New York to legalise medical use of marijuana
Governor Andrew Cuomo to announce drug's legalisation for those with serious illnesses
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Days after the world’s first legal recreational cannabis dispensaries were opened in Colorado, the New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is to announce the legalisation of medical marijuana for those with serious illnesses in his state.
New York will join 20 other US states and Washington DC in permitting the sale, possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes. Washington state has also legalised recreational marijuana.
According to The New York Times, Governor Cuomo will unveil the plans in his annual State of the State address on Wednesday. Several bills to legalise the drug have made it through the New York state assembly only to be stalled in the Republican-controlled state senate.
Governor Cuomo intends to overrule the senate with an executive order, allowing 20 New York hospitals to prescribe cannabis to patients suffering from serious conditions.
Governor Cuomo’s change of heart reflects a growing shift in public opinion on the issue of marijuana legalisation.
Recent polls suggest about half of the US population now supports an end to its prohibition.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments