N.Y. Senate again fails to act; remembering Barbara Jackson

The state Senate's majority has once again left the seriously ill at risk of arrest: It failed to take up medical marijuana legislation during its August 8 and August 19 special sessions. The Assembly passed compassionate legislation in June 2007 and again in June 2008. But thousands of patients suffer because the Senate's Republican majority has failed to bring effective legislation to a vote.

It's election season. Candidates are applying to get — or keep — the job of representing you in the state Senate. Won't you let them know how important this issue is to you, and how disappointed you are by the majority's inaction? You can easily do so using our automated system.

Please also urge other compassionate New Yorkers both to write candidates and to sign up for MPP's free legislative alerts.

Barbara Jackson, rest in peace

I am sad to report that the medical marijuana movement has lost a passionate and wonderful advocate. Barbara Jackson of the Bronx passed away on Saturday, August 16 at age 72.

Barbara was arrested for a small amount of medical marijuana on March 13, 2007. She had beaten cancer but still suffered from appetite loss and wasting. Without medical marijuana, she had gotten down to 99 pounds. The senseless and cruel prosecution of Barbara was dismissed in April 2007 after her story received widespread media attention.

Barbara became a vocal advocate for allowing the medical use of marijuana. In June, she traveled to Albany to lobby on behalf of the medical marijuana legislation. She also spoke at a rally and attended MPP's May 15 fundraiser in New York City.

Her visitation is today, August 22, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home, 1219 Jerome Ave. (at West 167th St.), Bronx, NY. The funeral will also be at the Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home, at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, August 23. The phone number is (718) 823-6200.

Barbara is survived by 10 children, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.