First day of New York State's medical cannabis program

Twenty-three U.S. states now have medical cannabis programs. New Yorkers suffering from cancer, AIDS, Parkinson’s, or other qualifying conditions will be able to obtain medical cannabis starting this morning, 18 months after the legislature passed what is considered one of the strictest medical cannabis programs in the country.

The program is off to a slow start: only 150 doctors have completed the registration process required to issue prescriptions, and only 8 of the 20 authorized clinics will open today. The remaining 12 clinics are expected to open by the end of the month.

Read more: U.S. states that have legalized medical or recreational cannabis

«Our pharmacists are ready,» says Nicholas Vita, CEO of Columbia Care NY, which is opening its first dispensary this week near Union Square in Manhattan. More will follow in Suffolk, Clinton, and Monroe counties, all in New York State. «Our product is ready. It has been tested by the state and approved.».

Ban on Smoking Medical Cannabis

To obtain medical cannabis, a person must have one of the qualifying conditions, obtain a prescription from a licensed physician, and apply for a card issued by the Department of Health. The medications will be sold in the form of capsules, oil, or Green Dragon (an alcoholic beverage containing infused cannabis) that can be vaporized or used with inhalers. The state does not permit smoking medical cannabis.

The names of doctors authorized to write prescriptions are currently held by the government. The Department of Health will soon post online a list of practitioners who wish to be publicly identified.

The government’s cautious approach aims to address concerns about the risk of cannabis being diverted for recreational use. «Our program ensures the availability of cannabis-based pharmaceutical products for certified patients and establishes strict controls to protect public health and safety,» Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said yesterday.

Many frustrations

Many patients and advocates for medical cannabis have expressed frustration not only with the 18-month implementation delay but also with the restrictions on the number of dispensaries and the eligibility requirements for the program. The Drug Policy Alliance, an organization that advocates for ending the war on drugs, is also concerned that some patients will have to wait even longer to receive their treatment due to delays in opening the first 20 dispensaries.

«Even with 20 dispensaries, there will be problems with patient access,» says Julie Netherland, deputy director of the Drug Policy Alliance. «I know that all states have a ramp-up period. But for us, this highlights the program’s problems. The biggest question is whether patients will actually have access to their treatment. The program cannot be considered operational without that.».

The New York State Department of Health has asked five carefully selected companies to manufacture and supply the medications, as well as to provide a delivery solution for patients who are unable to visit clinics.

Four clinics are planned for New York City, plus four more in the surrounding area. The remaining 12 are spread throughout the state.