New York Medical Marijuana Fight Is Gaining Steam

A bill that would legalize medical marijuana in New York is gaining traction — but a few key state senators may still attempt to block it.

Senate Finance Committee chairman John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse) said Monday the bill wouldn't even be put to a vote in his committee. But New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo publicly signaled support for the legislation on the same day — the first time he's done so. Now the battle is about to reach boiling point

DeFrancisco is perhaps the legislation's biggest hurdle. Though his office declined to comment, the senator has previously said he is opposed to medical marijuana because the federal Food and Drug Administration has not approved it as a valid method to treat pain. Read more...