{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/new-york/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3756-markdown","title":"New York's Best Weed Map-Where to Find Your Legal Marijuana","slug":"new-yorks-best-weed-map-where-to-find-your-legal-marijuana","content":"New York has taken a significant step in letting its citizens smoke weed for both medical and recreational purposes. On Sept. 21, 2021, [the state signed a bill into law that legalizes marijuana for adults 21 and older](https://www.nytimes.com/article/new-york-marijuana-legalization-facts.html).\n\nWhile New York has allowed sales of medical marijuana since 2014, this move to legalize recreational weed sales as well could be the first sally in the state’s bid to create a $4.2 billion industry that could become one of the country’s largest weed markets.\n\nA supporter of adult-use cannabis, [Gov. Kathy Hochul](https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-york-governor-says-marijuana-legalization-will-create-thousands-of-jobs-and-touts-regulatory-appointments/) talked to the Business Council of New York State’s annual meeting, underlining the government’s support of all kinds of businesses of all sizes, including cannabis companies:\n\n“So count me in as an ally — someone who’s going to be there for you, who will fight for you to make sure that we do not lose out to any competition, whether it’s in the space of cannabis, where I believe there’s thousands and thousands of jobs and new industries, to be created that were not even focused on.” \n\nThe independent Office of Cannabis Management within the New York State Liquor Authority is responsible for regulating the recreational cannabis market as well as the existing medical marijuana and hemp programs. It will be overseen by a five-member Cannabis Control Board.\n\n![shutterstock_1015248148 (1)-min (1).jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/shutterstock_1015248148_1_min_1_d25247f36c.jpg)\n\nLegal dispensaries are available throughout New York state now.\n\n### Rules for New York Weed Use\n\nNew Yorkers can now possess up to three ounces of cannabis for recreational use or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis, such as cannabis oils. If you are 21 or older, you can smoke, ingest or consume weed products.\n\nYou can smoke them right now just about anywhere you can smoke tobacco but this may change as local municipalities take advantage of being able to opt out of allowing cannabis sales in their areas, and may enact other regulations regarding its use.\n\nAt your home in New York state you can store up to five pounds of weed, but you also must take reasonable steps to ensure that it is stored in a safe place.\n\nIf you possess more than the legally allowed limit of marijuana or sell it without a license, you can receive penalties ranging from simple violations to felonies.\n\nAt home, people will be permitted to store up to five pounds of cannabis, but they will have to take “reasonable steps” to make sure it is stored in a secure place.\n\n### Where to Buy Weed in New York\n\nState regulations allow for the creation of retail licenses, permitting licensed dispensaries to sell cannabis products (except in localities that opt out). Home delivery of recreational products will also be allowed, as will on-site consumption at dispensaries that have a license for this. The first recreational weed dispensaries should start operating sometime in 2022.\n\nProvisions have been made to allow some existing medical marijuana dispensaries to enter the more lucrative recreational weed market, covering both sides of the streets with their extended product offerings.\n\nAt the same time, the state has been loosening the rules governing sales of medical marijuana, expanding the list of conditions covered by its use.\n\n### Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in New York\n\nTo buy medical cannabis in New York you need to obtain a medical marijuana card and register with the state. One of the best ways to do this is through the online Telehealth service [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-get-your-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york-state). \n\nThrough Telehealth services you can get your New York medical marijuana card and recommendation from the privacy of your home. It’s a simple process, your HelloMD health practitioner determines if you have a qualifying condition; you register your medical information through an online application. You’ll then schedule an appointment (or see someone right away) and jump onto a live video consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. The great news is; you only pay if you’re approved. The final step is to register with New York state after which you can buy medical marijuana products from a legal, licensed medical marijuana dispensary near you.\n\n### Some of the Best New York Cannabis Dispensaries\n\nIn New York you already have a number of [choices of dispensaries](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/application/selected_applicants.htm) to buy medical marijuana. You should be able to find one near you that has a great product selection and services. Every legal New York dispensary is mandated to have a licensed pharmacist on staff, so at the very least you will get great medical advice about your cannabis purchase! Here are some of our favorites.\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-10-05 at 4.00.33 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_10_05_at_4_00_33_PM_37a4d28f8b.png)\n\n### Verilife\n[Verilife](https://www.verilife.com) is a valued HelloMD partner who has four locations in the state (Albany, Liverpool, Bronx and Onondaga counties), with a commitment to add more, especially since it intends to cater to both the recreational and medical markets. It offers innovative product lines based on evolving consumer tastes, and same-day delivery service.\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-10-05 at 4.03.52 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_10_05_at_4_03_52_PM_056247fcad.png)\n\n\n### Curaleaf\nThis national weed dispensary chain has four locations in New York: Carle Place, Newburgh, Plattsburgh and Queens. For the last decade, [Curaleaf](https://curaleaf.com/) has focused on providing patients with quality cannabis for health and wellness. As well as offering fresh cured flower, it also makes quality, lab-tested cannabis products.\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-10-05 at 4.02.07 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_10_05_at_4_02_07_PM_ff7c8c05b7.png)\n\n### FP Wellness Dispensaries\nThis New York State medical marijuana dispensary chain has locations in  Manhattan, Clifton Park, Rochester and Nassau (coming soon). [FP Wellness](https://fpwellnessny.com/) prides itself on  its “patient-focused'' approach, with all its cannabis products tested and approved by the New York State Department of Health for safety and quality.\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-10-05 at 4.02.54 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_10_05_at_4_02_54_PM_2e5edc21f2.png)\n\n### MedMen\n[MedMen](https://www.medmen.com/) offers New York dispensaries in Buffalo, Long Island, Manhattan and Syracuse. It provides an upscale shopping experience, with pharmacists on hand in a dispensary, as well as a doctor. Veterans, first responders and people in financial hardship might qualify for discounts or financial aid. \n\n### Get a Medical Card in New York\n\nTo buy medical marijuana from a New York dispensary, you need to have a [medical marijuana card](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-get-your-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york-state). Simply schedule your appointment  through [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york/) for a convenient time, pay $129 for your consultation, and talk to a qualified medical practitioner about your situation and options.\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/14b42/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/f836f/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.jpg 200w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/2244e/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.jpg 400w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/14b42/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.jpg 800w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/47498/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/0e329/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.jpg 1600w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/76b2b/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.jpg 5569w","srcWebp":"/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/58556/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/61e93/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.webp 200w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/1f5c5/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.webp 400w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/58556/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.webp 800w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/99238/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.webp 1200w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/7c22d/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.webp 1600w,\n/static/11f89e174d164e4b4af929cc02bc5ca1/d5aa8/222fcea9be4ba032a520a0c0bbfbfa9a.webp 5569w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3751-markdown","title":"Where are the New York Weed Dispensaries Located?","slug":"where-are-the-new-york-weed-dispensaries-located","content":"\nGood news! The regulatory framework for adult-use, or recreational, cannabis in New York continues to evolve and make strides forward. \n \nThat said, the sales of recreational weed in New York state still have a ways to go. New Yorkers won’t see recreational marijuana for another eighteen months to two years. In addition, neither adult users or certified medical marijuana patients may legally grow cannabis for personal use --those regulations are on the backburner, not deliverable until up to eighteen months AFTER the first adult-use retail sale. \n \n![Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 3.04.22 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_28_at_3_04_22_PM_4dc124ff05.png)\n\nColumbia Care has created [Ceed Science](https://col-care.com/ceed/) a pharmaceutical grade medical cannabis brand.