Cannabis Activists Bring New York Closer Towards Legalization

Marijuana bring from Massachusetts or Maine to New York, or from any other states where it’s legal, is a violation of New York law, but cannabis advocates are hopeful that successful policies (including increased tax revenue) in nearby states will help bring New York closer towards legalization.

 

The Slow Climb





Progress in adopting favorable cannabis laws, even when clearly supported by voters in New York, has been slow. One could speculate endlessly on reasons why a state so well known for educated and progressive policy makers would drag its feet – is it the pharm companies holding tight to market share? Justice and prison systems at odds at how to generate revenue when constituents can’t be arrested for marijuana anymore? Time will tell.





 

In the meantime, a 2014 Quinnipiac University poll found that 88 percent of all New Yorkers think allowing medical marijuana at the recommendation of a doctor is a good idea, according to Compassionate Care NY.

Compassionate Care NY is a statewide group of patients, providers, and organizations working together to relieve the suffering of thousands of seriously ill New Yorkers by establishing a carefully regulated medical marijuana program in New York.





Possession of marijuana is generally illegal in New York. However, the Compassionate Care Act (the law was named after Compassionate Care NY, who supported the legislation), passed in New York in 2014. The law provides for a medical marijuana program that allows patients who are suffering from specified serious conditions to obtain marijuana for medicinal use. Patients must be certified by their physicians and must have a registry identification card in order to obtain approved medical marijuana products.
Then, in 2016, New York expanded its medicinal marijuana policy, allowing nurse practitioners prescribe it and allowing for home delivery. Another victory.





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