Pubdate: Sat, 25 Jan 2014
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2014 Sarah Percesepe
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Sarah Percesepe

MEDICAL MARIJUANA PLAN FALLS SHORT

I thank Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for proposing to allow access to
marijuana for medical purposes ["Medical marijuana for New York,"
Editorial, Jan. 19].

However, his plan to dust off and spruce up the 1980 Olivieri law,
which allows a state-run research program, seems like an attempt to
avoid passing legislation. His plan perpetuates laws irrelevant to the
scientifically supported knowledge we have today of the plant's
medical potential.

Distributing to only 20 New York hospitals will not cover all the
patients who need it. While many wait with debilitating illnesses,
citing this archaic law will prolong needless suffering rather than
implement a proven and comprehensive system.

In June 2013, the State Assembly approved the Compassionate Care Act,
which proposes safe access to approved patients under strictly
regulated Department of Health guidelines. The bill was introduced in
the Senate, but senators ended their session without voting on it.

I urge state leaders to pass this beneficial bill.

Sarah Percesepe, East Meadow

Editor's note: The writer is a member of the Long Island chapter of
the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, an
advocacy group.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D