{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/new-york/3","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2260-markdown","title":"New Yorkers Rejoice - Medical Marijuana Now Delivered to Your Door","slug":"new-yorkers-rejoice-medical-marijuana-now-delivered-to-your-door","content":"New York City is a town that’s always embraced delivery. Neighborhood markets and local pizza joints were bringing goods to customers’ front doors well before the smartphone was invented. These days, New Yorkers can have anything from razors to fresh ingredients for dinner delivered within a few minutes or days of placing an order.\n\nAnd so, it should probably come as no surprise that qualified patients in New York will now be able to count medical marijuana as yet another item they can have delivered right to their door.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Delivery Service\n\n**Delivery serves patients who aren’t geographically close to a dispensary.**\n\nNew York is home to a population of 20 million people, but there are only 20 dispensaries in the entire state. As [Jeremy Unruh, General Counsel at PharmaCannis](https://www.hellomd.com/people/jeremyu) explains, “Even when they double that number of dispensaries, that’s only 40 dispensaries for 20 million people, so delivery is a large piece of the puzzle for patients.” \n\nRELATED: [HOW TO GET YOUR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD IN NEW YORK STATE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59683dbc1ebad11ae965b491/how-to-get-your-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york-state)\n\nProviders like PharmaCannis, whose dispensaries are located in Amherst, Liverpool, Albany and the Bronx, want to be able to serve patients no matter where they live, and this is now possible with delivery.  “We’ve done a soft rollout of our delivery system in the Bronx,” Jeremy continues, “and we’re looking forward to rolling that out to our other dispensaries in a matter of weeks.”\n\n**Delivery offers convenience to patients unable to visit a dispensary.**\n\nIf the emergence of on-demand delivery tells us one thing, it’s that people want convenience. For patients balancing family life with a 40-hour work week or others who are too sick to drive or navigate public transportation, getting to a dispensary can be challenging. By offering a delivery service, dispensaries like PharmaCannis can more easily accommodate patients’ particular circumstances. \n\n“It’s very much an on-demand delivery service,” Jeremy says, “meaning you call and talk to one of our pharmacists, schedule your delivery, then we send it out and a courier brings it to wherever you want the delivery to go.” \n\nNow patients can enjoy the ease of having their medicine delivered to them during times and to a location that suits them. That said, the convenience goes beyond just delivery—patients can also choose how to pay. “We love the cashless transactions,” says Jeremy. “But a patient can manage payment for that transaction when she or he contacts the dispensary to arrange the delivery.” \n\n### PharmaCannis’ Delivery Service Coming Soon\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/59b9aee6c0563f001224f6a6/embedded_images/59b9aee8c0563f001224f6a7/pharmacannis.jpg)\nTinctures are one of the products that may be delivered from a licensed NY dispensary. \n\nIn the coming weeks, patients will have a much easier time getting their medicine, thanks to more options for delivery. No doubt this benefit will likely help expand New York’s medical marijuana program as news travels about the added convenience. Pilot programs like the one launched by PharmaCannis in the Bronx are opportunities to tighten the delivery process in preparation for serving greater numbers of people in various locations. \n\n“Our goal is to expand the delivery schedule profile so that it’s functionally on-demand,” Jeremy explains. “But it’s going to take a little bit of time to get there.” \n\nWhile patients shouldn’t initially expect their medicine to be delivered in the same amount of time it takes to request an Uber, plans are for the program to adapt and scale quickly. “We need a day or two heads’ up for delivery at this juncture,” says Jeremy. “But that will evolve over time.”\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIEAwX/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAf/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABbTnObeQiP//EABkQAAMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhEhIv/aAAgBAQABBQJdLZpN4XTPTP/EABcRAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACESH/2gAIAQMBAT8BxUX/xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARH/2gAIAQIBAT8BbX//xAAYEAACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAExQf/aAAgBAQAGPwKjVL//xAAeEAEAAgIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMYFBYZHR8P/aAAgBAQABPyFC09RLG+DAdXzMm38RhSOe8rQVzP/aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQKC//xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVFh/9oACAEDAQE/EHSMD//EABcRAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAMVH/2gAIAQIBAT8QFMjvf//EABwQAQADAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESFBYVGhsf/aAAgBAQABPxAO7CU1SONlzknPZ7gruu+7CSqBmvb7DBBRHwVqZ0aZWp//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/14b42/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/f836f/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 200w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/2244e/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 400w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/14b42/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 800w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/47498/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/54ac5/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/58556/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/61e93/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 200w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/1f5c5/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 400w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/58556/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 800w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/99238/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 1200w,\n/static/a29d9ad9195da68be6e40cc334f58563/5e0b8/9981d66ac5d185427c6e59731ef2df79.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2254-markdown","title":"Putting Patients First: Q&A with PharmaCannis’s Jeff Starr","slug":"putting-patients-first-qanda-with-pharmacanniss-jeff-starr","content":"Jeff Starr has been aPharmaCannis patient care representative since the company opened its Bronx location in 2016. He’s a self-professed people person who tested his mettle working for a retail pharmacy as a technician and eventually a wellness consultant, making outreach and education an ongoing focus in his work with patients. A proud military veteran with a background working with disabled adults and at-risk youth, Jeff’s deeply personal family history with medical cannabis serves as daily inspiration in his work. We spoke to Jeff to learn more about his experience transitioning from the traditional retail pharmacy environment to medical cannabis.\n\n### Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.\n\nA: I’ve always enjoyed helping people: That’s what led me to health and human services. I started out working with developmentally disabled adults and high-risk youth before becoming a certified nursing assistant. Eventually I decided it would be great to work for a pharmacy, so I worked for Rite Aid for five years first as a cashier, then as a full-time technician. Then I was promoted to wellness ambassador.\n\nAs wellness ambassador, I was responsible for flu shots and different community outreach programs, making sure that we were visible within the community. A lot of people still recognize me from those days.\n\nIn the interim, my mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2002, and she developed cachexia, the wasting disease. I asked her doctor what we could do to help with the nausea and appetite loss, and he whispered in my ear, “Get your mom some pot.”\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/59a7368cad8203003bcab54a/embedded_images/59a7368ead8203003bcab54b/Screen_Shot_2017-08-30_at_2.48.34_PM.png)\nPatient Care Representative Jeff Starr helps educates folks coming to PharmaCannis.\n\nThis was before medical cannabis had come to the East Coast. It didn’t take my siblings and me two minutes to think about it. We said, “You know what, let’s give it a shot because that’s our mom.” It gave her a couple of years to be with her grandchildren, and that’s all that matters.\n\nWhile working for Rite Aid, I met PharmaCannis General Manager and Head Pharmacist Nelson Cuevas. I worked for him for two years as a tech. We stayed in touch after he left, and last year the opportunity with PharmaCannis presented itself. \n\n### Q: Were you working in medical cannabis prior to PharmaCannis?\n\nA: No, this is my first time.\n\n### Q: What does it mean to be a patient care representative? \n\nA: Individuals come into this therapy from many different perspectives. You have those who have never thought of cannabis as anything; they never thought about using it recreationally or as a medicinal therapy. And then you have people with a lot of experience with cannabis. As a patient care representative, I bridge that gap. \n\nI’m a liaison for individuals learning about cannabis and for individuals who are fully versed. I talk to people about their perspectives, then I get the chance to share what I know with them—to show and educate patients specifically about what cannabis is, which strain and ratio might work for them, because those are determining factors for what our pharmacist would recommend to them.\n\n### Q: What are the biggest differences and challenges you’ve experienced between your work in conventional healthcare and your work in cannabis so far?\n\nA: The biggest difference is accessibility. In a pharmacy, anybody can walk up to you at any time, which is a good thing and a bad thing. When I worked at Rite Aid, the opioid epidemic had already started. We saw patients who were normal people when they first got their prescription for a car accident or a simple fall, and those opioids changed so many people in front of our eyes. It was very uncomfortable being there. \n\nWith PharmaCannis, patients have done their homework, gone to their doctor, sought out the certification, talked to or gone online to the Department of Health, and then paid their $50. These patients aren’t coming in to waste your time or get something for free, where I’m quite sure if we were open access, it would be a different ball game.\n\n### Q: In your opinion, how is PharmaCannis improving the cannabis experience for New Yorkers?\n\nA: Vastly. There are things that the company learned from the Illinois market before we moved into New York. It’s also the atmosphere that Nelson created; he’s very much an educational pharmacist. Taking the time to educate patients about the medicine is especially important because it’s such a new therapy.\n\nWe also don’t push patients to buy. I’m not trying to sell you something. I would rather you have the information and be equipped no matter where you go. We really do care about our patients.