New York Issues Regulations For Medical Marijuana Program
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New York Health Department has issued final regulations for a statewide medical marijuana program expected to start next year.
The 121 pages of details posted online follow the law signed last July authorizing patients with certain diseases to be able to obtain non-smokeable versions of the drug, which can be ingested or vaporized.
WEB EXTRA: Read The Regulations
Conditions include cancer, AIDS, Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, certain spinal cord injuries, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathies and Huntington's Disease.
They call for licensing five businesses or nonprofits in New York to grow and distribute the drug.
"Our goal is to ensure that New Yorkers have access to the treatment they need through a controlled, regulated process," said Dr. Howard Zucker, acting state health commissioner, said in December.
Applicants have to pay a $10,000 fee for review. Those selected would pay an additional $200,000 registration fee and meet security guidelines. The licenses would be for two years.
At an October expo for potential patients, policymakers and people interested in working in the new industry, state Sen. Diane Savino, D-Staten Island said the legalization of medical marijuana will give the state with a financial boost.
"Medical marijuana could provide hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue into the state of New York," she said.
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