Today, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management announced the enactment of NY State Senate Bill 2025 S3294A, a major update to the state’s Medical Cannabis Program. The bill marks one of the most significant advancements to New York’s medical cannabis framework since it launched in 2016. By signing it, Governor Kathy Hochul signals her support for patients and practitioners across the state as the legislation improves access and strengthens patient rights while maintaining strong public health and safety standards.

“This legislation reflects New York’s ongoing commitment to compassion, science, access, and equity,” said Felicia A. B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “I especially want to thank Dr. Nakesha Abel and her team’s incredible guidance in developing these programmatic parameters.”

The bill expands patient access and participation by authorizing medical cannabis patients from other states to purchase from New York medical dispensaries, streamlining the certification process, easing provider requirements to reduce barriers, and extending patient certifications from one to two years. It also strengthens and clarifies patient rights by creating more flexible possession limits for certified patients and caregivers, and allowing certified patients aged eighteen and older to cultivate cannabis at home for personal medical use. These changes together support patient autonomy, protect program integrity, and offer clearer guidance for patients and caregivers.

These amendments do not go into effect for ninety days, and some may take longer if additional regulations are required.

“Patients deserve a medical cannabis program that truly supports their care, and these updates move us closer to that goal,” said Dr. June Chin, Chief Medical Officer of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “By expanding access and modernizing the system, we are ensuring that treatment decisions are guided by evidence, clinical expertise, and the lived experiences of the people we serve.”

“The goal of this legislation is to ensure that we were easing access barriers to medical cannabis across the state,” said Dr. Nakesha Abel, Deputy Director of Scientific Programs and Research. “By grounding policy in data and patient experience, we’ve built a stronger, more accessible program for all New Yorkers.”

Source: New York State Office of Cannabis Management