An Overview NYS Medical Cannabis Program
In 2016, New York State implemented the Medical Cannabis Program. In March 2021, the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) amended the program and improved access for medical patients with the implementation of regulations including but not limited to the expansion of qualifying medical conditions, the increase in the number of caregivers a patient may designate, and the expansion of available product categories and dispensing limits.
Over the last 7 years, the Medical Program has allowed thousands of New Yorkers to gain access to safe, lab tested medical cannabis treatment and has laid the foundation for the equitable adult-use cannabis market in New York State. The Medical Bill signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on November, 21, 2025 provides additional benefits for NYS Medical Cannabis patients, providing additional protections and increasing access to medical cannabis products.
Medical Cannabis Program as of July 1, 2026
Registered Patients – 72,161
Certifying Practitioners – 4,779
Program Highlights
Countless NYS certified patients like Jon have found relief from symptoms like pain, nausea, and more with medical cannabis.
Each medical cannabis dispensary in NYS is required to have a pharmacist like Dr. Duclas M. Charles, PharmD, on-site to help patients find the right product.
With more than 4,000 NYS certifying healthcare providers like Dr. Nasim Chowdhury, M.D., more patients can find products that may help them find relief and improve their quality of life.