\n\nAnother thing we don’t do is push to try to get them to buy a lot of medicine the first time. During the first visit, we’re really trying to get the patient’s right ratio, but that may take a few tries. So instead of me charging the patient $500 to $600 and telling them to come back next week or month and we’ll try something else, I’ll recommend they try a seven- to 10-day supply of that medicine and see how the body reacts to it. If all goes well, and it’s the right ratio, great. But if not, the patient hasn’t invested hundreds of dollars.\n\nRemember, medical cannabis isn’t covered by insurance; patients pay out of pocket. The Bronx isn’t the most socioeconomically strong borough in New York City. We have people on fixed incomes, people for whom spending $150 is a lot.\n\n### Q: As a patient care representative, what do you think it will take to ensure more participation from patients and healthcare providers? \n\nA: The slow start has to do with education. There was no big ad campaign; it was part of New York’s criteria not to allow dispensaries or registered organizations to do heavy advertising. But the word gets out to people. It’s one thing for a person to hear it on CNN or read it in the newspapers, but when the lady next door or your sister- or brother-in-law says they’re trying medical cannabis and it works, the word of mouth is really good as well.\n\nI think the focus should be on more patients. Yes, the physicians are very important, but it’s going to the patients. This is a business of relationships—people have to trust you in order to come to you so that they can feel better.\n\n### Q: What’s the most common misconception doctors—and patients—have about cannabis?\n\nA: Because of the “War on Drugs,” we’ve been fed that cannabis is bad, and once it’s bad, it’s always bad. If we look at cannabis historically, before prohibition, it was part of the pharmacology all over the world and was used for many things. \n\n### Q: Can you share a success story or anecdote of treating a patient with medical cannabis?\n\nA: I had a patient with multiple sclerosis; her husband rolled her into our office in a wheelchair. He told us specifically that he wasn’t sure that he was happy with this opportunity because they’re Latino. They’d been served the stigma for many years while growing up in New York, and they’ve seen what real drugs like heroin, cocaine and crack do to people. So because this family lumped all drugs together, they thought that cannabis was bad like heroin. \n\nAfter two months of his wife receiving the treatment, when he comes in and gladly pays her bill, he shakes our hands and says,  “Thank you for giving my wife her life back.” That touched my heart. I wasn’t able to articulate that with my mom because it was still a secret—I couldn’t tell anyone that my mom used cannabis to get better, but now I can.\n\nAcross the board—with multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV, chronic pain—all of these patients have said that they’re better off with the medicine we offer them as opposed to the medicine that they’re taking from Big Pharma.\n\n### Q: What are you passionate about?\n\nA: At heart, I’m an artist and am passionate about the arts. I love Shakespeare, plays, music, paintings, museums.\n\nI’m most passionate about human beings, my fellow man, the people who have touched my life, and the people whose lives I’ve touched. It’s not about cannabis, it’s about people. At the end of the day, if I can help one person, that’s great.\n\n### Q: Finally, where should people go if they want to learn more about accessing cannabis in New York?\n\nA: Come to PharmaCannis, reach out to our dispensary by phone, and we take emails. We’re willing to hold your hand and help you through process. The [New York State Department of Health website](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/) is also very good. And I’ve heard good things about the care that patients get from the doctors and physicians through HelloMD. \n\nCannabis works. If the government changes the scheduling and we were able to have colleges and universities study this medicine more in depth, without being worried about being shutdown by the Feds, we would be in a better place as far as helping people. \n\nHave questions about the New York State medical marijuana program? Check out our expert answers on who and what the NY MMJ program covers.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/14b42/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/f836f/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 200w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/2244e/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 400w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/14b42/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 800w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/47498/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/54ac5/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/58556/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/61e93/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 200w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/1f5c5/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 400w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/58556/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 800w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/99238/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 1200w,\n/static/e42ec452f968e22a019309dca4253b6e/5e0b8/0d3343326ad01e2c8fdaf04e1923919f.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2272-markdown","title":"Cannabis Capsules: Why They Might Be Right for You","slug":"cannabis-capsules-why-they-might-be-right-for-you","content":"Anyone who has purchased over-the-counter (OTC) medication has likely taken at least one capsule in their lifetime. After all, capsules dominate the OTC medicine aisles of most pharmacies. This common method of administration, which is available for patients in New York, involves the encapsulation of a dose of powdered or liquid medicine inside of a single or two-piece shell, which the patient can ingest orally or as a suppository.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nThe capsule reportedly dates back to the ancient Egyptians, making it one of the oldest forms of pharmaceutical dosing. A travel account from 1730 mentioned the first capsule available in Europe, attributed to Viennese pharmacist de Paul who produced capsules in order to cover up the foul taste of the turpentine he prescribed for patients with gout.\r\n\r\nIn 1834, the patent for the first gelatin capsule was granted to pharmacist Joseph Gérard Auguste Dublanc and pharmacy student François Achille Barnabé Mothès, sparking the adoption of capsules all over the world.  In 1931, Arthur Colton successfully designed a machine on behalf of Parke, Davis & Co. that was able to simultaneously manufacture and assemble hard-shell capsules, enabling mass production applying processes still used to this day.\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/599a4c1a6dfe300c0a8bac1e/embedded_images/599a4c1c6dfe300c0a8bac1f/Screen_Shot_2017-08-20_at_10.56.35_PM.png)\r\nCannabis capsules come in different shapes, sizes and colors. \r\n\r\n### The FDA’s Only Approved Cannabinoid\r\n\r\nThe one cannabinoid that can be legally marketed in the U.S. is actually available only in capsule form. The drug Marinol was approved by the FDA in 1985 as treatment for cancer patients suffering from nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. A synthetic form of THC, the cannabinoid primarily responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects, Marinol’s approval was a result of the National Cancer Institute’s testing and subsequent reporting of the drug’s effects on cancer patients for whom other anti-vomiting medication was ineffective.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [MARINOL VERSUS CANNABIS: WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE?]( https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/marinol-versus-cannabis-which-is-more-effective)\r\n\r\nMarinol has since remained on the market as a viable treatment for nausea, vomiting and cachexia (weight loss) in patients suffering from cancer or AIDS. However, its use of synthetic THC without any of the other therapeutic cannabinoids present in natural cannabis doesn’t provide complete holistic relief for all patients.\r\n\r\n### Who Benefits Most from Cannabis Capsules\r\n\r\nBecause capsules provide reliable and consistent dosing, they may be an ideal fit for those patients suffering from “chronic pain, cancer or HIV,” says [Nelson Cuevas](https://www.hellomd.com/people/nelsonc), general manager and head pharmacist at [PharmaCannis](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-bronx). \r\n\r\nA capsule is a safe way to ingest cannabis that doesn’t involve smoking or vaping. As such, it represents a feasible choice for older patients, children and people with respiratory issues. The lack of smoke and the ability of a patient to ingest a capsule anywhere, any time makes it an even more discreet option than vaping and tinctures.\r\n\r\nAnd because capsules contain no unnecessary calories or ingredients, patients reap all of the holistic benefits of the medicine without having to be concerned about added sugar and fat commonly used in cannabis edibles. They are also a great choice for patients who are new to cannabis, have never used tinctures or vaporizers before, and simply feel more comfortable using a medication form that they’re already familiar with.\r\n\r\nPatients also appreciate the precise dosing that capsules provide. As Nelson explains, “candidates that benefit from capsules or tablets are folks who already know what their exact dosing will be, whether it’s 5 mg 3 times a day or 9.5 mg 3 times a day, and they don’t have to worry about titrating up or down.”\r\n\r\nCapsules have the ability to deliver exactly what the patient needs every single time, offering consistent treatment without the need to adjust based on trial and error. “The patient knows exactly what works for them,” Nelson adds, “that’s what they take, and they don’t have to worry about titrating up or down.”\r\n\r\n### The Drawbacks of Cannabis Capsules\r\n\r\nThe slower onset of a capsule’s effects may present challenges for patients needing immediate relief for their symptoms. Because a capsule is swallowed, it takes longer for the body to absorb the medicine. “It’s similar to the tincture [in terms of activation]—it takes a little bit longer to dissolve,” says Nelson. “That is called the ‘rate-limiting step’, which is the absorption of a capsule.”\r\n\r\nPatients considering capsules will want to plan their administration accordingly since this isn’t a fast-acting solution. “Liquefying that capsule is what changes the absorption, so it’s not like they’ll be waiting for hours, but it will take15 minutes more than a tincture would,” adds Nelson.\r\n\r\nWhile exact, consistent dosing is very appealing to some, patients who appreciate the flexible dosing that tinctures and vaping provide might find capsules aren’t right for them. This is because they’re more difficult to titrate due to the slower onset of the medication. Additionally, while cannabis capsules can help with nausea and weight loss, patients seeking relief for these symptoms may have trouble swallowing and keeping down foods and liquids, potentially making this form of ingestion a poor choice for those trying to manage such ailments.\r\n\r\nThat said, the ability to layer multiple forms of cannabis medication to suit your individual needs doesn’t disappear with capsules: Patients can safely use a vape to quickly address their symptoms, while they wait for the effects of a capsule to kick in.