We, the undersigned people of New York State, ask that the New York State Assembly Health Committee hold public hearings on the proposed bill to legalize medical marijuana and to send that bill to the full Assembly for consideration. In the past 6 years 9 states and the District of Columbia have approved the legalization of medical marijuana. They recognize that doctors should decide what medications are appropriate for the treatment of a medical condition, not politicians.

Many studies have shown that marijuana is an effective treatment for the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, for the nausea and pain associated with cancer chemotherapy, for the wasting syndrome that accompanies AIDS, and for the treatment of glaucoma. It is unconscionable for New York State to deny this important medication for patients who need it.

We therefore request that the New York State Assembly, Senate, and Governor pass this bill so that patients in New York State have the same legal access to this medication that residents of other states now have.