Senator Savino Seeks To Legalize Medical Marijuana In NY
As New Jersey Governor Chris Christie begins to implement the Garden State’s medical marijuana program, Staten Island Advance says that move is fanning the pungent-smelling flames of change right here in New York
State Senator Diane Savino, fresh from her win for same-sex marriage, is leading the charge to legalize medical marijuana in New York State.
The difference between the two issues?
Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was a major proponent of gay marriage, isn’t as enthusiastic about medical marijuana. And while Cuomo has recently modified his stance, the governor says, at least as of now, he is still against it.
From silive.com:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who in last year’s campaign shut the door on a medical marijuana law, now says he’s reconsidering. The Democrat says he’s talking to both sides of the issue, but hasn’t changed his view opposing the prescription use of marijuana.
State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) is urging the governor and fellow legislators to follow the lead of their cross-Hudson counterparts.
“New Jersey showed real compassion for Garden State residents who are suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis and other life-threatening diseases,” said Ms. Savino in a letter sent today to the governor. “We need to follow this example and pass legislation to allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana when no other option is available.”
Senator Savino is currently co-sponsoring legislation that would bring legal medical marijuana to New York.
The Senator says the personal experience of watching both her parents die from cancer led her to be more compassionate towards the pain and suffering of people whose quality of life could be greatly improved by medical marijuana.
Ms. Savino’s spokesman Rich Azzopardi thinks the timing of the bill could make this a very good year for medical marijuana in New York.
He told the Advance that while last year, legislators were preoccupied “with such measures as marriage equality and rent reform, there may be room to move forward in the next legislative session.”
State Senator Diane Savino represents District 23, which includes much of the North Shore of Staten Island. In Brooklyn, District 23 includes Coney Island, as well as parts of Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Borough Park and Bensonhurst