New York State to Allow Doctors to Freely Recommend Medical Marijuana
As the launch of the recreational marijuana market approaches, New York State authorities have announced an expansion of the existing medical marijuana program. The new reform, which will be implemented alongside the opening of recreational dispensaries, will allow doctors in the state to freely issue recommendations for the purchase and use of medical marijuana to their patients. Physicians will be able to independently determine the appropriateness of using various types of cannabis-based medicines, without restrictions from the regional government.
“It’s encouraging to see that the state authorities have agreed to such radical changes. Notably, along with this reform, an autonomous system for certifying and registering cannabis-based medicines will be launched in the state. This system will allow medical professionals to submit data about their successes and challenges in using cannabis-based medicines,” said Tremaine Wright, head of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management. “This, together with last year’s reform legalizing home cultivation of marijuana, will significantly increase access to medical marijuana for residents and visitors of our state.”
Currently, the state’s market also provides access to products from the industrial segment, such as extracts of industrial hemp containing high concentrations of CBD. On the other hand, New York is one of the few states in the country where authorities have restricted the circulation and production of Delta-8 THC, a less psychoactive analog of regular Delta-9 THC, citing the need for further research into the substance and its effects on the human body.
“The expansion of the medical marijuana program will not affect access to medicine for those who are already long-time participants in the system,” added another representative of the regulatory office, Chris Alexander. “We will ensure that, first and foremost, access to cannabis products will be given to those suffering from the most severe and dangerous illnesses.”