NY A04759

Replaces physical registry identification cards for medical cannabis patients with an electronic certification system where practitioners file patient information that registered organizations (dispensaries) verify using certifications and government-issued photo ID

Extends medical cannabis certification validity from one year to two years, with options for practitioners to set earlier expiration dates or designate terminally ill patients as having non-expiring certifications

Establishes medical cannabis patient reciprocity allowing patients from other U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia to purchase medical cannabis in New York by presenting their home state certification and photo ID

Lowers the minimum age for certified patients and designated caregivers to cultivate medical cannabis at home from 21 to 18 years old, and permits patients to give (but not sell) home-grown cannabis to other certified patients

Repeals the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act (Article 33-A of the Public Health Law) and transfers related records from the Department of Health to the Office of Cannabis Management and state archives