New York is getting ready for medical marijuana, as the first legal medicinal dispensaries are preparing to open their doors.  The state recently began issuing licenses for businesses operating in the medical marijuana industry to grow and sell cannabis, and now the first consumer facing dispensaries are finally preparing to open shop.

New York currently has one of the strictest medical cannabis systems in the country.  In New York, only patients who have been diagnosed with one of 10 specific life-threatening conditions, such as AIDS or cancer will be allowed to purchase or consume medical marijuana.  In addition, patients will only be using cannabis concentrates, such as oils, liquids, and pills—as smoking is illegal under the state’s medical program.

As of now, 23 states and the District of Columbia currently allow medical marijuana.  Patients and doctors are now getting ready for the rollout in New York, with patient certification getting underway in preparation for the first dispensaries to open later next year.

Article Link: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/medical-marijuana-dispensaries-prepare-open-doors-n-y-n484691