New York’s Department of Health is close to easing regulations for companies to make new products; and patients, their caretakers and providers to learn about medical marijuana.
But medical marijuana advocates say the DOH should prune more of the rules that have grown marijuana prices and stunted patient use since New York legalized the drug in 2014.
DOH officials countered that they’ll continue to make the medical cannabis program more accessible and affordable.
STATE BY STATE: New York Cannabis News
But the federal government’s marijuana prohibition, which prevents insurance coverage, makes the drug pricey.
“When a federal policy recognizes the benefits of medical marijuana and permits insurance companies to cover it ... that will decrease prices,” said Joshua Vinciguerra, director of the DOH’S Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
The current proposed regulations, he added, “continue to streamline the cost of business, give patients greater access to more products, and hopefully reduce costs over time.”
Since the public comment period ended last Friday for the DOH’s proposals, the department has begun taking as long as it needs to study the feedback.
