Two companies with ties to western New York are vying to receive licenses to grow and dispense medical marijuana in New York.
One company, Far(m)ed New York LLC, announced it was submitting an application to the state Department of Health to become an official provider of medical marijuana under the state’s program, which is due to come online in January.
Far(m)ed New York LLC is being led by a doctors’ organization in Buffalo and is affiliated with a cannabinoid research scientist as well as a grower with experience from Colorado.
“Our team has decades worth of medical and agricultural experience in Western New York, plus cutting-edge scientific capabilities and extensive growing and processing experience,” said Dr. Ephraim Atwal, principal in Far(M)ed. “But what really sets us apart is a truly patient-centered approach. Our goal is to provide the best product and work with doctors and patients to ensure the best treatment outcomes.”
The group plans dispensaries in Cheektowaga, Henrietta, Salina and the town of Chenango.
Meanwhile, a second western New York-based company, Alternative Medicine Associates, announced Friday it had also submitted its application to manufacture and dispense medical marijuana.
“The entire organization truly believes in the cause, and is totally committed to saving lives and providing patients of all ages with a better existence,” said AMA’s CEO, Dr. Gregory F. Daniel in a statement.
New York’s tightly regulated medical marijuana program was first approved last year. Patients who suffer from illnesses such as Lou Gehrig’s, Parkinson’s, cancer and HIV qualify for the program.
Under the program’s regulations, marijuana cannot be smoked, but are allowed to inhale the drug through vaporization.
Up to five firms will be given licenses to grow, manufacturer and dispense medical marijuana, with each being allowed to run up to four facilities dispensing the drug around the state. It is not clear where those dispensaries will be, though officials talk of allowing for geographic balance.