Can I be/have a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in New York?

Yes, medical marijuana patients in New York can have a caregiver. Caregivers will complete their own online registration after being designated as a patient's caregiver.

 

Caregiver Requirements:

  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • Must be designated by an approved patient before the caregiver can register.

  • An individual may act as a designated caregiver for up to four (4) patients. A patient may designate up to five (5) caregivers.

  • Must present the caregiver’s barcoded registry ID, the patient’s certification, and a government-issued photo ID of the caregiver to verify identity when purchasing.

Here's how the caregiver process works:

  1. Get designated.  A certified patient or other appropriate person (for patients who are minors or incapable of consent) must designate you as a caregiver on the patient registration.
  2. Register online. After you complete your registration online, your registry ID can be printed or displayed on a smart device and used immediately in conjunction with a government-issued photo ID. 

  3. Purchase medical cannabis.  Visit a registered organization's medical cannabis dispensing facility to purchase products for your patient. Bring your registry ID, your patient’s certification, and your government-issued ID with you. 


Please note: The State of New York no longer sends physical medical marijuana cards.