My Services
As your Medical Marijuana Healthcare Consultant, I will provide comprehensive services to guide and support you in how to use marijuana for your health and wellbeing. I incorporate different strategies into my practice and during our sessions we will discuss your needs to come up with a regimen that works for you.
My Story
Nina M. Hicks M.D., M.B.A.
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, Cannabis Wellness Advisor
Welcome!!! My name is Dr. Hicks and I am a family medicine physician focusing on medical cannabis recommendations.
One of the biggest barriers to medical marijuana is the stigma. I started off thinking and teaching that marijuana was bad. Then my late husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma. The type of brain cancer that despite all of our healthcare advances has no cure. He used medical marijuana and I saw the medical benefits it provided to his health. Medical marijuana assisted in helping with his anxiety, depression, and pain. This inspired me to learn more about the medicinal properties and to start my practice to help patients looking for ways to improve their quality of life.
Credentials:
UCLA B.S. in Physiological Sciences
UC Davis- Post-baccalaureate Degree
University of Kansas School of Medicine- M.D.
Quinnipiac University- M.B.A.
Bronx Lebanon - Family Medicine Residency/Board Certified in Family Medicine
Healer Medical Cannabis Wellness Advisor Training

The Process

3) Print certificate
You no longer need to register on the New York State Cannabis website. Just print your certificate or upload it to your phone.

4) Your first dispensary visit
Take certification (which includes registry ID barcode) and a government issued photo ID to a registered dispensary.
New York State no longer dispenses medical marijuana cards. You only need the certificate with the barcode and your ID

Frequently Asked Questions
What do i need to prepare for the appointment?
1) Gather your medical records and prepare to answer questions on the intake form on your medical history and past experiences with marijuana 2) Proof of Identity- Valid photo drivers license or non driver ID 3) Proof of New York residency The following documents are ACCEPTABLE: - NYS DRIVER LICENSE OR NON-DRIVER ID (valid) - NYC ID CARD (valid) - UTILITY BILLS (within 60 days, must show “Service” address, NO mobile phone bills) - MEDICAL/HOSPITAL BILLS (within 60 days)/ASSISTED LIVING/NURSING HOME STATEMENT - SSA SSI/BENEFITS STATEMENT (current) - PAY STUB (within 60 days - LEASE/MORTGAGE AGREEMENT/PROPERTY DEED (signed, current) 4) Need to be at least 18 years old OR a minor with a designated caregiver who is at least 18 years old
Benefits of having a Medical Marijuana Card
Age- No age limit for who can use medical cannabis. Recreational cannabis is legal if you are over 21, but medical cannabis can be used under the age of 21 and under the age of 18 with a parental guardian. Taxes- Save money due to less taxes. There is a 13% excise tax and a potency tax for recreational cannabis but only 7% excise tax for medical cannabis Possession- Can posses larger quantities. Medical Marijuana patients may possess a 60 day supply at one time while recreational users can only buy 3 oz. of cannabis flower and 24 oz. of cannabis concentrate. Potency- Higher potency and better quality available. Medical Cannabis is carefully monitored and tested for pathogens, mold, and bacteria. Also, the strength is tested and documented allowing for precise dosing. Cultivation- Can grow at home. Recreational users cannot grow at home but certified patients may have 3 mature and 3 immature plants in their home.
What medical conditions qualify a patient for medical marijuana
Any condition that I deem appropriate will qualify. NY state has left it to the doctor's discretion, but a few of the commonly treated conditions are: Cancer PTSD Glaucoma HIV/AIDS Hepatitis C ALS Crohn's disease Multiple Sclerosis Anxiety Depression Insomnia Back pain Migraines Nausea IBS Seizures/Epilepsy Muscle spasms Cachexia Arthritis Sickle cell anemia Chronic pain Parkinsons Substance use disorders
Do I have to live in New York?
In order for a medical marijuana card to be issued you need to be a New York resident, HOWEVER
anyone may schedule for a medical marijuana consultation for assistance on dosing and strains.
Where do I go to schedule an appt?
How long is my medical marijuana card good for?
1 year
How long do consultations typically last?
Consultations on average last 15-30min but may be 60min depending on the complexity of the medical concerns that you wish to address.
How do I sign up for the card on NY state site?
After the consultation you will automatically be registered. You no longer need to register on the New York Cannabis site. Simply print your certification or upload it to your phone.
Can I use my NY medical card in another state?
Where do I purchase?
Sometimes.
Some states offer medical marijuana reciprocity
How much is the visit?
1) New Patient Medical Marijuana Card/Consultation
$100.00 (Required consultation- card is free)
2) Medical Marijuana Card Renewals
$50.00 (renewal consultation)
3) Cannabis Consultations/Follow up visits:
$50.00 per consult
(Consultations are available for anyone who would like recommendations on dosing and strains. You do not need to live in New York or have a medical marijuana card)
