Source: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/faq.htm
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 04:10:23+00:00

Document:
1. What conditions make me eligible to get medical marijuana?
You may be eligible for medical marijuana if you have been diagnosed with one or more of the following severe debilitating or life threatening conditions: cancer, HIV infection or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury with spasticity, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, Huntington's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain (as defined by 10 NYCRR §1004.2(a)(8)(xi)), pain that degrades health and functional capability as an alternative to opioid use or substance use disorder. The severe debilitating or life-threatening condition must also be accompanied by one or more of the following associated or complicating conditions: cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, or severe or persistent muscle spasms, PTSD or opioid use disorder.
The first step is speaking with your treating practitioner about whether the medical use of marijuana is appropriate for your condition. If your practitioner determines it is an appropriate treatment for you and he or she is registered with the New York State Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program, he or she may issue you a certification for medical marijuana.
3. How can I find a registered practitioner?
Patients seeking access to medical marijuana should first go to their treating practitioner. If a patient's treating practitioner is not already registered with the Department to certify patients for medical marijuana, information regarding practitioner registration can be found on the Department's website: Practitioner Education for the Medical Marijuana Program.
Patients may access a list of registered practitioners by clicking on the "Looking for a Registered Practitioner" button on the Medical Marijuana Program website's home page. A patient's treating practitioner can also make a referral to a registered practitioner using the Medical Marijuana Data Management System located within the Department's Health Commerce System (HCS).
4. Can additional medical conditions be added to the list of conditions eligible for medical marijuana?
Additional conditions may be added by the Commissioner of Health, or they may be added in legislation.
5. What forms and dosage amounts of medical marijuana are allowed?
The Commissioner must approve any form of medical marijuana. Approved forms include, but are not limited to: solid or semi-solid dosage forms (such as capsules, tablets, and lozenges), metered liquid or oil preparations (for vaporization or oral administration), metered ground plant preparations, and topicals and transdermal patches. Under the law, smoking is not permitted and the regulations prohibit edibles. Please contact the registered organization directly to find out more about the products they have available.
The patient's certifying practitioner must include the following information on the patient's certification: the authorized brand and form of the approved medical marijuana, the administration method, and any limitations on the use of approved medical marijuana product. If a practitioner has a recommendation regarding dosage, it should also be included on the certification, although a recommendation on dosage is not required. Moreover, the total amount of product that may be dispensed may not exceed a thirty-day supply.
1. What do I do after I receive a certification from my registered practitioner?
2. May I register on behalf of a minor or person who is otherwise incapable of consenting to medical treatment?
Yes. If the applicant for a registry identification card is under the age of eighteen (18) or a person who is otherwise incapable of consenting to medical treatment, the application must be submitted by an appropriate person over twenty-one (21) years of age. The applicant must designate at least one, and up to two, caregivers who must be among the following: (i) a parent or legal guardian of the certified patient; (ii) a person designated by a parent or legal guardian; or (iii) an appropriate person approved by the Department upon a sufficient showing that no parent or legal guardian is available or appropriate. The designated caregiver must also register in order to receive a registry ID card of their own in order to purchase the medical marijuana on behalf of the patient. You can find detailed instructions on the registration process, by visiting: Information for Patients.
3. How do I register with the program as a caregiver?
4. Do I have to pay to register as a patient or as a caregiver?
There is a non-refundable application fee of fifty dollars ($50) that the Department is currently waiving for all patients and their designated caregivers.
5. When can I expect my registry identification card to arrive?
After your registration is approved you will be issued a Temporary Registry Identification Card Registry Identification Card, which may be used in conjunction with a government issued photo identification until you receive your registry identification card in the mail. Please allow approximately seven business days to receive your Patient or Caregiver Registry ID Card.
6. Can I still register if a practitioner will not provide a certification?
No, a patient may not register without a certification from a registered practitioner.
2. Which dispensing facilities may I use?
3. Will every dispensing facility sell the same types of Medical Marijuana?
No. Please contact the registered organization directly to learn more about the products they have available. Contact information may be found here: Registered Organizations Registered organizations must make available at least one brand that has an equal ratio of THC to CBD, and one brand with a low-THC-high-CBD ratio). Each Registered Organization will also offer other products that have varying ratios of THC to CBD.
