New York could become the thirteenth state to legalize “medical marijuana”.
In June of 2008, the New York State Assembly passed a bill that would allow a medical patient to use marijuana to treat a serious illness under the supervision of a medical professional. A patient would be required to get a prescription from a doctor and would be allowed to possess a limited supply of marijuana; twelve plants or two and a half ounces. The bill was passed after legislators listened to the testimony of cancer patients, doctors, and scientists who advocate the legalization of medical marijuana as a means to end the pain and suffering of thousands of New Yorkers.
The New York State Senate is also considering a similar bill that would legalize medical marijuana but there is big difference between the Assembly bill and the Senate bill. The Senate bill provides for the creation of a regulatory framework to control the production and disposition of medical marijuana. Apparently some Senators are concerned that the Assembly bill essentially allows patients to obtain marijuana from “drug dealers".
New York is moving forward on this issue but until the Republicans lose their majority in the Senate, it appears that a medical marijuana bill will not make it to the Governor’s desk anytime soon. And even if medical marijuana is legalized in New York, it would still be illegal to possess medical marijuana in New York under Federal law.
James Tedisco and Roy McDonald, who both represent Saratoga County residents in the Assembly both voted against the medical marijuana bill.
No comments:
Post a Comment