Medical Marijuana Legislation Introduced In New York State Senate

Legislation to allow medical use of marijuana was introduced into the New York State Senate in early 2005. As reported by the New York Post on May 8, 2005 ( "GOP 'Joint' Resolution") that "Sen. Vincent Leibell ( R-Dutchess County ) quietly introduced a bill last month that would let doctors prescribe marijuana to patients with life-threatening, degenerative or permanently disabling conditions. Cannabis could only be used if a doctor feels that other drugs and treatments would not be as effective. 'Thousands of New Yorkers have serious medical conditions that can be improved by medically approved use of cannabis,' Leibell's bill says. 'The law should not stand in the way between them and life- and health-sustaining treatment under a physician's supervision.'"

According to the Post, "Many otherwise illegal controlled substances, like steroids and morphine, are permitted for legitimate medical uses, Leibell said. 'I realize this will be controversial, but I think it's the right thing to do,' the lawmaker told The Post. 'It's not decriminalization. It's a narrow part of the population under closely controlled medical standards.' While his bill differs slightly from one in the Democratic-controlled Assembly, it's close enough that he and Assembly Health Committee Chairman Richard Gottfried ( D-Manhattan ) believe a compromise is near."

Click here for a summary and bill text for the legislation, S5040.