Bill > A02566

This bill amends the cannabis law to expand who can certify patients for medical cannabis by allowing pharmacists employed by registered medical cannabis organizations to recommend and certify patients. Specifically, a pharmacist working in a cannabis dispensing facility can now certify patients after completing a required two-hour course and registering with the office, with a certification fee not exceeding $25. The bill also makes several technical changes to the existing patient certification process, such as modifying language around patient conditions, practitioner qualifications, and certification requirements. Key modifications include allowing more flexibility in how practitioners document patient conditions, clarifying consultation requirements with prescription monitoring programs, and removing some previous provisions about terminal illness certification. The bill aims to increase patient access to medical cannabis by broadening the pool of professionals who can provide patient certifications, with pharmacists now able to play a more direct role in the medical cannabis certification process.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2566