Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced lawmakers have reached a comprehensive deal that would legalize marijuana for medical use.
The bill would allow medical marijuana to be used to treat a number of diseases including cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and a number of others.
Under the proposed law, the drug would have to be administered by a doctor, and would have to be taken in pill or vaporized form.
It does not legalize smokeable or edible forms of pot.
There’s also a clause which will allow the state to suspend the program at any time if it’s determined to be a public health risk.
Speaking to reporters, the governor said the legislation is a good median by providing for medical treatment while addressing the risks associated with recreational marijuana use.
“Some of these cases are the most heartwrenching cases you’ve ever heard. Children, children with epilepsy, babies; so there’s certainly significant medical benefits that can be garnered. At the same time, it’s a difficult issue because there are also risks that have to be averted. Public health risks, public safety risks — and we believe this bill strikes the right balance,” Cuomo said.
The New York State Department of Health will have oversight of the program.
The deal comes as state lawmakers work to address a number of outstanding issues before the legislative session wraps up Thursday.
On Wednesday, Albany lawmakers agreed on a series of bills to curb the growing heroin epidemic in the city.
Another piece of legislation still up in the air is a bill authorizing the city to lower its speed limit from 30 to 25 five miles per hour.
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