N.Y.: Legislature to come back soon — make sure we get vote on medical marijuana bill

In September, the New York legislature is expected to finally come back and do the work of the people. While we had to endure the damaging Senate leadership battle, Sens. Pedro Espada and Hiram Monserrate have now returned to the fold and Democrats have regained control of the state Senate. Thus, we want to make sure that when the Senate returns we get a vote on our medical marijuana bill, which would remove state criminal sanctions for seriously ill patients using marijuana on their doctors' recommendations.

Please e-mail your senator to encourage her or him to support S. 4041-A, or a new amended bill when it comes up for a vote. Then ask your friends and family to do the same. We have been working all year to make this happen, and time is running short. It is crucial that senators hear that their constituents want it to be a priority in the special session this September. If you are someone with a personal story to tell regarding medical marijuana, please edit our letters and include it in your e-mail.

The current Assembly bill, A. 9016, is a new, significantly modified medical marijuana bill that Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan) introduced in June to garner support from senators of both parties. Senate Republicans who are open to allowing medical marijuana have long opposed allowing patients and designated caregivers to grow small amounts of marijuana. The bill would instead allow for safe access by allowing state-registered regulated entities to dispense medical marijuana to qualified patients. We expect that similar changes will be made to S. 4041-A to attract Republican support.

If you are a patient, a loved one, a medical professional, or a member of law enforcement or clergy who might be interested in speaking out, please contact us at state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help in passing this legislation. Please include your nine-digit ZIP code so we can identify your legislators, and please share your connection with medical marijuana.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. With your help, this can be the year that New York stops the cruel and senseless policy of arresting the seriously ill.