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A medical right for patients enrolled in New York's program, but not available to adult recreational users. Updated April 20, 2024 Certified patients & designated caregivers twenty-one years of age or older who are registered with the Medical Cannabis Program may cultivate cannabis at home for certified patients’ personal use. Participants in the medical program can grow up to 6 cannabis plants in their home for personal use (3 mature plants & 3 immature plants) & a maximum of twelve plants per household (6 mature plants & 6 immature plants) Effective October 5, 2022. For more information on the home cultivation of medical cannabis, download the pdf guides below from the Office of Cannabis Management. How can I grow cannabis if I'm limited in space, need privacy, or my medical conditions prevent me from outdoor gardening? Medicinal Cannabis Award Winner & Easy to Grow at home. We’d like to applaud, single out, & give reverence to a powerful medicinal cannabis strain, Blueberry. And no, not blueberry flavor or blueberries from the market. Blueberry is a Cannabis strain that works well for medical patients suffering from a variety of symptoms, and it grows with ease indoors, taking up very little space. For our patients interested in growing their own cannabis plants, we have compiled a guide to help facilitate the cultivation of cannabis at home. Here, we will provide resources & instructions to grow your own blueberry plants at home in New York State regardless of experience or much available space. You just need a New York State Medical Card and to follow regulations for the number of plants allowed. Through the month of April 2023, Cannabis Doctors of New York is offering new and existing patients $50 off the cost of your next appointment. Simply mention this article when booking before May 1st. Get Started here or give us a call at (212) 838-4965. With around 80% of its lineage being the eminent Afghani landrace & 20% the much renowned Thai/Purple Thai. Blueberry is commonly known for its pain relief & sleep-inducing effects. Long heralded for its medicinal value, If you are looking for a strain that will sedate, & alleviate many stubborn symptoms from a wide range of ailments, then the Blueberry strain is for you. Great for after those long days or sleepless nights when your body needs inflammation reduction, pain relief, & muscle relaxation. Blueberry cannabinoids work effectively at soothing your nervous system, like a heavy blanket when you are under blueberry’s effects. Blueberry simply asks you to lay back & unwind, then you will feel your anxiety & symptoms fade away from the DMN & emerge into the synergistic magic of the body’s endocannabinoid system bringing relief without harmful side effects no other medicine can achieve. Blueberry can be a one-stop shop for many patients with medical ailments, both chronic & acute. Relieving a plethora of symptoms: stress, anxiety, leg spasms, insomnia, overstimulation, PTSD, migraines, nausea, vomiting, Wasting Syndrome, pain (both chronic & acute) in the skeletal, muscular, & nervous systems. This strain works well for nighttime as it can induce restful, regenerative sleep. For those experiencing strong symptoms from their illness or unpleasant side effects from pharmaceuticals, Blueberry offers an alternative that can replace or enhance a current regimen for relief. It can be clear-headed enough for daytime use, yet with a “take-a-step-back-mindset,” some may find it mildly dissociative. All in all, great for getting your mind off stressors and easing pains & aches, similar to a sedative. Tried & True: a popular strain since the 80s & itself a proud noble parent of other therapeutic strains such as Blue Dream (Blueberry X Super Silver Haze.) Terpene profile: Heavy in Mercene & a little Caryophyllene & Pinene. Blueberry often produces THC levels between 18% to 24%: resulting in fat, dense, sticky, blue, & purple-hued buds. When cured properly, this strain can smell fruity like fresh blueberries. As many are now discovering, Blueberry grows very well in tabletop hydro gardens. With consistently high yields, Blueberry produces bushy short plants with fast harvest times, you can expect a 49-58 day flowering period. The ability to grow a potent medical strain as a novice in a small indoor space will be a money saver for those on tight budgets but also allow for consistency & availability for medical users that find this particular strain to be the most effective medicine for them. Originally Posted 4/20/2023 Gregory Sondrol Cannabis Contributor How to Grow Cannabis in a tabletop auto-garden. The organization behind Aeroweed.info has put together a complete tutorial as well as recommended strains, supplies, and everything you need to start growing medical cannabis. Visit their website to learn more. Above all, safety comes first. Please follow local laws and safety precautions when growing cannabis in New York. The Office of Cannabis Management recommends the following: In order to grow cannabis legally in New York, you must first obtain your medical card. Through the month of April 2024, Cannabis Doctors of New York is offering new and existing patients $50 off the cost of your appointment. Simply mention this article when booking. Get Started here or give us a call at (212) 838-4965. Cannabis Doctors of New York 2024©