4. When are dispensing facilities open?
The hours of operation for the dispensing facilities vary. Please contact or review the websites of the Registered Organizations for their dispensing facilities' hours of operation by clicking here: Registered Organizations.
5. How much medical marijuana can I get at a time?
Registered Organizations may dispense up to a 30-day supply of medical marijuana to a certified patient or designated caregiver, pursuant to any recommendations or limitations made by the practitioner on the certification. Registered Organizations report their medical marijuana dispensing to the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) database, so that prescribers may review their patients' controlled substance histories and make informed treatment decisions.
6. What should I do if the approved medical marijuana product is not helping me?
Work with your certifying practitioner or a dispensing facility pharmacist to determine if a change in product, change in dose, or discontinuation of the product is appropriate.
7. What should I do if I think I'm having an adverse reaction to the approved medical marijuana product?
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately. If you believe you are experiencing an adverse event that is not life-threatening from the approved medical marijuana product, contact your practitioner.
8. What should I do with expired/unwanted medical marijuana products?
Certified patients or their designated caregivers should dispose of expired or unwanted medical marijuana products by adding water to the medical marijuana and then dirt, coffee grounds, ashes or another undesirable substance, prior to disposal in the trash, to avoid accidental or intentional misuse of the product.
9. What if I need assistance obtaining medical marijuana from a dispensing facility because of my condition?
Registered organizations may also offer a delivery service. Please contact the registered organizations directly to determine if delivery services are offered in your area.
10. Can I use my out-of-state medical marijuana identification card to purchase medical marijuana in New York State?
No. Only certified patients with a New York State registry identification card may purchase approved medical marijuana products in New York State.
11. How will the Department ensure the quality of the products produced by the Registered Organizations?
The Department requires independent laboratory testing for every brand of product to be tested for any contaminants and to ensure product consistency. The Department's Wadsworth Center Laboratory will perform initial testing and analysis of final medical marijuana products until independent laboratories receive certification from the New York State Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP).
1. How did the New York State Department of Health Commissioner determine prices for Medical Marijuana?
Registered Organizations submitted to the Department their costs to manufacture, market and distribute products, and to certify that the information provided was accurate, complete and current. The Commissioner then determined the reasonableness of the proposed prices and approved them as the maximum price per dose each Registered Organization may charge.
2. Are prices for Medical Marijuana the same at all of the Registered Organizations?
No, prices vary among Registered Organizations.
3. Will Medical Marijuana prices change?
The Department's approved prices are in effect for the entire period of the Registered Organization's registration, until July 31, 2019. Registered organizations may charge less than the approved prices, so prices may vary. At the conclusion of the first year of the registration period, or beforehand based on documented exceptional circumstances, however, the Registered Organizations may request a price modification. In addition, if a Registered Organization adds a new product, it must submit revised production costs and other relevant data, along with the proposed price for the new product(s) to the Department for review and approval.
4. Where may patients find the prices of Medical Marijuana products?
Patients should contact Registered Organizations directly to obtain final prices, taking into account the dosing recommendations of their practitioner. The total amount a patient pays depends upon a patient's individual dosing needs and the resultant total quantity purchased.
5. Does New York State provide a discounted program for certified patients who cannot afford Medical Marijuana?
The Compassionate Care Act does not mandate a discounted Medical Marijuana pricing program, but allows Registered Organizations to provide discounted products. Some Registered Organizations may offer reduced prices for qualifying certified patients.
1. Why do practitioners have to take a department-approved medical use of marijuana course?
Pursuant to Public Health Law § 3360(12), in order to certify patients for the medical marijuana program, a practitioner must complete a two to four hour course as determined by the Commissioner of Health in regulation. Practitioner education requirements set forth in 10 NYCRR § 1004.1 further defines the course must include the following content: the pharmacology of marijuana; contraindications; side effects; adverse reactions; overdose prevention; drug interactions; dosing; routes of administration; risks and benefits; warnings and precautions; abuse and dependence; and such other components as determined by the Commissioner. The course will provide practitioners with information that will help as they evaluate their patients.
