Frequently Asked Questions
We love sharing our knowledge of cannabis. Take a look at some of the questions we get most often.
NY's Office of Cannabis Management ("OCM") recently expanded the medical marijuana program, including patient eligibility.
- No more patient REGISTRATION FEES! The OCM permanently waived the patient & caregiver $50 registration fee.
- 30-day supply increased to 60-day! The amount of approved medical cannabis that may be dispensed to a certified patient or designated caregiver increased from a 30-day supply to a 60-day supply.
- The expanded program now allows practitioners - including dentists, podiatrists, and midwives - more discretion in prescribing medical marijuana.
- Whole flower is now permitted for sale at dispensaries!
The Botanist will also help with registration assistance after receiving your certification!
Yes, we offer assistance with medical marijuana card applications! We offer assistance Monday - Friday until 4p when available. Wednesday and Friday earn exclusive points when you register with us!
Note that patients who complete their registration at any The Botanist New York location will receive 1,000 LOYALTY POINTS loaded to their account after your first purchase (that’s $50 OFF!).
REQUIREMENTS:
- register in-store on a Wednesday or Friday before 4pm
- bring A VALID NEW YORK STATE I.D. & PATIENT CERTIFICATION (from the practitioner)
If you are looking for a practitioner to receive a patient certification (must be done prior to visit), visit the New York Department Of Health’s Public List of Consenting Medical Marijuana Program Practitioners.
After registration, a temporary card will be issued, and you can make a purchase the same day!
*If you cannot attend on Wednesdays & Fridays but need assistance registering, please call to check availability for registration assistance; exclusions apply; points added after purchase
You may use CanPay, a Debit card or Cash at the Dispensary Facility to purchase product. Credit is not accepted as it is not federally legal yet.
The OCM just made it easier to get a medical card by expanding who can give out certifications!
A prescribing doctor can certify you (you must first be certified by a registered practitioner). Then with that certification, you can go to my.ny.gov and get your medical card. Step-by-step detailed information can be found on the New York State Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program website.
If you are having difficulties, bring in your paperwork and a New York State I.D. on Wednesdays and Fridays and we will be glad to help you register! Click here to learn more.
No, as marijuana is not federally legal yet you cannot use a credit card. Methods of payment are cash, debit, or CanPay.
You would need a medical marijuana caregiver card. We can assist with that as long as you have the patient's my.ny.gov account login information!
Yes! You can shop our full product assortment, place an order and pick up your medication at the dispensary. Just click "View the menu" / "Shop Medical" above.
Health insurance companies are not required to cover medical marijuana costs, but some private health insurers can develop policies that will cover medicinal marijuana costs. We recommend consulting with your insurance company to see if you qualify.
No, adult-use / recreational sales have not started yet. You would need a NY medical marijuana card to make a purchase.
If you need help getting a medical card, just bring in your paperwork and a New York State I.D. on Wednesdays and Fridays and we will be glad to help you register! Click here to learn more.