New York will become the 23rd state to legalize marijuana for medical use under an agreement announced Thursday by legislative leaders.
The call Compassionate Care Act would legalize certain forms of marijuana for seriously ill patients. The law does not allow the drug to be sold in the form of plant or smoking, but can be administered through a vaporizer or as an oil.
At the start of negotiations, Gov. Andrew Cuomo sought to ban the drug is smoked, saying it was not right for the state to promote smoking.
"In the end, one has to balance the needs of many patients," said Sen. Diane Savino.
Marijuana could be prescribed for at least 10 diseases, including epilepsy, AIDS, ALS and neuropathy-under the direction of the state health department. Health Commissioner could add more diseases.
If approved by the Legislature, the law would allow the program to start in 18 months and would authorize the governor to cancel under suggestion of the Department of Health or judicial agencies.
"Medical marijuana has the ability to do much good for many people with pain who are suffering and desperately need a treatment that can provide relief," Cuomo said during a news conference with legislators.
Doctors should be trained to be eligible to prescribe the drug and could face felony charges punishable by up to four years in prison if they deliver recipes unjustified.
The law does not require insurance companies to cover the cost of the drug.
Patients selling your prescription could face charges of misdemeanor. Patients will have to have a registration card showing they are authorized to possess marijuana possession.
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