Browsing New York

Introduced in July 2014, New York’s medical marijuana program has been a work in progress from the get-go. The state recently announced an expansion to its program that is beginning to open the door to improved patient access. These changes included adding chronic pain and PTSD to its list of qualifying medical conditions. Chronic pain, on its own, is already responsible for more than 7,500 new patients joining New York’s MMJ program. This is a step forward for the state that was once criticized for its strict rules. Similarly so, New York recently took steps to end …

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo marked this past Veteran’s Day by signing a measure that expanded the state’s medical cannabis qualifying conditions to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The legislation was sponsored by Senator Diane Savino, a proponent of the inclusion since the program’s infancy. The bill received near unanimous support in the Assembly with a 131-8 vote, and with a Senate approval of 50-13. Its passing expands coverage to an estimated 19,000 New Yorkers. In doing so, it is expected to bring needed relief to a series of New York residents, including its veteran population. Additionally, it could bring …

Patients suffering from chronic pain will soon be eligible to participate in New York’s medical marijuana program state officials announced Thursday. “After conducting a thorough review of the scientific literature, it became clear that there may be certain benefits in the use of medical marijuana by patients suffering from chronic pain,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard A. Zucker said in a statement announcing the change. “Medical marijuana is already helping thousands of patients across New York State, and adding chronic pain as a qualifying condition will help more patients and further strengthen the program.” – …

Sponsored by the CWCBExpo The East Coast is the next frontier in the development and growth of the medical and legalized cannabis industry. The Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo), held June 15-17 at the Javits Center in New York, is an event designed to promote entrepreneurial, educational and expansion opportunities. “CWCBExpo will help healthcare professionals and business owners navigate these new waters.” All under one roof, in the financial and media capital of the world, attendees will gain unprecedented knowledge, essential tools and establish solid business contacts to grow their existing business …

Less Stress Ahead for N.Y.C. Residents New York’s Mayor, Bill de Blasio, and NYPD Chief Bill Bratton are attempting to reduce the amount of misdemeanor marijuana convictions in their city with a change to marijuana law. The new law will protect individuals caught with less than 25 grams in New York City. Starting November 19 New York police officers will begin to follow this new policy when handling low-level marijuana violators. This new change in policy does not affect the current state marijuana laws. It will only change the way police officers approach people with small amounts of marijuana. Officers …

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York Senate passed a bill this week legalizing the use of medical marijuana for New Yorkers with debilitating illnesses. However, the agreement comes with a catch – or a few – so to speak. 18 Months To Get The Job Done Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign the bill, and once he does it will immediately kickstart an 18 month growth process for a seven year medical cannabis pilot program. In those 18 months, the State Health Department is expected to name the entities needed to regulate NY’s medical marijuana, establish five state-sanctioned businesses …

ALBANY, NY — Just over a month after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced plans to implement a limited medical marijuana program, a recent poll from Quinnipiac University reveals that such legislation would be welcomed by New York residents. “Medical marijuana is a no-brainer for New York State voters, and they also would follow Colorado in legalizing marijuana for fun.” – Maurice Carrol According to the poll results, an overwhelming majority (88%) of New York voters would support medical marijuana legislation in the …

ALBANY, NY — A surprising turn of events came Saturday evening as an announcement surfaced detailing plans put a medical marijuana program in place in the State of New York. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (D) plans to issue an executive action this week that will provide seriously ill patients with access to medical cannabis. The move comes less than a week after legal retail sales of cannabis began in Colorado and seems to keep momentum moving in favor of a new approach to cannabis policy. However, it should be …

NEW YORK — Despite casting a vote against medical marijuana in 2012, New York Assemblyman Steve Katz (R) could invest as much as $10 million in the cannabis industry over the next few years. He joined The Arcview investor network, which funds start-up businesses in the cannabis sector, earlier this month. After being found in possession of cannabis in May, Katz received criticism for his 2012 decision to vote against medical marijuana in New York. He was labeled a hypocrite, …

Thompson Would Offer Noncriminal Fines For Minor Possession Ken Thompson – the Democratic candidate for Brooklyn, NY District Attorney – told The Wall Street Journal he would order prosecutors to drop nearly all criminal charges involving 15 grams of cannabis or less if elected in November. He plans to offer noncriminal fines instead. Thompson believes the Brooklyn’s criminal justice resources would be better served prosecuting more serious crimes. “These arrests are clogging the criminal-justice system,” he explained. “I’m going to treat possession of small amounts of marijuana as violations, the way …