Cannabis

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis has been consumed by people for thousands of years for medicinal, recreational, industrial, and spiritual purposes. Cannabis sativa is a plant commonly known by many names – including weed, pot, and marijuana, with the preferred term being ‘cannabis’. Cannabis is most commonly smoked, vaped, eaten, applied topically. Extended product forms are available to certified patients participating in the medical cannabis program including transdermal patches and suppositories.. It can be consumed in many forms including hash (created from cannabis resin), leaves, oils, lotions, edibles (product, containing either cannabis or concentrated cannabis and other ingredients, intended for use or consumption through ingestion, including sublingual or oral absorption), infused foods or beverages, and in highly concentrated forms such as shatter, wax, kief, or hashish. Many consume cannabis for its possible psychoactive effects. If consumed for medical purposes it can treat chronic pain, glaucoma, poor appetite, nausea, and many other problems.

The cannabis plant has hundreds of chemical compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes. These natural compounds can have different effects on the mind and body. Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the most common.

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol, known as "THC," is known for its psychoactive effects -- a feeling of being high.
  • Cannabidiol, known as "CBD", is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol does not cause a "high" or psychoactive effect by itself.

History of Cannabis in New York State

Cannabis became legal in New York State for medical purposes when the Medical Cannabis Program was implemented in 2016. Adult-Use (also known as recreational) Cannabis was legalized in New York State when the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed on March 31, 2021. The MRTA made it legal for adults 21 or older to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (like vaporization oil or an edible) for personal use, to store up to five pounds of cannabis in the home, to consume cannabis, and to share cannabis without compensation to a person 21 or older.

It is illegal to use cannabis in a motor vehicle, a private business, or any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited. It's also illegal to sell cannabis without a license. There are more restrictions and exceptions regarding the possession, consumption, and sales of cannabis.

New York State Department of Health's Role

The New York State Department of Health supports the Office of Cannabis Management in the implementation of the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act on matters related to public health and education, public safety, research, and data surveillance. The Department of Health collaborates across state agencies to provide resources and support to local communities for people who use drugs.

Key Terms

Cannabidiol (CBD):
the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol does not cause a "high" or psychoactive effect by itself.
Cannabis:
products derived from the Cannabis sativa plants that contain more than 0.3% THC. Under the Cannabis Law, the term cannabis is used instead of marijuana. There is no difference between “cannabis” and “marijuana”; Marijuana is a term that grew in popularity in the late 19th century to refer to cannabis and was historically used in a derogatory way towards certain ethnic groups. For this reason, the we are using the term cannabis to refer to marijuana and the term hemp to refer specifically to hemp. Under the Cannabis Law, “adult-use cannabis” is used to refer to non-medical cannabis.
Hemp:
products derived from Cannabis sativa plants that contain less than 0.3% THC. Hemp is a versatile crop with uses across a variety of sectors including food, building materials, textiles, beauty products, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
One of the most prevalent cannabinoids in cannabis, THC causes a high/altered mental state.
Delta-8 THC:
a cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects (feeling of being “high”) and is not permitted to be sold or manufactured in the New York State Cannabinoid Hemp Program. Many Delta-8 THC products available on the market today are not regulated and can pose a serious risk to consumers.
Legalization:
Measures at the state-level to permit possession, use and/or sales of medical and/or recreational cannabis, or to decriminalize cannabis possession. Cannabis is still federally illegal.
Medical cannabis:
Marijuana or substances extracted from cannabis prescribed to treat conditions such as pain, anxiety, nausea, and glaucoma.
Cannabinoids:
Chemical substances found within the cannabis plant, the most common of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Decriminalization:
Laws that do not allow jurisdictions to prosecute people for possessing small amounts of marijuana, especially for the first offense.
Adult-Use cannabis:
used to refer to non-medical cannabis.