Medical Cannabis Advisory Council (MCAC)

As cannabis use expands across New York State, clinicians are increasingly encountering patients who are using, or considering using, cannabis for various purposes. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (Office) is seeking experienced clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to serve on its Medical Cannabis Advisory Council (Council). The Council is a structured forum of multidisciplinary experts that will play an essential role in supporting the Office’s initiatives to strengthen health systems through equity-centered clinical workforce education, public health integration, and translation of research and data. 

The MCAC will evaluate emerging research and support in the development of cannabis clinical care resources that is informed by the best available evidence, sound clinical judgement, and public health principles. The Office is seeking to establish a second cohort of council members to bring the breadth of clinical, academic, and practice-based experience needed to guide thoughtful, evidence-informed implementation of the following objectives across the State.
 

VIEW THE MCAC PROGRAM OVERVIEW (PDF)
 

Start the MCAC Application

The MCAC will assist the Office in guiding system-wide interventions to support a more intentional 
cannabis healthcare model, as envisioned for the New York State Center of Excellence for Cannabis 
Care and Health Equity (Center) initiative. Informed by current scientific literature, clinical best 
practices, and public health priorities, the Council will work in collaboration with the Office to:

1. Develop clinical coursework. Activities may include creating and reviewing medical curricula, cannabis education resources, and developing supplemental training modules that integrate cannabis-related care and culturally competent approaches.
2. Develop clinical tools. Activities may include developing and reviewing standardized screening 
   and assessment tools, treatment protocols, documentation and billing practices, and resource 
   lists.
3. Support practitioners educating patients. Activities may include aggregating scientific 
   literature, disseminating harm reduction assets, and developing educational print material that 
   prioritizes non-stigmatizing patient-centered guidance.

The application and selection process will prioritize subject matter experts across a range of clinical and academic specialties and encourage diversity representative of State demographics. Up to 13 individuals, including practitioners, researchers, and other healthcare professionals will be selected to serve on the MCAC. Applicants from all states are eligible for Council consideration, but those residing and practicing in New York State will be prioritized.

Experience in these areas is preferred but not required for consideration:

• Healthcare administration
• Cannabis science, policy, or education
• Public health
• Clinical guidance development
• Health equity and access

To accomplish the MCAC objectives, members must be agreeable to the following:

• Members must be dedicated to the advancement of medical cannabis and its potential as a 
  therapeutic tool and treatment option for clinical intervention, when medically appropriate.
• Members must forfeit their right to apply for any grants or licenses through the Office during 
  the time of service, with the exception of a cannabis research license.
• Members must be available to meet monthly.
• Members will serve a term of one (1) year with the possibility for a 1-year extension and option
  to re-apply for subsequent terms.
• Members will not receive a fee, stipend, reimbursements, or other payments for the work they 
  do as part of the Council.
• The Office reserves the right to terminate participation if the member fails to uphold Council 
  standards