Blog

By Nikki Lawley & Oleg Maryasis, MS

Medical cannabis patients in New York face unnecessary financial and accessibility barriers that limit their ability to receive the care they need. On March 11, 2025, we invite patients, advocates, healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens to join us in Albany for the Medical Cannabis Lobby Day—an opportunity to push for meaningful reforms that will enhance patient access and ensure New York’s medical cannabis program prioritizes those who rely on it the most.

An Opportunity for Substantial Impact

Medical cannabis is a proven therapeutic option for individuals suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and many other debilitating conditions. Despite its legality in New York, too many patie

nts remain unable to afford or access it due to outdated regulations and financial hurdles. Our Lobby Day aims to change that by advocating for three critical pieces of legislation that will:

• Make medical cannabis more affordable by ensuring insurance coverage
• Increase education for healthcare providers on cannabis and the endocannabinoid system
• Eliminate the burdensome excise tax on medical cannabis

Key Legislative Priorities

1. Cannabis Health Coverage Act

(Assembly Bill A4744)

This bill would classify medical cannabis as a “prescription drug,” “covered drug,” or “health care service” under New York’s Medicaid, Child Health Plus, EPIC, and Essential Plan programs, as well as workers' compensation. By making medical cannabis eligible for insurance coverage, this legislation would significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients who often struggle to afford their medicine. It would also encourage safer alternatives to opioid-based treatments, supporting efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

2. Endocannabinoid System Awareness Program

(was Assembly Bill A10001 in the last legislative session)

Despite the growing acceptance of cannabis as medicine, many healthcare providers lack sufficient education about the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a crucial physiological system that interacts with cannabis compounds. This bill would establish an educational program within the Department of Health to provide Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities, ensuring that doctors and medical professionals understand how to responsibly incorporate cannabis into patient treatment plans. Knowledgeable healthcare providers mean better patient outcomes and more informed medical guidance.

3. Repeal of the 3.15% Excise Tax on Medical Cannabis

(Assembly Bill A4764)

New York currently imposes an unfair 3.15% excise tax on medical cannabis purchases, adding unnecessary financial strain on patients who already face high costs. This bill seeks to repeal the tax and eliminate the medical cannabis trust fund, ensuring that medical patients are not financially penalized for choosing cannabis as their treatment. Removing this tax would align medical cannabis with other prescription medications, which are typically exempt from such fees.

How You Can Help

Your voice matters! By joining us in Albany on March 11, you will have the opportunity to meet with lawmakers, share patient experiences, and help build momentum for these vital reforms. If you cannot attend in person, you can still support the cause by:

• Calling or emailing your state representatives to urge them to support these bills
• Spreading awareness on social media using #SupportMedicalCannabisNY
• Encouraging friends, family, and community members to take action

A Future of Equitable Healthcare Access to medical cannabis should not be a privilege—it should be a fundamental part of healthcare for those who need it. With your support, we can makereal progress in ensuring affordability, education, and fairness in New York’s medical cannabis program.

Join us in Albany on March 11, 2025, and help us advocate for a more just and compassionate healthcare system in New York. Together, we will make a difference!

For more information and to get involved please sign up here.

See You There!