The medical marijuana program established by New York’s Compassionate Care Act has been implemented.

There are several updates to our model handbook.

New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, signed legislation implementing a staggered set of regional minimum wage increases with the end goal of increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15.00 an hour by 2021. 

New York minimum wage has increased to $9.00 an hour. This is a material substantive change and a new New York, All–In-One poster is required.

These changes result from: 1) the final stage of the three-step state minimum wage increase passed by the New York State Legislature, 2) a new Hospitality Industry Wage Order enacted by the New York State Department of Labor, and 3) as applicable, a new proposed Fast Food Industry Wage Order.

Executive Summary

Coverage:  Employers with employees working in New York.

Effective Date:  The new law is effective immediately.  However the New York State Department of Health must promulgate regulations and has been given up to 18 months to issue or make effective registry identification cards for certified patients and designated caregivers, which will be necessary for obtaining medical marijuana.

Overview: Governor Cuomo has signed New York’s Compassionate Care Act, which will permit limited use of medical marijuana by individuals suffering from covered medical conditions, making New York the 23rd state to legalize the use of medical marijuana.

Action Required:  None at this time. Consult your Human Resources Business Partner as needed.