Reflections on all that an ancient plant continues to offer. Original Post on Psychology Today, February 21, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills KEY POINTS Our interactions with the cannabis plant go back to ancient times in cultures all around the world. The plant has been used since antiquity for its many industrial, medicinal, and spiritual benefits. Those benefits, curtailed in the 1930s, are once again becoming available in the United States and abroad. A growing body of practitioners, researchers, and, most importantly, patients, can now access the plant. As a registered cannabis practitioner in New York since 2016 (when the use of medical cannabis was legalized in the state), I’m constantly trying to make sense of why a plant with its history, whose many benefits to patients I see daily, remains classified by the DEA as a Schedule 1 narcotic (along with drugs like heroin and quaaludes). Hemp and cannabis (nearly identical plants) were well-known and cultivated in the United States from the time the Puritans brought them over in 1645. Its fiber was used to make the first American flag1, and the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp parchment. Cannabis sativa was a patent medicine used commonly in the United States in the 1800s and into the 20th century. It was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1850 until 19372 when a combination of the E.I. Dupont Company, William Randolph Hurst, Harry J. Anslinger of the newly formed Dept of Justice, and the film Reefer Madness conspired to turn “cannabis” into “marijuana.” Using this word allowed them to demonize it, associate it with people of color, and limit or curtail its cultivation and use. Of course, anyone who’s ever listened to Fats Waller’s “You’re a Viper (the Reefer Song)” or watched Cab Calloway’s riotous rendition of “Reefer Man” on YouTube knows how that only forced it underground. I had a patient from the South Carolina Low Country who talked about growing up with a mother and aunts who, every Fall, would harvest a certain plant in the fields and then spend days cooking up what they called “Rabbit Stew.” She realized much later that the basis of this concoction, which was used for healing and spiritual purposes, was C sativa growing in the wild. Despite its long history as a medicine, it was only in 1964 that THC was discovered to be the major active ingredient (cannabinoid) in the plant (morphine, the active ingredient in the opium poppy, was discovered in 1806). Thirty years after THC was isolated, scientists showed that we make our own endocannabinoids and that we have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vast network of transmitters and receptors that are distributed extensively through our bodies and brains. This ECS is stimulated when we ingest THC or CBD or any of the other hundred-plus cannabinoids contained in the plant. Our interactions with the plant go back to antiquity, and the ECS appears to be phylogenetically ancient—meaning it is found in mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and even the most primitive animal with a nerve network, the Hydra. The world’s oldest known pharmacopeia, the Pen-Tsao Ching (The Herbal), written over 5,000 years ago in China, talks about using C sativa to alleviate an array of conditions, including intestinal constipation and rheumatism. And it’s believed that God commanded the priests at the First Temple in Jerusalem to be anointed with an oil made of “canna bosm.” Evidence for that belief was recently given more credibility when the residue of cannabis (along with frankincense) was found in an ancient temple in the Negev.3 It’s also been speculated by Carl Sagan and others that because of its multitude of beneficial properties, the plant brought us from being hunter-gatherers to living in an agrarian society. To be able to make use of all it has to offer: seeds and leaves for food, stalks for clothing, sails, and rope, and flowers for their medicinal and spiritual properties, one must sow those seeds, cultivate the shoots, and then harvest the mature plant. It seems quite possible that our ancestors recognized that to utilize the whole plant, they had to put down roots, as it were. Community cultivation of cannabis may well have curtailed their roaming of the ancient plains and steppes as groups began a society around the plant, firmly