AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB)- The new medical marijuana program in New York State is set to begin on Thursday. About 50 doctors across the state have already registered for the program, according to the State Department of Health. There will be 20 regulated dispensaries throughout the state.
Last minute touches were underway Wednesday at 52 South Union Road in Williamsville, as Bloomfield Industries prepared to open its medical marijuana dispensary the next day.
About 20 minutes away, the state said another dispensary will open at 25 North Pointe Parkway in Amherst. The company PharmaCann said they will be ready to fill scripts by the end of the week.
It could be a while before patients walk through their doors.
“I think it’s going to be extremely slow in rolling out, which is unfortunate because there are a lot of people who are really in need,” said Assemblyman Ray Walter.
To get medical marijuana, you have to see a registered physician and get a certification.
One day before the dispensaries were set to open, the state still would not release the names of qualified physicians. That means patients could see delays getting the medication. Unless a patient already knows a qualified physician, it could be hard getting the state I.D. card required to visit a dispensary.
“Without the patients, I don’t know how successful they’re going to be to start off,” said Assemblyman Walter.
He said another unanswered question is the cost of treatment. The cost hasn’t been finalized but it’s estimated patients could pay between $300 and $500 per month.
“There is a concern that some people will be priced out of taking advantage of this and we need to take a look at ways to help out people who really need it,” said Walter.
The Department of Health said on its website that prices are based on production costs plus a “reasonable profit” but vary due to dosage levels.
Assemblyman Walter told News 4 he plans to push for a hearing with the Department of Health to get the process moving faster.
