Lance's Corner

NYSDOH Issues Report on Adult Cannabis Use

Jun 25, 2025

Per the notice below, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has issued a report on adult cannabis use in New York State.

New York State Department of Health Releases Report on Adult Cannabis Use

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Report Provides Insight into Cannabis Consumption Among Adults in New York State

Approximately 2 Million Adults in New York Reported Consuming Cannabis in 2023

The New York State Department of Health today released a new Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) brief providing a snapshot of adult cannabis consumption in New York State.  The brief offers insight into how many adults aged 18 and older report consuming cannabis and how they consume it, as well as demographic data to help inform the State Health Department about the overall impact on the health of New Yorkers.  While the report collects information on New Yorkers aged 18 and older, the legal age to purchase cannabis in New York is 21.

"The Department encourages all New Yorkers who choose to consume cannabis, to do so safely and responsibly.  This includes making sure any cannabis is safely stored and out of reach of children and pets," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "It's also critical to never drive after consuming cannabis.  We urge all New Yorkers to take advantage of education tools offered by the state to understand the health and safety implications of consuming cannabis."

According to key findings in the BRFSS survey report, approximately 14.7 percent of adults aged 18 years and older report consuming cannabis within the past 30 days.  The most common method is smoking (joints, blunts, or using bongs), followed by cannabis-infused food or drinks (known as edibles) and use of electronic vaporizing devices.

Other key insights among the 14.7 percent of adults aged 18 years and older who report consuming cannabis within the past 30 days include the following:

  • 54.5 percent of adults report using cannabis for non-medical reasons.
  • 30.5 percent use it for both medical and non-medical reasons.
  • 15 percent use cannabis solely for medical reasons.
  • Adults aged 21-24 years report the highest rates of cannabis use compared to other age groups.
  • Both non-daily and daily cannabis use was significantly higher among those who currently smoke cigarettes, use e-cigarettes, or engage in binge or heavy drinking.

Cannabis-related arrests and convictions still disproportionately impact people of color.  To combat this, New York State legislation has established a social and economic equity plan that is designed to support those who are disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.  The New York State Department of Health continues to promote harm reduction, prevent underage cannabis consumption, and eliminate the health disparities related to cannabis.

The cannabis plant has psychoactive properties and has been used for medicinal, recreational, industrial, and food purposes for hundreds of years.  Scientific findings have documented the potential short- and long-term effects of cannabis consumption, including the potential effects on the parts of the brain responsible for memory and reaction time, impact on the lungs if smoked or inhaled, and cannabis has been linked to schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with a family history of serious mental illness.  Although studies are mixed, there is some evidence that frequent cannabis consumption in the prenatal period may be associated with low birth weight.  While more research is needed to better understand these outcomes, due to concerns about neurodevelopment and the effects of smoking on both the birthing person and fetus, cannabis consumption should be discouraged during pregnancy.  Given these findings, the New York State Department of Health remains committed to monitoring cannabis usage trends, reporting on the public health risks, and determining what the overall impact of cannabis consumption may be on New Yorkers' health.

Safely and securely storing cannabis in a locked place can help lower the risk of unintentional exposure.  Cannabis products should be kept locked, out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.  Consider using a safe or lockbox with a combination lock or keypad.  Keep cannabis products in their original packaging, as all products purchased from a licensed dispensary are sold in child-resistant packaging.  Edibles and cannabis-infused beverages should never be stored in a shared refrigerator or pantry near other food products where they may be mixed up and accidentally consumed.  Talk to family members and caregivers about locking their cannabis away when they visit or if they are watching children or pets.  It is illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis, including medical cannabis.  Evidence shows that driving under the influence of cannabis can slow motor coordination and other skills needed to drive safety.  More information about cannabis safety can be found here and here.  Learn more about cannabis and its impact on teenagers and young adults, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and the risks of cannabis use disorder here.

USDOL Issues Comprehensive Employer Guidance on Long COVID

The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) has issued a comprehensive set of resources that can be accessed below for employers on dealing with Long COVID.

Supporting Employees with Long COVID: A Guide for Employers

The “Supporting Employees with Long COVID” guide from the USDOL-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) and Job Accommodation Network (JAN) addresses the basics of Long COVID, including its intersection with mental health, and common workplace supports for different symptoms.  It also explores employers’ responsibilities to provide reasonable accommodations and answers frequently asked questions about Long COVID and employment, including inquiries related to telework and leave.

