Newly revised legislation on medical marijuana could be an indication lawmakers are coming to an agreement on allowing its use. The measure reintroduced Friday limits the number of diseases that would qualify for marijuana prescriptions.
Opponents criticized the original bill for allowing prescribers to interpret what constitutes a serious condition, previously defined as severely debilitating or life threatening. The new bill narrows that to about 20 conditions, including cancer, HIV, AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
The legislation would also bar patients under the age of 21 from smoking the drug, though it could still be administered in oil form or through a vaporizer.
Medical marijuana is among a handful of issues expected to be taken up by the Legislature. Lawmakers are returning to Albany Monday after a break.
© 2014 AP
