New York Cannabis Laws
Traveling to New York, or do you live there and still don’t get the laws? We feel your pain, so we searched the web for you and pulled together the cannabis laws for consumers in New York.
Please note that laws are consistently changing and although we work hard to keep this information as up to date as possible we suggest checking with the state’s government site as well.
The Basics
*Anyone under the age of 21 who wants to apply for a medical cannabis card must have a caretaker who is 21 or older.
The Need to Know
Possession
Patients must always carry their medical cards on them if they are carrying cannabis. As a patient you can possess up to a 30-day supply of doctor approved non-smokable cannabis products.
If you are caught with cannabis and are not a medical card holder you can face large fines and jail time.
Purchasing Limits
Patient’s allowed amount of cannabis products is set by their doctor. Patients are allowed to purchase a 30-day amount at a time.
Only non-smokable forms of cannabis are legal, including capsules, liquids, oils, and vapes. CBD infused beverages and food are also legal. Edibles are prohibited.
Consumption
You can legally consume cannabis on private property out of view from the public.
It is not allowed to consume cannabis on any federal or public land (including parks, beaches, rec centers), in a parked or moving vehicle on public or private roads, within 100 ft. of a public or private school (unless on private property), and on public transportation. If you are caught consuming in public you could face heavy fines.
Cultivation
It is illegal to grow cannabis in New York.
Driving Under the Influence
If you are found guilty of driving under the influence of usable cannabis you will face DUI charges and penalties, even if you are a medical patient.
Transporting Marijuana
As a patient you can legally transport cannabis as long as it is sealed in its original packaging.
Exporting Marijuana
Moving cannabis across state lines is illegal and can result in a steep penalty if you’re caught.
It is also illegal to ship or send it in the mail.
Traveling by Plane
Cannabis is still illegal on the federal level so it is always a risk if you decide to fly with it.
Reciprocity
You can use your medical card in another state if that state has medical marijuana reciprocity.
New York doesn’t offer reciprocity.
Medical Marijuana
Qualifying Conditions:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Cancer
- Chronic 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
- Severe or chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card
Not sure how to get your Medical Marijuana Card? We’ve partnered with Veriheal to bring you a simple and seamless way to see if you qualify and chat with a doctor right from the comfort of your own home.
Additional Resources
Looking for more?
Check out New York’s government site.
Want to learn more about the cannabis laws in other states? Click here to find out more.