\n\n### Where Can You Get Weed in New York Today?\n \nThere are 40 medical marijuana dispensaries throughout New York State, with tested cannabis products for your medical needs, waiting to serve you. \n\nIn addition, the list of [qualifying conditions for the Medical Marijuana](https://norml.org/laws/medical-laws/new-york-medical-marijuana-law/) program in New York has been expanded. Also, taxes on medical cannabis are minimal and stand at only 7%.  To qualify for the program, you must be 18+ years, or have a parent or legal guardian sign up as your caregiver.\n \nA bonus: If you see your doctor for any issue and also request a medical cannabis certification, your [private insurance may cover](https://www.dfs.ny.gov/reports_and_publications/press_releases/pr1704121) the visit. \n\nIf you do not feel comfortable talking to your GP about cannabis, or your GP does not feel comfortable offering a recommendation, you can easily see a doctor online. You may see a licensed healthcare professional from the privacy of your own home through a private Telehealth appointment with [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/). You won't even pay for the consultation unless you are approved!\n \n### Signing Up for the New York Medical Marijuana Program\n\nOnce your doctor gives you your Medical Marijuana Program Certification Form, you’ll sign up for [New York’s Medical Marijuana Registry](https://my.ny.gov/). At this time, you may also register a caregiver who can purchase cannabis on your behalf. \n\nNote: in addition to allowing as many as five caregivers per patient (up from three), New York has also expanded its definition of caregiver to include ‘Designated Caregiver Facilities,’ wherein the function of caregiver may be assigned to a facility — e.g., a hospital, mental health center, adult care center or public or private school. \n \nAfter registering, you’ll print your temporary card and be able to go to a New York state-sanctioned medical marijuana dispensary to purchase up to a 60-day supply (upped recently from 30-day supply). \n \n### Where are the New York Marijuana Dispensaries?\n\nThere are ten cannabis-dispensary operators in the state of New York, each with multiple dispensaries. As one might expect, New York County has the most dispensaries of any other county in the Empire State, with four dispensaries.\n\nHere's a comprehensive listing of dispensaries Discover [near you](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/application/selected_applicants.htm). \n \n![Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 3.03.38 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_28_at_3_03_38_PM_2244b7701e.png)\n\n\n[Columbia Care](https://col-care.com/location/manhattan/)\n\n212 East 14th Street\nNew York NY 10003\n646.453.7178\nKings County, Monroe and Suffolk locations\n \n![Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 3.02.58 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_28_at_3_02_58_PM_b009f9c90a.png)\n\n[Etain](https://etainhealth.com/locations/)\n242 East 58th Street\nNew York, NY 10022\n914.437.7898\nUlster, Onondaga, Westchester locations\n \n![Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 3.01.59 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_28_at_3_01_59_PM_b4fb26d717.png)\n\n[FP Wellness](https://fpwellnessny.com/medical-marijuana-dispensary-nyc/)\n2E 30th Street \nNew York NY 10016\n212.689.8676\nNassau, Monroe, Saratoga locations\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 3.00.42 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_28_at_3_00_42_PM_cf0fab14f8.png)\n\n[MedMen](https://medmen.com/ny/)\n433 Fifth Avenue\nNew YorkNY 10016\n646.846.5551\nOnondaga, Eerie, Nassau locations\n\nOnondaga County, in the Syracuse area, has three dispensaries. In addition to MedMen and Etain, you can visit:\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 2.59.23 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_28_at_2_59_23_PM_8eb5e52cfb.png)\n\n[Verilife](https://www.verilife.com/ny/location/liverpool)\n642 Old Liverpool Road\nLiverpool NY 13088\n888.493.6066\n(Also see Erie, Albany, Bronx County locations)\n\n\nKings County also has three dispensaries. In addition to Columbia Care, check out:\n[Be](https://bestores.com/brooklyn/)\n202 Flatbush Ave, \nBrooklyn, NY 11217\n212.257.3145\n(also see Dutchess and Richmond County locations)\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-09-28 at 9.19.45 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_28_at_9_19_45_PM_0076e30114.png)\n\n[Sunnyside Shop](https://www.sunnyside.shop/store/williamsburg-ny)\n178 North 4th Street\nBrooklyn, NY 11211\n929.299.5932\n(Also see Rockland, Oneida, Suffolk County locations\n\n### What is the Regulatory Landscape in New York for Recreational Cannabis?\n\nLongtime cannabis activist Christopher Alexander was appointed as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Assemblymember Tremaine Wright was appointed as Chair of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). Both were swiftly confirmed by the senate. \n \nNow, the four-person CCB is also officially staffed. Members include:\n\nFormer state senator and clean energy activist [Jen Metzger](https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/former-rosendale-senator-jen-metzger-appointed-cannabis-control-board)\nBuffalo-based employment attorney [Adam Perry](https://nypost.com/2021/09/08/2nd-member-named-to-ny-cannabis-board-has-weed-experience/)\nAppointed President and CEO of DASNY [Reuben R. McDaniel, III](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-appointments-office-cannabis-management-board), and \nAssistant to the President of the UFCW and immigrant champion [Jessica Garcia](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-appointments-office-cannabis-management-board)\n \nWith Governor Kathy Hochul’s creation of the CCB and the OCM, the deadline for completion of the regulatory framework for legal recreational weed in New York is set for March 1, 2022.\n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/14b42/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/f836f/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.jpg 200w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/2244e/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.jpg 400w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/14b42/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.jpg 800w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/47498/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/0e329/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/f2689/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.jpg 7952w","srcWebp":"/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/58556/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/61e93/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.webp 200w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/1f5c5/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.webp 400w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/58556/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.webp 800w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/99238/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.webp 1200w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/7c22d/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.webp 1600w,\n/static/4737d132064ae2795c4d92df6a96da68/1dd58/f4b1a6ef347586e3d02e08526290ac7a.webp 7952w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3749-markdown","title":"In the News: New York Marijuana Legalization 2021","slug":"in-the-news-new-york-marijuana-legalization-2021","content":"In January, 2018, as part of New York’s state budget, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo commissioned a Public Health Study on cannabis. The report’s focus was to examine the potential impacts of expanding the medical marijuana program into recreational marijuana in New York. Cuomo made it very clear he, himself, was NOT an advocate of cannabis, too-often touting the outdated good-old-boy ‘[gateway drug](https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2017/02/cuomo-says-he-remains-opposed-to-recreational-marijuana-109436)’\n argument against the plant. \n \nBut he could see the writing on the wall and was sweating peer-pressure from the encroachers: from the east — Massachusetts, where adult-use cannabis passed in 2016; Vermont, from the far side of the Adirondacks — an early-adopter of medical weed (2004), where\n possession and cultivation were decriminalized en route to full legalization (which would pass in 2020); and from the north, weed-loving Canada. Even New Jersey was on the fast-track to full legalization. The very thought of New Yorkers breaking the law to\n bring Jersey weed into New York must have been, well, unthinkable. \n \n### Easing Weed Restrictions in New York is Better for the Empire State\n\nThe [impact assessment](https://perma.cc/DV57-8UKK), completed seven months later, concluded that potential benefits of legal weed in the Empire State outweighed any potential negative impacts. Easing research restrictions would allow for further study of the plant’s efficacy, and of course, there was the shit-ton of potential tax revenue for the state. The report also concluded that legalizing marijuana would give New York an opportunity to address the glaring racial disparity in marijuana convictions and reduce “disproportionate criminalization and incarceration of certain racial and ethnic minority communities.” \n \nLocal jurisdictions created task forces to identify goals and challenges for full legalization. By the end of the year, NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s task force [released recommendations](http://criminaljustice.