New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05704

Introduced
2/28/25  
Refer
2/28/25  

Caption

Relates to the content and procedure for certification by pharmacists of patients using medical cannabis; allows a pharmacist employed by a registered organization and responsible for supervising the dispensing of medical cannabis within a cannabis dispensing facility to recommend and certify patients upon consultation within such dispensing facility.

Summary

Bill S05704 amends the cannabis law in New York to allow pharmacists employed by registered organizations to certify patients for medical cannabis use. This certification can only be issued if the patient has a qualifying condition and is under the continuing care of a qualified practitioner. The bill outlines the necessary information that must be included in the certification and establishes guidelines for the duration of the certification based on the patient's condition. It also mandates that practitioners complete a two-hour course before issuing certifications.

Impact

The bill expands the role of pharmacists in the medical cannabis certification process, potentially increasing access for patients seeking medical cannabis. By allowing pharmacists to certify patients, the bill may streamline the process and reduce the burden on traditional healthcare practitioners. This change could impact existing regulations surrounding medical cannabis and may require updates to training and certification processes for pharmacists.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S05704 appears to be generally supportive, as it aims to enhance patient access to medical cannabis through the involvement of pharmacists. However, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of training for pharmacists and the implications of expanding their responsibilities in patient care.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the qualifications required for pharmacists to certify patients, as well as concerns about the potential for over-prescription or misuse of medical cannabis. Some healthcare practitioners may feel that the certification process should remain solely within the purview of physicians and other traditional healthcare providers.

Companion Bills

NY A02566

Same As Relates to the content and procedure for certification by pharmacists of patients using medical cannabis; allows a pharmacist employed by a registered organization and responsible for supervising the dispensing of medical cannabis within a cannabis dispensing facility to recommend and certify patients upon consultation within such dispensing facility.

Previously Filed As

NY A02566

Relates to the content and procedure for certification by pharmacists of patients using medical cannabis; allows a pharmacist employed by a registered organization and responsible for supervising the dispensing of medical cannabis within a cannabis dispensing facility to recommend and certify patients upon consultation within such dispensing facility.

TX HB1504

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by qualifying patients with certain debilitating medical conditions and the licensing of dispensing organizations and cannabis testing facilities; authorizing fees.

VA HB1989

Medical cannabis program; changes requirements for product labels, dispensing cannabis products.

TX SB259

Relating to the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for use by patients as the best available medical treatment, the licensing of medical cannabis dispensing organizations, and the registration of certain individuals; authorizing fees.

WV HB2765

Relating to certification of a patient’s eligibility for medical cannabis

WV HB5092

Relating to certification of a patient’s eligibility for medical cannabis

PA SB49

Establishing the Cannabis Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for permits and for dispensing cannabis to patients and caregivers; and making repeals.

VA HB486

Medical care facilities; expanded access to medical cannabis for terminally ill patients.

SD HB1053

Require that terminal care facilities allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis.

SD HB1055

Modify medical cannabis certification requirements.

Similar Bills

CA AB1558

Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act.

CA AB2622

Nurse Practitioner Advisory Committee.

NJ S782

Exempts birthing facilities from certain health care practitioner referral restrictions.

MS SB2546

MS Medical Cannabis Act; eliminate required follow-up visit and extend written certification and registry ID card validity periods.

US HB4204

Medicare Patient Choice Act

CA SB1269

Chiropractors: animal chiropractic practitioners.

IA SF220

A bill for an act relating to protections for medical practitioners, health care institutions, and health care payors including those related to the exercise of conscience, whistleblower activities, and free speech, and providing penalties.

IA HSB139

A bill for an act relating to protections for medical practitioners, health care institutions, and health care payors including those related to the exercise of conscience, whistleblower activities, and free speech, and providing penalties.(See HF 571.)