SYRACUSE — Medical marijuana can now be obtained by registered patients at a newly opened dispensary in the Syracuse area. Medical marijuana company Etain’s dispensary, located in a 3,000-square-foot building at 2104 Erie Boulevard, opened its doors for patients on Feb. 3.
Under the Compassionate Care Act, which was enacted by Governor Andrew Cuomo in July 2014, people who meet certain medical criteria determined by a physician registered with the program will be allowed to purchase cannabis in oil form from approved companies at dispensaries throughout the state.
Hillary Peckham, chief operations officer of Etain, said there are currently only three patients registered to use the Syracuse location so far, but she expects that number to increase as time goes on. Peckham said Erie Boulevard in Syracuse is an ideal location for a dispensary because of its proximity to the New York State Thruway and Route 690.
“Erie Boulevard has a lot of access from surrounding areas of Syracuse,” said Peckham. “I believe in it and I believe it is a great option for many with chronic medical conditions … It’s an alternative for those who are taking prescription opioids.”
Etain has three types of cannabis oil available for purchase: Dolce, a high-CBD (Cannabidiol) oil that produces pain-relieving effects without a strong euphoric sensation; Forte, a high-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) oil that produces a strong euphoric sensation with increased feelings of awareness and appetite; and Balance, an equal CBD/THC blend that produces a moderate euphoric sensation with feelings of well being. The oil can be administered in one of three ways — by a tincture for under-the-tongue use, in capsule form and in a vaporized form for inhaled use.
Products range from $100 to $250, depending on the type and amount customers need based on their symptoms and tolerance to cannabis. While some patients may only need 5 milligrams per day to manage their symptoms, other may require up to 1,000 milligrams, said Pekham.
continued — Peckham said that security at this dispensary is important, and approved patients must be buzzed into the pharmacy area from the waiting area where they will meet with a pharmacist to determine the type and amount of cannabis oil they will need. The products are kept in a locked unit and all purchases must be made in cash because marijuana is illegal under federal law and banking establishments cannot be used in the transaction of it, even for medicinal purposes, she said.
Etain currently operates two dispensary locations in Kingston and Albany, but plans to open one in Yonkers. Marijuana is grown and produced into oil form at their production facility in Chesterfield, N.Y.
Peckham said there are currently only 25 patients registered between Etain’s three operating dispensaries.
Right now, access to New York residents who are eligible to receive a medical marijuana registration is very restricted, said Peckham. According to the New York State Medical Marijuana Program’s website, only patients with one of the following severe, debilitating or life-threatening conditions may qualify for the Medical Marijuana Program: cancer, positive status for HIV or AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy or Huntington’s disease. Patients must also have one of the following associated or complicating conditions: cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures or severe or persistent muscle spasms.
Currently, about 334 physicians have registered for the NYS Medical Marijuana Program, and 551 patients have been approved from these physicians for use of medical marijuana, according to the program’s website.
Etain is a New York-based, family and woman owned company that was one of five to gain approval in New York State to produce marijuana and distribute it to registered patients under the Compassionate Care Act. The company was founded by Amy, Hillary and Keeley Peckham. Amy, CEO of the company, was inspired to start Etain after seeing the effects cancer had on her mother, Frances, and how cannabis may have helped her through that ordeal. Hillary and Keeley, daughters of Amy, serve as the company’s chief operations officer and chief horticultural officer, respectively.
continued — Also sparking the fire to become involved in the medical marijuana business was when Hillary had a failed hip surgery that resulted in the loss of the use of one of her legs for about a year while she was in college, and her only option was to take prescription Percocet and Adderall, which can be addictive.
“I truly believe in this,” said Hillary Peckham. “I have a strong personal commitment to providing this option for others.”
Etain, located on 2104 Erie Boulevard in Syracuse, will be open to patients from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Patients do not need to make an appointment after they have been established at the dispensary, but calling ahead to ensure the type and amount of cannabis oil is in stock is recommended.
For more information about Etain, go to etainhealth.com.