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/A-Fair-Approach-to-Marijuana.pdf)\n for legal weed in the Big Apple, the primary focus of which was safety, health, and equity.\n \n### The New York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act\n\nIn 2019, adult-use legalization in New York stalled, but lawmakers passed a bill decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana and beginning the process of expunging previous convictions for cannabis possession. Finally, in March of 2021, as he was entering the fight against sexual misconduct allegations (that would end his tenure as governor), Cuomo signed the Legislature-passed Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, legalizing cannabis in the state of New York. \n \nImmediately, New Yorkers 21+ were allowed to:\n\n- smoke cannabis anywhere tobacco smoking is\n allowed (not near schools, at the workplace, or in a car), \n- legally carry up to three ounces of cannabis\n or 24 grams of concentrate, and \n- store up to five pounds of weed at home. \n \nMRTA also set forth the automatic expungement of prior convictions for anyone possessing less than one pound or selling less than 25 grams (0.88 ounces) of cannabis, an action that will bring the cannabis expungement numbers in New York up into the 300,000 range. In addition, New York’s cannabis program includes a [social and economic equity plan](https://www.thsh.com/uploads/NYLJ-Social-Equity-The-Driver-Behind-New-Yorks-Cannabis-Program.pdf), whereby 50% of business licenses will be prioritized for applicants from socially- and economically-disadvantaged groups.\n \n### Cannabis Consumption Lounges in New York\n\nMRTA, unlike the defeated Cuomo-backed Cannabis and Taxation Act (CRTA), also allows for consumption lounges. This was great news to organizers of New York’s underground weed party scene. While the [Office of Cannabis Management](https://cannabis.ny.gov/)\n (OCM), and Cannabis Control Board (CCB), is slowly being staffed to get the rules of legalization ready by early next year, ‘speakeasy’ membership-only consumption lounges like are taking advantage of the in-between times.\nCannabis membership clubs like [The\n Bowery](https://bowerycannabisclub.com/pages/about-us),\n [Empire Cannabis Club](https://empirecannabisclubs.com/),\n The Astor Club and [SpleefNYC](https://www.spleefnyc.com/),\n have increased visibility beyond cryptic social\n media posts to take cater to weed-needs of the impatient. \n \nMeanwhile, on the medical side: Certified medical cannabis patients received immediate benefits in MRTA, including an [expanded list of qualifying conditions](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/patients/)\n and acceptable medical marijuana purchase amounts doubling from a 30-day to a 60-day supply.\n \n### Where to Buy Legal Medical Weed in New York\n\nCertified patients can purchase medicine tested for purity and potency today at New York Medical Marijuana dispensaries like: \n\n![Screen Shot 2021-09-20 at 2.46.23 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_09_20_at_2_46_23_PM_6fcb259498.png)\n\nVerilife dispensaries are found throughout New York state.\n\n- [Curaleaf](https://curaleaf.com/) \n\n- [Verilife](https://www.verilife.com/ny),\n and \n\n- [FPWellness](https://fpwellnessny.com/) \n\n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private. If you're NOT approved, the consultation is free!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/14b42/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/f836f/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.jpg 200w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/2244e/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.jpg 400w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/14b42/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.jpg 800w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/47498/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/0e329/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/c128d/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.jpg 5760w","srcWebp":"/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/58556/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/61e93/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.webp 200w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/1f5c5/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.webp 400w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/58556/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.webp 800w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/99238/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.webp 1200w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/7c22d/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.webp 1600w,\n/static/b613f2e52b8d41059ef7bd25ea96ecc0/ec000/ae5e49a176f24eecd35ac0d1a85f63a4.webp 5760w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3741-markdown","title":"What are the New York Weed Laws in 2021","slug":"what-are-the-new-york-weed-laws-in-2021","content":"### Marijuana Laws in New York State - They're Changing!\n\nWednesday, September 1st, 2021 was a good day for Adult-Use cannabis in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul followed through on her promise to expedite sales of legal marijuana in New York, and followed the protocol of nominating candidates for the top positions with the newly-established [Office of Cannabis Management](https://cannabis.ny.gov/) (OCM), and Cannabis Control Board (CCB). \n\nTremaine Wright, a former New York assemblywoman representing the 56th District, will chair the CCB. Former policy coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance Christopher Alexander will serve as executive director of the OCM. Both Black Americans, these appointments reinforce a prime goal of MRTA — to promote participation in the new industry for individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, and [create social and economic equity](https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/cannabis-management-fact-sheet-9-21-social-equity-04_0.pdf) in New York’s legal cannabis industry.\n\n### Count Down to Legal Weed in New York\n\nThough four more members will be named to the CCB, they will not need senate approval. The official countdown to legal marijuana began with the chief appointments of Wright and Alexander. The CCB now has six months to establish the necessary cannabis regulatory framework for legal weed, which will be overseen by the OCM, under the umbrella of New York’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. [Senate Bill S845A](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S854), will then enact MRTA, repealing the current medical cannabis program, and replacing it with Article 3.\n\nThese appointments were timely, indeed, because just a few hours later came the destruction and tragedies of Hurricane Ida, the devastating aftermath of which would undoubtedly have slowed the advancement of many initiatives, legal cannabis included.\n\n### Weed Warrants a Street Ticket\n\nThree years ago, the NYPD announced a policy change to make smoking cannabis on the street a ticket-able offense [(for most)](https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2018/09/01/nypd-marijuana-enforcement-relaxation-policy-takes-effect-most-marijuana-smokers-to-get-summonses#). This was an interesting move — signaling a shift in law enforcement’s perspective on cannabis — especially considering the fact that smoking was not yet an accepted method of delivery for certified (medical) patients, nor was flower available for purchase in medical dispensaries. \n\nDirectly following the March, 2021 signing by former Governor Cuomo of the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA), the NYPD made another move, [releasing a memo](https://nypost.com/2021/04/01/nypd-gives-cops-new-orders-to-let-people-smoke-weed-in-public/) giving pot smokers 21+ the same rights as tobacco smokers, with regard to where they can legally light up. \n\n### Medical Marijuana Patients in New York\n\nAs a stop-gap for certified medical patients, \n[Senate Bill A1412](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A1412?intent=support), (now in committee), which recently passed both houses, will change the wording of the medical marijuana law in New York, striking the prohibition of smoking from verbiage in the [Compassionate Care Act](https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A06357E&term=2013&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y).\n\n### Becoming a Medical Marijuana Patient in New York is Easy\n\nCurrently, in New York, adults 21+ can legally possess up to three ounces of cannabis. But how do you get it?! \n\nYou can still become a Certified Medical Marijuana patient in New York. \nTo see if you qualify, check New York's [expanded list of qualifying conditions](https://www.verilife.com/ny/patients-and-caregivers/qualifying-conditions)\n - Consult with a New York-licensed physician or nurse [in person](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/practitioner/public_list.htm) or through safe, secure telehealth with [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/). \n- Receive your New York Medical Marijuana Program Certification Form.