New York to expand medical marijuana program, allow deliveries

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York is expanding its medical marijuana program.

The state's Department of Health says Tuesday that it will soon allow nurse practitioners to authorize the drug for patients, and allow dispensaries to make deliveries to help patients who cannot leave their homes.

Additionally, the state will consider whether to make chronic pain a condition eligible for marijuana, and begin plans for more dispensaries around the state.

State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker says more than 7,000 New Yorkers have been authorized for medical marijuana since the program began in January. He says the state will continue to look for ways to improve the program for patients and practioners.

Under the program patients with qualifying conditions can get a physician's permission to obtain non-smokable forms of marijuana at state-regulated dispensaries.