Nearly half of surveyed medical marijuana patients in New York say they cannot afford enough cannabis to adequately manage their symptoms, according to a study published in the September issue of Clinical Therapeutics.
Researchers with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) analyzed two statewide surveys examining patient experiences, costs and barriers within the state’s Medical Cannabis Program.
The surveys generated 16,232 responses, including 10,781 in 2023 and 5,451 in 2024. Among all respondents, 49% said they were unable to afford enough marijuana to manage their symptoms. The figure increased to 55% among veterans.
Only 26% of respondents agreed that medical marijuana prices were reasonable, while 14% were neutral. In 2024, 39% of respondents reported spending less than $100 per month on medical marijuana, while 31% spent between $101 and $200.
Cost also appeared to be playing a growing role in whether patients remain in the medical program. Among respondents who were uncertain about renewing their certification or did not plan to renew in 2024, 58% cited high product costs as a primary reason, compared with 33% in 2023.
Access was another significant concern. In 2024, 32% of patients considering leaving the program said the nearest medical marijuana dispensary was too far away. The number of operating medical dispensaries in New York had fallen to 32 that year following the closure of 10 locations.
Among patients considering discontinuing their certification, 34% said they preferred purchasing marijuana from recreational dispensaries. Of those who preferred recreational retailers, 31% cited closer locations, 31% cited greater affordability and 20% preferred the products available in the recreational market.
The surveys also found that 70% of respondents in 2024 reported paying out of pocket for their medical evaluation or certification consultation, even though some of those visits may qualify for insurance coverage.
Researchers said high costs and limited geographic access remain central obstacles to participation in New York’s medical marijuana program.
“Geographic inaccessibility of medical dispensaries and the high costs of certification and cannabis products are central barriers,” the researchers concluded.
The study was conducted by Alexandria Wilkins, Sang Choi, Lauren Foster, Kaitlin Kosinski, Andrea Unser and Nakesha Abel, all affiliated with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