\n[Create an online account and sign up](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/patients/) for your New York Medical Marijuana Registry ID Card. You’ll need to input info from your Certification, as well as New York residency info, and upload a valid New York State-issued ID.\n- You may register up to five caregivers in the state of New York, (a caregiver is also mandatory if the patient is under 18).\n- Print your temporary New York medical marijuana card and look for your permanent card in the mail.\n- Visit a New York [(Medical Marijuana Dispensary)](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/application/selected_applicants.htm) to purchase your legal, medical weed. Call ahead for hours, policies, and acceptable forms of payment. \n\nRemember, in New York, DO NOT use marijuana \nin a car (even parked!) while driving in subways or on buses at places of employment within 100 feet of schools or childcare centers any place where cigarette smoking is prohibited.\n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":2.4096385542168677,"src":"/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/14b42/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/f836f/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.jpg 200w,\n/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/2244e/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.jpg 400w,\n/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/14b42/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.jpg 800w,\n/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/47498/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/58556/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/61e93/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.webp 200w,\n/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/1f5c5/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.webp 400w,\n/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/58556/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.webp 800w,\n/static/a6f08c2bbb84a3e8c1fdbcc0880b7924/99238/d03f7fe6bed65b86d6394b2c108d80f3.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3738-markdown","title":"How to Get Your Legal Weed Card in the State of New York","slug":"how-to-get-your-legal-weed-card-in-the-state-of-new-york","content":"On March 31, 2021, New York’s former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the [Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA)](http://smart-ny.com/mrta-summary/), making the Empire State the fifteenth to legalize Adult-Use (AKA ‘Recreational’) cannabis. Former Governor Cuomo anticipates as much as $350 million in annual tax revenues from full legalization, in one of the largest state markets in the U.S.\n\nWhile you’re waiting the six months or more (see below) for legal weed in New York, you may also want to reconsider the current [Medical Marijuana Program](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/), especially with its expanded and liberal list of qualifying conditions:\n\n- Cancer\n- HIV/AIDS\n- ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease\n- Parkinson’s Disease\n- Multiple Sclerosis\n- Spinal Cord Injury with Spasticity\n- Epilepsy\n- Inflammatory Bowel Disease\n- Neuropathies\n- Huntington’s Disease\n- Chronic Pain\n- PTSD\n- Pain normally prescribed opioids\n- Substance Use Disorder\n- Alzheimer’s \n- Muscular Dystrophy\n- Distonia\n- Rheumatoid Arthritis\n- Autism\n- Any other condition certified by the practitioner\n\n### Getting your New York Medical Weed Card is as Easy as 1-2-3!\n\nThe process of getting your legal medical marijuana card so you can buy legal medical cannabis in the state of New York has gotten easier over time. Below we outline the steps:\n\n### Step 1: Consult with a Licensed Healthcare Provider in New York\n\nTalking to a licensed healthcare practitioner is the first step in getting approved for one of the qualifying medical marijuana conditions listed above. It's fast, private, and professional with an online service, such as [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/). You can also choose to see a healthcare practitioner [in person](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/practitioner/public_list.htm), although make sure ahead of time that the practitioner does medical marijuana recommendations. If you qualify for medical marijuana, your practitioner will give you a [Medical Marijuana Program Certification Form](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/).\n\n![shutterstock_1660490494-min (1).jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/shutterstock_1660490494_min_1_f87a4dfc0b.jpg)\n\n\n### Step 2: Register for Your Medical Marijuana ID Card\n\n[Sign up online and apply](https://cannabis.ny.gov/patients) for your Medical Marijuana Program Registry ID Card in New York. Have your Medical Marijuana Program Certification Form, proof of New York residency, and valid New York State-issued ID handy.\n\n- If the patient is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also submit a government-issued ID and a copy of the patient’s birth certificate.\n\n- You’ll be able to designate a Certified Caregiver who can buy medical marijuana on your behalf. (They will also need to register separately).\n\n- Print your temporary ID card. (Your permanent Registry ID card will arrive within a couple of weeks).\n\nIf you need [easy-to-follow instructions](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/docs/my_ny_gov_instructions.pdf), New York’s got you covered! \n\n### Step 3: Go Buy Weed at a New York Medical Marijuana Dispensary!\n\nVisit one of New York’s ‘Registered Organizations’ [(Medical Marijuana Dispensaries)](https://cannabis.ny.gov/dispensing-facilities). Check websites for hours, policies and procedures, and acceptable methods of payment. Be sure and bring your Medical Marijuana Certification Form and your Registry ID. Use best practices and keep your cannabis products sealed and in original packaging until you get home. If you’re a renter, be sure you check your lease, many places do not allow for smoking of cannabis flower inside your residence!\n\n### Adult-Use Cannabis in New York - In the News\n\nNew York Gov. [Kathy Hochul](https://www.governor.ny.gov/), who recently took over the office of Governor, has pledged to [prioritize adult-use weed in New York](https://nypost.com/2021/08/25/kathy-hochul-vows-to-launch-new-yorks-legal-marijuana-industry/), and expedite naming the Executive Director of the newly-established Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), as well as representative appointees to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), (all of whom must then be approved by the New York Senate).\n\nLots of changes will follow including, within six months of the establishment of the OC and CCB, the repeal of the current Medical Marijuana Program, with Article 3 of the new cannabis law replacing it. At this point, the New York Department of Health will step out of the picture, turning the administration of cannabis programs over to the newly-established OCM.\n\n- Some additional changes/expansions of New York’s Cannabis Program, once Article 3 is enacted:\n- Smoking Weed will be allowed for [Medical and Adult-Use!](https://cannabis.ny.gov/marihuana-regulation-and-taxation-act-mrta)\n- The smoking of medical cannabis will no longer be prohibited and whole cannabis flower will be an approved form of medical cannabis. (It’s about time.) Note: Smoking cannabis will still be prohibited in places like cars (even if parked), and near schools.\n- More Caregivers will be allowed.\n- Certified Medical Patients will be able to assign as many as five Caregivers (up from three).\n\n### Caregivers and Growing Your Own Weed in New York\n\nAddition of ‘Designated Caregiver Facilities.’\nAn interesting change with the new law states that Certified Medical Patients (or their Certified Caregiver, in the case of a minor) will be able to certify caregiver function to a facility — like a hospital, adult care, or mental health center, or public or private school. \n\nRepresentatives of the facility will then be able to assist in procuring and administering medical cannabis for the patient. In theory, this provision will provide patients with seamless access to their medical cannabis dosing, even as they transition to a temporary or permanent facility, or attend school.\n\nAcceptable Medical purchase amounts will double.\nCertified Medical Patients will be allowed to purchase a sixty (60) day supply — up from to a thirty (30) day supply, which is what is currently allowed. (These amounts are determined by the patient’s practitioner.) \n\nEventually, Certified Medical Patients and Recreational users in New York will be able to [grow their own weed](https://cannabis.ny.gov/adult-use#:~:text=New%20Yorkers%2021%20years%20and,of%2021%20in%20the%20residence). Certified Medical patients may be authorized by their Licensed Practitioner to grow fifteen (or more) plants.