Any health care provider who can prescribe controlled substances in New York State, is qualified to treat the patient’s condition, and completes a two to four-hour course on medical cannabis, can certify patients for medical cannabis.  

Patients certified for medical cannabis by their health care provider will be automatically registered with the Medical Cannabis Program. No separate registry ID card is needed. The patient’s certification will contain a registry ID and can be used immediately in conjunction with a government issued photo ID to buy medical cannabis from a licensed medical dispensary in New York State. 

Medical cannabis dispensaries in New York State have pharmacists on-site to help patients find the right product for their conditions, check for interactions with other medications, and show patients how to use each form of cannabis.