Is weed legal in New York? Cannabis Legalization Guide – 2025

Weed is legal for both recreational and medical purposes in New York. After years of legal wrangling, recreational marijuana use became legal in 2021, while medical marijuana use became legal in 2014. However, New York is behind other states in terms of the legalization of marijuana. But it can potentially become one of the USA’s biggest markets for cannabis or marijuana.

The legality of Cannabis in New York

After increasing penalties on marijuana by New York governor Nelson Rockefeller In 1973, the New York government partially decriminalized marijuana in 1977. New York decriminalized possession of 25 g or less of marijuana with a $100 fine. Earlier, in 1973, which was a minimum of 15 years to life in prison and a maximum of 25 years for selling 57g or two ounces of cannabis.

In 2014, people were more aware of the medical use of marijuana. Some states in the US legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes, recreational purposes, or even both. After being inspired by the new culture of marijuana, the New York government ceased arrests and issued tickets for small-scale possession, even in cases where the 1977 law might have allowed an arrest.

In July 2014, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo legalized the use of medical marijuana. After legalization, the Department of Health had 18 months to provide non-smoked methods of cannabis consumption to patients. The authorities allowed five private marijuana growers and allocated them four dispensaries.

In 2018 governor Cuomo ordered a study on the impact of recreational use of marijuana. The study shows some positive signs of the recreational use of marijuana on economic and public health.

After years of failed attempts and turmoil, the New York government legalized the adult use of marijuana for recreational use in the first quarter of 2021.

Where You Can Consume Marijuana Legally in New York?

People are allowed to smoke in public wherever consuming marijuana is legal. People can vaporize cannabis or marijuana in private residences and in public places such as hotels and motels that permit it. In a nutshell, the best place to consume cannabis is in your own home.

It is illegal to vaporize marijuana within 100 feet of schools and educational institutions. Consuming cannabis is unlawful in motor vehicles, even if a motor vehicle is parked. Smoking cannabis in public where it’s not legal will give people a civil penalty of $25.

Possession Limit of Marijuana in New York

Adults aged 21 and over can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of cannabis concentrate. In addition, for recreational purposes, users will be allowed to cultivate up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants and a maximum of twelve plants per household. Adults can share cannabis without compensation with 21 years or older under the legal possession limit. Remember, the sale of marijuana is still illegal in New York. Medical marijuana card holders may hold up to a 60-day supply of an approved medical cannabis product at any time.

Medical Marijuana Registry

After receiving a recommendation letter from licensed healthcare providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists, and psychologists, a person can apply for a medical marijuana card on my.ny.gov.

During registration, patients must provide proof of their identity and residency through a government-issued id card. Users must be New York residents or temporarily living in the state for medical treatment.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a temporary medical marijuana ID card, which you can use to purchase approved cannabis until the permanent registry ID card arrives.
Patients and caregivers need to pay a $50 application fee, but the fee may be waived or reduced for financial hardship.

Qualifying Conditions of medical cannabis card in New York

Like most states, New York allows patients with specific medical conditions access to medical marijuana cards. Patients are eligible for medical cannabis if they are diagnosed with debilitating or life-threatening medical conditions. Qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in New York include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Crohn’s Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Seizures
• Severe nausea
• Chronic or severe pain
• Severe or persistent muscle spasms

Is your medical condition listed on the list? If not, don’t worry. These are just a few on the list. Contact My MMJ Doctor for the complete list. A trustable online spot for the medical marijuana card in New York.

How to Get Marijuana Card in New York?

With My MMJ Doctor, the application process for the medical marijuana card is simple and hassle-free. You can get your cannabis card in just three easy steps from the comfort of your home. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Register your self with My MMJ Doctor

Fill in your basic details and need for a medical marijuana card on the patient portal of My MMJ Doctor and book your appointment.

Step 2: Consult with My MMJ Doctor

At the appointment, one licensed healthcare professional will contact you and determine your need for a medical cannabis card. The doctor will ask you about your medical condition. Share your current and previous medical conditions with them.

Step 3: Get your letter

The doctor will write you a recommendation letter through email if you are qualified for the medical cannabis card. Now register yourself with the New York state medical marijuana program. You don’t need to stress about registration with the state. They will guide and assist you until you receive your medical marijuana card.

Rules of Cannabis Caregivers

A registered patient may designate up to two caregivers during the registration process. After being designated by a patient, caregivers must go through the same application process as patients. Once approved, the caregiver can assist up to four patients in possession, delivery, transfer, transportation, and administration of approved medical cannabis. Caregivers can possess up to a 60-day supply of marijuana for each one of the four patients.

Reciprocity

New York doesn’t allow reciprocity, meaning you cannot use an out-of-state medical marijuana card in New york.