Program Expansion Brings Relief to New York Patients
The Shelter Project, a compassionate care initiative by California-based cannabis brand Jetty Extracts, has extended its reach beyond the West Coast. The program is now operating in New York, where eligible cancer patients can receive complimentary medical cannabis through select licensed dispensaries.
Initially launched in 2014, the Shelter Project was created to provide cannabis at no cost to cancer patients undergoing treatment. With medical marijuana proving effective in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea, chronic pain, appetite loss, and anxiety, the program aims to improve patients’ quality of life—especially for those facing financial hardship due to expensive treatments.
The expansion into New York is a significant milestone, marking the first time the program has operated outside of California. This move reflects both the growing acceptance of medical cannabis and the increasing demand for accessible treatment alternatives across the country.
How the Program Works
Eligible patients must provide documentation verifying their cancer diagnosis and medical cannabis authorization. Once approved, participants can receive free Jetty Extracts products through designated dispensaries that have partnered with the program. The products include vaporizer cartridges and other oil-based cannabis solutions that are carefully dosed to support therapeutic use.
The application process is designed to be simple and confidential. Jetty Extracts emphasizes that patients should not have to worry about cost when seeking relief from the often debilitating symptoms of cancer or its treatment.
Addressing Barriers to Medical Cannabis Access
While medical cannabis has been legal in New York since 2014, cost remains a major barrier for many patients. Insurance providers typically do not cover medical marijuana, leaving patients to pay out of pocket. The Shelter Project directly addresses this gap by offering a reliable source of high-quality cannabis products at no cost.
For patients undergoing intensive cancer therapies, the financial burden is already immense. Adding cannabis-related expenses on top of hospital bills, medications, and transportation only compounds the stress. By providing products for free, the Shelter Project relieves both economic and emotional pressure for patients and their families.
Advocacy for Compassionate Use
The expansion of the Shelter Project also highlights broader advocacy efforts around compassionate cannabis access. Programs like this support the case for more inclusive and affordable medical marijuana policies, especially for vulnerable populations with severe health conditions.
Health care professionals and patient advocates have long argued for the therapeutic potential of cannabis in oncology settings. While research is ongoing, many cancer patients report improved symptom management and enhanced well-being when incorporating cannabis into their treatment regimen.
The program’s rollout in New York may serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other states, particularly as more regions legalize medical and adult-use cannabis. It also brings attention to the role of private cannabis companies in supporting public health through community-focused efforts.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Shelter Project in California has already demonstrated the positive impact of compassion-driven cannabis programs. Now, with its arrival in New York, more patients will benefit from this much-needed support.
As the national conversation around cannabis evolves, initiatives like this offer a reminder of how the industry can contribute meaningfully to patient care. Cancer patients in New York now have one more option to help navigate the challenges of treatment—without having to worry about affordability.