\r\n\r\n[PharmaCannis](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/pharmacannis-bronx) offers the following high-THC capsules:\r\n>* 5 mg capsules\r\n>* 9.5 mg capsules (similar to the 20:1 THC to CBD tincture, which has 9.5 mg of THC to less than 0.5 mg of CBD)\r\n\r\nCapsules are a reliable and consistent form of administration that’s ideal for patients seeking medical marijuana that can be taken discreetly, doesn’t introduce harmful smoke or unnecessary ingredients into the body, and takes the guesswork out of dosing. As with all forms of cannabis administration, you should research your options and inform your healthcare provider if you believe capsules are the best option for your particular circumstances.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/14b42/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/f836f/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.jpg 200w,\n/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/2244e/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.jpg 400w,\n/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/14b42/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.jpg 800w,\n/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/47498/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/54ac5/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/58556/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/61e93/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.webp 200w,\n/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/1f5c5/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.webp 400w,\n/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/58556/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.webp 800w,\n/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/99238/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.webp 1200w,\n/static/7600254e88d23905aad7a7bca83de3b6/5e0b8/fd832d022af76186c204ed361ddafced.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2294-markdown","title":"The Benefits of Vaping Medical Marijuana","slug":"the-benefits-of-vaping-medical-marijuana","content":"In recent years, vaping has become a rising trend among both medical cannabis patients and people seeking an alternative to smoking in general. As one of New York’s approved methods of ingestion, vaping can provide quick-acting, discreet relief for a number of ailments. But where oral methods like tinctures and capsules have an established medical history dating back centuries, the vaporizer is a recently invented form of administration that patients may be unfamiliar with.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### A Fresh Take on an Old(ish) Concept\n\nThe original idea for the vaporizer is attributed to a “smokeless non-tobacco cigarette” patent filed by Herbert Gilbert in 1963.  The invention was intended as a safe form of smoking the uses heated, moist air or warm medication instead of burning tobacco and paper.  But despite Gilbert’s successfully receiving the patent in 1965, his invention did not come into fruition due to smoking’s enduring popularity at the time. In 2003, inspired by his own smoking habit, pharmacist and inventor Hon Lik filed a patent for the modern electronic cigarette, in effect taking over where Gilbert’s invention left off and creating a new industry in the process. \n\nVaporizers work either through the placing of plant materials or extract onto a heated surface (conducive heating), or when air heated by inhalation or a fan comes into contact with the concentrate (convection heating). These heating processes extract the cannabinoids and terpenes, warming the material just enough to turn it into vapor but not enough to combust. By contrast, smoking combusts the material, resulting in potentially harmful toxins and carcinogens that the smoker also inhales. \n\nRELATED: [5 WAYS OTHER THAN SMOKING TO CONSUME MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/596d1b982c7b4b3e1c2e81fc/5-ways-other-than-smoking-flower-to-consume-marijuana)\n\nDespite the growing popularity of vaping, patients exploring medical cannabis for the first time may only be familiar with smoking. “You do not have to smoke the cannabis,” explains [Anna Poulin]( https://www.hellomd.com/people/annapoulin), Manager of Physician and Patient Outreach with PharmaCannis. “In New York, the approved routes of administration of cannabis are vaping, oromucosal or sublingual administration or capsules for oral administration. Smoking as a method of administration of medical cannabis is expressly prohibited in New York State.”\n\n### Who Benefits Most from Vaping\n\nWhile vaping is solidifying its place in pop culture as a smoking alternative, it is still a new technology, and therefore it can be difficult for patients to know if vaping is their best method for ingesting cannabis. \n\n“The ideal candidates for vaping are folks who, if we’re focusing on chronic pain, have sharp shooting pains that they need instant relief from,” says Nelson Cuevas, General Manager and Head Pharmacist at PharmaCannis. This is because, as with smoking cannabis, patients can feel the effects very quickly. Adds Cuevas, “It’s a 90-second onset.”\n\nFor patients managing nausea or loss of appetite, vaping may be even more effective even the oldest known form of cannabis ingestion. “Vaping helps better than the tincture,” explains Cuevas. “For patients with nausea, anything that has any type of bitter taste or anything that they have to ingest…it helps them eventually, but they have to get past that first time drinking the medication.” \n\nA patient who is unable to eat may have better luck inhaling from a vaporizer, allowing the effects of the cannabis to curb his or her nausea, and even make them hungry. “The quick onset of the vape triggers your appetite,” Cuevas continues, “kind of like the munchies when you’re smoking regular flower.”\n\nVaping also appeals to patients who need something portable in order to administer their medicine when needed throughout the day, and its resulting vapor is much more discrete than telltale cannabis smoke. It’s a versatile option that patients can easily adjust to suit their needs, even down to changing the cartridge in order to experience the effects of different strains. \n\n“Tinctures and capsules aren’t yet strain specific like this,” Cuevas explains. “Indica is more for relaxing, the sativa will give folks energy to get through their day, and hybrid is a mix of both.”  Patients understand their own circumstances better than anyone; it’s important to inform your healthcare provider of your needs around taking medicine throughout the day so that the right strain is recommended.  \n\n“If patients want pain relief and they’re still working, they don’t want to have that tired feeling, they’ll tend to get the sativa,” he says. “Others resting at home, they’ll just want to relax so they’ll get the indica.” This variety allows patients to easily swap out the strain in response to their environment and circumstances, using just one tool and a few cartridges. Cuevas agrees, “It’s very individualized, picking the right formula for themselves.”\n\n### Drawbacks to Vaping\n\n“The only drawback is that the effects from vaping only lasts an hour or two,” says Cuevas, which may not be long enough for sufferers of chronic pain. But in the event that a patient needs something longer lasting, vaping may be a great companion for other types of administration whose effects last for several hours. “What we recommend is a two-pronged effect”, he explains. “They’ll have the tincture as a baseline so they’ll have significant relief throughout the day, but then they’ll have the breakthrough pain that’s normal for people with chronic pain, and that’s when they can use a vape.”\n\nAnother drawback is the newness of vaping itself, particularly with regard to the safety of vaping cannabis compared with smoking it. While the harmful of effects of smoking cigarettes is documented, and people understand that smoking anything can negatively affect the lungs, the long-term effects of smoking cannabis have not been clearly defined yet. Likewise, while there are many who claim that vaping is safer for the lungs than smoking, the jury is still out on how the lungs could be affected by vaping long term. \n\nPharmaCannis offers high-THC vape oils in 3 different formulas:\n\n>* Sativa: energy, uplift \n>* Indica: relaxation\n>* Hybrid: combination relaxation and uplift\n\nVapes have been adopted quickly into our culture and have ushered in a new way for patients to manage their symptoms, allowing them to take their medicine discretely while also customizing its effects. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/14b42/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/f836f/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.jpg 200w,\n/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/2244e/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.jpg 400w,\n/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/14b42/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.jpg 800w,\n/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/47498/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/54ac5/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/58556/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/61e93/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.webp 200w,\n/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/1f5c5/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.webp 400w,\n/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/58556/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.webp 800w,\n/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/99238/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.webp 1200w,\n/static/56630e7b941d895f39b820ad01631954/5e0b8/6b0b62bda34f7e394e27f23e54d6f9f8.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2363-markdown","title":"Cannabis Tinctures: What They Are and Why You Want Them","slug":"cannabis-tinctures-what-they-are-and-why-you-want-them","content":"When it comes to cannabis, there’s no single means of ingestion and, in cases where a specific dosage isn’t recommended by their doctor, patients can adjust dosages or layer with other forms of ingestion to suit their individual needs. But this variety can be confusing for some, particularly for those new to medical cannabis. In this article, we take a closer look at tinctures, considered the first form of cannabis to enter Western medicine.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\nSo, what’s a tincture? Defined as “a solution of a medicinal substance in an alcoholic solvent”, high-proof alcohol is used to essentially break down the plant matter and its chemicals, resulting in a liquid medicine (aka tincture) that can be taken orally. \n\n### Cannabis Tinctures Trace Back Almost 200 Years\n\nTinctures may not receive the fanfare that edibles and flowers do, but before prohibition it was the primary form of cannabis medicine. Its roots in Western medicine trace back to Irish doctor WB O’Shaughnessy, who witnessed cannabis’s use in India and subsequently wrote about hemp tincture in a report published in 1839. When O’Shaughnessy returned to England in 1842, he brought cannabis with him to educate pharmacists and doctors about its healing properties, exposing the Western world to the plant in the process.