 12 hours.

5. Tinctures

Tinctures are available in different dosages and cannabinoid formulations. They are absorbed sublingually and are faster than edibles. Their effects last for a couple of hours.
Everyone has a different condition, thus may need to deliver cannabinoids to the body differently to receive full health benefits. Have an open discussion with a licensed doctor and seek professional help for what’s right for your condition.

Conclusion

Marijuana is a safe alternative to prescription medications. It promotes relaxation & sleep, reduces pain & anxiety, and boosts productivity. Cannabis has more than 100 cannabinoids, which work by binding to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
There are many ways to deliver cannabinoids to the body. Smoking and vaping allows you to receive immediate effects of the herb. You can apply cannabis-infused balms or lotions directly to the skin to get more targeted effects. Edibles such as candies, pizza, etc. take a bit longer to deliver its effects.

Talk to an MMJ doctor, discuss your condition, and get advice for marijuana strains and consumption methods.