Local supporters of a medical marijuana bill say they're at the edge of their seats, waiting to see whether the measure will be voted on in the State Senate and the full legislature before the end of the session next Thursday.
Advocates of the bill say they have enough votes for passage in both chambers and Governor Cuomo has said he would sign legislation that makes sense. But Holly Anderson, head of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, says the governor has not outlined his concerns if he has any. "We have growing comfort from both sides of the political aisle, but yet, Governor Cuomo has not specifically said what it is he's concerned about. This has been one of the most frustrating experiences with the legislation."
Cuomo did mention on WXXI's Capitol Connection that there are concerns that marijuana is a gateway drug, especially with the growing heroin problem. Anderson says there is a big distinction between marijuana used recreationally, and in a controlled setting for medical reasons.
Polls on the issue show that as many as 89.9 percent of New Yorkers are in favor of legalizing marijuana for medicinal use.