established in one stable location. After 1937, cannabis remained illegal until its abundant use in the late ’60s erupted in the face of Richard M. Nixon. Nixon, who supposedly called it “roofer,” made it a Schedule 1 narcotic under the mandate of the newly established Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Being listed under Schedule 1 meant it was considered a “substance with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Many believe Nixon’s putting it there was to purposely prosecute the vast array of people using it: people of color, hippies, and political troublemakers whom he feared and despised. They’d be busted, taken off the streets, and thrown into prison. Purposefully or not, it had the desired effect, and we are now struggling with pulling ourselves out of this self-created disaster for so many of our (mostly brown and Black) fellow citizens. And because of the persistence of the Schedule 1 classification, patients can’t be reimbursed for medical consults or for purchasing cannabis from legal dispensaries; research into its benefits and liabilities is restricted, and veterans with many issues amenable to treatment (like PTSD, chronic pain, and anxiety) are unable to get or use it through the VA. It’s now understood that the plant and the ECS it stimulates have a homeostatic role, promoting behaviors such as “eat, sleep, relax, forget, and protect.”4 And it’s been proposed that migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and related conditions represent clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndromes (CEDS). Because of my experiences over the past nine years, I spend much of my time trying to educate my colleagues, informing the public so that more deserving patients can have access to the plant, and working with legislators to get cannabis removed from its Schedule 1 status, a place it should never have been. And every day, I hear from my patients and their families: “This has been a game changer”; “I wish I’d known about this years ago”; “Mom’s quality of life has improved dramatically. She’s actually interacting with us so much more.” These are the patients I treat with diseases such as chronic pain, seizures, neuropathy, autoimmune conditions, and, increasingly, in the last few years, dementia. I’m now in my fifth decade as a physician, and I feel that being deeply involved in the world of medical cannabis has been the most gratifying and intellectually provocative time in my career. I look forward to many more such patient encounters and their subsequent responses, and I hope that before the next election, the DEA will finally come to its senses and deschedule cannabis entirely. Kenneth R. Weinberg, MD. © 2024 References 1) USDA (2000) Industrial hemp in the United States: Status and market potential. Available at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/41740/15853_ages001ec_1_…. (Accessed: 21 February 2024). (2) Bridgeman, M.B. and Abazia, D.T. (2017) Medicinal cannabis: History, pharmacology, and implications for the Acute Care Setting, P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312634/# (Accessed: 21 February 2024). (3) ‘Cannabis burned during worship’ by ancient Israelites—study (2020) BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52847175 (Accessed: 21 February 2024). (4) Bridgeman, M.B. and Abazia, D.T. (2017a) Medicinal cannabis: History, pharmacology, and implications for the Acute Care Setting, P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312634/# (Accessed: 21 February 2024). Follow Dr. Weinberg's Blog on psychologytoday.com

Sarah Halweil has been a registered nurse for over 20 years. Early in her career, she specialized in labor and delivery and later developed expertise in cannabis as medicine. Since then, she has helped hundreds of patients with many conditions and challenges, including pain and opioid reduction. She has provided cannabis guidance during hospice care and as an adjunct to cancer treatment. Sarah has also studied and practiced yoga for over two decades. She was the clinical coordinator for a complementary therapy program at Southampton Hospital in New York. The team used techniques including Reiki, yoga, and essential oil therapy to help patients cope with pain and exhaustion to experience better overall well-being. For people interested in using cannabis as medicine, there are general guidelines, but many benefit from personal fine-tuning. Others have a few questions and need direction in navigating the burgeoning field of cannabis. Sarah loves helping people find the best, suitable regimen. The team at Cannabis Doctors of New York is dedicated to providing education, resources, & concierge medical marijuana services for patients diagnosed with any of condition that could benefit from New York State's medical program. → Request a follow-up or consultation appointment with Nurse Sarah.

