Bill > S06972

This bill establishes new requirements for medical cannabis practitioners and creates an endocannabinoid system awareness program. Specifically, the bill mandates that practitioners must complete a two-hour course before certifying patients for medical cannabis, with the course covering detailed topics such as cannabis pharmacology, side effects, drug interactions, dosing, risks, benefits, and potential abuse. The bill also creates a new endocannabinoid system awareness program within the state health department, which aims to educate healthcare practitioners about the endocannabinoid system and its interactions with other bodily systems. The program will provide comprehensive guidance on topics including the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids' relationship to chronic pain and opioids, pharmacogenetics, FDA-approved cannabinoid medications, risks and benefits of cannabis consumption, and potential medication interactions. Both the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Health are required to publish information about this program on their respective websites. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6972