To become a medical marijuana patient in New York, you must follow these steps: Obtain a certification from a registered practitioner: You must see a practitioner registered with the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. They will evaluate your medical condition and determine your eligibility for medical marijuana treatment. Register with the New York State Department of Health: Once you have received certification, you must register with the state by applying to the Department of Health. You will need to provide information about your medical condition and certification. Get a Medical Marijuana Card: Once your application is approved, you will receive a medical marijuana card, which you can use to purchase medical marijuana products from a registered organization. Purchase Medical Marijuana from a Registered Organization: You can purchase medical marijuana from a registered organization in New York. Make sure to bring your medical marijuana card with you when you purchase. Recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in New York and is only available for medical use with a certification from a registered practitioner and a medical marijuana card.