New York State expands its medical cannabis program

It's official: New York State plans to make changes to its program medical cannabis, based on a press release from the Ministry of Health. He explains that a new regulation aimed at improving the therapeutic cannabis will take effect for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

New Measures for Doctors and Patients

Until now, New York State's medical cannabis program was one of the most restrictive in the country. The only products available were tinctures, vaporizers with cannabis e-liquid, and cannabis oil. After recently approving medical cannabis for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, The newly announced regulations include more medical conditions for which the medical use of cannabis is authorized, including chronic pain. Among the medications, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, patches, lozenges, as well as cannabis-based lotions and creams will also be available.  However, there is still no access to dried flowers or edibles.

Kate Bell, legal counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project from Washington, D.C., said: «We are very grateful to the Department of Health for listening to patients» needs and working to expand the medical cannabis program. “Every patient needs different products, and we are delighted that these new rules allow for a wider selection of cannabis-based products.”

In addition, New York State also plans to establish a mandatory training program for doctors and nurses. Furthermore, the state also plans to allow potential patients to access medical cannabis without a doctor’s approval.

These new regulations will take effect next month. To date, more than 26,500 patients are authorized to use medical cannabis in New York State, and 19 medical cannabis dispensaries are open.

Mehdi Bautier