\n\nRELATED:[HOW TO GET YOUR MEDICAL CARD IN NEW YORK STATE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59683dbc1ebad11ae965b491/how-to-get-your-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york-state)\n\nSoon after, doctors were prescribing it to patients everywhere—Queen Victoria herself was reportedly prescribed cannabis for relief from the pain of menstrual cramps—and by 1850 cannabis was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia as a treatment for a range of ailments including tetanus, alcoholism, opiate addiction, rabies and much more.\n\nTinctures would gradually become less fashionable with the increasing usage of opiates and the introduction of the syringe in the late 19th century, but it was the onset of prohibition in 1937 that took cannabis tinctures out of the mainstream and away from medicine cabinets. Still, the tincture persisted as a viable option for medical cannabis patients, enduring even as new and more innovative methods of ingestion continue to emerge.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/598c7958c760c43045c3375c/embedded_images/598c7ec012f4432d21adf9da/Screen_Shot_2017-08-10_at_8.40.33_AM.png)\nTinctures are often appealing to novice users of cannabis.\n \n### Who Benefits Most from Taking a Cannabis Tincture?\n\nCertified medical cannabis patients in New York have access to multiple options for [administering their medicine](http://www.pharmacannis.com/ny/how-to-use-medical-marijuana), either by inhalation through vaporizer and inhalers, or by oral methods in the forms of capsules, oils, oromucosal sprays or tinctures. But if each of these administrations is effective, how does a certified healthcare provider know what to recommend to their patient?\n\n“Tinctures are very appealing for novice users of cannabis,” says Nelson Cuevas, general manager and pharmacist at PharmaCannis. “One of the main reasons is because we can really find out the exact dosing for the patient. We can tweak it—give a little more, a little less—to get the maximum amount of relief for the patient.”\n\nThe ability to adjust the amount of liquid is beneficial to newer patients getting used to medical cannabis. While a certified provider may provide dosage recommendations, no two patients react to cannabis in the same way. Anything from the method of consumption to the patient’s biochemistry to their mindset can impact the effect. As Nelson explains, “It’s a little easier to titrate to the exact dose when you’re using a liquid over a pill.”\n\nAnother appealing feature for patients is that tinctures are flexible enough to be taken in two different ways: sublingually, which is when you place drops of liquid under the tongue and allow it to dissolve through a process called osmosis, or by mixing it into a beverage and drinking it.\n\nOf course, the amount of time it takes for the medicine to kick in differs slightly between these two methods. “If you put it under the tongue, you’ll get a quicker onset,” Nelson explains. “You’ll start feeling the effects in about 15 to 30 minutes. When ingesting it [by mixing the medicine into a beverage], the onset will take about 30 minutes.” \n\nPatients using oral methods of ingestion should anticipate feeling the effects for several hours, and the way a cannabis tincture is administered can also influence the amount of time the patient feels its effects. “The duration of action changes when they use it sublingually,” he continues. “The duration of action is about four to five hours when they use it sublingually as opposed to ingesting it, which will last about six to eight hours.”\n\n### What Are the Advantages of Cannabis Tinctures?\n\nAside from a tincture’s flexibility and its appeal to cannabis newbies, patients also appreciate that it’s easy to accurately measure the dosage every time by simply using a dropper. It’s a discrete means of taking cannabis since there’s no telltale odor, with the added benefit of eliminating the impact on the lungs that comes with smoking.\n\nA tincture is portable enough to be carried anywhere, and while a patient can choose to ingest a tincture in a beverage, digestion isn’t required in order for the medicine to work. It’s also an ideal option for patients who may be too young, too old, or too sick to vape or swallow a capsule.\n\nBut a tincture isn’t for everyone, particularly patients dealing with nausea or appetite loss. “The drawback of it is the taste,” says Nelson. “It’s a tincture, and the oil is a natural product; there’s nothing mixed into it to make it more palatable. When you’re taking it sublingually, the taste might be a little bit bitter. With mixing it into a beverage, you can mask the taste a little better.”\n\nFor those patients who don’t find the taste off-putting, tinctures provide relief with any number of ailments. “Tinctures higher in THC can be helpful for patients with muscular and skeletal ailments,” says Nelson, “while those higher in CBD are anti-inflammatory and effective at treating neurologic pain, spasms, and chronic pain.” \n\nPharmaCannis offers multiple tinctures in varying ratios:\n\n>* 20:1 THC to CBD\n>* 2:1 THC to CBD\n>* 1:1 THC to CBD \n>* 1:4 THC to CBD\n>* 1:20 THC to CBD\n\nWhatever the condition, patients must see a registered practitioner in order to receive a recommendation, but they’re also encouraged to do research into their options. “It is recommended you discuss your preferred mode of administration with your practitioner at the time of your certification,” according to [Rachel Schepart](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/597fa7a18fd2d222e36b5292/helping-new-york-patients-in-need-qanda-with-rachel-schepart-rph), an RPh with PharmaCannis. So let your doctor know if you think a tincture might be right for you. \n\nTinctures have managed to endure cannabis’s long, complicated history and are a fixture in dispensaries everywhere. Even though tinctures don’t always get the spotlight, they’re widely used by medical cannabis patients seeking effective medicine that activates quickly, can be dosed reliably and consistently, and is long lasting. \n\nTo learn more about obtaining and using medical cannabis in New York, [check out Rachel’s answers to our community’s questions](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/597fa7a18fd2d222e36b5292/helping-new-york-patients-in-need-qanda-with-rachel-schepart-rph?_ga=2.73830928.383845224.1557162237-609595524.1553723963).\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/14b42/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/f836f/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.jpg 200w,\n/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/2244e/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.jpg 400w,\n/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/14b42/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.jpg 800w,\n/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/47498/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/54ac5/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/58556/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/61e93/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.webp 200w,\n/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/1f5c5/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.webp 400w,\n/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/58556/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.webp 800w,\n/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/99238/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.webp 1200w,\n/static/f18a20aabaafb42dd1d76ece1e9bfb9f/5e0b8/c736e5f58eb554508d2b7c91ef9bed09.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2490-markdown","title":"Helping New York Patients in Need: Q&A with Rachel Schepart, RPh","slug":"helping-new-york-patients-in-need-qanda-with-rachel-schepart-rph","content":"Backed by almost 25 years of experience, Rachel Schepart leads the way as the first New York pharmacist to join the cannabis industry. More specifically, she’s joined the PharmaCannis team as their lead pharmacist, dispensary and operations manager. Passionate about giving back to the community, Rachel sees cannabis treatments offer a more complete and holistic approach to helping patients who are suffering. We asked her a few questions to get her insights on the crossover between conventional healthcare and medical cannabis.\n\n### Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.\n\nA: I’ve been a practicing pharmacist for almost 25 years. I’ve focused my career on helping those in need. First educating HIV patients in the’ 90s, then providing assistance to hospice and cancer patients to name a few.\n\n### Q: Were you working in medical cannabis prior to PharmaCannis?\n\nA: I opened the first dispensary for PharmaCannis in New York on Jan. 1, 2016. I knew this was my calling, and I could really help patients that really needed alternative treatments. This program once again aligned with helping the most needy patients.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/597fa7a18fd2d222e36b5292/embedded_images/597fa7a38fd2d222e36b5293/Screen_Shot_2017-07-31_at_2.55.52_PM.png)\nInside a PharmaCannis dispensary\n \n### Q: How did you initially learn how to prescribe cannabis? \n\nA: When I first began with Pharmacannis, I spent many hours reading and learning from journal articles, patient testimonials—really as many things as I could find to read and research. Nonetheless, I’ve learned the most from helping patients directly and these one-on-one relationships have been a vital part of the education process.\n\n### Q: What does it mean to be a New York-based pharmacist in cannabis? \n\nA: Honestly, this has been the most rewarding role of my professional career. What it means to be a pharmacist who specializes in cannabis is really stepping out of your comfort zone and integrating what knowledge base you already have with new information and melding the two together to gain something much better than before, a more complete and holistic approach to practice.\n \n### Q: What are the biggest differences and challenges you’ve experienced between your work in conventional healthcare and your work in cannabis so far? \n\nA: Patients have been frustrated with issues around the program such as physician access and cost. I think working in the industry, we all feel frustrated when we have limitations helping someone. I’m excited that some of these barriers are diminishing. \n\n### Q: In your opinion, how is PharmaCannis improving the cannabis experience for New Yorkers? \n\nA: Pharmacannis is offering many new products, and I feel our strength is clear. We always have time for patients. You won’t feel rushed at our locations.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/597fa7a18fd2d222e36b5292/embedded_images/597fa88852dc0f1650255eec/Screen_Shot_2017-07-31_at_2.54.40_PM.png) \nInside a PharmaCannis grow facility\n\n### Q: What’s the most common misconception doctors—and patients—have about cannabis?\n\nA: I think the New York state cannabis program is different from other programs in one defining way: available routes of administration. Because we’re not licensed to sell leaf/flower or edibles, our program’s very different. Patients and practitioners should feel comfortable knowing that a more traditional model of medicine lends itself to a very controllable dosing. Patients are more comfortable taking what will feel and look like a very traditional dosage form. This really is medicine and when patients come to us unsure about what they’re taking, they feel relieved when we review their other medications and show them this is real medicine.