Since legalizing adult use, New York has adopted a unique strategy to ensure that cannabis continues to be treated as a medicine, not just a recreational product. To achieve this, it has structured a regulatory framework that combines social equity, health inspection, and a focus on public health. The appointment of Dr. June Chin as the 'chief health officer' at the state regulatory body is symbolic, personifying the state's intention to balance the expanded market with patient protection.

The goal is to prevent patients who already rely on medicinal cannabis from getting lost in the transition process: dispensaries will continue to have pharmacists on duty, and pending bills should allow patients to renew their certifications for longer periods and grow plants at home, without compromising on a core of health control.

Challenges that persist and eyes on the future

Perhaps the most delicate measure is to prevent adult use from degrading the medicinal reputation of the plant or the 'recreational trend' from reducing the number of registered patients. In many states, when adult commerce comes into play, the participation of medical users plummets, but New York aims for a high retention rate in the medical model.

Furthermore, the federal issue weighs heavily: as cannabis remains classified as a high-risk substance, there are severe barriers to scientific research and the integration of treatments into traditional medicine or insurance coverage. The expectation is that if there is a change in the federal classification of the plant (such as reclassification to a less restrictive level), new opportunities will arise for research and broader involvement in the healthcare sector.
 

Source: MJBizDaily.