On Monday, September 24, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) signed a bill (S8987A/A 11011-B) that adds acute pain management to the list of conditions for which medical marijuana can be recommended as an alternative to opioid use.
The bill also allows substance use disorder treatment providers to recommend medical marijuana to help patients manage underlying pain that contributes to the abuse of substances such as opioids.
“In this battle against the opioid epidemic, it is critical that we use every means at our disposal to prevent the unnecessary prescription of these dangerous and addictive painkillers,” Cuomo said. “Adding these conditions to the list of those approved for management with medical marijuana will help reduce the risk of addiction and provide suffering New Yorkers the relief they need.”
This new law formalizes regulations the New York State Department of Health issued in July, which added opioid replacement and opioid use disorder to the list list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana.
In order to recommend medical marijuana for pain management, a registered practitioner must determine that the patient’s pain degrades health and functional capability, along with certain other requirements.
“We know that medical marijuana can be a helpful alternative for a wide range of illnesses and conditions,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “By expanding the approved list, we are providing New Yorkers with new options, and preventing the danger that comes from opioid addiction.”
Find more information on New York’s medical marijuana program, including the list of qualifying conditions and how to register, here.”
Tags: acute pain management, Andrew Cuomo, Medical Cannabis, medical marijuana, New York, New York medical marijuana, New York State Department of Health, NY, opioid substitution therapy, Opioid Use Disorder, opioids, qualifying conditions
