MASSENA -- Medical marijuana company Curaleaf New York will host a “Cannabis 101” educational seminar to provide North Country patients with information about medical cannabis and the New York State Department of Health’s medical marijuana program.

Curaleaf, which operates a medical marijuana dispensary in Plattsburgh, is hosting the event at noon July 25 at the Massena Community Center, 61 Beach St.

The educational session is free to attend and will be led by Lanett Austin, Curaleaf’s community outreach manager. At the session, Austin will discuss “the benefits of medical marijuana for patients, provide important information about medical cannabis products and the regulations of New York state’s program and review the steps for enrolling in the program,” Curaleaf’s announcement said.

New York state recently unveiled a program where patients who are prescribed opioids can opt for a marijuana prescription instead. See story for details.

“Medical marijuana helps provide critical relief for patients suffering from serious and painful conditions including cancer, PTSD and chronic pain, and it’s vital that North Country patients understand available treatment options and how medical marijuana is permitted for use in New York State,” Michelle Bodner, CEO of PalliaTech NY, which operates the dispensary under Curaleaf New York, said in a prepared statement. “As a member of this community, it is our responsibility to serve as a resource for patients, and we encourage anyone who has questions to attend this educational seminar to meet with our experts to learn more.”

Curaleaf New York operates a medical marijuana dispensary in Plattsburgh that provides patients with access to medical-grade cannabis products and counseling. In addition to its Plattsburgh location, Curaleaf New York also operates dispensaries in Newburgh and Queens and will be opening a fourth location in Carle Place on Long Island later this summer. Patients may call (833) 470-5323 for more information.