Short answer: New York no longer has a list of qualifying conditions.
Under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), the Office of Cannabis Management gave certifying providers full clinical discretion. A registered New York provider can certify you for any condition they believe may be treated or relieved with medical cannabis. There is no second layer of state approval and no diagnosis that has to appear on an official list.
Conditions we see most often
The state publishes an illustrative list of common conditions — it is not a checklist you have to match:
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cancer, and side effects of cancer treatment
- Chronic or severe pain
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
- Mental health conditions, including PTSD and anxiety disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Neuropathy and nerve damage, including spinal cord injury
- Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and other movement disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions
- Substance use disorder, including opioid replacement
- Insomnia, migraine, nausea, and appetite loss
Not on this list? You may still qualify. Bring your symptoms to the appointment and let the provider make the call.
Who can certify you
Any New York provider who is licensed to prescribe controlled substances, is registered with the Medical Cannabis Program, and has completed the state’s required cannabis education course. That includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, podiatrists, and midwives. Visits may be completed in person or by telehealth.
What you’ll need
- A New York State address. The program is for New York residents.
- A government-issued photo ID. You’ll show this at the dispensary alongside your certification.
- Medical records, if you have them. Records aren’t required by the state, but they help your provider document your condition and reach a decision faster. Upload whatever you have — office notes, imaging, a medication list, a discharge summary.
- Patients under 18 are eligible with a parent or legal guardian acting as caregiver.
What happens after you’re certified
You are registered automatically — there’s no separate application and no state registration fee. Your certification carries a registry ID and can be used the same day at any licensed New York medical dispensary. Certifications are valid for up to two years, though your provider may issue a shorter one or set dosing limits based on your care plan. You may also designate up to five caregivers to purchase or administer products on your behalf.