2. Who is providing the course?
TheAnswerPage and The Medical Cannabis Instituted are providing the course. Practitioners may choose to take the course from either course provider.
3. How were TheAnswerPage and The Medical Cannabis Institute selected as the course providers?
The Department posted an advertisement in the New York State Contract Reporter seeking up to two vendors to provide an online continuing medical education (CME) course to physicians and pharmacists across New York State on the medical use of marijuana. The Contract Reporter advertisement can be accessed through the following link: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/agency/adsView.cfm?numID=2025118&page=Open%20Ad. In order to view the ad, users must first register for an account, then log-in and search for ad number2025118. TheAnswerPage and The Medical Cannabis Institute were selected as a part of this procurement process.
4. How are the courses offered?
The courses are offered online, which will provide practitioners the ability to complete the course at their convenience.
5. Do the courses have to be completed all at once?
No. The courses may be taken in installments at the practitioner's convenience, however, practitioners are required to complete all of coursework and receive a course completion certificate prior to registering with the Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program.
6. How much will the courses cost to take?
A practitioner may choose from one of the two course providers. Please visit the web pages for TheAnswerPage and The Medical Cannabis Institute for information on pricing.
7. Will Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit be offered?
The four hour course provided by TheAnswerPage will offer 4.5 CME credits for practitioners and pharmacists who successfully complete the course. Continuing Education credits are currently NOT available for The Medical Cannabis Institute course.
8. Will pharmacists employed by the registered organization take the same course?
Yes. Pursuant to 10 NYCRR § 1004.21(d), pharmacists working in dispensing facilities must take the department approved course before they can counsel certified patients and designated caregivers on the use, administration, and risks associated with approved medical marihuana products.
9. Will Pharmacist Continuing Education credits be available?
Pharmacists who successfully complete one of the courses that provides continuing education credit may use the CME or ACPE credits toward their continuing education requirements.
10. How will a practitioner or pharmacist access the online course?
11. When will a practitioner receive his or her course completion certificate after completing the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, practitioners will receive a course completion certificate through the course website.
12. Once a practitioner completes the course and receives a course completion certificate, when and how will he or she be able to register with the Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program?
Click the "M" tab, find the Medical Marijuana Data Management System (MMDMS) application in the list, and click the green and white "+" icon in the "Add/Remove" column to add the MMDMS application.
After selecting the MMDMS application, practitioners will be prompted to enter information required to complete the registration process.
In order for Physician Assistants (PAs) to access the Medical Marijuana Data Management System (MMDMS) to register with the Medical Marijuana Program and issue certifications for medical marijuana to patients, at least one of their registered supervising physicians must provide authorization within MMDMS. Instructions on how Registered Practitioners authorize Physician Assistants (PAs) under their supervision are included below. Once this step has been completed by the PA's supervising physician, the PA can access MMDMS to complete his or her registration with the Medical Marijuana Program.
Log into the Health Commerce System (HCS).
Select Update My Information from the menu options listed at the top of the page.
On the left side of the page, select the "Physician Assistant Management" button.
If the search results match the information for the PA you wish to authorize, select "Authorize".
Any questions regarding the practitioner registration process should be emailed to mmp@health.ny.gov.
13. When will practitioners be able to certify patients?
Following successful completion of the course, and upon full compliance with the other requirements set forth in 10 NYCRR §1004.1(a), practitioners may register with the NYSDOH Medical Marijuana Program and begin certifying patients.
14. Can a practitioner or pharmacist take the courses solely for credit and not continue the process to register for the Medical Marijuana Program?
For those course(s) that provide continuing education credit, a practitioner or pharmacist may take the course solely for credit without registering with the Medical Marijuana Program.
15. If a practitioner is able to certify patients for medical marijuana in another state, can they receive reciprocity to certify patients in New York State?
