Pubdate: Sun, 15 Jun 2014
Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (NY)
Copyright: 2014 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.democratandchronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/614
Author: Joseph Spector

NY TROOPERS RAISE WARNINGS OVER MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The union representing State Police warned that legalizing medical
marijuana would make it more difficult to enforce laws that make
recreational marijuana use illegal.

"There will be an added burden on law enforcement to distinguish the
difference between legal and illegal uses of marijuana. While the bill
changes the delivery method of a legally prescribed active ingredient,
it will create uncertainty when initially encountered by law
enforcement."

Whether the Compassionate Care Act comes to the floor for a vote in
the Senate this week is uncertain. The legislative session ends Thursday.

Some Republicans support it, and John Cahill, the Republican candidate
for attorney general, today backed it. Cahill, of Yonkers, said the
measure would create the safest, most highly regulated "seed to sale"
medical marijuana program in the nation.

He held a news conference in Westchester with medical-marijuana
advocates.

"We've all seen or experienced our share of tragedy. A loved one
suffers, a child cries out in pain and we wish we could do something
to give them relief. Family, friends, and colleagues should have the
same treatment options as people in 22 other states." Cahill said in a
statement. "It's a common sense approach to a complicated issue. An
approach that addresses the need to help sick New Yorkers, while
ensuring marijuana will not leak into the black market."

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a former Democratic senator from
Manhattan, also backs the measure, a campaign spokesman said.

"Attorney General Schneiderman believes patients suffering from
chronic illnesses deserve all the help they can get in managing and
alleviating their pain," spokesman Peter Ajemian said. "That's why he
has always supported the legalization of medical marijuana and
co-sponsored legislation in the State Senate that would allow its use
for certified medical purposes."
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MAP posted-by: Matt