NY A06357

Establishes a medical marijuana program allowing certified patients with serious conditions (cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, and others) to lawfully possess and use marijuana under a practitioner's certification, with the Commissioner authorized to add conditions like Alzheimer's and PTSD within 18 months.

Creates a registry system requiring patients to obtain identification cards from the Department of Health, with patients able to designate up to two caregivers; practitioners must complete a 2-4 hour course and consult prescription monitoring records before issuing certifications.

Permits no more than five registered organizations to manufacture medical marijuana with up to four dispensing sites each, geographically distributed across the state; all facilities must be indoor and secure, with independent laboratory testing required and a 7% excise tax imposed on sales.

Establishes protections prohibiting arrest, prosecution, or occupational licensing penalties for certified patients, caregivers, practitioners, and registered organizations acting in accordance with the program; prohibits smoking of medical marijuana and requires 30-day supply limits.

Imposes criminal penalties including Class E felony for practitioners issuing certifications without medical basis, Class B misdemeanor for selling to non-registered persons, and Class A misdemeanor for patients possessing amounts exceeding authorized limits.