FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 17, 2017 • THE QUEENS COURIER 11
Two more medical marijuana dispensaries slated to open in Queens
BY ANGELA MATUA
amatua@qns.com
Th e state Health Department has
announced several steps in the last week
to expand its medical marijuana program
including allowing more companies
to open dispensaries in the fi ve boroughs.
Terradiol and PalliaTech NY will open
dispensaries in Queens. Currently, Vireo
Health of New York operates a dispensary
in Elmhurst. Th e dispensary at 89-55
Queens Blvd. fi rst opened in Jan. 2016.
“Th e New York State Department of
Health is committed to growing the
state’s Medical Marijuana Program
responsibly,” said Department of Health
Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.
“Th e addition of these registered organizations
will make it easier for patients
across the state to obtain medical marijuana,
improve the aff ordability of medical
marijuana products through the
introduction of new competition, and
increase the variety of medical marijuana
products available to patients.”
In addition to expanding the number
of operators, the department announced
today new regulations that will allow
companies to sell medical marijuana
in several forms. Previously, only three
forms including capsules fi lled with cannabis
extract and coconut oil, a liquid
form for those who have trouble swallowing,
and a vapor form similar to electronic
vaporizers were allowed.
The state Health Department is allowing two medical marijuana companies to open dispensaries in Queens.
Now, companies will be able to sell
topicals such as lotions, ointments and
patches, as well as solid and semi-solid
products including chewable and eff ervescent
tablets and lozenges.
State regulations only allowed those
with medical marijuana cards to enter
facilities but new laws will allow prospective
patients to enter a facility and
ask questions about the program and any
products. Caregivers will also be able to
enter the dispensary with a patient.
A shorter version of the four-hour
courses for practitioners to be able to
certify patients for a medical marijuana
license will also be off ered. Aft er consulting
with doctors, the Health Department
will create a two-hour program as well.
Th e department is also broadening the
capability of medical marijuana companies
to advertise their services, streamlining
the manufacturing requirements
File photo/QNS
for medical marijuana products, amending
security requirements and clarifying
laboratory testing methods.
Currently, there are 25,736 certifi
ed patients and 1,139 registered practitioners
participating in the program.
Th e number of certifi ed patients has
increased by 10,744, or 72 percent, once
the Health Department added chronic
pain as a symptom eligible for medical
marijuana treatment in late March.
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iTALIAN FESTIVAL 2017
Wednesday, August 23 – Sunday, August 27
MUSIC SCHEDULE
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