What You Don’t Know About Medical Marijuana

Do you need medical marijuana? What you don’t know about medical marijuana and it’s process may surprise you. Call our Buffalo attorneys now.

New York Medical Marijuana Program

What You Don't Know About Medical MarijuanaNew York State recently followed other states in implementing a medical marijuana system, where a doctor can prescribe medical marijuana for various reasons. New York State has slowly changed the reasons for which someone may be entitled to receive medical marijuana. The two most common conditions that may allow someone to receive medical marijuana are chronic pain and long-term opiate use.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana

There are several conditions that may entitle a patient to receive medical marijuana in New York State. Chronic pain and long-term opiate use are two of the most common, but not the end of the list that allows someone to receive medical marijuana. If you have an interest in receiving medical marijuana, and are unsure if you are entitled to receive it, you should speak with your doctor, who will have a complete list of conditions and diagnoses that may entitle you to receive medical marijuana in New York State.

Medical Marijuana and Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation insurance complicates the issue of medical marijuana, but to give a short answer, you are covered for medical marijuana as a part of your Workers’ Compensation case. That being said, there are some additional steps you have to take before a Workers’ Compensation judge will approve your prescription for medical marijuana.

First, you have to be licensed to receive medical marijuana. Second, your doctor has to be licensed to prescribe medical marijuana in New York State. Third, you have to show why medical marijuana would be right for you in this case, whether it be chronic pain or opiate use. You need to fall into one of these categories before you can be licensed to receive medical marijuana. Fourth, your doctor has to file a form called an MG-2, which is a variance from the medical treatment guidelines under the Workers’ Compensation Law. If you meet all of these requirements, you may be entitled to receive medical marijuana and have it approved in front of a judge.

Is Medical Marijuana Right for You?

The best way to know if medical marijuana is right for you is to have a conversation with your doctor. Your doctor will be in the best position to know what treatment and what types of medication are most effective for you, whether it be for chronic pain, to reduce opiates, or any other condition that would be right to take medical marijuana.

Getting Medical Marijuana

In New York State, to receive medical marijuana, you have to be licensed. Once you get licensed, you receive a card. You should speak with your doctor on how to properly apply for and receive your card to receive medical marijuana in New York State. If you want to receive medical marijuana as a part of your Workers’ Compensation case, you will need your card before a judge will authorize you to receive medical marijuana.


Did you or a loved one get seriously injured because of a work injury and have questions about getting medical marijuana for your claim? Learn what you don’t know about medical marijuana, then contact our experienced Buffalo workers’ compensation attorneys for a legal consultation.

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