New York authorizes medical cannabis for hospitalized patients

Earlier this month, the New York State Department of Health added new rules to its medical cannabis program. From October 5, In addition, staff working in state health care facilities are protected from incarceration or prosecution for obtaining medical cannabis for their patients.

As the text states, these «designated care facilities, and employees of designated care facilities and acting within the scope of their duties, shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalties or disciplinary actions by a professional licensing board.».

Now considered «caregivers» for patients residing in New York's many hospitals, the administration of medical cannabis will in fact depend largely on the type of facility and their regulations.

This temporary solution is primarily intended to offset the low patient base according to the Times Union. It will apply to both adult residences and mental health facilities.

The new regulations are open to public comment for 45 days before final approval. New York State's medical cannabis program does not currently allow the smoked or vaporized consumption of dried flowers, nor the ingestion of dried cannabis.’cannabis-infused foods.