The announcement marks the third time in as many weeks the state Department of Health has introduced changes to the program, which launched last January as a result of New York’s Compassionate Care Act.

For patients, the new changes should improve access, while strengthening business for registered organizations authorized to make and sell the drug. Dr. Howard Zucker, state health commissioner, called them “major steps forward” for the program.

“These enhancements will continue to strengthen the program and improve patient access by making medical marijuana available to patients suffering from chronic pain and making more products available at dispensing facilities across the state,” he said. [Read more at New York Business Journal]