\n\n### Q: Can you share a success story or anecdote of treating a patient with medical cannabis? \n\nA: I think one of my first patients was the most memorable. This gentleman came in to the dispensary in a wheelchair; he had many health issues. Within two weeks, he walked in with a cane. We all almost fell off our seats. This is only one story, but medical cannabis can often help those when nothing else could.\n\n### Q: What are you passionate about? \n\nA: Family is really important to me. I have four wonderful children and two grandchildren. I enjoy painting and working out at the gym.\n\n### Q: Finally, where should people go if they want to learn more about accessing cannabis in New York?\n\nA: The New York State Department of Health website provides basic information about the program. If you contact any of our four dispensary locations in New York, the Bronx, Liverpool, Amherst, and Albany. Everyone at each location is very knowledgeable and will help answer all of your questions.\n\nQ: Do I have to see a registered practitioner in NY to get approved for a medical certification?\n\nA: Yes, It is legal for a patient to get a medical consult to get certified and get a recommendation from a certified healthcare provider through a TeleMed call...[see more](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/593ef93dfb464119ac5cbb50/do-i-have-to-see-a-registered-practitioner-in-person-to-get-approved)\n\nQ: What kinds and amounts of cannabis are allowed in New York if I am approved?\n\nA: The approved cannabis products and routes of administration in New York State are (1) Liquid or oil preparations for metered oromucosal or sublingual administration or administration per tube...[see more](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/593ef21ffb46410c7f5cbb8a/what-kinds-and-amounts-of-medical-cannabis-are-allowed-in-new-york-if-i-am-approved)\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/14b42/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/f836f/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 200w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/2244e/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 400w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/14b42/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 800w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/47498/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/54ac5/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/58556/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/61e93/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 200w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/1f5c5/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 400w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/58556/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 800w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/99238/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 1200w,\n/static/22fe30bef11c68e04474116a7da6607b/5e0b8/88b36d242117a6fd72713683614b3a3c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2410-markdown","title":"How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in New York State","slug":"how-to-get-your-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york-state","content":"### Telehealth for Medical Certification in New York\r\n\r\nApplying for a medical cannabis certification in New York just got a whole lot easier.  [HelloMD has launched its award-winning telehealth service in New York](https://www.hellomd.com/new-york), so now you can apply for a certification from the comfort of your home. It's simple, private, and 100% online.\r\n\r\nHere’s a step-by-step guide to getting your certification in New York state:\r\n\r\n### Step 1: Qualifying Medical Conditions\r\n\r\nFirst, understand if your medical condition qualifies. New York State has defined eleven conditions that qualify for a medical cannabis certification: \r\n\r\n>* Cancer \r\n>* HIV/AIDS \r\n>* ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease \r\n>* Parkinson’s Disease \r\n>* Multiple Sclerosis\r\n>* Spinal Cord Injury with Spasticity \r\n>* Epilepsy \r\n>* Irritable Bowel Syndrome\r\n>* Neuropathies\r\n>* Huntington’s Disease\r\n>* Chronic Pain\r\n\r\nChronic pain is the most recent addition to the list. The State defines chronic pain as “any severe, debilitating pain that the practitioner determines degrades health and functional capability.” This may include ailments such as migraines and back pain, depending on your personal experience. It is not necessary to provide medical records during your consultation, but any additional details you provide will help the practitioner determine if cannabis is right for you, as well as how to best use it as a treatment for your condition.\r\n\r\n*Note that you must be a New York resident to obtain a NY State medical marijuana certification.\r\n\r\n[GET YOUR NEW YORK MEDICAL CERTIFICATION ONLINE](https://www.hellomd.com/new-york)\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9QhFX6oOXU` \r\n\r\n ### Step 2: Your Medical Case\r\n\r\nRegister with HelloMD and complete your medical case. During this process you will complete a medical questionnaire and provide details about your condition for the practitioner to review. You will also be required to upload proof of your identity and pay the $159 consultation fee with a credit card. Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover this type of consultation at the moment. \r\n\r\nRest assured that your medical information is private and protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Only you and your practitioner can view this information. No one, including your insurance company, has access to this information unless you share it with them.\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/59683dbc1ebad11ae965b491/embedded_images/59683f7a1ebad1235165b422/Screen_Shot_2017-07-13_at_8.48.10_PM.png)\r\nConduct your consultation on your laptop, tablet or mobile phone.\r\n \r\n### Step 3: Have Your Consultation Over Live Video\r\n\r\nOnce you have completed registration you are ready to meet with the practitioner over live video. After downloading a small HIPAA-compliant video application you will be greeted by one of our friendly customer representatives.\r\n\r\nDuring the consultation, your practitioner will review your medical history and discuss your condition to determine if cannabis is appropriate for you. Again, you do not have to provide medical records but if you are unsure if you qualify, you may want to have them on hand. Once approved, your certification will be issued with a unique certification number; it can be downloaded as a PDF file from your HelloMD case history.    \r\n\r\n[GET YOUR NEW YORK MEDICAL CERTIFICATION ONLINE](https://www.hellomd.com/new-york)\r\n\r\n### Step 4: Register with NY State\r\n\r\nThe last step is registering online with the state of New York; the PDF certification you download from your HelloMD account will have step-by-step instructions on how to do this. You will go to the New York State website, click the \"Health Applications\" icon, and then click \"Medical Marijuana Data Management System\" to register. You will be asked to provide your certification number, photo ID, and New York State proof of residency. If you do not have a New York driver’s license or state ID, you can provide a utility bill, lease, or hospital bill.  \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/14b42/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/f836f/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.jpg 200w,\n/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/2244e/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.jpg 400w,\n/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/14b42/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.jpg 800w,\n/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/47498/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/54ac5/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/58556/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/61e93/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.webp 200w,\n/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/1f5c5/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.webp 400w,\n/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/58556/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.webp 800w,\n/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/99238/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.webp 1200w,\n/static/a5ff5ddf299b01ffe2cfd6a69e33c4f7/5e0b8/97e0f6ec5af758f4cc94639194c85edd.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2428-markdown","title":"HelloMD Launches in New York","slug":"hellomd-launches-in-new-york","content":"We are excited to announce that we have expanded our [Telehealth service to the state of New York](https://www.hellomd.com/new-york). Any person wishing to qualify for the medical cannabis program in New York can now do so easily and efficiently using the HelloMD live video platform from the comfort of their home or office.\r\n\r\n[Get Your New York Medical Marijuana Card](https://www.hellomd.com/new-york)\r\n\r\nAlong with California and Nevada, New York allows for qualifying Telehealth consultations between patients and doctors, for medical cannabis. Telehealth is particularly important for medical cannabis consultations because it allows for private consultations where:\r\n\r\n>-\tPatients feels stigmatized by the choice to investigate medical cannabis\r\n>-\tThe primary GP or doctor does not feel comfortable with cannabis\r\n>-\tPeople are too sick to travel to see a doctor EG: undergoing chemo\r\n\r\nAdditionally, New York has recently expanded the list of qualifying conditions to include (among others) chronic pain. This category is important as its broadly defined as any pain lasting longer than 12 weeks, and can include very common conditions such as migraines, back pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica, arthritis and others (all of which cannabis has shown to be [an effective treatment for]( https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey)).\r\n\r\n### We Need Your Help:\r\n\r\nHaving launched in New York, we need the assistance of HelloMD members to help spread the awareness of the service to friends they have in New York. If you have friends in New York you feel might benefit from the use of medical cannabis, please have them visit HelloMD and see a doctor or nurse today. The process takes about an hour to complete, and doctors are available 7-days per week.  \r\n\r\n[Get Your New York Medical Marijuana Card](https://www.hellomd.com/new-york)\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/44534236@N00/5571765880/in/photolist-9umKSY-BtT5by-dj4mEZ-cSJYhd-cEdLN1-RTGAgE-dRiSRS-ofJ2uN-cdArWQ-bDLoQF-aA7APE-5HB833-PUcxoz-oszQPs-qMA3UZ-dtYUjY-R1TaCh-GJhEGB-bEYrK6-AUKJ5G-4LnLHt-dougYv-8LMc5L-dtZeD3-SwGacn-s8UYEE-dtTF5i-SJLNbu-a7fJFg-dr17Lw-eSTiRb-Cf6AtC-rTDDxm-tgXSSB-6VkKnw-ftcNbQ-cEdMrC-TaEH7q-SH7ddw-SQSTzW-T3PWaL-rnFULV-S8YQTZ-N5m3v2-SJv7sq-SmU4Q6-QWCPRW-SeCNzd-DuTtYK-RL9JP8)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAANCAIAAAAmMtkJAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADJElEQVQozwEZA+b8AMXW1Ons6PL08eny8+rz9dzu89fq8ufx9Orz9Ofy9d/t89vq8s/k8L/b6bLR3rrT4KnF0ZO4w4K1xk6BhwCkyM+91+DG3+mz1uis1Oex1+q62uxbocCfyd3C3++y1OiizOSnz+W52Omx1OipzeOnyt9tpLZupLJfi48AW6W9aqfCd7HMuNnsutvrqNDfmcjcKYCphbvS0un4g7jSutjpw93rs9Lhvdjmpc3gkb/Tb6q5dKaxV4OIAEaRq1KYr1WctnuzzY+/1G+rw1yhvjmLrmanxHKsyEWTtUqZvVOavB95pUOPsiqauh2QslibskuOpi1haQA2fJQdgp0BcJgdd6IZfKIqgKhCjKoxhqlHkrMygaMpgKcLc6AAcJ4kfZ8LbJsDcaEPfqUjcJQgbI4xYmgACV58BnOYBGqRJnOULnuZG2+QM4CgK3+iPYmoHX2gFXKaNoOiEG6ZRHODKXqhF2iUJnWYMnSOQniLRGhkABxlgA9rjQxtjUB+jy9ziC98lil0khltkSJxmBd2nRZqjyZtjTRvhFNjYjdrfTJuhERygEtsbZinnmR7bQBBZW0hRk8pR0g2TUcyTEZGZ2dec29Sb25BZmk/YmJIaGZDY2FeaF9yY1FOW09WcGxTZFpYbFFxi3FQc2sAKC0dICYZGSAVICgeHTI1J0JCNkI7OkdGN0xNPlldQV1dNz0sLkdDNUxFLzooMzwlLkU2KkAwKTwoRVxKAA4jFhQoGhMmGBkvIhQ1MRc3NSFYbgUhLwIZIQAXHSBHWTVTURk+QxExNCI7My1GPUppbjhXXzE9MFBWOAA2X2BEcHJJeHpMe31Qfn9UhYtHVoADO5wJQpIANI4bJlNBY2pAbHFGaW1dh41qlJZvjYtVcmxZZ1FVWzsAMGRsOG13OnN8PnmDSH+JRoSXEEOPAix/EEF8BS11ABdaK1VqVY+YhLS+c5yccIl8fZOEeJB+coJsYWxPAAAQEQIXGgQdIwcpMQkxOgYzPgApPwEvQQlATgk5SgQwPxtLUythakR3gEl3fEZsaUtrZE5rX0xoWEliUevHW4IaONjJAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","aspectRatio":1.5384615384615385,"src":"/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/ee604/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.png","srcSet":"/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/69585/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.png 200w,\n/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/497c6/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.png 400w,\n/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/ee604/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.png 800w,\n/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/76dec/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.png 987w","srcWebp":"/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/58556/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/61e93/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.webp 200w,\n/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/1f5c5/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.webp 400w,\n/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/58556/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.webp 800w,\n/static/29a1c42b72833f0922871a0888d89555/ff8fd/53ccadf35a0b408b0af8d8a91f7a97ce.webp 987w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2141-markdown","title":"New York Expands Condition List for Medical Marijuana Certifications","slug":"new-york-expands-condition-list-for-medical-marijuana-certifications","content":"### A Restrictive Medical Market \n\n![Untitled.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled_9042f9d425.png)\n\nWhen New York’s medical marijuana industry was launched in January of 2016 it was considered to be one of the most restrictive in the United States. Patients, experts, and even the Health Commissioner of the state of New York, believed that access to medical cannabis was too difficult for patients in need based on the limited number of health conditions allowed. \n\nNew York began its medical marijuana industry with a very strict set of conditions that allowed patients to access cannabis. This only included conditions that were considered extremely serious or terminal, including HIV/AIDs, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Epilepsy, MS, and other equally serious conditions. Chronic pain was recently added to the list of reasons for which patients could receive a medical marijuana recommendation. Adding chronic pain as a qualifying condition was a major step forward in allowing more patients in need to access medical marijuana, especially as an alternative to harsh opioids that are often prescribed for this condition.\n\nRELATED: [RECEIVE YOUR MEDICAL CERTIFICATION 100% ONLINE IN NEW YORK STATE](https://www.hellomd.com)\n\n### New Changes Make Cannabis More Accessible \n\n![Untitled2.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled2_361fa2fe25.png)\n\nThe new changes to the industry are part of an effort by the state to make the industry more accessible to patients, Health Commissioner [Dr. Howard Zucker](https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2018/2018-06-18_dr_zucker_on_status_of_regulated_marijuana_report.htm) said in a statement about the program recent changes to the program, \"We are constantly evaluating the program to make it more effective for patients and practitioners, and we believe that the implementation of these recommendations will do just that.” This echoes the results of a report by the New York Department of Health that recommended increasing accessibility of the program. \n\nCurrently there are about 7,000 patients and twenty dispensaries that support patients across the state. For a state the size of New York, this limited scope greatly limits accessibility for patients who may need medical cannabis for a variety of conditions. When the state’s [medical program](https://cannabis.ny.gov/practitioners) initially launched, it only allowed doctors licensed in the state of New York, to recommend medical marijuana. Recent changes however, have since expanded the pool of people who can recommend cannabis by allowing Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.\n\n### Qualifying Condition List Expands\n\n![Untitled3.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled3_f0cc38cfe6.png)\n\nMany other bills have been proposed to add a variety of conditions to the list of qualifiers, but many of those bills fail to get beyond the state senate’s health committee. A new bipartisan bill, however, has gained traction in New York to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. We have seen that cannabis, particularly CBD based products, can greatly benefit those who suffer from PTSD, many of whom are veterans. \n\nThe bill has passed through the New York health committee and is now going up for a vote in the state senate. Michael Krawitz, the executive director of Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, has [said about the progress of the bill](https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2017/05/11/new-york-state-adds-ptsd-to-medical-marijuana-program-will-menstrual-cramps-be-next/#2f73ea0b1108), “I am grateful to the Senate Health Committee for advancing this compassionate bill, and on behalf of countless veterans who could benefit, I urge the full Senate to promptly approve the bill. Veterans with PTSD should not have to choose between FDA-approved medications that carry a black box suicide warning and off-label drugs with no clinical efficacy and horrible side effects…There is another way: medical marijuana has helped veterans have a restful night’s sleep instead of night terrors, and thus experience a better quality of life.” The bill to add PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions is not the only bill related to cannabis that is going to the senate floor. \n\n[Bill 582](https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A00582&term=&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y), which was put forward [by assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/06/157147/marijuana-period-pain-cramps-new-york-law), is attempting to add dysmenorrhea and other PMS related pain to the list of approved conditions. This bill has a high profile supporter, Whoopi Goldberg, who is willing to come forward and help the cause of getting this bill pushed forward. Goldberg said she will work hard to help the state senate understand why Bill 582 is important, “I'm going to try. I strongly believe that I can help them understand why this is not a high.” Even though chronic pain is currently seen as a qualifying condition, menstrual related pain is not considered chronic pain under the law. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_mid=5A17A060-68D7-4D1B-84BD-282D314E1820)\n\n### Challenges to Overcome\n\n![Untitled4.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled4_007e82900b.png)\n\nMany more patients in New York could benefit from cannabis, and these bills could allow those people to gain the benefits of medical marijuana. New York, however, still has some hurdles for its cannabis marketplace. Patients have a limited selection of medical cannabis products, and the state only allows adults 21 years of age or older to buy and possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (oils, tincture, edibles, vapes, etc.) to be consumed. Other product types are not allowed, which may in turn allow the black market to flourish. An expansion of products could help benefit a variety of legal patients.\n\nNew York Ex-Governor Cuomo has addressed another issue, the lack of doctors. To help expand the [cannabis industry he says](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-medical-marijuana-program-struggles-grow-doctors-list-article-1.3142349), “We need to get more doctors knowledgeable and comfortable in prescribing marijuana.” The expansion of the number of prescribing doctors is not aided by the Medical Society of New York, which has made comments about the supposed lack of scientific evidence to support cannabis as a medication. A bright lining is that registered nurses are now allowed to approve medical certifications, which will greatly increase the number of people servicing patients in need.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private, and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/14b42/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/f836f/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 200w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/2244e/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 400w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/14b42/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 800w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/47498/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/54ac5/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/58556/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/61e93/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 200w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/1f5c5/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 400w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/58556/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 800w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/99238/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 1200w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/5e0b8/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2265-markdown","title":"New York Expands Condition List for Medical Marijuana","slug":"new-york-expands-condition-list-for-medical-marijuana","content":"### Limited Access to Medical Marijuana\n\nWhen New York’s medical marijuana industry was launched in January of 2016 it was considered to be one of the most restrictive in the United States. Patients, experts, and even the Health Commissioner of the state of New York, believed that access to medical cannabis was too difficult for patients in need based on the limited number of health conditions allowed. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nNew York began its medical marijuana industry with a very strict set of conditions that allowed patients to access cannabis. This only included conditions that were considered extremely serious or terminal, including HIV/AIDs, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Epilepsy, MS, and other equally serious conditions. \n\nChronic pain was recently added to the list of reasons for which patients could receive a medical marijuana recommendation. Adding chronic pain as a qualifying condition has been a major step in allowing more patients in need to access medical marijuana. This is especially important as cannabis is now being seen as an effective alternative to harsh opioids that are often prescribed for chronic pain.