Bill > S05704

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, provided they complete a two-hour training course and register with the state office. The bill modifies existing requirements for patient certifications, including clarifying conditions under which a practitioner can issue a certification, such as when a patient is likely to receive therapeutic benefit from medical cannabis. Key changes include allowing more flexibility in certification expiration dates, removing the specific provision about terminal illness certifications, and establishing that a pharmacist working in a cannabis dispensing facility can now serve as an authorized practitioner for patient certification. The bill also maintains existing requirements that practitioners review a patient's controlled substance history before certification and prohibits practitioners from certifying themselves. The certification process continues to require documentation of the patient's condition, practitioner details, and potential recommendations about cannabis form, consumption method, and dosage. The maximum fee for such a pharmacist-issued certification is set at twenty-five dollars, and the changes take effect immediately upon enactment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5704