medical cannabis certification

We provide New York State Residents with expert advice and care. We educate patients in the proper use of Medical Cannabis to minimize unwanted or potentially dangerous side effects. While not appropriate for all patients, Medical Cannabis may form an important part of an integrative patient-centered health plan.

Do I Qualify?

 

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management recently announced that in addition to the list of qualifying conditions for Medical Cannabis, the certifying practitioner may now use their medical expertise and discretion to determine if a patient’s condition qualifies for the Medical Cannabis program. The original qualifying conditions are: cancer, HIV/AIDS, amytrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage with spasticity, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, Huntington’s Disease, debilitating pain, post traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder. Based on the growing experience from medical cannabis programs in other states and the medical literature, New York State expanded the program to allow physicians to consider medical cannabis for any condition. Contact us now to see if you may benefit.

How do I receive my Medical Cannabis Registry ID Card?

 

Once you receive your Certification, you will visit https://my.ny.gov to register online and receive your temporary ID card which will allow you to obtain medical marijuana from a registered NY dispensary. You can also designate caregivers. Your permanent ID card will be mailed and arrives typically within 7-10 business days. Visit cannabis.ny.gov/patients for more information.

Formulations

 
 

While they are all derived from one plant, Medical Cannabis products vary in their potency and in their chemical composition. Each product will contain different ratios of cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD)— a non-intoxicating compound with medicinal properties, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)— a psychoactive compound with medicinal properties that may cause intoxication with improper use.

Cannabis also contains terpenes, a variety of chemicals that may modulate the effects of cannabinoids and that may themselves possess medicinal properties.

Ask your physician about which formulations may provide you the best relief while minimizing undesirable side effects and interactions with your prescribed medications. Be careful to follow the guidance and advice of your physician and pharmacists.

  • Like many plants, Cannabis naturally contains innumerable compounds that interact with our bodies. Scientific study revealed the Endocannabinoid System as the target of these compounds. This system is found in nearly every organ of our bodies including the brain, heart, gut, immune system, and others.

    Cannabinoids act on these targets and regulate their function.

  • It is not Cannabis, for starters. Our bodies produce their own chemicals to carry out the functions of life. The ECS is a critical layer that helps regulate the activity of nearly all internal systems of our body.

    It is comprised of all the transmitters, receptors, enzymes, and underlying genetic information that help regulate critical aspects of our daily lives. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam discovered many of these natural chemicals while he was studying how THC and CBD work in our bodies.

  • Remember, the ECS is found all over our bodies, and is therefore involved in a huge variety of critical functions.

    In 1998, Professor V. Di Marzo summarized these functions as “relax, eat, sleep, forget, and protect.” Based on clinical and laboratory data, we can understand these basic roles as a complex system that regulates and coordinates the spectrum of organ systems involved in each category.

    For example, we know that components of the ECS play a role in pain, inflammation, and the response to injury.

    The ECS also plays a critical role in learning and memory, and particularly when physical or psychological trauma are involved.

    Importantly it is believed the ECS plays an important role in regulating of our mood, which has widespread implications for all our body functions.

  • Dr Ethan Russo, a neurologist who was centrally involved in developing the first ever prescription cannabinoid approved for epilepsy, theorizes that given the ECS regulates and balances many other systems, deficiency of ECS function could cause disorders.

    Among other conditions, he theorizes that irritable bowel sydrome, fibromyalgia, migraine, and even motion sickness may indicate a disruption of ECS function.

  • We all know that diet and exercise are critical pieces that determine our overall health. Another category that does not always spring to mind is… mindfulness. Simple examples of how we practice mindfulness are meditation and being present in the now rather than focused on the past or future.

    When used properly, cannabis may help stimulate the ECS.

    Particular dietary modifications, probiotic supplements, low impact aerobic exercise, along with meditation, yoga, accupuncture, may all help regulate the ECS.