N.Y. Legislature adjourns without Senate acting on medical marijuana
Last update: June 26, 2008
On June 24, the state legislature adjourned without the Senate's Republican majority calling a vote on medical marijuana. The state Assembly passed medical marijuana legislation in June 2007, and again on June 18, 2008. But because the Senate did not follow suit, thousands of patients are still suffering.
Despite the disappointment, tremendous progress has been made in New York over the last several years. A prestigious coalition of supporters has lined up to support allowing medical marijuana, including the state nurses and medical schools, and three city councils. Numerous editorial boards have also called for action, with the most recent addition being the Oneonta Daily Star.
And, most importantly, the Assembly has voted twice to allow medical marijuana. The issue has garnered bipartisan support. Seven Republican Assembly members co-sponsored the Assembly bill, and Sen. Joseph Bruno, who was the Senate majority leader until June 24, said he supports allowing medical marijuana.
If you are a patient who could benefit from medical marijuana, or a supportive medical professional, please e-mail karen@mpp.org to get involved.
It is only a matter of time before New York patients do not have to choose between obeying the law and relieving their suffering. It is possible, however, that for change to happen in the near future, the Senate Republicans will need to lose their two-seat majority in the November elections. So far, the majority has proven unwilling to call a vote on this compassionate issue.
