The New York medical marijuana program has made its way among the very top medical cannabis programs currently effective across many US states.

Even though the program was launched in 2014, the program showed incredible growth backed up by timely upgrades of the state’s cannabis laws. Today, there are more than 120K registered patients within the state of New York alone with the number rising at an exponential rate.

We bet that you might be thinking about registering yourself with the state’s cannabis program, considering that you have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition. However, is there some way you can get a medical marijuana card in New York cheaper than what you’ll generally have to pay? Well, let’s find that out today.

Understanding New York’s Medical Marijuana Program

New York’s medical cannabis program is quite expanded and does infact focus on the needs of the patients rather than anything else. Considerable possession cannabis possession limits and the right to consume cannabis in some public places are key highlights of the program.

As per the state law, two set conditions must be met for you to successfully apply for a medical marijuana card. First, you must be a permanent resident of the state of New York. Second, you must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions mentioned within the state’s cannabis regulations.

Plus, do keep in mind that the New York medical marijuana card is only effective within the state of New York or within the states that have signed reciprocity agreements with New York governing bodies regarding the viability of medical marijuana cards across state borders.

Qualifying Medical Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in NYC

As per the state law, a patient must be diagnosed with one of the following qualifying medical conditions to apply for a New York medical marijuana card:

• Neuropathies
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Autism
• Muscular dystrophy
• Dystonia
• Epilepsy
• Substance use disorder
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• Chronic pain
• Parkinson’s disease

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card Affordably

Well, the first step is to evaluate your medical condition yourself. Ask yourself whether the use of medical cannabis is necessary for your well-being in the long run. Make sure to get a very well understanding of New York medical cannabis laws in the meantime as well.

Once you have decided that it will be best for you to opt for cannabis-based treatment, now is the time to find a registered doctor to get a valid diagnosis.

Remember, the overall cost of your medical marijuana card will be greatly affected by this factor alone. Make sure to find a doctor whose appointment fee is within your budget or to make your life easier, you can opt for telemedicine-based options saving a lot of money.

Now, considering that you have got your medical cannabis diagnosis, the next step is to register yourself with the my NY portal and fill out an online application. Remember, the application will require you to submit your patient certification obtained from your doctor mentioning your diagnosis.

Fortunately, the state of New York doesn’t charge any additional application fee for issuing a medical marijuana card. Once your application is received by the relevant department, you’ll receive a digital copy of your card valid for 30 days. Don’t worry, you’ll find your hard copy New York medical marijuana card in your mail after 7-10 days of the approval.

Cost Comparison: New York Medical Card Providers

Within the state of New York, there are two main categories among medical card appointment providers. The price ranges usually vary for each platform but a telemedicine appointment in New York will cost you around $100-$200.

On the other hand, the old-school clinic system costs much more than that. The average fee for an in-person appointment is around $400 and goes up by many folds depending upon the date and time of your appointment.

Tips for Reducing Costs on Your Medical Marijuana Application

Considering that the $50 application fee has now been waived by the state of New York, the only cost you’ll have to pay for your medical marijuana card is the consultation fee. Now, regardless of the mode of consultation you prefer, we will advise you to thoroughly compare your available options.

Make sure that you go with a consultation platform or a service that fits right in your budget, offers flexible appointment time and date settings, as well as provides enough time for you to clear out any doubts associated with opting for cannabis-based treatment from your doctor.

Role of Telemedicine in Lowering Medical Card Costs

One thing is quite certain, the rise of telemedicine platforms has indeed changed the medical marijuana program’s effectiveness and overall approach within the state. We can now find credible telemedicine-powered platforms offering medical cannabis consultation appointments at super affordable prices as compared to in-person visits.

Plus, one can’t ignore the added benefits associated with telemedicine platforms. You can very well select the preferred date and time of your appointment, you can join the appointment online from the comfort of your home, and many telemedicine platforms offer a money-back guarantee in case you aren’t satisfied with their provided services.

Discounts and Assistance Programs for Medical Marijuana Patients

Throughout the US, there are many organizations and assistance programs active at the moment ensuring that qualified patients get assistance and considerable discounts on their cannabis purchases if they don’t have enough financial resources to do so. You can search for such programs online or can easily find flyers in your neighborhood mentioning all the relevant details about these programs.

One such assistance program that is worth mentioning is the Leaf411 Affordability Program. The program focuses on distributing donated medical cannabis products among qualified low-income individuals and households across the US.

Renewing Your Medical Marijuana Card Without Breaking the Bank

Well, good news for everyone as the state of New York has canceled any sort of application feed charged from qualifying medical cannabis patients for issuing or renewal of MMJ cards. However, this still leaves the consultation fee you’ll have to pay to your doctor.

Now, as per state law, to renew your medical marijuana card, you’ll need to visit a registered doctor once again to get an updated patient certification. We advise you to opt for a telemedicine-powered platform that will offer you great discounts for your second visit and you’ll be able to renew your medical marijuana card without breaking the bank.

Final Note

The state of New York surely has a medical marijuana program that is patient-focused and aims to provide quality services and equal opportunities. However, with the state not charging any additional application fee, it is up to you to make efficient choices and lower your overall medical consultation cost to find the cheapest way of getting a medical marijuana card in New York.