New York increases eligibility for medical marijuana and establishes a new cannabis certification and registration system. The program now allows patients to obtain medicinal marijuana certification from a practitioner for any disease they deem appropriate.
Not only will more patients be able to receive marijuana prescriptions, but so will more practitioners, including dentists, podiatrists, and midwives. “I believe it is fantastic that the government has relinquished control of this material and given it to practitioners who are educated to dispense any drug and cure any condition,” said local physician James Saperstone.
Vireo Health, a medical cannabis store, commented, “Yesterday’s decision to allow doctors to recommend medicinal marijuana to patients for any illness they deem appropriate is a common sense expansion of the programme that will help it reach countless additional patients.”
Historically, medical marijuana was largely prescribed to treat epilepsy and cancer. Additionally, Dr. Saperstone stated that it can be utilized to alleviate anxiety. “Anxiety is inextricably linked to physical and mental health. As a result, I believe it is acceptable. I’m sure there are further situations for which it could be employed,” Dr. Saperstone added. “A number of chronic conditions exist. I am aware that it was once somewhat draconian. It was first restricted to serious conditions, but they’ve since expanded it.”
Additionally, New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) said that it would waive patient registration costs, permit the sale of whole flower cannabis products, and increase the supply of medicinal marijuana from 30 to 60 days. Additionally, the office stated that it would streamline the clearance process for hospitals, residential facilities, and schools to store and administer patient items.
According to state officials, OCM will give credentials to patients certified through this new program. Those previously issued by the State Department of Health remain valid until they expire.