A free seminar, “Cannabis 101” will be presented May 2 to explain how the state’s medical marijuana program works, including what conditions are eligible and how to become registered to purchase marijuana.
The session is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Potsdam Civic Center Community Room, 38 Main St.
It’s being hosted by Curaleaf New York, which is among 10 companies that operate medical dispensaries in the state. In the north country, Curaleaf operates a dispensary at 345 Cornelia St., Plattsburgh.
“It’s to educate the community. We welcome people to come if they’re curious or interested,” said Lynette Austin, the company’s community outreach manager. “It’s not just for patients, it’s for anyone, caregivers, loved ones, medical practitioners.”
Craig Brozek, a Curaleaf pharmacist, will discuss the benefits of medical cannabis, its ability to treat certain conditions and how people can determine if it’s the right treatment for them. He will also review the eligibility requirements for New York’s medical marijuana program and explain how patients can register for the program and obtain medical cannabis products in the area. People who follow through with the process with a certified medical practitioner receive state-issued identification cards that are used at dispensaries.
“With the I.D. card, they’re able to go into any dispensary,” Mrs. Austin said.
In New York state, Mrs. Austin said medical marijuana is available to people diagnosed with specific medical conditions including cancer, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, HIV, AIDS, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, inflammatory bowel syndrome, spinal chord injury with spasticite, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis.
Medical marijuana was legalized in New York in July 2014 when Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the state Legislature enacted the Compassionate Care Act.
Curaleaf provides patients with access to medical-grade cannabis products and counseling. Patients may call 1-833-470-5323 for more information or visit ny.curaleaf.com.