No. Practitioners must be licensed, in good standing as a physician and practicing medicine, as defined in article one hundred thirty one of the Education Law in New York State, or be certified, in good standing as a nurse practitioner and practicing, as defined in Article 139 of the Education Law, in New York State, or be licensed, in good standing as a physician assistant and practicing in New York State, as defined in article 131-B of the Education Law, under the supervision of a physician registered with the New York State medical marijuana program and must complete the department-approved medical use of marijuana course.
16. Does a practitioner have to have a valid DEA registration number to register for the Medical Marijuana Program in order to be able to certify patients?
Yes. A valid DEA registration for New York is required to register for the Medical Marijuana Program in order to be able to certify patients.
1. Why does a PA's supervising physician have to be registered with the program before a PA can register?
A PA may perform medical services, but only under the supervision of a physician and only those medical services that are assigned to him or her. The medical services performed must be within the scope of practice of the supervising physician, therefore the supervising physician must be registered with the medical marijuana program before a PA can register.
2. How do I complete the registration process with my supervising physician?
The supervising physician must first provide authorization to the PA by following the steps below.
Log into the Health Commerce System (HCS) https://commerce.health.state.ny.us/public/hcs_login.html.
Select "All Applications" from the My Content dropdown menu.
3. A PA works with two or more supervising physicians. Can the PA be authorized by more than one supervising physician?
Yes, the PA can be authorized by more than one supervising physician.
4. Must a PA have a DEA registration number to register with and certify patients for the MMP?
5. A PA's supervising physician does not participate in the MMP. How can a PA find a physician who participates in the program?
A PA may consult the practitioner list located within the Medical Marijuana Data Management System (MMDMS) application of the Department of Health's Health Commerce System (HCS). A supervisory relationship with a physician who participates in the MMP must first be established, and a completed MMP Authorization form signed by both the PA and the supervising physician must be submitted to MMP.
6. Must Nurse Practitioners (NPs) submit an Authorization form to register with the MMP?
No. NPs work collaboratively with licensed physicians but are not required to practice under physician supervision. NPs who wish to certify patients for the MMP must still complete the educational requirement and register with the program.
7. When can PAs register with the Medical Marijuana Program?
Effective March 15, 2017, PAs may register with the Medical Marijuana Program. They must complete the Department-approved medical marijuana education course and submit the signed Medical Marijuana Program Authorization Form for Physician Assistant and Supervising Physician to the Department prior to registration.
1. How does a registered practitioner issue a patient certification?
Instructions for registered practitioners on how to issue a patient certification, can be found at: Patient Certification Instructions.
2. Can a patient have more than one Active certification?
Patients cannot have multiple active certifications. If a patient has an Active certification, please work with the patient's existing practitioner to make any appropriate updates. If the patient is no longer being treated by the existing practitioner, please ensure the patient cancels their associated registration before issuing a new certification. If you have any questions, you may contact the Department at mmp@health.ny.gov or 1-844-863-9312.
3. I made a typographical error on the patient's certification. How do I correct it?
Please follow the below steps to notify the Department of the necessary updates.
Step 3: Select "Contact Us"
Step 4: Complete the web form indicating the following information.
Correct Information to be entered.
4. How does a registered practitioner update the patient's dosing recommendation after the certification has been issued?
Instructions for registered practitioners on how to change the dosing recommendation can be found at: Patient Certification Instructions.
5. How can the practitioner verify the status of the patient's certification and/or registration?
Information regarding the process for patient registration is available on the following page: Information for Patients.
6.	How does a practitioner cancel a patient's certification?
1. Why did the Department issue emergency regulations for designated caregiver facilities?
Expanding existing regulations to allow facilities the option of becoming designated caregivers for certified patients will improve access and help prevent patients from experiencing adverse events associated with an abrupt discontinuation of a treatment alternative that provides relief for a severe debilitating or life-threatening condition.
2. Is it mandatory for a facility to become a designated caregiver for a patient?
No. It is not mandatory for facilities to become designated caregivers for patients.
3. What types of facilities can be designated as caregivers?
a private or public school.
