The inaugural meeting of New York’s five-member Cannabis Control Board, which will oversee the legalization of recreational marijuana, took place on Tuesday. The board made major reforms to the states medical cannabis program. New York’s Cannabis Control Board approved changes, including the elimination of application fees, the authorization of whole flower sales, and an increase in supply.

New York Cannabis Control Board Meets For The First Time

For the first time, medical marijuana dispensaries in New York are permitted to sell cannabis in flower form. The Cannabis Control Board also included dentists, podiatrists, and midwives on its list of providers who may prescribe cannabis for medical purposes. Patients and caregivers no longer have to pay the $50 registration fee. A 60-day supply of medicinal cannabis was also authorized by the board, rather than merely a one-month supply. The board discussed a variety of other issues, including ethics, outreach, and education.

Since 2014, it has been allowed in New York State to use medical marijuana for certain conditions. Previously, however, only edibles, tinctures, and cartridges had been accessible in New York State. Cannabis flower is now accessible via the New York medical cannabis program. “Adding whole flower products to the list of options will be a game changer for thousands who struggle to find relief,” says state Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island). Patients in New York who need dried cannabis flower may now purchase it at their local dispensary.

In March 2021, the Empire State legalized medical cannabis. Despite the fact that New York legalized recreational marijuana in March, former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration made no appointments to the state’s regulatory body.

It is anticipated that recreational cannabis will be accessible in dispensaries in New York by sometime in 2022, if all goes according to plan.