Investigative Report by NYMCIA,CMCC,NJCTA, reveals public health and economic consequences of New York’s Unregulated Pop-Up Cannabis Market Trend. 11/2022 E. Coli, Lead, Salmonella & Other Contaminants Found In ‘Pop-Up’ & Illegal Dispensary Products; Mislabeling & Youth-Targeted Branding Abound, Putting Consumers At Risk, Threatening Success Of NY’s Equity-Based Adult-Use Program New York, November 30, 2022 – New York has laid the groundwork for the nation’s most equitable adult-use cannabis industry. However, while the nascent industry holds great promise, a new report finds that illicit, pop-up cannabis dispensaries selling tainted and mislabeled products, using branding that targets youth and endangers consumers, threaten to undermine the adult-use market before it gets underway. “E. Coli, Heavy Metals, Copyright Infringement, and 100 Percent Failure Rate – A Look at New York City’s Illicit Cannabis Market,” released by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA), in partnership with the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) and the Connecticut Medical Cannabis Council (CMCC), details the results of comprehensive third-party lab testing of cannabis products purchased from more than 20 unlicensed dispensaries across the five boroughs. A link to the full report can be found here. Key Findings Include: ● The presence of E. coli, salmonella, and pesticides in various products ● Approximately 40% of the products failed at least one of the standard tests administered to legal cannabis products only available at legal medical cannabis dispensaries ● THC levels as much as 2x the advertised amount for some products ● More than 50% of locations where the product was purchased did not ask for ID The report illuminates the danger posed by po-up illicit operators that have circumvented New York’s regulations – not only presenting serious health and safety threats to consumers, but also potentially sabotaging the success of the state’s soon-to-launch legal adult-use market. “The report’s findings are deeply troubling and highlight the tremendous risks posed by unscrupulous firms operating above the law,” said NYMCIA President Ngiste Abebe. “New York has a responsibility to not only protect the health and safety of its residents but also to fulfill the promise of a socially equitable adult-use market. Neither goal can be realized without stricter enforcement against bad actors.” “I want everyone to understand that these smoke shops and delis are not legacy operators – they’re opportunists that are retraumatizing our community and stopping our ability to build wealth. They are poisoning our Black and Brown communities. You cannot build wealth without health and these smoke shop owners are destroying the reputation of New York's cannabis with their chemicals. They need to be stopped,” said Juancarlos Huntt, CAURD license applicant and legacy operator and co-founder New York for Social and Economic Equity. ”Faced with an eroding medical cannabis program, New York patients have been pushed into this newly rampant illicit market, exposing them to E. coli, salmonella, and other dangerous toxins from untested products,” said Don Williams, Vice President of Government Relations at Curaleaf. “They deserve better, and New York must prioritize creating a safe and thriving cannabis program for them and adult-use consumers.” "The findings in NYMCIA’s report are important to understand as both a consumer and a legislator. In order to have a flourishing adult-use cannabis market we have to emphasize the shortcomings of the illicit market. Improving our wellness is about purchasing from the legal market- which is made clear by the frightening E.coli results highlighted in the report,” said Council Member Amanda Farías (D-18). “I want New Yorkers to use cannabis safely, and in more ways than just recreational. Cannabis has incredible medicinal properties that can be helpful to those with anxiety, chronic pain, and more, but these medical uses are a lot harder to access in the illicit market. As the Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and a Bronx Council Member, I look forward to continuing my work as a strong partner in New York City’s emerging adult-use cannabis industry." “The dangers of New York’s pop-up illicit dispensaries have far-reaching implications, as many New Jersey residents work, socialize, and buy cannabis on the other side of the Hudson,” said Todd Johnson, Executive Director of the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association. “I hope that New York will heed the findings of this report and focus on establishing a well-regulated, safe, and functional adult-use market while protecting existing medical cannabis patients.” "This report proves that unlicensed and unregulated dispensaries are a public health concern. This is yet another reason why we need to get these retail recreational licenses out the door. This delay has not only resulted in a gray area free-for-all but now people are risking getting sick from sketchy and unregulated THC products,” said Council Member Justin Brannan (D-43). “If you're like me and strongly support the legalization of recreational marijuana, you'll agree these new retail licenses will be functionally worthless and tax revenue will be a far cry from what's anticipated unless we get the new licenses out the door and get serious about the illegal weed shops masquerading as legitimate dispensaries." “As a legislative body, we were intentional in crafting a law that ensures New York's adult-use market is not only economically inclusive of all regions across the state, but sufficiently equitable