4. How does a facility register as a designated caregiver for a patient?
5. Does the facility have to pay a registration fee?
Pursuant to PHL Section 3363(2)(f), there is a $50 application fee for designated caregivers to register with the department. However, the department is currently waiving the $50 application fee for all designated caregivers, including facilities registering as designated caregivers.
6. For how many patients may a designated caregiver facility serve?
A designated caregiver can serve up to five patients. However, within a facility, each division, department, component, floor or other unit of such facility shall be entitled to be considered a "facility" for purposes of the regulations.
7. How does a patient who already has two designated caregivers add a facility as a designated caregiver?
Registered patients may designate up to two caregivers. A registered patient may change their caregiver designation by logging into their my.ny.gov account and accessing the Medical Marijuana Data Management System (MMDMS) to update their caregiver designations.
8. Who within a designated caregiver facility can administer approved medical marijuana products to the patient?
Any facility employee deemed appropriate by the designated caregiver facility can administer approved medical marijuana products to the patient. Patients may also designate a caregiver outside of the facility (for example a friend or family member) to come and administer approved medical marijuana products to the patient at the facility. In addition, to the extent patients are capable, they may self-administer approved medical marijuana products.
9. How is a patient's approved medical marijuana product supplied to the facility for the patient?
The patient, or his or her designated caregiver(s) may purchase approved medical marijuana products from a registered organization's dispensing facility to bring to the facility. In addition, some registered organizations which provide delivery services may deliver directly to the patient or designated caregiver facility. A copy of the patient’s certification issued by the registered practitioner and a copy of the Department approved facility caregiver form must be presented to the registered organization in order to purchase the product on behalf of the patient.
10. What if a facility does not want to be a designated caregiver?
Facilities are not required to become a patient's designated caregiver.
11. How should medical marijuana products be safeguarded within the facility?
Designated caregiver facilities should develop and follow internal policies and procedures—in conjunction and compliance with any entities that may oversee and/or regulate the facility—that provide for storage of approved medical marijuana products in a secure manner so as to prevent diversion.
12. How should medical marijuana products be disposed of?
When disposing of approved medical marijuana products, it must always be done in a manner that renders the product nonrecoverable beyond reclamation. It is recommended that unused or unwanted product be returned to the certified patient or a designated caregiver who is a natural person for destruction. If the product cannot be returned, the designated caregiver facility must dispose of the product in a manner that renders it nonrecoverable beyond reclamation. Approved medical marijuana products cannot be disposed of using medication drop boxes, DEA drug take-back events or via Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement drug destructions. Designated caregiver facilities should develop policies and procedures that provide for the method of destruction and recordkeeping of disposal.
13. Must a practitioner working in a designated caregiver facility be registered with the Medical Marijuana Program to issue an order for administration or self- administration of medical marijuana in the facility?
No. A practitioner must be registered with the Medical Marijuana Program to issue a certification to a patient, but registration is not required merely to issue an order for administration or self-administration of medical marijuana within the facility.
14. What if a patient needs a change in medical marijuana treatment necessitating a change to the patient's certification while the patient is in the facility?
The patient, the patient's designated caregiver, or the designated caregiver facility must work with the patient's certifying practitioner to make changes to the patient's certification.
15. Can the patient in a designated caregiver facility self-administer if deemed capable of self-administration?
Yes, if permitted to do so by the facility's policies and procedures. In addition, Title 10 NYCRR § 405.5, has been amended to allow for the self-administration of approved medical marijuana products in hospitals. There are certain limitations prohibiting vaporization in public places, as outlined in 10 NYCRR § 1004.18.
1. How long must I have tried opioids to qualify for the "Opioid Replacement" condition?
The regulations do not require a patient to try opioids first. Medical marijuana can be used for pain that degrades health and functional capability as an alternative to opioid use. The patient must be certified by a registered practitioner for this qualifying condition and register with the New York State Department of Health to get a registry ID card to purchase medical marijuana.
2. Am I eligible to use medical marijuana after a surgery instead of using opioids?
Yes. Patients have the option to use medical marijuana instead of, or in conjunction with, opioids for post-operative pain management. Patients must be certified by a registered practitioner and registered with the New York State Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program. Patients can check with the facility where surgery will take place about policies and procedures related to use of medical marijuana while in the facility.
