Weed ads are now making their way into New York City’s subway system. (DREW ANGERER/GETTY IMAGES)
ALBANY — Medical weed ads have sprung up on city subways.
Vireo Health of New York, one of the five companies licensed by the state to grow and dispense medical marijuana, has launched what it claims is the first-ever medical marijuana ad campaign in the city subway system.
“This historic advertising campaign is designed to encourage New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to speak to their doctors about medical marijuana,” said Vireo CEO Ari Hoffnung.
Hoffnung said the campaign is intended to not only raise awareness about New York’s medical marijuana program but also “combat the lingering stigma” associated with the drug’s medicinal use.
The campaign features four different posters with people of different ages and ethnicities and the headline “Ask Your Doctor About Medical Marijuana.”
“Patients should not be afraid to ask their physicians about anything, including medical marijuana,” said Vireo’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Stephen Dahmer.
Vireo Health of New York lauches a Ask Your Doctor About Medical Marijuana” public awareness campaign with posters to be displayed in the New York City Subway system.Credit – Vireo Health of New York
Vireo Health of New York lauches a Ask Your Doctor About Medical Marijuana” public awareness campaign with posters to be displayed in the New York City Subway system.Credit – Vireo Health of New York
Vireo Health of New York’s “Ask Your Doctor About Medical Marijuana” ads.
“Our Ask Your Doctor about Medical Marijuana message is intended to encourage patients, particularly those suffering from chronic pain, to openly explore with their physician whether medical marijuana could be helpful to them,” he said.
Since it was launched in January of 2016, New York’s medical marijuana program has been slow to attract both patients and medical practitioners willing to certify patients for the drug.
As of May 16, the program had 19,321 certified patients and 1,023 practitioners.
In April, Vireo, which operates medical marijuana dispensaries in Queens and White Plains, became the first of the licensed growers to offer home delivery of medical marijuana in the city.
A spokeswoman for the MTA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Link – NY Daily News