\n\nFor more info, [read the bill](https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A01248&term=2021&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y). \n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/14b42/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/f836f/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.jpg 200w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/2244e/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.jpg 400w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/14b42/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.jpg 800w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/47498/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.jpg 1200w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/0e329/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.jpg 1600w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/b85df/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.jpg 3500w","srcWebp":"/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/58556/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/61e93/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.webp 200w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/1f5c5/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.webp 400w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/58556/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.webp 800w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/99238/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.webp 1200w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/7c22d/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.webp 1600w,\n/static/dd60ce2d2592c62ef564a7bea549af81/b6f33/4092848521364400c03823c01bf3df66.webp 3500w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2780-markdown","title":"NY Health Dept Allows Medical Marijuana to Replace Opioids","slug":"ny-health-dept-allows-medical-marijuana-to-replace-opioids","content":"Last month, the New York Department of Health filed an emergency measure allowing patients using prescription opioids to replace them with medical marijuana. This measure, which becomes official on Aug. 1, 2018, is an attempt to recognize cannabis “as an effective treatment for pain that may also reduce the chance of opioid dependence,” according to Dr. Howard Zucker, New York state’s health commissioner in a [press release](https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2018/2018-07-12_opioid_replacement.htm). \n\n\"Adding opioid replacement as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana offers providers another treatment option, which is a critical step in combatting the deadly opioid epidemic affecting people across the state,\" Zucker went on to say.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Opioid Overdoses & the Number of Opioid Prescriptions Handed Out Hit All-Time Highs\n\nIt’s estimated that [roughly 115 people die daily from an opioid overdose](https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/health/opioid-crisis-fast-facts/index.html). In 2016, a whopping 236 million prescriptions of opioid medications were given out to patients across the country. In 2012, that number topped out at 282 million.\n\nCurrently, chronic pain—which is typically linked with opioid prescriptions, use and abuse—is one of 12 conditions that qualify folks in New York for medical marijuana. However, the addition of opioid replacement as a qualifying condition also allows individuals with severe pain as well as opioid use disorder to qualify for medical marijuana. \n\n\n### No More Waiting-Now Doctors Can Prescribe Medical Marijuana for Severe Pain\n\n“While health care professionals will still have to provide the underlying acute condition that the patient is suffering from, they now won’t have to wait for the three-month qualifying timeframe that defines chronic pain. Instead, patients will be able to use cannabis immediately when injured if their doctor prescribes it to them,” says Dr.  Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer.\n\nDr. Solomon adds, “The awareness that cannabis can help decrease pain has been shown in an observational study with HelloMD and UC Berkeley. In this study, 97% of the nearly 3,000 patients who participated were able to decrease their opioid use with the use of cannabis. If only more states were as progressive as New York is, then deaths caused by opioid use and abuse could potentially be decreased even further.”\n\nOpioid replacement joins 12 conditions that qualify people in New York for medical marijuana. These include: cancer, HIV or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury with spasticity, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, Huntington's disease, PTSD and chronic pain.\n\nAs of July 10, 2018, there are 62,256 certified patients and 1,735 registered practitioners participating in New York State’s medical marijuana program.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/14b42/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/f836f/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 200w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/2244e/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 400w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/14b42/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 800w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/47498/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/0e329/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/dbe5d/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.jpg 1633w","srcWebp":"/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/58556/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/61e93/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 200w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/1f5c5/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 400w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/58556/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 800w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/99238/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 1200w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/7c22d/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 1600w,\n/static/b95af0498a6fdb84e8e3ccd90ef8fdf0/a914d/7f5f23b9b22a8b88abc3eeb9aeb917cb.webp 1633w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2686-markdown","title":"Key NY Players Push for Cannabis Decriminalization & Legalization","slug":"key-ny-players-push-for-cannabis-decriminalization-and-legalization","content":"April 20 (aka 420) was an exceptionally fine day this year. Not because folks far and wide came together to celebrate all things cannabis—though we can agree this is a good thing. What set this day apart from past 420s was New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer’s introduction of a bill proposing the decriminalization of marijuana on the federal level.\n\nWhat’s essentially an about-face for Senate Minority Leader Schumer, who once advocated for federal drug prohibition, this key piece of legislation would remove marijuana from the [list of scheduled substances](https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml) that classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug on the same level as LSD and heroin.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nSchumer’s bill would also set up funding for women- and minority-owned marijuana businesses and allow for more research on the impact that legalized cannabis consumption will have on the general public. And similar to regulations made in the tobacco and alcohol industries, it would ensure the federal government’s authority to regulate commercial advertising of the plant.\n\nIn an interview with _Vice News_, Schumer said, “This legislation is long overdue. [Criminalizing marijuana] affects communities of color disproportionately and unfairly. And ultimately, [decriminalizing cannabis is] the right thing to do. … Let each state decide on its own, and that’s what this bill allows.”\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spi23-6Cw_k`\n\nWhen asked in the same interview why he’d changed his mind, Schumer replied, “I’ve studied the issue, and we now have some evidence—state of Washington, other states—where [legalized marijuana] has done lots of good and no harm. … Crime did not spike any place. There’s no evidence that young people are using drugs of any type more. The [gateway] issue hasn’t proven to be true, so it all makes sense. So when you get evidence, act on it.”\n\n### Gov. Cuomo Not Yet Fully on Board With Recreational Cannabis Legalization\n\nMeanwhile, at the state level, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently released details on [what his adult-use marijuana legalization study will focus on](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/regulated_marijuana/). Key steps will include analysis of:\n\n* Peer-reviewed literature on regulated marijuana\n* The state’s experience with illicit marijuana use\n* The impact of regulated cannabis in other states\n\nNo timeline has been given as to when the study will start and end. But perhaps New York gubernatorial challenger Cynthia Nixon will put the fire to Gov. Cuomo’s feet, getting the governor to push the Department of Health to complete this study with all due speed. Nixon has been vocal about making the legalization of adult-use marijuana a key pillar of her platform. \n\nRELATED: [NY PROPOSES CANNABIS AS A SOLUTION TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a7a004ef24d1300077ccb32/ny-proposes-cannabis-as-a-solution-to-the-opioid-epidemic)\n\nIf New York Public Advocate Letitia James has her way, recreational marijuana will be legalized by year’s end. She’s vowed to [work with Gov. Cuomo to achieve this goal](https://nypost.com/2018/04/17/letitia-james-supports-legalizing-marijuana-by-end-of-year/).\n\nJames told the _New York Post_: “I don’t see how you can call yourself someone progressive, a leader of the city of New York, and not come out or at least consider the prospect of legalizing marijuana given the adverse impact on communities of color.”