3. Can a patient be prescribed opioids and receive a certification for medical marijuana?
There is no regulation that prohibits the use of opioids and medical marijuana at the same time. The decision of appropriate therapy will be at the discretion of the registered practitioner certifying the patient.
4. Can patients with Opioid Use Disorder be certified for medical marijuana?
Yes. Substance Use Disorder was added as a qualifying condition and Opioid Use Disorder as the associated or complicating condition. Practitioners who certify patients for Substance Use Disorder or Opioid Use Disorder must hold a Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) waiver.
5. Do practitioners need a special identification number from the DEA, as they do with buprenorphine, to recommend medical marijuana for patients with Opioid Use Disorder?
A practitioner must hold a federal Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) waiver to be qualified to treat patients with substance use disorder or opioid use disorder.
6. Can Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants recommend the use of medical marijuana for patients with Opioid Use Disorder?
Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants registered with the New York State Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program can recommend medical marijuana for any of the qualifying conditions. Physician Assistants must have a supervising physician who is registered with the program. These practitioners must be qualified to treat patients with one or more of the qualifying conditions, be licensed and in good standing as a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant in New York State and have completed a two to four-hour course approved by the Commissioner.
7. Can Dentists recommend medical marijuana for this qualifying condition?
No. Only New York State licensed physicians, certified nurse practitioners and licensed physician assistants can certify patients for medical marijuana.
8. Do practitioners need to cite the exact diagnosis the patient would be treated for with opioids on the patient's certification when certifying a patient for this qualifying condition?
Yes. The regulations require registered practitioners to identify the underlying condition for which an opioid would be prescribed on the patient's certification. For example, if a patient has a limb fracture that is causing acute pain and the practitioner would like to certify the patient for medical marijuana, the practitioner should indicate "limb fracture" not "acute pain" as the underlying condition.
9. Are there limits to the amount of medical marijuana that can be recommended for patients using medical marijuana as a substitute to opioids for acute pain?
Patients can purchase up to a 30-day supply of medical marijuana. The practitioner can limit dosing recommendations, and/or issue the certification for a specified date that is less than a year. The registered practitioner should use professional judgement to determine the appropriate length of treatment. When dispensing to patients, registered organizations must follow the recommendations or limitations provided by the certifying practitioner.
10. How does this qualifying condition differ from the other existing qualifying conditions such as chronic pain and neuropathy?
The regulations define chronic pain as "severe debilitating pain that the practitioner determines degrades health and functional capability; where the patient has contraindications, has experienced intolerable side effects, or has experienced failure of one or more previously tried therapeutic options." The pain also must have lasted three months or be anticipated to last more than three months. Opioid replacement as a qualifying condition allows for the use of medical marijuana for pain that degrades health and functional capability as an alternative to opioid use. This condition includes, but is not limited to: acute pain, post-operative pain management, severe or persistent muscle spasms and Opioid-Use Disorder. If an opioid could be prescribed for the patient's condition, and the condition does not conform to the definition of chronic pain, neuropathy or severe pain associated with any other existing qualifying condition, then this new condition would be selected during the certification process.
11. If a patient already has a prescription for an opioid, can the patient use the prescription to purchase product at a registered organization's dispensing facility?
No. The patient must be certified by a registered practitioner for this qualifying condition and register with the New York State Department of Health to get a registry ID card to purchase medical marijuana.
1. Where can I find my temporary registry ID card?
Log into your https://my.ny.gov account, select "Health Applications," and then the "Medical Marijuana Data Management System." Click on the three white lines on the top-left side of the screen. Select the "My Temporary Card" option from the drop-down menu. Select the blue link to open and print your temporary ID card.
2. What if I don't see a link in the Medical Marijuana Data Management System for my temporary ID card?
If you do not see the link for your temporary registry ID card, please follow the instructions on the screen to check the status of the current registration.
3. Does having a temporary registry ID card limit the amount of product I can purchase?
No, you will still be able to purchase up to a thirty-day supply of the medical marijuana product(s) that correspond to the practitioner recommendations on your certification.
