By way of the Compassionate Care Act of 2014, New York has become the 23rd state to create a process that will permit patients suffering from a “serious condition” to receive medical marijuana (or “cannabis”). Among those, it is the second state to prohibit the crude delivery system of smoking (Minnesota), and the third to involve pharmacists in the dispensing process (Connecticut and Minnesota). Because virtually every practicing pharmacist in New York will be caring for patients receiving some form of cannabinoid therapy, it is important to discuss the basic outlines established by the law and regulations