The first-ever New York State Medical Cannabis Symposium took place on September 20, 2024, in Buffalo, NY, co-hosted by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. This groundbreaking event centered around the potential of cannabis as a tool for patient care, its science, and the importance of policy reform. Healthcare practitioners, researchers, and advocates gathered to discuss how cannabis can benefit patients in need of safe, effective, and compassionate treatments.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the power of cannabis as a natural medicine that’s been used for thousands of years. The speakers, including politicians like Crystal People Stokes and members of the Cannabis Control Board like Tremaine Wright, highlighted personal experiences, clinical data, and advocacy for greater integration of medical cannabis into mainstream healthcare. Stokes passionately discussed the necessity of prescription coverage for cannabis, calling for the removal of its stigma as a criminalized drug. She emphasized that people should not be punished for using a plant-based medicine they genuinely need.
The event also tackled the gaps between state and federal laws regarding cannabis, calling for a uniform approach to research and usage guidelines. One major discussion point was the need for more medical professionals to understand cannabis’ complexities—from cannabinoids to terpenes—so they can effectively recommend it as part of patient care strategies.
With experts like Dr. Julia Arnsten and Dr. Amy Case diving into the specifics of the endocannabinoid system, dosing strategies, and the palliative use of cannabis, attendees left equipped with knowledge to better treat their patients. The conference concluded with calls to action, advocating for continued research, policy change, and education around cannabis’ benefits for patients suffering from conditions like cancer, dementia, and opioid addiction.
This conference is a key step in bridging the gap between cannabis science, policy, and patient care, ensuring that the future of cannabis is not just about access, but about creating compassionate, patient-centered care systems.