4. Can I re-print a copy of the temporary registry ID card (i.e. if the original print was lost or rendered unusable)?
Yes. Log into your https://my.ny.gov account, select "Health Applications," and then the "Medical Marijuana Data Management System." Click on the three white lines on the top-left side of the screen. Select the "My Temporary Card" option from the drop-down menu. Select the blue link to open and print your temporary ID card.
5. Do my caregiver(s) also receive temporary registry ID cards?
Designated caregivers can also access a temporary registry ID card after completing their caregiver registration and being approved. The designated caregiver will follow the same steps as a patient to retrieve and print the temporary registry ID card. This does not apply to facilities that have been designated as a caregiver.
6. Can I print a temporary registry ID card for a patient I am a registered caregiver for?
Yes. Log into your https://my.ny.gov account, select "Health Applications," and then the "Medical Marijuana Data Management System." Click on the three white lines on the top-left side of the screen. Select the "My Patient's Temporary Card" option from the drop-down menu. Select the blue link to open and print your temporary ID card. If you are also the patient's proxy, you may need to select "Switch to Caregiver Portal" before this option will be available.
7. How does a designated caregiver facility obtain a temporary registry ID card?
Facilities who have submitted the required designated facility caregiver form to the Department, and whose registration as a facility caregiver has been approved, will be issued a registry ID card in the approval response sent via email. No temporary registry ID cards are issued for facility caregivers.
8. Why do I have to present a government issued photo ID when using my temporary ID card?
The temporary registry ID card will not contain your photo. Therefore, while you are waiting for your official card, the government-issued photo ID will act as a way to verify your identity when purchasing or possessing medical marijuana products with a temporary registry ID card.
9. What if the photo on my government-issued photo ID is not a true likeness of me?
The government-issued photo ID will provide a way to verify your identity when purchasing or possessing medical marijuana products with a temporary registry ID card. If the registered organization cannot confirm your identity using the government-issued photo ID provided, the registered organization may not dispense product to you.
10. What if my government-issued photo ID (i.e. passport) has expired?
Your identity may still be verified with an expired government-issued photo ID.
11. Does the temporary registry ID card still work even after I receive my official registry ID card?
The temporary ID card expires 30 days after the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on your temporary registry ID card. You should receive your official registry ID card prior to the expiration of the temporary ID card. If you do not receive your official registry ID card within two weeks, please contact the Department at 1-844-863-9312 or mmp@health.ny.gov to check on the status of your official registry ID card.
12. Do I need to get a new temporary ID card if dosing recommendations change between the time I get my temporary ID card and receiving the official ID card?
If your practitioner updates the dosing recommendations on the existing certification that you are actively registered with, you do not need to request a new temporary ID card. The registry ID card is linked to your registration, which is also linked to the certification. Any time you do receive a new certification number (PC1# in the top right corner of your certification form) you must re-register using your https://My.NY.gov account in order to have an active registry ID card. If you need assistance with re-registering, please contact us at 1-844-863-9312.
13. What if my address is incorrect on my temporary ID card?
If your address is not correct on the temporary ID card, your registry ID card will also not have the correct address. Please log into your https://My.NY.gov account, select Health Applications, and then the "Medical Marijuana Data Management System" link. You may request a new card by selecting "Update Information/Request New Card" and selecting "Address Change" as the reason. You will need to edit the address information provided and then upload acceptable proof of your current address (examples of proof include a lease agreement, utility bill, mortgage statement, NYS DMV ID) and submit the request to the Department for review. Once approved you will be able to access a new temporary ID card and a new registry ID card will be mailed to the provided address.
14. What if my registry ID card has not been received in the mail and my temporary ID card is expired?
Your registry ID card should be received within 10 business days from the date your temporary ID was issued. If necessary, log into your https://My.NY.gov account, select "Health Applications," and then the "Medical Marijuana Data Management System" link. You may request a new card by selecting "Update Information/Request New Card." Confirm the mailing address is correct, and includes any applicable apartment numbers. If the address is correct, select "Lost Card" as the reason. If you need to edit the address, please select "Address Change" then edit the address information listed on the screen. You will then need to upload acceptable proof of your address (examples of proof include a lease agreement, utility bill, mortgage statement, NYS DMV ID), and submit. You will be able to access a new temporary ID card and a new registry ID card will be mailed to the provided address.
