The New York Senate has advanced legislation that would expand the state’s medical marijuana program by allowing out-of-state patients to access dispensaries and by allowing the sale of pre-rolled marijuana products.
Senate Bill 3105, sponsored by State Senator Jeremy Cooney, received passage today through its second reading in the full Senate. The measure amends the state’s cannabis law to recognize out-of-state medical marijuana authorizations as valid, provided the individual presents legitimate documentation and complies with New York’s medical cannabis rules. It also authorizes the state Cannabis Control Board to develop reciprocal agreements with other states.
Although recreational marijuana is legal in New York, the state’s medical program offers broader allowances that many patients rely on. Medical marijuana patients can possess a 60-day supply based on their prescribed needs, which can exceed the recreational limit of three ounces of flower and 24 grams of concentrate. Medical products can also have higher THC potency and come in formulations not available in adult-use stores, such as lozenges, inhalers, and high-dose capsules.
Additionally, while recreational marijuana is restricted to those 21 and older, patients under 21 can access the medical program with a practitioner’s recommendation. Reciprocity ensures that visiting patients who depend on these stronger, specialized, or otherwise restricted products can legally access them while in the state.
In addition to medical reciprocity, the bill directs the Cannabis Control Board to establish regulations permitting pre-rolls as part of the medical marijuana program. Under current law, medical marijuana is limited to certain approved product forms, and pre-rolls—despite their popularity in the adult-use market—are not currently allowed for patients.
The measure now heads to the Assembly for consideration. If approved and signed into law, it would take effect immediately.