to address the long-standing harm caused by the failed War on Drugs,” noted State Senator Jeremy Cooney (SD-56). “This critical goal is threatened by the booming illicit market, which also poses a significant health and safety risk to consumers. I am committed to working with my senate colleagues in the coming months to address these problems and ensure that the promise of this emerging market is fully realized." “We have a highly regulated Medical Marijuana Program in Connecticut that provides laboratory-tested cannabis to our patients. Our Adult-Use Cannabis program, which should start in January, also provides for rigorous testing and accurate labeling of all the products. Our hope is that this will divert people from purchasing untested and potentially life-threatening products on the black market,” said Linda Kowalski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Medical Cannabis Council (CMCC). “A legal and equitable cannabis market that addresses the harm of the war on drugs is important to me and communities like mine on the East Side. Organizers worked for years to establish a legal market and New York intentionally split up the supply chain, negating opportunities for vertical integration to ensure a competitive and inclusive market that meets our goals for social and racial justice equity goals,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera (D-02). “Unregulated and unlicensed operators undermine the legal market, and lack of enforcement against these operators entrenches bad behavior that could dissuade legacy operators from pursing a legal vending route. I commend the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association and its regional partners for their important market research endeavor that shows illicit operators are selling potentially harmful products, and do not adhere to basic norms like checking an ID for a person looking to purchase a controlled substance.” “This report underscores concerns I have been raising about the risks posed by multiple storefronts or mobile stores that are falsely and deceptively purporting to sell cannabis as if they are licensed to do so, which is absolutely not the case. This is occurring both in my district and across the five boroughs and is not only hazardous to consumers’ health but undermines the state’s equity-based legal cannabis rollout and robs both the city and state of much-needed tax revenue,” said State Senator Brad Hoylman (SD-27). “I am committed to working with all parties to address this problem and find a solution that ensures a safe, viable, and well-regulated adult-use market going forward.” “As the cannabis industry expands, New York City must address these issues in the unregulated cannabis market head-on. For true equity in the cannabis industry, we must hold bad actors accountable,” said Council Member Marjorie Velázquez (D-13). “The findings in this report bring to light necessary regulation and enforcement, especially regarding pop-up dispensaries. This issue of unregulated cannabis sales is a health hazard and danger to our communities especially as we have gone through the many devastating impacts of K2 — synthetic cannabis.” “Legalizing cannabis for adult-use has the potential to create an important new revenue stream for the city at a time when costs are rising across the board, necessitating spending cuts that threaten important programs and services for underserved communities. The neighborhoods that would suffer the most from this illicit market are the same communities that were impacted by the criminalization of cannabis,” said Council Member Kevin Riley (D-12). “A well-regulated cannabis market also can provide much-needed opportunities for individuals to legally support themselves and their families. But none of this will be possible if the illicit market is allowed to continue to operate unregulated. ### About The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA) The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association is comprised of Columbia Care, Cresco, Curaleaf, Green Thumb Industries, The Botanist and Acreage NY, iAnthus, Pharmacann, and Vireo Health. Our mission is to protect and serve the patients in New York’s medical marijuana program while leading the way for the proposed adult-use industry across the state. Learn more about NYMCIA at https://www.protectnymedmar.com/ About The New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) The New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) is comprised of the state’s permitted medical and adult-use cannabis operators. The mission of the NJCTA is to ensure the legal cannabis marketplace is not only safe, accessible, and affordable but also equitable and just. To achieve this, the NJCTA strives to shape public awareness and encourage the implementation of thoughtful and responsible cannabis policy in New Jersey and serves as a singular voice before the executive branch, legislature, Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and the media on the complex matters that impact our industry. Learn more about NJCTA at https://www.njcannabistrade.org/. New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association About the Connecticut Medical Cannabis Council The CMCC is made up of four Connecticut manufacturers licensed to produce pharmaceutical grade medical marijuana in the state. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/CMCCinc/. Source: NYCIMA

Livestream presentation originally aired 09/22. Watch the full video below: Get started with physician managed cannabis use. More than New York marijuana certifications, you received personal medical care.

