New York to Allow New Medical Marijuana Products on Dec 27

New regulations for New York’s medical marijuana program will go into effect on December 27. Additional products will be available and new courses for training doctors will go into effect.

The new training for medical marijuana doctors is expected to be shorter, according to the Department of Health. The new regulations allow for topicals to be made available, including lotions, salves, balms, ointments and transdermal patches.

Solid and non-solid items are permitted. The state is also increasing product availability to include effervescent tablets, lozenges and other chewable items. All of the products must maintain a non-smokable form.

Those interested in becoming a medical marijuana patient and those wishing to become a medical marijuana practitioner can enter a dispensary to speak with dispensary agents. This is an extension of education and how the program works. Caregivers will also be able to go into dispensaries with patients.

In regards to physician training courses, the courses will be cut down to two-hour courses instead of four-hour courses.

Advertising and streamlining products may also take shape under the new regulations. Security requirements may be amended. Laboratory testing methods may also be amended.

In a press release, Dr. Howard Zucker, the Department of Health Commissioner, said, “Ensuring access to medical marijuana for eligible patients is central to the Department’s efforts to responsibly grow New York’s Medical Marijuana Program. The new regulations will benefit current and prospective patients and practitioners, as well as registered organizations, and continue to build on the progress the program has made since its launch nearly two years ago.”