New York is set to overhaul its medical marijuana system after Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that expands access, strengthens patient rights, and updates key rules for the first time since the program launched in 2016.

The legislation, Senate Bill 2025-S3294A, marks one of the most substantial updates to the state’s medical framework in nearly a decade and was announced Monday by the Office of Cannabis Management.

State officials said the new law is designed to reduce barriers for patients and practitioners while improving clarity around what the program allows. Felicia A.B. Reid, the agency’s acting executive director, said the changes underscore the state’s commitment to making medical marijuana more accessible and more consistent for people who rely on it for serious health conditions.

Among the most notable changes is a new reciprocity rule, which will allow certified medical marijuana patients from other states to purchase marijuana products from New York dispensaries. The bill also extends patient certifications from one year to two, easing paperwork burdens for both patients and providers.

New Yorkers with a medical certification will also see several direct benefits. The legislation clarifies patient rights, creates more flexibility around possession and dispensing limits, and allows people 18 and older who are certified for medical use to grow marijuana at home for personal medical purposes. Advocates say this expansion of home cultivation is a key step toward giving patients more control over their care.

Medical professionals inside the agency praised the reforms. Dr. June Chin, the Office of Cannabis Management’s chief medical officer, said the updates help move the program closer to one that reflects real-world patient needs and modern clinical understanding. Dr. Nakesha Abel, the agency’s deputy director of scientific programs and research, added that the legislation was shaped heavily by patient experiences and data.

Most provisions will take effect after a 90-day waiting period, while others may require additional regulatory steps before implementation.

With the new law, New York joins a growing number of states working to strengthen medical marijuana systems alongside adult-use markets, aiming to ensure patients continue to have reliable, affordable access to products tailored to medical needs.