Beginning October 5th, 2022, NYS certified patients and designated caregivers who are at least twenty-one years old and registered with the Office of Cannabis Management can grow cannabis at home, following the historic adoption of Part 115 regulations on October 5, 2022. To read the rules and regulations, click here. To improve cannabis access and support certified patients and designated caregivers, the Office has developed downloadable tools to help individuals learn more about home cultivation: Medical Home Cultivation Guide A breakdown of the rules and basic cultivation information to help patients and caregivers get started learning about cultivating cannabis. Medical Cannabis Home Cultivation Fact Sheet A two-page, visual fact sheet with key information and safety tips for home cultivation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Personal Home Cultivation of Medical Cannabis Regulations A list of frequently asked questions on the personal home cultivation of medical cannabis regulations. Only certified patients and designated caregivers who are twenty-one or older and registered with the Office of Cannabis Management are able to grow at home. To become a certified patient or designated caregiver, click here. For questions on the above materials or about medical cannabis home cultivation, please email medical@cannabis.ny.gov Documentation of a medical condition & of your New York State residency or temporary New York residency while seeking medical treatment here is required. We can work with you to obtain the required documents. Once your documents have been submitted and reviewed by a physician, we can schedule your appointment.

Notice to our valued medical marijuana patients: An important change has come into effect for NY's medical cannabis program. *CDONY can now certify patients for the medical use of cannabis for any condition based on the practitioner’s clinical discretion. Patients are no longer limited by the previous list of qualifying conditions to be eligible for the use of medical cannabis. As of May 18th, 2022, patients & caregivers will need to bring a copy of their medical cannabis certificate or their patients’ certificate, along with the medical cannabis ID card when purchasing products. *We are currently booking appointments for expanded conditions. Your condition may benefit from Cannabis, please contact us for an appointment. Call us: (212) 838-4965 or Request an appointment online. For more information regarding New York State’s new Marijuana Regulation, read this article: What’s Changing with New York’s Medical Marijuana Laws? Read more about the system-wide updates Summary of Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS) Enhancements Please continue to monitor our website for the latest information and updates to the medical cannabis program.

Terpenes are a fascinating spectrum of molecules that help make up the unique aromas, flavors, and medicinal effects of the cannabis plant. Terpenes are hydrocarbons found in the sap-like glandular trichomes of the flower and produce extraordinary medicinal properties that we are still researching. Apart from THC and the major cannabinoids (such as CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, etc.), "Terpenes, or isoprenoids, consist of the second-largest class of cannabis constituents." 1 Botanically, terpene production by the cannabis plant wards off insects and animals with volatile aromatic terpenes and controls the plant's temperature. Covering the cannabis plant (highly concentrated on the flowers) are tiny resinous structures called trichomes - the factory of terpenes. The sensational pungency you experience when you open a jar of your favorite strain comes from the resinous crystalline globules. These transparent trichome glands produce the chemically unique varieties of terpene profiles we see today, from the tasty tartness of Sour Diesel to the sweetness of Orange Tangie. Most of these terpene molecules are found throughout the entire plant kingdom. Limonene, for example, first discovered in the Cannabis plant in the 1960s, is chemically identical to the limonene found in the oil from a lemon peel: "...an acyclic monoterpene, myrcene, and the monocyclic monoterpene limonene, were identified in the essential oil of fresh, wild C. Sativa from Canada." 1 Medicinally, cannabis is extremely terpene diverse and will prove exponentially more beneficial as we discover which combinations work for our patient's needs. As an appreciation for cannabis grows, so does our understanding of the remarkable chemistry of terpenes. At this point, more research needs to be done on the vast network of associations our endocannabinoid system has with terpenes. The voluminous multitude of phytochemical combinations holds promising discoveries for the medicinal uses of this plant, especially the more we learn how specific terpene profiles interact with our individual chemistries and the modulating effects of cannabinoids (e.g., interfacing with serotonin receptors, oxytocin receptors, etc.) Understanding terpene profiles of cannabis strains can help us treat symptoms more precisely. For example, terpenes can increase creativity, provide pain relief, or increase appetite. I personally enjoy the Blueberry strain as a go-to for pain relief and a heavy body high. Sour Diesel is excellent for its creative and cerebral