The State Assembly passed a bill legalizing medical use of marijuana Wednesday, after about a decade of attempts to approve similar legislation in the state. “This would mean an awful lot to thousands of suffering New Yorkers,” said Manhattan Assemblyman Richard Gottfried. “The current prohibition in keeping them from that medical benefit is just political correctness run amok.” The bill allows caregivers and seriously ill patients with diseases like cancer or aids to register with the state to purchase up to two and half ounces of marijuana and grow up to a dozen plants. “I think it's important people, who that is the only thing that gives them relief, should have it available to them,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Now it's up to the Republican-lead State Senate to take on the controversial issue. The idea got a warm reception from Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno – but he says that the Assembly bill needs tighter controls. “The Assembly version doesn't work, in my estimation, in all due respect and we’re not going to do that,” said Bruno. “It’s too broad.” Sponsors of the Senate bill say it could be introduced as early as Thursday and could explore the option of having the state's Department of Health grow and distribute the marijuana. But that would require federal approval – a big leap and a possible court battle. The Assembly bill allows patients to get the drug through certified dealers. It would still be illegal for the user to re-sell the marijuana. Opponents say patients already have access to legal drugs to combat pain and nausea. The bill also faces critics in the Senate, who say lawmakers should be addressing more pressing issues. “It's inappropriately timed,” said State Senator Martin Golden of Brooklyn. “I think it’s the last five days of session and the last thing we have to be discussing here is medical marijuana.” If both houses can agree on a compromise bill, Governor Eliot Spitzer – a former critic – now says he's open to signing it into law.
6 years ago