\n\n### Increasing Accessibility for Patients\n\nThe new changes are part of an effort by the state to put medical cannabis within reach for those who need it most. Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in a statement about the program and a recent changes to the program, \"We are constantly evaluating the program to make it more effective for patients and practitioners, and we believe that the implementation of these recommendations will do just that.” This echoes the results of a report by the New York Department of Health that recommended increasing accessibility of the program. \n\nRELATED: [NEW YORK REDUCES BARRIER TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/584e255f648940000baca5ec/new-york-attempts-to-reduce-barriers-to-medical-marijuana)\n\nCurrently there are about 7,000 patients and twenty dispensaries that support patients across the state. For a state the size of New York this limited scope greatly limits accessibility for patients who may need medical cannabis for a variety of conditions. When the state’s medical program initially launched, it only allowed doctors licensed in the state of New York, to recommend medical marijuana. Recent changes however, have since expanded the pool of people who can recommend cannabis by allowing Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.\n\n### Qualifying Condition List Expands\n\nMany other bills have been proposed to add a variety of conditions to the list of qualifiers, but many of those bills fail to get beyond the state senate’s health committee. A new bipartisan bill, however, has gained traction in New York to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. We have seen that cannabis, particularly CBD based products, can greatly benefit sufferers of PTSD, many of whom are veterans. \n\nThe bill has passed through the New York health committee and is now going up for a vote in the state senate. Michael Krawitz, the executive director of Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, has [said about the progress of the bill](https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2017/05/11/new-york-state-adds-ptsd-to-medical-marijuana-program-will-menstrual-cramps-be-next/#2f73ea0b1108), “I am grateful to the Senate Health Committee for advancing this compassionate bill, and on behalf of countless veterans who could benefit, I urge the full Senate to promptly approve the bill. \n\nVeterans with PTSD should not have to choose between FDA-approved medications that carry a black box suicide warning and off-label drugs with no clinical efficacy and horrible side effects…There is another way: medical marijuana has helped veterans have a restful night’s sleep instead of night terrors, and thus experience a better quality of life.” The bill to add PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions is not the only bill related to cannabis that is going to the senate floor. \n\nBill 582, which was put forward by assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, is attempting to add dysmenorrhea and other PMS related pain to the list of approved conditions. This bill has a high profile supporter, Whoopi Goldberg, who is willing to come forward and help the cause of getting this bill pushed forward. Goldberg said she will work hard to help the state senate understand why Bill 582 is important, “I'm going to try. I strongly believe that I can help them understand why this is not a high.” Even though chronic pain is currently seen as a qualifying condition, menstrual related pain is not considered chronic pain under the law. \n\n### Limited Products Available\n\nIncreasing the amount of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana helps greatly increase patients accessibility to cannabis. Many more patients in New York could benefit from cannabis, and these bills could allow those people to gain the benefits of medical marijuana.  That said, patients have a limited selection of medical cannabis products and are only allowed to purchase products such as tinctures and capsules and flower is not available. An expansion of products would benefit a variety of patients as not every product works for every patient.\n\nThere is also the larger issue which is a lack of licensed doctors, growers, and producers. New York Governor Cuomo has addressed the lack of doctors to help expand the [cannabis industry by saying](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-medical-marijuana-program-struggles-grow-doctors-list-article-1.3142349), “We need to get more doctors knowledgeable and comfortable in prescribing marijuana.” The expansion of the number of prescribing doctors is not aided by the Medical Society of New York, which has made comments about the supposed lack of scientific evidence to support cannabis as a medication. \n\nDespite these comments, there is a desire for expanded medical marijuana industry in the state and there is the patient base to support it. The whole industry, however, it needs to expand in unison. As the amount of qualifiable conditions expand, there will need to be an increase in doctors who can recommend the product as well as an expansion of growers of producers who can feed the increasing demand for medication. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/14b42/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/f836f/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 200w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/2244e/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 400w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/14b42/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 800w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/47498/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/54ac5/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/58556/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/61e93/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 200w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/1f5c5/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 400w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/58556/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 800w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/99238/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 1200w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/5e0b8/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2384-markdown","title":"New York Attempts to Reduce Barriers to Medical Marijuana","slug":"new-york-attempts-to-reduce-barriers-to-medical-marijuana","content":"### Nurses Can Now Recommend Marijuana\n\nAs of November 30th, patients in New York are now able to receive medical marijuana recommendations not only from doctors, but from nurse practitioners as well. Nurse practitioners in New York can now register with the state Health Department to receive a certification in order to recommend medical marijuana to patients. This is a huge and potentially positive development for a state that has put up enormous hurdles for patients to obtain state issued medical recommendations for cannabis. \n\nNurses, just like doctors within NY, will be required to take an approved online course called “Medical Use of Marijuana” and submit their credentials of completion to the Health Department before being allowed to sign off on patient recommendations. The Health Department also started a 45-day comment period on another proposed amendment that would give Physician’s Assistants the ability to give medical marijuana recommendations to patients in addition to nurses. What is interesting in this development is that nurses, not doctors, are often more well informed regarding the efficacy of cannabis with patients.\n\n### An Incomplete Medical Program with Big Hurdles\n\nMedical marijuana has experienced mixed reviews in the state, particularly with patients who believe that the implementation of the medical marijuana program was incomplete, making it incredibly difficult and expensive to obtain marijuana as a medicine. HelloMD talked with a New York dispensary that confirmed that the impediments to doing business mostly centered around the lack of patients. This dispensary was quoted as saying “We have been prepared to do business in a difficult market as we believe the state will eventually ease requirements to getting a medical recommendation.  If this happens it will result in larger patient flow, increase overall business and ideally lower the costs reflected back to the patient.”\n\nOfficials from the New York Department of Health, however, have declared medical marijuana a success in the state. The health commissioner of the state, Dr. Howard Zucker, has expressed that adding nurses, and possibly physicians assistants, to the recommendation process will serve to help improve the program, especially in rural areas where doctors are limited. \n\nThe current program in the state involves roughly 10,500 patients and 740 doctors who have been approved to recommend medical marijuana to patients. The ratio of doctors to patients at about 14:1 isn't nearly as bad as the lack of dispensaries in the state. The state did not even reach its goal of having five dispensaries up and running by the time of medical marijuana roll out in the state. Still to this day, 27% of registered patients and caregivers have to travel one to five hours to reach a dispensary. \n\nRELATED: [WHY DOCTORS IN NEW YORK AREN'T RECOMMENDING MARIJUANA](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/56eb327eed004d0008000011/why-doctors-in-new-york-arent-recommending-marijuana)\n\n### Medicine: Too Costly for Patients\n\nNot only are dispensaries costly to reach for over a quarter of the people enrolled in the program, but the cost of marijuana in the state is extremely expensive. In a survey of people enrolled in the medical cannabis program, 70% of respondents said that their monthly cost for medication would be $300 or more. All of these factors add to New York’s reputation as on of the hardest states to access medical marijuana. Previously, the state has also experienced some major problems within the Department of Health. The Department of Health previously mishandled regulations on how doctors could be certified, leaving many gravely ill patients unable to access medication that could have been truly life changing for them. \n\nAnother major problem was the faulty dispensary roll out, which is an issue that still has not been completely resolved. People having to drive over an hour to get their medication is a major problem that shows incomplete commitment to the program by the state. Medical marijuana should be viewed on the same plane as pharmaceutical medications, so accessing a dispensary should be as easy for patients as accessing a pharmacy. \n\n### Too Few Doctors & Not Enough Education\n\nNew York has also had some problems getting doctors interested in enrolling in the program to recommend medical marijuana. Many doctors in the state are fearful of federal retribution for being involved in the marijuana program because it is still considered a federally illegal substance. Doctors across the country must register with the DEA in order to handle prescription drugs and many are worried that their right to prescribe pharmaceuticals could be revoked if there is backlash against medical marijuana in the future. \n\nMany doctors in the state also feel under educated on cannabis, despite the fact that New York is one of the few states that requires doctors to take a course before being allowed to recommend medical marijuana. Unlike in other states, however, New York physicians are suppose to recommend doses to patients, rather than patients getting dosage information from dispensaries. \n\nMany Doctors who do recommend medical marijuana in the state feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of people interested in medical marijuana for their various conditions. One of the conditions where medical marijuana has the most efficacy, chronic pain, is still not an approved condition in the state, leaving many people who could greatly benefit from cannabis to resort to harsher, and often addictive, pharmaceuticals like opioids. \n\nNew York is starting to turn the tide and potentially change their reputation on medical marijuana by giving patients more access to recommendations through nurses, but these improvements do not take away from the large changes the state still has to make to provide their patients with a consistent and affordable source of medication. The bottom line is that New York needs to keep moving in this direction and quickly. The state must improve overall education for medical providers as well as patients, make a significant effort to help licensed dispensaries to lower overall costs and license more dispensaries for those in more rural areas.