The Cannabis Control Board advanced rules for public comment on October 21, 2021, allowing qualified medicinal patients to grow cannabis at home. The rules are in line with the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which allows more patients to obtain medicinal marijuana. The proposed rules will be published in the New York State Register for 60 days. Until the laws are finalised, certified patients and approved caregivers cannot legally produce medicinal cannabis at home. Please keep checking this page for updates. Read the proposed rules here. Know about https://express-marijuana.com/category/states/new-york/
Contact us at regulations@ocm.ny.gov or mail us at New York State Office of Cannabis Management PO Box 2071 Albany, NY 12220.
The following programme improvements went into effect on October 5, 2021:
Adding entire flower cannabis for vaporisation as a medicinal cannabis permitted form. Currently, registered organisation distributing facilities do not stock whole flower cannabis. The Department is reviewing and approving brands for registered organisations who requested this new form. Patients will be able to purchase whole floral items after final product approval. Please contact the registered organisation distributing facility to inquire about availability of entire flower items.
Patient and caregiver registration fees were temporarily waived and are now permanent.
Registration currently allows registered organisations to provide up to a sixty (60) day supply of medicinal marijuana to a registered patient.
Those licenced, registered, or qualified by New York State to prescribe banned medications to people, including as dentists, podiatrists, and midwives, may now certify patients for medicinal marijuana usage. Before approving patients for medicinal cannabis, practitioners must take a two-hour course and register with the Department.
For more information on the MRTA and adult-use cannabis, visit www.cannabis.ny.gov.
Please check back often for changes to the Medical Cannabis Program.
Advice for Medical Marijuana Patients on Vaping
Vaping-associated significant pulmonary (lung) disorders have been recorded around the country, according to the NYS Department of Health. There have been no reports of adverse events linked with licenced products in the NYS Medical Marijuana Program since the outbreak investigation started. The Department approves medical marijuana products that are extensively tested for toxins, pesticides, and cannabinoids including THC and CBD (CBD). While the inquiry is ongoing, we urge patients in the medical marijuana programme to talk to their doctors about alternatives to vaping.
Click here for additional facts about vaping-related ailments.
Medicaid Clarifies Coverage for Medical Marijuana Office Visits with Medicaid Participating Providers:
Medicaid does not cover medical marijuana products. Medicaid reimburses practitioner office visits related to patient assessment and certification for medicinal marijuana. Practitioners that accept Medicaid cannot charge members for medicinal marijuana certification granted during or after the first appointment. Medicaid patients who utilise out-of-network or non-Medicaid physicians for examination and certification may still be charged a price. Prior to their visit, individuals should confirm that their evaluating and certifying practitioner accepts Medicaid.
The following website provides further information on this covered benefit: Medical Marijuana Clarification
DFS Guidance to Health Insurers Regarding Coverage for Medical Marijuana Office Visits
The New York State Department of Financial Services has published guidelines to health insurers regarding medicinal marijuana office visits. The DFS guidelines may be found at https://www.dfs.ny.gov/reports and publications/press releases/pr1704121.
Updates to the Medical Marijuana Program
21 October 2021: Cannabis Control Board Approves Medical Cannabis Regulations
1st Cannabis Control Board Meeting, October 5, 2021: Expanding Medical Cannabis Program.
September 22, 2020 – The New York State Department of Health releases guidelines for doing research using licenced medicinal marijuana products manufactured in New York.
May 3, 2019: Request for Interest in Testing Medical Marijuana Products in NYS (PDF)
November 14, 2018: Compassionate Care Act Two-year Report 2016-2018 (PDF)
Opioid Replacement is Now a Qualifying Condition for Medical Marijuana in New York State
18 June 2018 - New York State Department of Health Adds Opioid Use to Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions
New Medical Marijuana Regulations Announced by NYSDOH
10.08.17 New Regulations for Patients, Practitioners, and Registered Organizations in the NYS Medical Marijuana Program
New York State Department of Health Adds Five New Registered Medical Marijuana Organizations
New York State Department of Health Announces Medical Marijuana Program Improvements
May 5, 2017 - New York State Department of Health Expands Medical Marijuana Program to Chronic Pain Patients
November 29, 2016 - Solicitation of Interest for Laboratories to Test Medical Marijuana Products in NYS
NYSDOH Expands Medical Marijuana Program