buzz. If you want to trade out your morning cup of coffee/tea, Durban Poison is a 100% Sativa landrace strain, meaning its genetics originate from a specific region, such as South Africa. Durban is well known for its energy-boosting creative effects, allowing you to focus and stay productive throughout a busy day. The strain’s strong, distinct piney and citrusy scent mixed with a sweet taste is refreshing and uplifting. Terpenes as independent chemicals are non-psychoactive. However, once cannabis enters your bloodstream, the terpene molecules work synergistically with THC, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids to enhance the endocannabinoid system and produce the medicinal effects we cherish and have cultivated for thousands of years. Gregory M. Sondrol Cannabis Contributor Cannabis Doctors of New York 04/20/22 sources: Mohamed M. Radwan, Suman Chandra, Shahbaz Gul, and Mahmoud A. Elsohly Cannabinoids, Phenolics, Terpenes and Alkaloids of Cannabis. Molecules 2021, 26, 2774 https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092774 Journal, Molecules www.mdpi.com Cox-Georgian, Destinney et al. "Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes." Medicinal Plants: From Farm to Pharmacy 333–359. 12 Nov. 2019, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_15 Carla C.C.R. de Carvalho, M. Manuela R. da Fonseca, Biotransformation of terpenes, Biotechnology Advances Volume 24, Issue 2 2006 Cannabis Doctors of New York are at the forefront of cannabis research and encourage the industry to become more terpene-aware. New products that are terpene savvy will help provide more specific recommendations for our patients. Our goal is to provide our patients with first-class guidance when navigating this new world of medicinal cannabis. Our experts are here to answer all of your questions.

New York State has passed bill S. 854-A/A. 1248-A legalizing adult-use cannabis & expanding the state’s medical marijuana program. *UPDATED 01/15/2022 | The Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) passed on On March 31, 2021. establishing the “Office of Cannabis Management” to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework that covers medical, adult-use and cannabinoid hemp. The bill also expands New York State's existing medical marijuana and cannabinoid hemp programs. The legislation provides licensing for marijuana producers, distributors, retailers, and other actors in the cannabis market. It also creates a social and economic equity program to assist individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis enforcement. Tax Collection Projected to Reach $350 Million Annually and Potentially Create 30,000 to 60,000 Jobs. 1. Will New York continue it’s medical marijuana program now that Adult Use is Legal? Yes, New York will continue to promote the Medical Marijuana program and it is recommended that you continue seeking guidance from a licensed physician to manage your treatment. The Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) was passed on March 31, 2021 legalizing adult-use cannabis (also known as marijuana, or recreational marijuana) in New York State. The new bill expands New York State’s existing medical cannabis in ways that improve patient access and affordability. The MRTA includes provisions to expand the Medical Marijuana Program. The Office of Cannabis Management & the NYS Department of Health have been making updates within the state-wide system that will allow practioners to certify conditions previously not listed. *We are currently booking appointments for expanded conditions. If your condition may benefit from Cannabis, please contact us for an appointment. To receive a Medical Marijuana Card you must have one of the qualifying conditions (now expanded) and provide proof of NYS residency to obtain a medical marijuana certificate with an NYS registered Cannabis Doctor. The bill creates a legal pathway for medical marijuana practioners to certify patients with any conditions they feel could be helped with marijuana use. The expanded qualifying conditions list is now updated here to include “any other condition certified by the practioners.” For current information on medical marijuana, please visit the New York State Department of Health website. Please feel free to contact us by phone, or email with any questions you may have. We are available to answer questions and discuss your options. “The new legislation will allow people with a larger list of medical conditions to access medical marijuana, increase the number of caregivers allowed per patient, and permit home cultivation of medical cannabis for patients.” 