New York Governor to Legalize Medical Cannabis Through Executive Action
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that he will take executive action next week that will allow for the use of cannabis for medical purposes among 
those with serious illnesses.
Under Governor Cuomo’s plan, which bypasses the legislature by relying on a provision in the public health law known as the Antonio G. Olivieri Controlled Substance Therapeutic Research Program, 20 hospitals across the state will be authorized to prescribe cannabis to patients with cancer, glaucoma and other diseases that meet standards to be set by the New York State Department of Health.
While this plan would fall well short of being as progressive as other medical cannabis laws – especially in states like Colorado and California – it nonetheless moves New York in the right direction, and will have a direct impact on thousands of individuals who rely on cannabis for its medical capabilities.
Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, praised Governor Cuomo’s decision, saying that it’s “a bold and innovative way of breaking the logjam”, referring to multiple stalled attempts in the state’s legislature to legalize medical cannabis.
Governor Cuomo hopes to have an infrastructure in place this year to begin dispensing medical cannabis through state-licensed dispensaries.
– TheJointBlog
Tony Figueroa
In 1973 I was on probation.At that time,Iwas going to college and working un the library.I had always felt that the “system” was designed ti criminalize innocent kids whos lives are just begining.I was traveling with a friend who was driving,and was followed then pulled over by an unmarked vehicle.After looking and searching and finding nothing,they then pulled out the seat and found six seeds,then arrested us.When I went to court,it was thrown out.The next week ,my probation officer showed up at my door,put me in handcuffs to court,where that certain judge violated me “for the act of having been arrested” even though the judge had thrown the case out! I even had the Dean of the college appear as a character wittness.So what happened,I was railroaded for nothing for six months in jail.No apology.
In 2012 my little Pekingnese and I were critically attacked by a large pit bull who broke away from its owner.I waa knocked to the ground and now have an irrepairable rotator cuff.My dog nearly died.Since this owner had no insurance,I lost the courtcase,the dog still lives.Now my pain management has thrown me off in my time of need,will not give me pain meds because of something I enjoy on occasion,that makes me forget my pain for a little while.What the hell rights do we have left?