Does epilepsy and seizures qualify in New York?
Yes. The New York State Medical Cannabis Program lists Examples OCM lists include autism, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, PTSD, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and substance use disorder as a qualifying condition. A New York-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About epilepsy and seizures
Stronger evidence. The FDA has approved a prescription CBD medicine (Epidiolex) for seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex, based on controlled trials.
Symptoms New York patients most often hope to ease:
- Seizures that continue despite trying two or more medicines
- Side effects such as tiredness and fogginess from seizure medicines
- Poor sleep that can make seizures more likely
- Anxiety about when the next seizure will happen
- Mood and behavior changes linked to epilepsy
Read more: medical marijuana for epilepsy and seizures.
How to get certified in New York
- Find a New York certifying health care provider (OCM publishes a provider database on data.ny.gov).
- Consult the provider in person or by telehealth about your condition.
- If the provider certifies you, you receive a paper or digital certification with a registry ID number.
- Optionally, designate up to five caregivers, who then register themselves.
- Take your certification and a government photo ID to a licensed medical dispensary and buy up to a 60-day supply.
New York allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a New York-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: Free (no fee to become a patient)
- Card lasts: Set by the certifying provider (up to 2 years per OCM's patient page)
- Processing: Immediate - the certification's registry ID can be used right away
- Patient limit: A 60-day supply, or 3 oz of cannabis / 24 g of concentrate if greater
- Home grow: Patients 21+ may grow 3 mature and 3 immature plants; no more than 12 plants (6 mature, 6 immature) per residence
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full New York cost breakdown and New York program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in New York
- Alzheimer's disease
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Neuropathy (nerve pain)
- Opioid use disorder
- PTSD
- Parkinson's disease
See every qualifying condition in New York
Epilepsy & seizures in nearby states
- Epilepsy & seizures in New Jersey
- Epilepsy & seizures in Pennsylvania
- Epilepsy & seizures in Vermont
- Epilepsy & seizures in Massachusetts
- Epilepsy & seizures in Connecticut
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for epilepsy and seizures?
How long does certification take in New York?
Can I renew online in New York?
Sources
- Patients - NYS Office of Cannabis Management
- Medical Cannabis Program - NYS Office of Cannabis Management
- Medical Cannabis Program FAQs - NYS OCM
- Medical Cannabis Home Cultivation FAQs - NYS OCM
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.