State picks 5 to grow, dispense medical marijuana

One of those companies, Bloomfield Industries Inc., will be growing the marijuana in Queens. “New York’s law is among the most restrictive in the country”. Officials from Columbia are expected to visit the 4,000-square-foot site in Monroe County next week, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.

Among the losing bidders was North Shore-LIJ Health System, which had partnered with a Colorado-based cannabis company to form Silverpeak New York LLC to put together a bid.

Empire State Health Solutions, which will manufacture in Fulton County and dispense in Broome, Albany, Westchester and Queens counties.

The approval contest was tight; two of the 43 applicants missed out on being among the five top-scoring companies by a fraction of a point.

The announcement represented a major step in the launch of the new medical treatment program, meant for patients with a variety of eligible diseases, including…

California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana, in 1996, and has hundreds of dispensaries throughout the state. Each producer is restricted to opening only four dispensaries each, they will only be allowed to produce five strains or brands of medical marijuana, and all products must be in pill, oil or tincture form. Patients will not be able to get medical marijuana from a dispensary unless they register with the state.

The state’s cautious approach reflects persistent concerns not only about the efficacy of the drug, but also about the risk that marijuana would be diverted for recreational uses. Dispensaries will be scattered among the suburbs and throughout upstate New York and four dispensaries within New York City itself.

Especially important for the New York market is TCCG’s unique ability to create accurately-dosed formulas that comply with the state’s new dosage standards; in fact, TCCG is one of the few organizations worldwide that has this capability.

TCCG’s services and experience are a ideal fit for the mandates of the Compassionate Care Act, as TCCG offers turnkey solutions for producers who want to encapsulate their product for better medicinal appeal.

State Health Department officials said the five companies awarded medical marijuana registrations passed a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process. He explained that many doctors, affiliated with hospitals funded by federal dollars, may be reluctant to prescribe medical marijuana to patients. The state’s regulations will make this situation more like going to a pharmacy than a head shop.