Robert Celt
New Member
Haley Hilt, 9, battles a rare disorder that causes seizures. Just a couple of weeks ago, she took her first doses of medical marijuana. Right away her mom, Melissa, noticed a change.
"The alertness, she's bright eyed, she's watching and observing everything," said Hilt.
Haley is one of 1,174 patients that the state said have been certified by their doctor. According to the State Health Department website, 421 doctors have registered for the program.
Julie Netherland, from the Drug Policy Alliance, said patients are still having a hard time finding doctors to register them.
"We are still hearing daily from patients who are not able to access medical marijuana because they can't find a doctor to register them," she said.
The State Department of Health told CBS6 News in an emailed statement:
"Patients should not have difficultly identifying a registered physician. Patients seeking access to medical marijuana should first go to their treating physician. If their treating physician is not registered with the medical marijuana program, he or she has access to a list of consenting registered practitioners and their specialties through the Department's secure online Health Commerce System. Physicians can use the information listed in the Health Commerce System to refer their patients to a registered physician. Registered physicians will then determine whether medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment for the patient."
Netherland also said that access to the drug is also an issue for some patients. Not all 20 dispensaries approved by the state are up and running yet. Not every registered organization has the form of the drug patients are looking for.
"We are hearing stories of patients driving extraordinary distances still to get the access they need. What's compounding frustration is there's not good information about when more medicine is going to be available," said Netherland.
CBS6 News brought that concern to the State Department of Health as well.
A spokesperson said, "We are working closely with each Registered Organization to ensure that the two products required by regulation (High CBD:Low THC and 1:1 CBD:THC) are produced and offered to the public."
In a statement, the Department spokesperson also said, "The Department is working closely with each registered organization to ensure that patients have access to medical marijuana products. As more patients register, the registered organizations will expand their operations to meet demand."
Right now, Hilt's biggest concern is cost, especially as Haley's dose increases. She said the first month's supply cost $182. Medical marijuana is not covered by insurance.
Melissa says family, friends and community members are offering to help with the cost and the family plans to hold fundraisers. She hopes lawmakers, or state officials do something.
"It's ridiculous. We fought and we battled and we tried so hard to get this for our children," said Hilt. "Someone needs to step up and do something."
A spokesperson for the Department of Health sent this statement in regard to cost:
" All of the Registered Organizations submitted their proposed prices and the Department approved them. Registered Organizations may not charge more than the maximum price per dose approved by the Commissioner, but are allowed to provide discounted products. Specifically, some of the Registered Organizations may be offering 'reduced priced programs' for qualifying certified patients, who may also qualify for a waiver of the $50 patient registration fee the Department collects. The total amount that a patient pays depends upon a patient's individual dosing needs and the resultant total quantity purchased. Patients should contact the Registered Organization directly to obtain final prices, taking into account the dosing recommendations of their physician."
The Department's website also provides information on this program.
New York State Medical Marijuana Program
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: NY Patients Voice Concerns After Medical Marijuana Law Goes Into Effect
Author: Torie Wells
Contact: 6News
Photo Credit: Katie Honan
Website: 6News
"The alertness, she's bright eyed, she's watching and observing everything," said Hilt.
Haley is one of 1,174 patients that the state said have been certified by their doctor. According to the State Health Department website, 421 doctors have registered for the program.
Julie Netherland, from the Drug Policy Alliance, said patients are still having a hard time finding doctors to register them.
"We are still hearing daily from patients who are not able to access medical marijuana because they can't find a doctor to register them," she said.
The State Department of Health told CBS6 News in an emailed statement:
"Patients should not have difficultly identifying a registered physician. Patients seeking access to medical marijuana should first go to their treating physician. If their treating physician is not registered with the medical marijuana program, he or she has access to a list of consenting registered practitioners and their specialties through the Department's secure online Health Commerce System. Physicians can use the information listed in the Health Commerce System to refer their patients to a registered physician. Registered physicians will then determine whether medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment for the patient."
Netherland also said that access to the drug is also an issue for some patients. Not all 20 dispensaries approved by the state are up and running yet. Not every registered organization has the form of the drug patients are looking for.
"We are hearing stories of patients driving extraordinary distances still to get the access they need. What's compounding frustration is there's not good information about when more medicine is going to be available," said Netherland.
CBS6 News brought that concern to the State Department of Health as well.
A spokesperson said, "We are working closely with each Registered Organization to ensure that the two products required by regulation (High CBD:Low THC and 1:1 CBD:THC) are produced and offered to the public."
In a statement, the Department spokesperson also said, "The Department is working closely with each registered organization to ensure that patients have access to medical marijuana products. As more patients register, the registered organizations will expand their operations to meet demand."
Right now, Hilt's biggest concern is cost, especially as Haley's dose increases. She said the first month's supply cost $182. Medical marijuana is not covered by insurance.
Melissa says family, friends and community members are offering to help with the cost and the family plans to hold fundraisers. She hopes lawmakers, or state officials do something.
"It's ridiculous. We fought and we battled and we tried so hard to get this for our children," said Hilt. "Someone needs to step up and do something."
A spokesperson for the Department of Health sent this statement in regard to cost:
" All of the Registered Organizations submitted their proposed prices and the Department approved them. Registered Organizations may not charge more than the maximum price per dose approved by the Commissioner, but are allowed to provide discounted products. Specifically, some of the Registered Organizations may be offering 'reduced priced programs' for qualifying certified patients, who may also qualify for a waiver of the $50 patient registration fee the Department collects. The total amount that a patient pays depends upon a patient's individual dosing needs and the resultant total quantity purchased. Patients should contact the Registered Organization directly to obtain final prices, taking into account the dosing recommendations of their physician."
The Department's website also provides information on this program.
New York State Medical Marijuana Program
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: NY Patients Voice Concerns After Medical Marijuana Law Goes Into Effect
Author: Torie Wells
Contact: 6News
Photo Credit: Katie Honan
Website: 6News