\n\nWith 64% of all Americans now in favor of marijuana’s legalization, according to an October 2017 Gallup poll, it would make sense for Gov. Cuomo to finally come around on his opposition to cannabis. If he doesn’t, it could cost him his bid for re-election this year. \n\nPhoto credit: [Kazuend](https://unsplash.com/@kazuend)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/14b42/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg","srcSet":"/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/f836f/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 200w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/2244e/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 400w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/14b42/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 800w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/47498/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 1200w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/0e329/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 1600w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/733d7/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.jpg 3620w","srcWebp":"/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/58556/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/61e93/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 200w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/1f5c5/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 400w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/58556/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 800w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/99238/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 1200w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/7c22d/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 1600w,\n/static/68e2b4f2fbf23538d965d87f5666f013/156fb/1e9a87e18a0476a36c398ca2d0d11b00.webp 3620w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2583-markdown","title":"NY Proposes Cannabis as a Solution to the Opioid Epidemic","slug":"ny-proposes-cannabis-as-a-solution-to-the-opioid-epidemic","content":"Fast on the heels of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to study the feasibility of legalizing recreational marijuana, state lawmakers introduced legislation to the Senate and Assembly to allow the use of medical marijuana to treat “opioid use disorder.” Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell (D-Manhattan), who introduced the measure, got the bill approved by the Assembly Health Committee with a 23-1 vote last month.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n“We have an opioid crisis and people are dying, and this may be a path to keep people from dying and keep them from relapsing,” said O’Donnell to the [_New York Daily News_](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/n-y-lawmakers-fight-opioid-crisis-medical-marijuana-article-1.3784700).\n\nO’Donnell along with other supporters of the bill point to research that shows access to medical marijuana helps reduce opioid dependency, addiction and death. Medical marijuana, in fact, appears to be an “exit drug” from the opioid epidemic, which kills nearly a hundred Americans daily.\n\nSenator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island), who sponsored the medical marijuana legalization bill that went on to become law in 2014, is backing this bill with the hopes of getting it approved by June—when legislative sessions come to a close.\n\n### NY Could Be the First State to Recognize Marijuana for Opioid Use Disorder\n\nIf the bill passes the Senate and Governor Cuomo then signs the bill into law, opioid use disorder would further expand the list of New York’s qualifying conditions, which includes cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain and most recently [post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. It would also make New York the first state to recognize medical marijuana as a possible solution for opioid dependency and addiction. And it could serve as a catalyst for other states to follow suit—while flying in the face of anti-marijuana rhetoric put forward by Chris Christie, who chairs the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis.\n\nChristie continues to ignore a growing body of evidence that finds cannabis to be a safer alternative to opioids when it comes to relieving chronic pain. And he refuses to acknowledge that there might be something to the fact that [opioid-related deaths have dropped in Colorado where recreational marijuana is legal](http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2017.304059?journalCode=ajph&).\n\nMeanwhile, public opinion has likely swayed Governor Cuomo, who once called cannabis a “gateway drug [that] leads to other drugs.” He’s since reconsidered his stance and is proposing a cost, benefit and risk analysis of legalizing marijuana for adult use.\n\nTime will tell if New York will take a page out of New Jersey’s book to move “full weed ahead” with recreational marijuana. In the meantime, getting opioid use disorder approved will be a good step towards further opening up the medical marijuana program, which currently includes 43,250 certified patients.\n\nPhoto credit: [Cindy Shebley](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cindyshebley/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/14b42/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/f836f/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.jpg 200w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/2244e/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.jpg 400w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/14b42/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.jpg 800w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/47498/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/0e329/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/0fb1f/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.jpg 1862w","srcWebp":"/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/58556/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/61e93/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.webp 200w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/1f5c5/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.webp 400w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/58556/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.webp 800w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/99238/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.webp 1200w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/7c22d/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.webp 1600w,\n/static/4bb0fa00e234515b957574dd00bc076f/dc633/765615c971a4d277f1882c3bf8b878ce.webp 1862w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2523-markdown","title":"New York Allows Cannabis Topicals, Edibles & Ground Flower ","slug":"new-york-allows-cannabis-topicals-edibles-and-ground-flower","content":"Earlier this year, the [New York Health Department announced plans to improve the state’s medical marijuana program](https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2017/2017-12-08_new_medical_marijuana_regulations.htm). The new regulations, which went into effect Dec. 27, 2017, include an expanded list of approved product types that now makes certain topicals and edibles along with non-smokable ground plant material available to medical cannabis patients.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Medical Marijuana Patients Can Now Choose From a Variety of Consumption Methods\n\nNewly approved cannabis topicals include ointments and lotions. This is great news for patients who are in need of localized relief from pain—whether due to general soreness, inflammation or stiff joints. Transdermal patches—medicated adhesive patches that are placed on the skin and release small amounts of cannabis into the bloodstream over a longer period of time—are also on the approved list.\n\nMeanwhile, allowed marijuana edibles comprise chewable and effervescent tablets and lozenges. A familiar form of medicinal ingestion for many, tablets and lozenges are ideal for folks requiring longer-lasting relief stretching upwards of six to eight hours.\n\nFor the DIY patient, ground marijuana flower that’s now legal for purchase can be made into a butter or oil used to cook with at home. Previously, the list of approved forms of administration had been limited to vaporizers, capsules, oils, tinctures and sprays.\n\n### Non-Certified Folks Can Walk Into Medical Marijuana Dispensaries\n\nThe new regulations have also relaxed restrictions around allowing only certified individuals to enter a medical marijuana dispensary. Now, prospective patients and practitioners can walk into one of the 20 registered organizations (ROs) in New York to get information about the medical marijuana program and the cannabis products on offer there. Designated caregivers can also go in with patients to any RO.\n\n### Health Practitioners Can Get Certified More Easily\n\nThe New York Health Department has also made it easier for doctors and nurse practitioners to get certified—cutting the four-hour medical marijuana education course they’re required to take in half. With hope, this will translate into a larger pool of certified health practitioners who can then in turn certify qualifying patients—who now number more than 38,000—for the medical marijuana program.