Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced the Assembly passed legislation that would implement a medical marijuana program in the state of New York (A.6357). The bill, agreed to by both houses of the legislature and the governor, aims to provide individuals suffering from serious, life threatening illnesses access to this alternative treatment.

“This agreement signifies our commitment to offering patients every possible treatment that might alleviate their pain and improve their quality of life,” Assemblymember Bronson said. “By establishing a carefully regulated medical marijuana program, we take an important first step in helping thousands of seriously ill New Yorkers deal with debilitating conditions.”

Under the bill, the medical marijuana program would:

• begin in 18 months and expire after 7 years;
• be overseen by the state Department of Health and the governor would have the ability to suspend the program if necessary;
• impose a 7 percent tax on medical marijuana sales, helping to fund our schools and other vital programs;
• cap the number of licensed medicinal marijuana growers at five and the number of locations where the drug could be dispensed at 20 statewide;
• make it a felony offense to sell marijuana obtained for medical purposes; and
• prevent marketing of medical marijuana to teenagers.

Licensed physicians will be able to determine if a patient suffering from a debilitating or life-threatening illness is likely to benefit from the use of medical marijuana. Patients could be prescribed up to 2 ounces of the drug every 30 days and must carry a special identification card at all times. Additionally, the bill would limit the forms of the drug that could be prescribed to oil-based extracts, pills and vaporized forms. Patients would not be able to receive prescriptions to smoke medical marijuana.

“Although the concept of medical marijuana has caused much debate, this bill is a necessary compromise that strikes a balance between compassion and public safety,” Assemblymember Bronson said. “I will continue to advocate for alternative ways to implement this program, but I am very encouraged by the progress that has been made.”