Decision On New York's First Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Due Soon
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Several dozen companies across New York state will soon learn if they'll be among the first to dispense medical marijuana.
As WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported, 43 companies -- six on Long Island -- have applied to the state for licenses to dispense the drug.
Up to five licenses will be awarded as early as next month by the Health Department. Each licensee would be allowed to operate four dispensaries.
The New York law is stricter than those in other states. It does not allow the plant to be smoked or eaten, but instead dispensed in forms such as drops, capsules or vapor.
The program is slated to start in January.