New York State Medical Cannabis Program Reports Lower Opioid Usage

OG article by Madeline Colli

December 18, 2025

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine examined adults with chronic pain in the New York State Medical Cannabis Program. Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System analyzed data from 204 participants certified for medical cannabis between September 2020 and July 2023, all of whom were also prescribed opioids. Over 18 months, monitored through the state's program, patients showed reduced pain and opioid consumption. Initially, the average daily opioid dose equated to 73.3 mg of morphine. This decreased to 57 mg, a 22% drop. Those receiving a 30-day supply of medical cannabis used 3.5 mg less morphine per day compared to non-users in the same period. Lead author Deepika E. Slawek, an associate professor and specialist, stated that medical cannabis, dispensed under pharmacist supervision, alleviates chronic pain and lowers opioid reliance, serving as a tool against the opioid crisis. Senior author Julia Arnsten emphasized a medicalized cannabis model with pharmacist involvement, treating it like other prescriptions, hoping for policies to manage chronic pain with regulated substances.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul requested the resignation of Office of Cannabis Management Acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid due to compliance issues in the Omnium Health case, which involved unlicensed operations and was withdrawn. The OCM sought penalties like license revocation and product recalls for violations including reverse licensing and untracked product sales. Susan Filburn replaced Reid, and other changes included James Rogers' resignation. Hochul stressed commitment to accountability and a strong cannabis market.