On May 3rd on the 3rd of May, 2019 The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) issued guidelines for testing in laboratories on packaged cannabis products for medical use. The items to be examined include pills, capsules powders, sprays for oral use and tinctures, topical lotions vape cartridges for vape, cannabis flower and much more. They are tested for the potency of cannabinoids and stability of the product, along with mycotoxins, bacteria and containments using labs that have been that are accredited by New York. This is significant because the testing proves the security of cannabis-based medical products for patients.

The month of September in 2020 was when New York released guidance for research in the medical cannabis program which is currently being conducted in the state. This is now possible under Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. This applies to both federally and privately sponsored cannabis research.

In March of 2021, Gov. Cuomo approved the Marijuana Taxation and Regulation Act into law, even though recreational sales are one year away. The law allows those older than 21 to own, obtain the purchase, transport or purchase of up to three ounces cannabis. The law will impose an additional tax of 13% on retail sales. It won’t come into effect until April 1st 2023.