New York State Expected to Allow Limited Use of Medical Marijuana

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to add New York to the 20 states allowing medical marijuana use.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Image source: AP/Mike Groll)

Cuomo would use administrative powers rather than legislative action to allow a limited number of hospitals to use marijuana to treat certain ailments. The plan was first reported Saturday by The New York Times.

Marijuana remains illegal in New York, though possession of small amounts has been reduced to a low-level violation subject to a fine.

The state Drug Policy Alliance was briefed on Cuomo's plan Saturday. Director Gabriel Sayegh says it's a huge change but the state should still pursue legislative action to authorize medical use.

Cuomo was set to formally announce his plan in his state of the state speech Wednesday.

The Cuomo administration did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

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