Good news! The regulatory framework for adult-use, or recreational, cannabis in New York continues to evolve and make strides forward.
That said, the sales of recreational weed in New York state still have a ways to go. New Yorkers won’t see recreational marijuana for another eighteen months to two years. In addition, neither adult users or certified medical marijuana patients may legally grow cannabis for personal use –those regulations are on the backburner, not deliverable until up to eighteen months AFTER the first adult-use retail sale.
Columbia Care has created Ceed Science a pharmaceutical grade medical cannabis brand.
Where Can You Get Weed in New York Today?
There are 40 medical marijuana dispensaries throughout New York State, with tested cannabis products for your medical needs, waiting to serve you.
In addition, the list of qualifying conditions for the Medical Marijuana program in New York has been expanded. Also, taxes on medical cannabis are minimal and stand at only 7%. To qualify for the program, you must be 18+ years, or have a parent or legal guardian sign up as your caregiver.
A bonus: If you see your doctor for any issue and also request a medical cannabis certification, your private insurance may cover the visit.
If you do not feel comfortable talking to your GP about cannabis, or your GP does not feel comfortable offering a recommendation, you can easily see a doctor online. You may see a licensed healthcare professional from the privacy of your own home through a private Telehealth appointment with HelloMD. You won’t even pay for the consultation unless you are approved!
Signing Up for the New York Medical Marijuana Program
Once your doctor gives you your Medical Marijuana Program Certification Form, you’ll sign up for New York’s Medical Marijuana Registry. At this time, you may also register a caregiver who can purchase cannabis on your behalf.
Note: in addition to allowing as many as five caregivers per patient (up from three), New York has also expanded its definition of caregiver to include ‘Designated Caregiver Facilities,’ wherein the function of caregiver may be assigned to a facility — e.g., a hospital, mental health center, adult care center or public or private school.
After registering, you’ll print your temporary card and be able to go to a New York state-sanctioned medical marijuana dispensary to purchase up to a 60-day supply (upped recently from 30-day supply).
Where are the New York Marijuana Dispensaries?
There are ten cannabis-dispensary operators in the state of New York, each with multiple dispensaries. As one might expect, New York County has the most dispensaries of any other county in the Empire State, with four dispensaries.
Here’s a comprehensive listing of dispensaries Discover near you.
212 East 14th Street
New York NY 10003
646.453.7178
Kings County, Monroe and Suffolk locations
Etain
242 East 58th Street
New York, NY 10022
914.437.7898
Ulster, Onondaga, Westchester locations
FP Wellness
2E 30th Street
New York NY 10016
212.689.8676
Nassau, Monroe, Saratoga locations
MedMen
433 Fifth Avenue
New YorkNY 10016
646.846.5551
Onondaga, Eerie, Nassau locations
Onondaga County, in the Syracuse area, has three dispensaries. In addition to MedMen and Etain, you can visit:
Verilife
642 Old Liverpool Road
Liverpool NY 13088
888.493.6066
(Also see Erie, Albany, Bronx County locations)
Kings County also has three dispensaries. In addition to Columbia Care, check out:
Be
202 Flatbush Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11217
212.257.3145
(also see Dutchess and Richmond County locations)
Sunnyside Shop
178 North 4th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
929.299.5932
(Also see Rockland, Oneida, Suffolk County locations
What is the Regulatory Landscape in New York for Recreational Cannabis?
Longtime cannabis activist Christopher Alexander was appointed as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Assemblymember Tremaine Wright was appointed as Chair of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). Both were swiftly confirmed by the senate.
Now, the four-person CCB is also officially staffed. Members include:
Former state senator and clean energy activist Jen Metzger
Buffalo-based employment attorney Adam Perry
Appointed President and CEO of DASNY Reuben R. McDaniel, III, and
Assistant to the President of the UFCW and immigrant champion Jessica Garcia
With Governor Kathy Hochul’s creation of the CCB and the OCM, the deadline for completion of the regulatory framework for legal recreational weed in New York is set for March 1, 2022.
Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?
HelloMD can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.