\n\nPhoto credit: [Frank Köhntopp](https://unsplash.com/@koehntopp)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/14b42/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/f836f/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.jpg 200w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/2244e/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.jpg 400w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/14b42/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.jpg 800w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/47498/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/0e329/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/863bf/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.jpg 3605w","srcWebp":"/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/58556/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/61e93/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.webp 200w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/1f5c5/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.webp 400w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/58556/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.webp 800w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/99238/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.webp 1200w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/7c22d/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.webp 1600w,\n/static/3521752df0ceab7fae04919f1205e97a/4a11b/fe34dd62c52b770822bfecc112ed07c3.webp 3605w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2484-markdown","title":"PTSD Now Approved for Medical Marijuana in New York","slug":"ptsd-now-approved-for-medical-marijuana-in-new-york","content":"On Veteran’s Day, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law granting sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to legal medical marijuana. PTSD now joins the other conditions eligible for medical cannabis in New York including HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain. \n\nGovernor Cuomo said, “Our veterans risked their lives in order to defend the ideals and principles that this nation was founded upon, and it is our duty to do everything we can to support them when they return home.”\n\nIt’s estimated that around 19,000 New Yorkers with PTSD could now be helped by medicinal cannabis. And that includes not only military veterans but also survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, violent crimes and others who’ve lived through a traumatic event. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Why Medical Marijuana May Help With PTSD\n\nWe have a network of cannabinoid receptors in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is hugely important as it regulates a variety of functions and overall good health. Cannabinoids are the compounds that stimulate the ECS. We produce cannabinoids naturally, but they’re also found in marijuana. \n\nStudies show that [people suffering from PTSD have more cannabinoid receptors than others, but also have low levels of cannabinoids](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55fa22d93262620006740000/new-finds-on-ptsd-and-medical-marijuana), especially the naturally occurring cannabinoid anandamide, which is responsible for promoting a state of happiness and contentment. Since marijuana not only contains cannabinoids, but also increases cannabinoid levels in the body, it seems to be an effective treatment for PTSD. Plus, it’s safer than the usually prescribed opioid drugs, which can be highly addictive.\n\nRELATED: [TOP 5 LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO HELP COMBAT PTSD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a0386ab8f636c1a54df9e1d/top-5-lifestyle-changes-to-help-combat-ptsd)\n\n### Where to Start With Cannabis for PTSD\n\nIf you’re experiencing PTSD symptoms and want to add cannabis to your daily routine, a good place to start might be an anxiety-relief tincture or any marijuana product high in cannabidiol (CBD), which is shown to help with anxiety and inflammation. You can also head over to our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) page to see what others with PTSD are using to treat their symptoms.\n\nPhoto credit: [eflon](https://www.flickr.com/people/eflon/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/14b42/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/f836f/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.jpg 200w,\n/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/2244e/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.jpg 400w,\n/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/14b42/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.jpg 800w,\n/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/d8343/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.jpg 925w","srcWebp":"/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/58556/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/61e93/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.webp 200w,\n/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/1f5c5/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.webp 400w,\n/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/58556/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.webp 800w,\n/static/89699a32e274cee0a13ceeb7a18bb05f/502a6/20607f1e8d0cbd6f5bd34c8e7538c03d.webp 925w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2282-markdown","title":"What to Expect out of New York’s Medical Marijuana Program","slug":"what-to-expect-out-of-new-yorks-medical-marijuana-program","content":"Despite the wealth of information on the [New York Department of Health’s (DOH) website](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/patients/), folks unfamiliar with the state’s medical marijuana program may still be left wondering what the actual experience of becoming medical marijuana patient is like. We spoke to one of the state’s Registered Organizations (ROs) to learn more about what people can expect during the patient onboarding process.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Learning about the Program\n\nResidents can call their local RO, even if they aren’t certified as patients yet, to get answers to questions about the medical marijuana program. “I get at least a dozen calls a day”, says Warren McReddie, PharmaCannis physician patient outreach specialist for New York. “People ask, ‘How do I go about getting a card, how do I register, how does this all work, it’s new to me?’ so I go over the process.”\n\nThis initial conversation is an opportunity for specialists like Warren to educate people about how simple the patient certification process is. “Usually I first ask if they’ve talk to their physician and how they feel about being registered,” Warren says. “Then I tell them to go on the website and view the step-by-step video.” \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI0fhJS2Ft8`\n\nWarren informs callers that a video chat with HelloMD will put the patient in touch with a certified physician who determines whether the patient has a qualifying condition. “Once they qualify,” he says, “they’ll have the process of getting through the New York Department of Health.” Patients who qualify are issued a certification number and recommendation prescription by HelloMD, kicking off the next step of visiting the DOH website to submit their certification information.\n\n“Once you complete the process, it’s about two weeks until you get a card,” adds Warren. “Then once you get a card, it allows you to come into our dispensaries and purchase the products recommended by the HelloMD doctor.”\n\nAnna Poulin, manager of physician and patient outreach with PharmaCannis, emphasizes that the RO will keep supporting patients along the way, sending email updates to remind you of where you are in the process. “When a patient finishes their phone call and their Skype with HelloMD, we send an email telling them that they’re not done and the next step is to go onto New York DOH online to put in their information,” Anna explains.\n\n“The second email is educational and talks about the dispensary experience,” she adds. “Then as it gets closer to them getting a card, we remind them to make an appointment once they get their card.”\n\n### Consultation & the First Visit to the Dispensary\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/59ef6c66e6bbba2a588008d1/embedded_images/59ef6c67e6bbba2a588008d2/image1.jpg)\n\nOnce a patient’s certified, it’s time to receive a consultation with a patient care representative—a process that’s the same whether conducted in person or over the phone, as Nelson Cuevas, PharmaCannis general manager and head pharmacist explains. \n\n“We do a full patient assessment and intake; we get their medical history. I can access their certification securely and then I review that with them and we go over dosing. At that point, I answer any questions that they may have.” \n\nPatients are encouraged to reach out if they have additional questions after their consultation ends. “We offer them the ability to call us any time with any questions,” says Nelson. “Our patient care representatives are fully trained; they answer most of the questions, and if they can’t, they’re referred back to me and I take care of it.”\n\nThis time with a patient care representative is more than about providing information; it also reassures patients who feel anxious about the unknown. “I’ve had several patients that are intimidated,” says Nelson, “but then we sit down, and we discuss the whole process with them, how safe it is, and we share some success stories which eases their anxiety.”\n\n### After You Leave the Dispensary\n\nDuring their consultation, patients are shown the different forms of administration and learn about dosing. From there, they can purchase their medication. And the support continues long after they’ve gone home and started taking their medicine.\n\n“Once they get their medication, we do follow up calls normally about three days after their initial visit just to make sure that everything is OK,” says Nelson. This is an opportunity for patients to comfortably address questions or concerns.\n\n“We do a second follow-up call about 10 days after that to see if they’re happy with their medication, if they want to come back in, if they need a consultation, and if they want to set up some type of delivery or pre-order.”\n\nPatients new to medical marijuana can rest assured that New York’s program is ready to serve them as quickly and efficiently as possible, and that ROs like PharmaCannis are there to help every step of the way.