New York’s medical marijuana program has seen considerable progression over time. In 2014, the state took a forward-thinking move with the Compassionate Care Act, legalizing medical marijuana for eligible patients, making New York the 23rd state to endorse medical cannabis as a legitimate treatment option.

The program has since evolved to accommodate patients better. Initially, it grappled with issues of limited access and constraints. Still, the state has made laudable strides in enhancing and expanding the program to ensure wider patient access and a more inclusive list of qualifying conditions.