Among the 23 states that have already legalized marijuana, New York is reportedly slated to take part this 2016 in the use of this medicinal pot. However, the implementation of its use still remains uncertain.
According to New York Daily News, state health officials are eager to start the program this January but due to the requirements needed for the prescription of this controversial medicine, the implementation is hard to reify. Additionally, there is still no definite indication as to how many locations and doctors allowed in prescribing marijuana.
Known as the Compassionate Care Act, the law allows medicinal pot to be used to treat 10 serious illnesses including cancer, HIV and AIDS, Lou Gehrig's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, epilepsy, some spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. However, the health commissioner and superintendent of state police are still verifying if this program will not threaten public health and safety or will serve its intended purpose.
Moreover, a representative from the Drug Policy Alliance states their concern with regards to patient access. As the amendment set for cannabis use, only patients with prescriptions are allowed to avail the medicinal pot and they can only get it from certain medical marijuana dispensaries available and from certified doctors. Patients will also have to apply online to receive the registry identification card necessary to avail the medicinal pot.
On the other hand, doctors also need certifications to legally prescribe marijuana. Reportedly, medical practitioners are required to complete a $249 four-hour course online and register with the New York State Department of Health.
As it is, the implementation of marijuana legalization consists of proper certifications from both patients and doctors or buyers and sellers. Currently, four medical offices are now registered to prescribe medical marijuana, and are located in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, according to International Business Times. Companies are also working on the launch of marijuana dispensaries this January but still can't provide the exact dates.
While the medical marijuana program still has some gray areas, it already off to a slow start and as scheduled, it has begun this month of January 2016.
