Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and legislative leaders agree to a deal that does not allow for the smoking of the drug.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference announcing an agreement on legislation legalizing medical marijuana in the Red Room at the Capitol on Thursday, June 19, 2014, in Albany, N.Y.
AP Photo/Mike Groll
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers announced a tentative deal Thursday to make New York the 23rd state to legalize medical marijuana.
The final language of the bill has not been released, but according to reports, it will prohibit smoking marijuana — rather patients will only be allowed to consume edibles, pills or vaporize marijuana. The no smoking clause of the bill was a major demand of the Cuomo administration.
The deal comes after days of intense debate.
"Let me say how pleased and relieved we are that this agreement has been reached," State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said at a press conference Thursday.
"I say "relieved," because there are New Yorkers all across our state - men, women and children who have severely debilitating illness or life-threatening conditions — whose only source of relief is safe and effective treatment with medical marijuana."
The bill covers illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis, as well as children struggling with seizure disorders.
The bill won't go into effect for 18 months while the health department establishes regulations, including establishing dispensaries. Also, the bill will undergo a seven-year trial period during which the legislators could pull the plug at any time.
A vote on the bill is expected Thursday night when the legislative session is scheduled to end.
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