As New York’s cannabis industry continues to evolve, there is growing concern over the accessibility of medical cannabis for patients in certain areas of the state. With several dispensaries closing their doors, patients are finding it increasingly difficult to access the care they need. While recreational dispensaries are expanding, they do not always meet the specific needs of medical marijuana patients, particularly those seeking advice from trained pharmacists and products tailored to medical requirements.
The Impact of Dispensary Closures
For patients like Joan LoCurto and Jan Lochner, who rely on medical cannabis for chronic conditions, the closure of dispensaries in Erie County is a significant issue. LoCurto shared her experience: “We started off actually at Medmen, then went to The Botanist, and now we found out they closed. So this is the only place left in our area that we could get medical marijuana.” Erie County, which is home to nearly one million residents, now has just one remaining medical cannabis dispensary—Verilife in Amherst.
These closures have led to increased difficulty for patients who rely on medical marijuana to manage chronic pain, opioid alternatives, and other health conditions. According to the state Office of Cannabis Management, 40% of patients report difficulties accessing a medical dispensary, with nearly 8% needing to travel one to two hours one-way to fill their prescriptions.
Medical Dispensaries Offer Unique Benefits
Despite the challenges, Verilife, the only medical dispensary left in Erie County, is committed to providing patients with a higher level of service. Adam Stumpf, the general manager of the Amherst location, emphasized the benefits of shopping at a medical dispensary: “Distinctly, we don’t add that extra 13% that gets placed on non-medical sales of cannabis.” This means that patients can save money compared to purchasing from recreational shops.
Beyond cost savings, medical dispensaries like Verilife offer a vital service by providing access to trained pharmacists. “Many patients coming in for medical cannabis have pursued some other form of medical intervention,” said Stumpf. “We’re here to help guide them to the right products and ensure they aren’t having interactions with other medications.” This expertise is essential for patients, especially those managing complex health conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis, which LoCurto and Lochner both suffer from.
The Role of Recreational Dispensaries
While medical dispensaries remain crucial for patients who require specialized care, recreational dispensaries are also playing an important role in providing access to cannabis products. Sheldon Anderson, owner of Public Flower Adult Use Dispensary in Buffalo, highlighted that recreational shops are helping bridge the gap in product availability: “We offer a lot of information about the products and a lot of details about the products, and people can shop online and learn about what’s offered.”
For some patients, the difference in product availability and potency at recreational shops means they can find alternative solutions when medical dispensaries don’t have what they need. However, Anderson pointed out that recreational shops cannot replace the expertise found in medical dispensaries, particularly when it comes to advising patients on dosage and interactions with other medications.
State Commitment to Improving Access
In response to the growing concern about accessibility, New York state is committed to ensuring that patients have continued access to medical marijuana. According to the Office of Cannabis Management, the state is working to support registered organizations that prioritize affordable, sustainable, and culturally competent services.
“We certainly don’t take for granted what it means to be able to continue to operate within the medical space,” said Stumpf. “We’ll continue to focus on ensuring patient access, whether through financial means or product availability.”
Looking Ahead
While the closures of medical dispensaries are a concern, New York state is making efforts to address the issue. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, finding ways to balance the needs of medical and recreational consumers will be critical to ensuring that patients can access the care they need.
