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

Patients certified by their health care provider can register with the Medical Cannabis Program. There is no patient registration fee and patients can designate caregivers. The patient will receive a registry ID card that lets them buy medical cannabis from a 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.