New York vs. Connecticut Medical Marijuana Certification: What's Different
BuddMD certifies patients in both states, and the underlying process is similar — but the eligibility rules aren't identical. Here's what actually differs.
Qualifying conditions
This is the biggest difference between the two programs. Since 2022, New York has no fixed list of qualifying conditions — a certified healthcare provider may certify a patient when the provider determines that medical cannabis may be clinically appropriate, based on the patient's individual circumstances.
Connecticut ties certification to a published qualifying condition list: 42 conditions for adults and 11 for minors, maintained by the state's Department of Consumer Protection. If a patient's condition isn't on that list, Connecticut certification isn't available, regardless of physician discretion.
Residency requirements
Connecticut requires proof of state residency in addition to a government-issued photo ID. New York does not have this same explicit residency documentation requirement as part of certification, though patients should confirm current state guidance.
Certification terms
New York certifications may run for up to two years, following New York State Senate Bill S3294A (signed November 2025, effective approximately February 2026). Connecticut certifications can be issued for 1 year, 18 months, or 2 years. BuddMD offers 1-year and 2-year certification options in both states.
What happens after certification
In New York, certified patients are automatically registered with the NY Medical Cannabis Program — there's no separate state application, no physical card, and no additional fee. Your registry ID is used directly at dispensaries.
In Connecticut, the physician enters the certification into the state's online system, and the State of Connecticut then emails the patient directly to complete registration with the Department of Consumer Protection.
What's the same
Regardless of state, BuddMD's process is identical: online intake, a telemedicine evaluation with a licensed physician, and certification if clinically appropriate. Pricing is also the same in both states — $119 for a 1-year certification, $219 for a 2-year certification — with a full refund if certification is not clinically appropriate.
For the full details on each state, see New York eligibility and Connecticut eligibility, or review pricing.