On Thursday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers announced that a tentative deal has been reached that would mark the state the 23rd in the US to legalize medical pot. Although the final language of the bill has yet to be released, Buzzfeed cited reports that the state of New York will only allow the use of marijuana in pill, edible and vapor form for patients. However, smoking pot in the state would still be banned.
The no-smoking clause in the state bill was reportedly a major demand of Cuomo's administration.
State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said at a press conference Thursday, "Let me say how pleased and relieved we are that this agreement has been reached. I say "relieved," because there are New Yorkers all across our state - men, women, and children who have severely debilitating illness or life-threatening conditions - whose only source of relief is safe and effective treatment with medical marijuana."
Patients who would be able to avail the medicinal properties of marijuana would be those afflicted with illnesses that include cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis. Buzzfeed also said that medical marijuana will also be allowed to be used on children who have been struggling with seizure disorders.
The bill on medical marijuana use in the state did not come into fruition without overcoming hurdles. The deal reportedly came after days of intense debate between state lawmakers and Cuomo's administration. Moreover, the bill will not be in effect for 18 months up until the state health department has already established rules on regulating the drug, which will also include provision on dispensaries. Also, the bill will reportedly undergo a seven-year trial period wherein legislators will have the power to strike down the bill at any time.
Buzzfeed said a vote on the bill was scheduled for Thursday evening.
