Although New York’s medical marijuana laws are notoriously stricter than other states, serious progress has recently been made to change this. Getting a MMJ card in NY used to require a significant amount of time and effort, but those days are over. Successful California-based startup NuggMD (we’ve mentioned this badass company countless times on HERB) has opened their services in NY state, allowing patients to connect with a licensed New York medical marijuana doctor online to get a certification in just minutes!

General info about New York’s medical marijuana program

Remember: if you want to legally purchase medical marijuana from state-approved dispensaries in New York, you’ll first need a doctor-approved certification.

Currently, only about 800 doctors are verified by the state to recommend medical marijuana. You have the option of visiting one of these licensed docs in-person (if you can find one) for a consultation, which might make sense for some, but be aware that you could be subject to application fees, visitation fees, and even hidden fees.

Why go through all the hassle?

In March of 2015, the State of New York passed Senate Bill 2405, allowing “the use of electronic information and communication technologies by telehealth providers, to deliver health care services, which shall include the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management and/or self-management, of a patient.”

With a telemedicine evaluation, you can now get your New York medical marijuana card online from a legally licensed medical professional without leaving home!

NuggMD lets you see a New York doctor online

NuggMD was started with the simple idea that accessing a medical marijuana certification online could be fast, easy, and affordable via telemedicine.

Since its conception, over 50,000 Californians have used their 420 evaluation services, and now so can New Yorkers. If you or someone you know has ever tried getting medical marijuana, you know the process can be confusing and sometimes even shady—but not anymore. No longer do you have to search online for “weed evaluations near me.”

NuggMD allows you to connect with a knowledgeable, licensed physician online and obtain your MMJ card in just moments using your smartphone, computer or tablet.

Whether you’re a first-time patient or a veteran just looking for an easier way to get a certification, accessing a trusted doctor is just a click away.

Other resources:

• Cannabis Doctors in Albany
• Cannabis Doctors in Queens
• Cannabis Doctors in Amsterdam
• Cannabis Doctors in the Bronx
• Cannabis Doctors in Brooklyn

How a telemedicine evaluation works

To start, you’ll fill out a standard medical form similar to what you’d find in an ordinary doctor’s office. You can also upload any relevant medical documents you have to help the MMJ doc better understand your condition. Remember, all your medical info remains completely confidential through HIPAA law.

Next, enter your payment information. You won’t be charged anything for the evaluation unless you’re approved.

Now you’re ready for your brief video chat with one of NuggMD’s highly professional, personable, and knowledgeable MMJ doctors. After just 5 to 10 minutes you’ll be on your way to finally getting some medicinal cannabis relief!

Prices are $199 for first-time patients and $99 for renewals. This is currently the lowest price we’ve seen in New York for a legal certification.

NuggMD medical marijuana certificates are legally recognized by the official New York State Department of Health (DOH) Medical Marijuana Certification Program for one year.

How do you qualify for medical marijuana in NY?

Despite what you may think, not everyone is eligible for an MMJ certification. In New York state you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a valid New York state driver’s license, ID card, or U.S. passport
• Must be able to prove residence in the state of New York
• Must have a legitimate, qualifying medical condition

The State of New York recognizes a wide variety of medical conditions including:

• Seizures
• Cancer
• AIDS
• Epilepsy
• Chronic Pain*
• Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Huntington’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease

*Chronic pain is now considered a valid condition treatable with medical marijuana. And come on, don’t we all have some kind of chronic pain? This has already opened the floodgates for most anyone to get a certification in New York.  

What Happens After Approval?

Once approved, you’ll receive an email from NuggMD with your certification and instructions regarding how to complete the New York state-sponsored registration process.

Using these instructions, complete your registration with the state (you’ll need to pay $50 for the state’s application fee) then your medical marijuana card will be mailed to you in a few business days. With this legal certification now in hand, you’re ready to visit a designated dispensary!

Eventually, NuggMD hopes to expand their other innovative services to New York, like their marijuana delivery marketplace. Soon New Yorkers will benefit not only from their Telemedicine platform, but also NuggMD’s online delivery services.

FAQs

Can I grow my own medical marijuana if I have been approved for a New York Medical Marijuana Card?

No, currently The Compassion Care Act does not allow private cultivation of marijuana in New York. Remember, all New York dispensaries and growers are state-sponsored and approved.

Can I use my medical marijuana card from California (or another state) to purchase medical marijuana while I am staying in New York?

No, only patients that have registered with the State of New York can enjoy the benefits of New York’s medical marijuana laws.

Can I use my medical marijuana card from New York to purchase medical marijuana while I am on vacation in other states?

Depends on the state, so be sure to check into it beforehand. Many states require approval through their own process.