15. I do not have a printer to print the temporary registry ID card. Do I have to wait for my physical registry ID card to be received in the mail?
When presented with a government-issued photo ID, the temporary registry ID card may be displayed as an image on a mobile device, such as your cell phone or iPad, or by visiting your my.ny.gov account to open the image of the card.
1. Is a registered organization permitted to hold community outreach and patient education events pertaining to the New York State Medical Marijuana Program?
Yes, however all regulations must be followed that pertain to advertising and marketing, which can be found in 10 NYCRR § 1004.16. Please keep in mind the prohibitions within 10 NYCRR § 1004.21 and 10 NYCRR § 1004.22 as you plan events.
2. Can a registered organization hold seminars and other associated educational events for registered practitioners?
Educational events sponsored by registered organizations for registered practitioners are permitted. However, persons associated with a registered organization are prohibited from entering into any agreement with a registered practitioner that would adversely affect a person's freedom to choose which dispensing facility to purchase approved medical marijuana products from. In addition, regulations prohibit registered practitioners from directly or indirectly accepting, soliciting or receiving any item of value from a registered organization. An item of value includes, but is not limited to, money, services, loans, travel, lodging, meals, refreshments, entertainment, forbearance (agreeing to change the terms for repayment of a debt), or a promise having a monetary value. Something with a fair market value of less than $15 would generally not be considered an item of value.
3. What can registered organizations tell prospective patients who ask about finding a registered practitioner?
Registered organizations may not recommend, refer or suggest individual practitioners, group practices or websites offering to certify patients.
Registered organizations may direct patients to the New York State Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program's website, where a list of practitioners who have agreed to be listed publicly, is available. That list can be found here: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/practitioner/public_list.htm.
4. Can a registered organization work with registered practitioners or third-party websites to direct patients to their registered organization dispensing facilities?
No. Registered organizations and persons associated with registered organizations are prohibited from entering into any agreement with a registered practitioner that would adversely affect any person's freedom to choose which registered organization to purchase product from. Furthermore, a website may not direct patients to a particular registered organization after a practitioner associated with that website certifies a patient. This does not apply to practitioners and registered organizations who are conducting research pursuant to an IRB approved study where the patient has consented to participating in the study.
5. What information can a registered organization disseminate to the public regarding its products?
General information regarding the registered organization's products can be given, including, but not limited to: dosage forms, brand names, THC and CBD concentrations, ingredient lists, safety precautions, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for proper use. New York State regulations require that any advertisements making claims or statements regarding the efficacy of medical marijuana products be submitted to the Department at least 10 business days prior to being disseminated to the public.
6. Can registered organizations assist certified patients in registering with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program?
Yes. Registered organizations may assist patients who have already been certified by a practitioner, with the registration process. However, registered organizations may not directly or indirectly steer or influence a patient's choice with regard to the selection of a practitioner.
7. Are product reviews by patients allowed on registered organization websites?
No. Allowing patients to post product reviews on the registered organization's website is akin to advertising, and statements regarding efficacy of a product must be supported by substantial evidence or substantial clinical data. If patients want to find or post reviews about registered organization products, they must do so using a third-party website, not a registered organization's website.
8. Are instructional videos and directions for use of products allowed to be posted on a third-party website?
Informational and/or instructional materials concerning the use of registered organizations' products are permitted, so long as no claims of efficacy are made without written prior approval of the Department pursuant to 10 NYCRR § 1004.16(i).
9. Can registered organizations compare products with competitors' products, to better inform patients?
Comparing approved medical marijuana products is allowed. However, registered organizations are prohibited from making any statement that falsely disparages a competitor's products.
10. Are registered organizations permitted to provide free items to the public at outreach and educational events?
Yes, so long as it does not have the purpose or effect of steering or influencing patient or caregiver choice with regard to the selection of a practitioner.

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