New York Legalizes Medical Cannabis … With Some Strings Attached

Back in January of this year, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, made headlines for the proposed plan to allow cannabis for medicinal purposes without actually legalizing the substance. At the time, he and the Commissioner of Health announced they’d be utilizing a bill already on the law books to allow hospitals to provide medical cannabis for qualifying patients. This was to be done for research purposes, to evaluate the medical effects and benefits of the herb on individual patients. However shortly after making this announcement, Gov. Cuomo came under fire from state legislators stating that a new legislation would better benefit the people of New York.  

Fast forward six months later and here we are. New York has finally legalized the use of medicinal cannabis, but it isn’t the typical vision one would imagine. NY State has passed a medical cannabis law with some peculiar legislative language. Under the newly passed law, qualifying patients are not permitted to smoke dry flowers, but may vaporize the dried herb and concentrates, as well as ingest in oil or pill form. The prescribing doctor will determine the best method and dosage for the patient. New York has gone on record stating that they want to have “the best medical cannabis legislation in the country.” This is where the battle between vaporizing vs. smoking ensues. 

The health differences distinguished between the two simply being: through vaporization, the dried flower is only heated enough to effectively burn only the chemical compounds required for medical relief. Whereas, smoking the flower is subject to decarboxylation through combustion. The plant matter and chlorophyll and other impurities enter the body through the smoke causing tar build up— however still safer than tobacco. The biggest criticism to the newly passed bill seems to be the 18 month waiting game in effect, particularly for patients who may not have that long to wait. 

With so many sick people at the end of their lifespan, its seems inhumane and unjust to make an ill person wait 18 months to legally use a medicine which will improve their quality of life. With all the concerns regarding this newly implemented bill, Dr. Howard Grossman—chairman of New York Physicians for Compassionate Care—stated that despite the law in New York prohibiting patients from smoking the dried flowers of the plant; it’s still likely to be more effective than the program implemented in New Jersey under the leadership of Governor Chris Christie. “New Jersey severely limits [medical cannabis use],” Grossman said.” 

Either way, it’s seemingly apparent that both states have flawed legislations surrounding cannabis use. Let’s see how things pan out for New York’s Medical cannabis patients as the issue unfolds.