\n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/14b42/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/f836f/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 200w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/2244e/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 400w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/14b42/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 800w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/47498/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/54ac5/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/58556/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/61e93/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 200w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/1f5c5/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 400w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/58556/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 800w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/99238/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 1200w,\n/static/665545d9a459d47d4c6c054a6148d81d/5e0b8/aece5705618c6bd11087574ace37b1c0.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2214-markdown","title":"Why Doctors in New York Aren't Recommending Marijuana","slug":"why-doctors-in-new-york-arent-recommending-marijuana","content":"For patients across the country, it's getting easier and easier to\r\naccess medical marijuana. Patients in New York, however, aren't having\r\nthe same luck. According to an investigation conducted by The Journal\r\nNews, New York State agencies have mishandled dozens of regulations that\r\ncontrol how doctors grant medical marijuana to patients. These mistakes\r\nhave led to failed dispensary openings, inaccurate information and\r\nconflicts throughout the entire New York medical system, mistakes which\r\nI believe can only be counteracted by the implementation of a more\r\ncohesive Telehealth and medical marijuana strategy. Here's what\r\nconsumers need to know.\r\n\r\n**New York's Medical Marijuana Laws**\r\n\r\nWhile New York [legalized medical\r\nmarijuana](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/) in\r\n2014, the state's laws are currently incredibly restrictive. For\r\nexample, there are roughly [200,000\r\npatients](http://www.lohud.com/story/news/investigations/2016/02/24/medical-marijuana-new-york/79655424/)\r\nin the state waiting to be certified for medical marijuana, but only\r\n1,565 have achieved certification. Additionally, out of the 90,000\r\ndoctors in the state, only 455 have registered for the medical marijuana\r\nprogram. To make matters worse, the state refuses to release the names\r\nof these participating doctors in any publicly accessible format. This\r\nmakes it incredibly difficult for patients to access medical marijuana\r\ncare in New York.\r\n\r\nThe reason that doctors aren't registering doesn't come down to a\r\ndisinterest in doing so, however - it's the result of increasing\r\nconcerns about the potential for federal legal ramifications. Because\r\nNew York's medical marijuana laws are still residing in a legal gray\r\narea, many doctors refuse to certify patients in order to protect\r\nthemselves and their practices. Additionally, doctors who want to\r\nprovide medical marijuana are required to [carry additional malpractice\r\ninsurance](http://mjbizdaily.com/high-prices-dearth-of-doctors-hurting-ny-businesses/),\r\nwhich is a deterrent for many. As well as this the doctors are required\r\nto take an educational course as well as pay a \"enrollment fee\" to\r\nparticipate in the program. Many doctors also worry that participating\r\nin the medical marijuana program would impede their ability to prescribe\r\nother drugs, thus cutting down on their capacity to treat other patients\r\nadequately.\r\n\r\nAnd their fears aren't entirely unfounded. Even Kirsten Gillibrand, New\r\nYork's Democratic senator, states that doctors who prescribe marijuana\r\nin New York are \"putting themselves at risk.\" This is because New York\r\ndoctors are required by the Health Department to provide dosing\r\ninstructions for the medical marijuana patients they work with, a\r\nrequirement that is incredibly rare. In other states where medical\r\nmarijuana is legal, dosing recommendations are left up to medical\r\nmarijuana dispensaries rather than doctors. Because of this, it's\r\nobvious that New York's odd requirements place doctors at risk of facing\r\nfederal penalties if they get the dosing wrong on a medical marijuana\r\nproduct.\r\n\r\nWhile New York currently only allows non-smokable types of cannabis,\r\nsuch as oils and edibles, for use in therapy, the issues surrounding the\r\ncertification of patients in the state remains and consumers are\r\nsuffering as a result.\r\n\r\n**The Effect NY's Restrictive Laws Have on Patients**\r\n\r\nWhile New York lawmakers continue to fight about how, when and where\r\nmedical marijuana will be prescribed, a few pioneering clinics are\r\nattempting to cater to the needs of the state's consumers. One clinic\r\nlocated outside of Buffalo has ten participating doctors and receives\r\nmore than 100 phone calls each day from patients attempting to access\r\nmedical marijuana.\r\n\r\nThe clinic's lead physician, Dr. Laszlo Mechtler, realizes that the\r\nsmall number of providers and the ongoing legal ambiguity is only\r\nhurting patients. He says, \"While we wait for the politicians to make\r\ndecisions, what do we do for our suffering patients? I can't wait for a\r\n12-year-old that has less than four months to live… That is my duty, to\r\nrelieve that suffering.\" Dr. Mechtler isn't alone in these sentiments.\r\nThousands of patients across the state of New York want desperately to\r\naccess medical marijuana, but can't because of the state's restrictive\r\nlaws.\r\n\r\n**A Better Way: Why NY Should be Following CA's Model**\r\n\r\nThe fact that patients in New York are having such a difficult time\r\naccessing care is especially tragic when you take into account how\r\neffective medical marijuana can be as a treatment modality. Here at\r\nHelloMD, my team recently conducted [a patient response\r\nsurvey](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf).\r\nThe survey collected answers from 1,400 medical marijuana consumers in a\r\nvariety of states. As far as I can tell, this survey is currently the\r\nmost comprehensive of its kind.\r\n\r\nThe results of the study go to show exactly how firmly medical marijuana\r\npatients believe in the effectiveness and importance of cannabis as a\r\ntreatment option: 84 percent of respondents reported that cannabis helps\r\nthem cope with their symptoms, while 66 percent reported using the herb\r\nas their primary treatment modality. 64 percent of respondents reported\r\nconsuming marijuana daily, and no respondents reported negative\r\nconsequences of marijuana use. This survey is proof of the importance\r\nand effectiveness of medical marijuana treatments and should be taken\r\ninto account as states like New York evaluate their medical marijuana\r\npolicies.\r\n\r\n**Conclusion**\r\n\r\nWhile access to medical marijuana has improved around the country, it's\r\nclear to me that residents of New York state are still struggling to get\r\nthe care they need. Thanks to low numbers of participating physicians,\r\nno way for the public to access lists of approved doctors and incredibly\r\nslow and restrictive patient certification processes, New York is\r\nlagging behind many other states in terms of their ability to offer\r\nconsumers unimpeded access to medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, the only people suffering as a result of these failings\r\nare the consumers themselves. While the situation in New York looks\r\nbleak currently, I believe firmly that access to care would improve\r\ngreatly if the state would follow the leads of states like California,\r\nwhere medical marijuana access is a readily available to all patients. I\r\nbelieve that only when patients can access the cannabis-focused care\r\nthey need will New York begin to truly serve its residents.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/10301380936/in/photolist-gGigE9-tgXSSB-dPr95W-a7fJFg-pfVCxj-eSTiRb-6VkKnw-cEdMrC-aashHE-ejT1nm-ftcNbQ-de9is3-iiA7ek-5MAJa8-t34ebZ-4GzqRr-qMu6ZH-Areaen-MEQQR-uCBodk-Bg4Df1-8KBmzX-hZYH6v-8UavLd-2RZoXU-bz76Vb-6m2G85-ejVE1u-u3Dsj-9Cry2t-dbmiQK-BY72nr-8vTJVq-pFHzg8-vVmrMz-8U7rDT-dburo5-aA7APE-daYWm9-rnFULV-dzwnbQ-ozKxXE-dRqWLo-89FSsM-dtTF5i-fKzgHo-dAVgoP-rdZd85-pWiGV4-fcHP6b)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4814814814814814,"src":"/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/ee604/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.png","srcSet":"/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/69585/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.png 200w,\n/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/497c6/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.png 400w,\n/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/ee604/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.png 800w,\n/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/f3583/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.png 1200w,\n/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/3e83c/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.png 1201w","srcWebp":"/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/58556/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/61e93/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.webp 200w,\n/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/1f5c5/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.webp 400w,\n/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/58556/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.webp 800w,\n/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/99238/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.webp 1200w,\n/static/6c3fecac3906a6babbbd1b4e2c39e17a/0c6f9/1e97a6f5d757ba260c66cf0d9e520162.webp 1201w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":24,"numPages":4,"currentPage":3,"id":5564,"name":"New York","slug":"new-york","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}