{"id":1246,"date":"2019-07-31T00:18:22","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T00:18:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.medicalmarijuanainc.com\/?p=3372"},"modified":"2019-07-31T00:18:22","modified_gmt":"2019-07-31T00:18:22","slug":"new-york-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicalmarijuanainc.com\/2019\/07\/31\/new-york-marijuana-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Marijuana Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated July 2019<\/em><\/p>\n

The state of New York has made significant progress when it comes to marijuana reform, becoming the 23rd state in the union to legalize medical marijuana in 2014. However, the state has been criticized for limitations on its policies, and cannabis advocates and pro-cannabis lawmakers have continued to work for further progress. Learn more about New York marijuana laws.<\/p>\n

Recreational Marijuana in New York<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Is marijuana legal in New York? No– recreational marijuana remains illegal. However, small amounts are considered a civil offense rather than a criminal one. Since the 1970s, possession of fewer than 25 grams has been decriminalized in New York.<\/p>\n

In July 2019, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo further decriminalized marijuana<\/a>. Under the new law, offenders caught with possession of less than one ounce of marijuana will be issued a ticket for $50. Those caught with between one and two ounces of marijuana will be cited a ticket for $200. Anyone caught with more than two ounces will be charged with a misdemeanor. The bill also automatically expunges many low-level marijuana convictions across the state.<\/p>\n

Cuomo has endorsed full recreational marijuana legalization and has pushed state lawmakers to present him with a bill to sign. Negotiations on a marijuana legalization bill continued up until days before the legislative session came to an end in June 2019, but efforts fell short. Instead, lawmakers compromised and approved the decriminalization measure<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Medical Marijuana in New York<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The State of New York did legalize medical marijuana in 2014 with the passing of the Compassionate Care Act (Assembly Bill 6357). Patients must obtain a certification for medical marijuana from a physician that is registered with the Medical Marijuana Program.<\/p>\n

Under the law, registered patients with a qualifying condition have access to a 30-day supply of non-smokable marijuana products, including capsules, liquids, and oil for vaporization or administration via an inhaler. On August 10, 2017, officials at the Department of Health announced the expansion of the state’s medical marijuana program<\/a> to also permit chewable and effervescent tablets and lozenges as well as topical lotions, ointments, and patches.<\/p>\n

As of July 2019, there are 40 open and operating dispensaries throughout the state. Home cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes is not permitted under the law.<\/p>\n

In New York, the following conditions are approved for medical marijuana access:<\/p>\n