2. Do I Need a Doctor to Purchase or Cultivate Medical Marijuana? Yes, you will need to be certified by a registered cannabis doctor to purchase, cultivate, or consume medical marijuana products. The products available for Adult Use are not the same as the medically approve products. Adult Use (Recreational) Marijuana products will become available to people over 21, these products will not require an MMJ card. We strongly recommend that you gain and maintain a Medical Marijuana Certification if you have any medical diagnoses and follow the advice and guidance of your physician. Cannabis Doctors of New York is the first medical cannabis only practice that started since the Compassionate Care Act was passed in 2014. Since then, we have treated thousands of patients and have closely monitored and managed their symptoms successfully. We have experience with the medical marijuana products available at New York dispensaries and use specific products and ratios for each condition. Without a doctor's guidance, many New Yorkers are left to navigate the system alone, which can be confusing and intimidating to a new cannabis user. Cannabis Doctors of New York provides a unique concierge service beyond the certification process and can coordinate care with your primary care physicians or care facility. We arrange for a smooth transition for our patients to receive their Medical Marijuana Card by providing individualized guidance in products, dosing, follow-ups, and complex medicine management. We also offer public educational services such as lectures, webinars, and have organized several events to raise awareness about the efficacy and to reduce the stigma often associated with medical marijuana. 3. What are some of the changes we can expect to see with Cannabis in New York State? Allowing whole flower and the “smoking” of cannabis. Expanding limits to a 60-day supply (previously 30 days) effective immediately. Allowing medical practitioners to certify patients who have been diagnosed with any conditions outside of the legislatively predetermined list effective immediately. Allowing up to five designated caregivers to store and administer medical cannabis (previously two) effective immediately. Removing State fees paid by patients effective immediately. Authorizing the opening of up to four additional medical dispensaries per Registered Organization will take effect in late 2022. Allowing Personal possession outside of the home up to 3 ounces cannabis (24 grams of concentrates) effective immediately. Home Grow (Cultivation) permitted under the bill subject to possession limits in 18 months after first adult-use sales begin for adult recreational use and subject to regulations of the Medical Program. 3 mature plants and 3 immature plants for adults over 21. 6 mature plants and 6 immature plants maximum per household. Criminal Justice and Record Expungement provisions. Under the law, the smell of marijuana alone is no longer probable cause for a search by law enforcement. Protections for the Use of Cannabis and Workplace Safety: Unlawful discrimination will be prohibited and workplace safety protections will be implemented. Separate provisions in the law permit for the licensing of delivery services and social consumption facilities. Localities that do not wish to regulate marijuana establishments can choose not to permit them. Please visit NYC.GOV , HEALTH.NY.GOV and CANNABIS.NY.GOV for a comprehensive explanation of the effects of the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA). Additionally, NORML has a comprehensive list of NYS laws & penalties up to date as of 06/16/2022. Here at Cannabis Doctors of New York, we dedicate ourselves to our unique approach of providing you with extended support. You can speak in-depth with our physician, who will guide you through every step of the way, taking the anxiety out of the process. At the time of your doctor's appointment, you will receive personalized product recommendations, dosing guidance, and assistance with navigating New York State dispensaries.

Cannabis Doctors of New York presents Chief Medical Officer Kenneth R. Weinberg. In this video he describes what the entourage effect is. ”The entourage effect refers to a synergistic reaction that goes on between THC and CBD so that having both in a particular product augments the effect of one another. So if you have a little bit of CBD in with a THC predominant product, you’ll get a stronger THC effect. On the other hand, if you have a little bit of THC in a CBD predominant product, you’ll get a stronger CBD effect. “

Cannabis Doctors of New York presents Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth R. Weinberg. In this video he will explain what THC is. ”THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the predominant chemical structure of the cannabis plant and it is most known for its psychoactive properties . But it is also very helpful for sleep. It’s good for appetite stimulation, it helps with nausea and its very good for muscle spasticity.” Tetrahydrocannabinol Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of 2 predominant cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant along with CBD. Besides THC and CBD, more than 100 other cannabinoids have been identified. THC is the psychoactive substance that produces the “high” associated with marijuana when it is decarboxylated and ingested. THC first starts out as THC-A which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found is fresh cannabis plants. The process of decarboxylation changes the THC-A into THC, this can sometime occur naturally as the plant is dried. THC differs from CBD in that it causes you to feel "high". Many conditions may benefit from THC and CBD, we can help find ratios and products that will work best for you.

Kenneth R. Weinberg, M.D., explains CBD “CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most predominant chemical in the cannabis plant. It’s most known for its anti-inflammatory effect, for its pain relieving effect, for its anxiety relieving effect, and it also has a neuroprotective effect as well.”