An Open Letter to the New York State Legislature, Providing a Policy Recommendation Regarding the Legalization of Medical Marijuana in New York State

A ragged composite of inconsistent state laws were cobbled together in the early 20^th Century in order to criminalize marijuana for any medical purposes on a national basis. Perhaps it will be a similar patchwork quilt of state laws allowing medical marijuana that will ultimately lead to the overturning of that nearly-century old ban. If that is to be the case, I believe that New York should join with California and the other 11 states with current medical marijuana provisions to demonstrate that such programs can be administered effectively, efficiently and safely, in accordance with the wills of their people. I wrote this article in 2007 to back that conclusion, providing cites and references for additional research and consideration. While some of the specific legislative details are dated at this point, the summary of the history of marijuana laws in the United States is still sound and solid, as is the conclusion calling for New York State to change its laws on this important topic.

A Policy Recommendation Regarding the Legalization of Medical Marijuana in New York State