New York
Related: About this forumSenate Approves Medical Marijuana-Goes to Cuomo now.
Nick Reisman
Following a 2-hour plus debate that was at times passionate and fiery, the state Senate on Friday approved a measure that would create a medical marijuana program.
The bill passed 49-10, and now goes to Gov. Andrew Cuomos desk, who plans to sign the measure.
The measure, which was approved in the early hours of Friday morning by the Democratic-led Assembly.
The bill gained support in the Senate from both Democrats and Republicans, including the Senate GOP Leader Dean Skelos, who voted in favor of it in part after a provision for smoking was removed.
http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2014/06/senate-approves-medical-marijuana/
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)Nick Reisman
Calling it a watered-down version of what lawmakers had initially sought, Fordham Law professor and Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Zephyr Teachout slammed the medical marijuana program approved on Friday by the Legislature.
In criticizing Gov. Andrew Cuomos efforts to create a tightly regulated medical marijuana program, Teachout pointed to the criminal penalties included in the law as well as the overall impact drug laws have on minority communities.
The result is a confusing patchwork of punitive marijuana laws, Teachout said in a statement. Our state is the worst for marijuana arrests in the nation and overwhelmingly punishes working class New Yorkers of color. Although the deal is a step forward, its unconscionable that Governor Cuomo continues to play politics with an issue that could bring immediate relief to sick and vulnerable New Yorkers. He argued that any greater step forward would be unsafe, but the current laws are unsafe: they lead to suffering and senseless incarceration.
http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2014/06/teachout-slams-med-mar-deal/
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)Rick Karlin, Capitol bureau
The Senate just passed a medical marijuana bill thats now headed for the governors desk, and business interests including law firms who are carving out a specialty in this emerging field are already starting to promote themselves.
The Meyer Suozzi English & Klein law firm has what could be called a marijuana practice and they are out with a specialist, Barry Peek, who is offering the following remarks:
The passage of the Compassionate Care Act finally makes medical marijuana a reality in NYS. This is a positive development for those who suffer from serious illness, and a significant opportunity for businesses, both not-for and for profit, says Peek. Our team is uniquely positioned to counsel the business community on the unknowns, such as how the seven year sunset and the DOHs significant decision making power will play out. We will continue to monitor when the bids will be issued for the five New York State growers and 20 dispensaries.
http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/215309/marijuana-business-interests-including-lawyers-are-lining-up/
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)KEN LOVETT
Here is the third item from my "Albany Insider" column on Monday:
Fresh off securing a win in her push to legalize medical marijuana in New York, Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island) spoke about the effort in Las Vegas Sunday to the International Cannabis Association.
The association says it brings together people interested in starting, supporting, or expanding a cannabis business.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/sponsor-ny-medical-marijuana-bill-addresses-international-cannabis-association-blog-entry-1.1839930
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)TU Editorial Board
Imagine youve got the flu, and your doctor can prescribe a drug to cure it, but first, there are some things the government says you have to do.
First, your doctor will need to register with the state to write a prescription for this one drug. The states authorization will come with the threat of legal action if the doctor makes a bad judgement call.
Then you, too, will have to be certified as an eligible patient. Youll also need a state-issued card. Then youll have to go to a special dispensary, of which there will be only 20, at most, in the state.