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/3d7ec/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/f836f/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.jpg 200w,\n/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/2244e/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.jpg 400w,\n/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/3d7ec/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.jpg 693w","srcWebp":"/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/81cc1/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/61e93/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.webp 200w,\n/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/1f5c5/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.webp 400w,\n/static/0ccbe7ce2eebed7e2cafe6145687f13d/81cc1/6f8db436e7b5d4d1c74517f10010e113.webp 693w","sizes":"(max-width: 693px) 100vw, 693px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2331-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Goes from Seed to Final Sale in New York","slug":"how-cannabis-goes-from-seed-to-final-sale-in-new-york","content":"Ever wonder what it takes to get cannabis from a tiny seed to the products that make their way to your local New York dispensary? We spoke to Mike Richards, [PharmaCannis](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-albany/about) wholesale manager, to find out what that journey entails as well as how patients benefit from a program that’s vertically integrated—meaning participating organizations handle the entire process of cultivating, processing and distributing the cannabis that goes to patients in New York.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### A Long Journey for Cannabis in New York\r\n\r\n“Everything starts as a seed, which is planted and cultivated the way that marijuana is usually cultivated and grown,” Mike says. In legal markets such as California, the harvested plant can then make its way to patients as dried flower. In the New York market however, this is only the first step. “We don’t have dried flower here,” he explains, “so everything goes through the extraction process.”\r\n\r\nExtraction isolates the medicinal aspects from the plant. “We do a CO2 supercritical extraction where we remove the cannabinoids,” Mike says, “and then we take that through refining processes to take out the fats, lipids—a lot of the parts of the medicine that don’t really give you medicinal benefit.” The result is pristine concentrated oil, which can then be used in various methods of ingestion.\r\n\r\n“In New York we have vaporizers, so patients are able to vaporize their medication. We have tinctures so that they can take it sublingually, and then we have capsules,” Mike adds. “[Marijuana] gets turned into any of these various forms of administration and products for patients to utilize the cannabinoids as medicine.” \r\n\r\nIt can take eight to 12 months for cannabis to go from a tiny seed to medicine on a dispensary shelf.\r\n\r\n### What’s the Deal with Vertical Integration?\r\n\r\nSome markets allow dispensaries to carry products from different suppliers, using cannabis grown by multiple cultivators and processed separately by individual manufacturers. Mike cites Illinois’ legal market as an example: “Out there, you have 60 dispensary licenses, you have 20 cultivation licenses, and there are people that are dispensing that aren’t processing or cultivating.”\r\n\r\nThe same is true for California—where products from different suppliers can populate the shelves of dispensaries statewide. Not so in New York, which requires that registered organizations (ROs) be vertically integrated.\r\n\r\n“Vertical integration is where a company or organization is able to not only cultivate and process medication,” Mike explains, “but also get it into patients’ hands through a dispensary. So everybody has a cultivation operation, everybody does processing, and everybody’s able to dispense the medication through their own means to patients.”\r\n\r\n### Keeping the Patient in Mind through the Entire Process\r\n\r\nWith a vertically integrated program, ROs are responsible for every step of the seed-to-sale process, making it easier for them to react to the needs of their patients. “The cultivators, the growers, the people that are actually making the medication are in better touch with the patients,” says Mike.\r\n\r\n“When you have somebody that’s not vertically integrated and they’re just dispensing medication, yes, they get the feedback from the patients,” he explains, “but they don’t have that backend cultivation or processing team to relay that information so that processing or cultivation methods can be geared towards the subjective feedback that patients have about the efficacy of the medication.”\r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW TO GET YOUR MEDICAL MERIJUANA CARD IN NEW YORK STATE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/how-to-get-your-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york-state)\r\n\r\nMike’s perspective is informed even further by his personal experience as a medical cannabis patient. “I got into the industry three years ago after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and if it wasn’t for cannabis I wouldn’t be managing my Crohn’s as successfully as I am nowadays,” he reveals. “It’s an important perspective to really keep the patient in mind from the cultivation end of things, and people that aren’t vertically integrated don’t really have that backend network to help support the things they are hearing from patients.”\r\n\r\nPatients also reap the benefits of competition in a vertically integrated program, gaining access to a variety of products offered by multiple ROs as opposed to encountering the same items at multiple dispensaries. “It leads to a more robust market because everybody is producing, everybody is processing,” Mike says. “There are going to be more options for patients, more diversity of products and medication for patients.”\r\n\r\nPatients can also expect to feel the impact of this competition in their wallets. “It’s actually going to lower cost for patients which, in my opinion, is a good thing.” \r\n\r\n### Taking Marijuana to the Next Level \r\n\r\nIf there’s one downside to vertical integration, it’s that ROs don’t have the ability to focus on a single aspect of the seed-to-sale process. “It removes some of the specialization that sometimes you have (with non-vertically integrated markets) because everybody is focused on doing everything,” Mike explains. “When somebody is just focused on cultivation or on processing, by having that specialization, they can do things a little bit differently because they aren’t doing so many things at once.”\r\n\r\nThat said, New York’s recent expansion of the market to bring on five additional ROs—bringing the total to 10—and launch a wholesale program in January paves the way towards a more streamlined program that serves patients by fostering cooperation between organizations. “We have the opportunity to have conversations so that we can collaborate and decide that even though we’re vertically integrated, do we all really need to be growing Blue Dream? Do we all really need to be making a one-to-one capsule?” Mike says.\r\n\r\n“I think we have a unique window to shape the New York market based on the fact that, yes, we’re all vertically integrated, but being in a more collaborative environment—that is going to really be what does the industry best and brings it to the next level.” \r\n\r\nMike is enthusiastic about the changes happening in New York and all of the programs nationwide. “We’ve learned a lot from the other states and the other medical cannabis programs,” he says. “It’s just exciting the way regulations are changing and different programs are setting different standards, whether it’s everybody being vertically integrated, or incorporating an educational component where certain organizations partner with universities. It’s really exciting where the industry is going.”\r\n\r\nMike makes one final point by challenging a longstanding stigma about the people who grow, cultivate and process medical cannabis. “We have scientists who are [working] to get this from a plant format to medicine for our patients. Sometimes people have the stereotype that guys and gals that are growing this medication are up in a field somewhere with dreadlocks listening to Bob Marley,” he explains. “Not to say we don’t have a good time doing what we do because we’re very passionate about providing medication and helping patients. But really … there are professionals doing science to get very scientifically based medication into patients’ hands.”\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [@exxteban](https://unsplash.com/@exxteban)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/14b42/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/f836f/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 200w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/2244e/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 400w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/14b42/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 800w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/47498/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/a3c2c/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.jpg 1397w","srcWebp":"/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/58556/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/61e93/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 200w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/1f5c5/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 400w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/58556/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 800w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/99238/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 1200w,\n/static/2c5334364d270004b8effd5d1adf0ec8/1defc/49239f8a871b7c122f6d90547ea3befd.webp 1397w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":4,"currentPage":2,"id":5564,"name":"New York","slug":"new-york","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}