Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature approved the Compassionate Care Act. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) is committed to making the medical marijuana program safe and effective for the benefit of New York citizens. The program will ensure that medical marijuana is available for qualifying patients with serious conditions and is dispensed and administered in a manner that protects public health and safety.
Caregiver Laws
A caregiver must be 21 years of age or above with no past of any felony drug offense, and may not be the patient’s certifying physician. A caregiver must have a registered card under DOH to legally possess more than a thirty-day supply of marijuana. A caregiver is not allowed to grow marijuana and is only allowed to serve not more than five patients at any given time. The amount or dose of marijuana must be correct for the registered patient. Any changes of caregivers or termination of caregivers must be conveyed to DOH immediately. The former caregiver’s card will be suspended.
Dispensary Laws
A dispensary must be registered with DOH with complete required information and documents to legally grow/cultivate and dispense marijuana. The Commissioner will not register more than five registered organizations that manufacture medical marijuana with not more than four dispensing sites owned and operated by the organization. Applicants must be 21 years of age or above with no background of any drug felony offense. A dispensary will be evaluated by Department of Health for qualifications, including ability to meet safety and security requirements, adequate physical space, ability to comply with state laws and regulations, character and competency, and moral character of organizational officers.
Growing Laws
Patients and caregivers are not permitted to grow medical marijuana. Only dispensaries are allowed to grow and cultivate medical marijuana.