Download the guide

Accommodation and Compliance: Long COVID

The Long COVID Accommodation and Compliance webpage from the USDOL-funded Job Accommodation Network (JAN) helps employers and employees understand strategies for supporting workers with Long COVID.  Topics include Long COVID in the context of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specific accommodation ideas based on limitations or work-related functions, common situations and solutions, and questions to consider when identifying effective accommodations for employees with Long COVID.  Find this and other Long COVID resources from JAN, below:

Long COVID, Disability and Underserved Communities: Recommendations for Employers

The research-to-practice brief “Long COVID, Disability and Underserved Communities” synthesizes an extensive review of documents, literature and data sources, conducted by the USDOL-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) on the impact of Long COVID on employment, with a focus on demographic differences.  It also outlines recommended actions organizations can take to create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture for people with Long COVID, especially those with disabilities who belong to other historically underserved groups.

Read the brief

Long COVID and Disability Accommodations in the Workplace

The policy brief “Long COVID and Disability Accommodations in the Workplace” explores Long COVID’s impact on the workforce and provides examples of policy actions different states are taking to help affected people remain at work or return when ready.  It was developed by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) as part of its involvement in USDOL’s State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED) initiative.

Download the policy brief

Understanding and Addressing the Workplace Challenges Related to Long COVID

The report “Understanding and Addressing the Workplace Challenges Related to Long COVID” summarizes key themes and takeaways from an ePolicyWorks national online dialogue through which members of the public were invited to share their experiences and insights regarding workplace challenges posed by Long COVID.  The dialogue took place during summer 2022 and was hosted by USDOL and its agencies in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Surgeon General.

Download the report

Working with Long COVID

The USDOL-published “Working with Long COVID” fact sheet shares strategies for supporting workers with Long COVID, including accommodations for common symptoms and resources for further guidance and assistance with specific situations.

Download the fact sheet

COVID-19: Long-Term Symptoms

This USDOL motion graphic informs workers with Long COVID that they may be entitled to temporary or long-term supports to help them stay on the job or return to work when ready, and shares where they can find related assistance.

Watch the motion graphic

A Personal Story of Long COVID and Disability Disclosure

In the podcast “A Personal Story of Long COVID and Disability Disclosure,” Pam Bingham, senior program manager for Intuit’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Tech team, shares her personal experience of navigating Long COVID symptoms at work.  The segment was produced by the USDOL-funded Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT) as part of its ongoing “Future of Work” podcast series.

Listen to the podcast

HHS OIG Issues Annual Report on State MFCUs

Per the notice below, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued its annual report on the performance of state Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs).

Medicaid Fraud Control Units Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report (OEI-09-24-00200) 

Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud and patient abuse or neglect. OIG is the Federal agency that oversees and annually approves federal funding for MFCUs through a recertification process. This new report analyzed the statistical data on annual case outcomes—such as convictions, civil settlements and judgments, and recoveries—that the 53 MFCUs submitted for Fiscal Year 2023.  New York data is as follows:

Outcomes

  • Investigations1 - 556
  • Indicted/Charged - 9
  • Convictions - 8
  • Civil Settlements/Judgments - 28
  • Recoveries2 - $73,204,518

Resources

  • MFCU Expenditures3 - $55,964,293
  • Staff on Board4 - 257

1Investigations are defined as the total number of open investigations at the end of the fiscal year.

2Recoveries are defined as the amount of money that defendants are required to pay as a result of a settlement, judgment, or prefiling settlement in criminal and civil cases and may not reflect actual collections.  Recoveries may involve cases that include participation by other Federal and State agencies.

3MFCU and Medicaid Expenditures include both State and Federal expenditures.

4Staff on Board is defined as the total number of staff employed by the Unit at the end of the fiscal year.

Read the Full Report

View the Statistical Chart

Engage with the Interactive Map

GAO Issues Report on Medicaid Managed Care Service Denials and Appeal Outcomes

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes.  GAO found that federal oversight is limited because it doesn't require states to report on Medicaid managed care service denials or appeal outcomes and there has not been much progress on plans to analyze and make the data publicly available.  To read the GAO report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes, use the first link below.  To read GAO highlights of the report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes, use the second link below.
https://www.gao.gov/assets/d24106627.pdf  (GAO report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes)
https://www.gao.gov/assets/d24106627_high.pdf  (GAO highlights on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes)

CMS Issues Latest Medicare Regulatory Activities Update

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its latest update on its regulatory activities in the Medicare program.  While dentistry is only minimally connected to the Medicare program, Medicare drives the majority of health care policies and insurance reimbursement policies throughout the country.  Therefore, it always pays to keep a close eye on what CMS is doing in Medicare.  To read the latest CMS update on its regulatory activities in Medicare, use the link below.
https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/2024-03-14-mlnc