Chronic pain patients across New York have spent years hearing the same advice: opioids work, but they carry real risks, and doctors are increasingly cautious about long-term prescriptions. What the Research Actually ShowsA 2026 JAMA Internal Medicine study followed 204 adults with chronic pain who were enrolled in New York’s medical cannabis program and already receiving prescription opioids. What It Costs and How to Get CertifiedNew York does not charge a state registration fee for medical cannabis certification, which sets it apart from several neighboring states. Talking to a Doctor About Cannabis for Chronic PainStarting that conversation usually begins with a medical cannabis pain treatment evaluation, where a physician reviews a patient’s pain history, current medications, and prior treatments before deciding whether certification makes sense. Looking AheadAs more data comes out of programs like New York’s, patients and physicians alike will have a clearer picture of where medical cannabis fits into chronic pain management and where it does not.