AMEDORE BILL TO ALLOW MEDICAL MARIJUANA AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO OPIOIDS SIGNED INTO LAW

Senator George Amedore today announced his legislation (S.8987A) to allow the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of substance use disorder or as an alternative to opioids for the treatment of pain has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo. 

Under New York State’s Compassionate Care Act, which went into effect in January 2016, medical marijuana can be used for the treatment of debilitating diseases or conditions that cause chronic pain. This new statue amends the public health law to allow for the use of medical marijuana to treat substance use disorder or as an alternative to opioids for the treatment of pain. 

Senator Amedore serves as the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and as co-Chair of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction. 

"As the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction travelled the state, this was a big gap that we heard about over and over,” said Senator Amedore. “When we look at solutions to help us combat the heroin and opioid epidemic, we must ensure prescribers and patients have every resource and option at their disposal. I'm glad the Governor has signed this legislation that will help patients and provide an alternative to highly addictive opioids."

The new law goes into effect immediately.