Medical Marijuana is available to our established hematology/oncology patients. Medical marijuana is used to ease pain and discomfort. Marijuana is a plant that contains cannabinoids; chemicals that help induce drug-like effects on the body.
Two well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is capable of reducing nausea, pain, and inflammation. CBD carries the same benefits as THC without the intoxicating side effects.
Types of medical marijuana products
The most common forms to use medical marijuana include:
Vape Cartridge/Pen
Capsule
Tablet
Oil
Oral Spray
Powder
Cost of Medical Marijuana
The cost of medical marijuana varies. Plant buds cost between $5 and $20 per gram, edible products between $2 and $5 per dose, and tinctures are $15 or $20 per bottle. Discounts can be obtained by contacting a registered organization. Insurance companies are not required to cover any medical marijuana usage. A list of the registered organizations can be found at health.ny.gov/mmp.
Should I speak up about my pain?
Patients often do not report pain for different reasons. Some cancer patients feel that pain is inevitable and that they must handle it alone. It can feel embarrassing to describe the way certain types of pain or sensations feel. Your quality of life can significantly improve by speaking up.
Am I eligible for Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana can be obtained after consulting with your primary healthcare provider. The qualifying conditions to become eligible for medical marijuana in New York State include:
Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Spinal cord nerve injury with intractable spasticity
Epilepsy
Inflammatory bowel disease
Chronic pain
Opioid alternative for pain that degrades health and functional capability
Neuropathy
Huntington’s disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Substance use disorder-You must also have one of these associated or complicating conditions:
Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Severe or chronic pain
Severe nausea
Seizures
Severe or persistent muscle spasms
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Opioid use disorder
To see if you qualify, schedule an appointment with one New York Cancer & Blood Specialists’ providers: Dr. Roy Chen, Dr. Alexander Zuhoski, or Jonathan Catrona, PA (631-751-3000)
You can also contact the supportive & palliative care team: Dr. Isaac Hardoon, Dr. Baez Gonzalez, Dr. Jonathan Alverio, and MaryAnn Fragola, DNP, ANPc, ACHPN
