Senators Urge DOJ To Grant New York Medical Marijuana Waiver

Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are urging the Department of Justice to grant New Yorkers immediate access to medical marijuana before legalization is implemented in the state.

Schumer and Gillibrand say the waiver would allow cannabis oil to be transported across state lines form Colorado into New York.

The lawmakers say the request came to them from families with young children suffering from diseases where cannabis oil proved to be effective in reducing pain and controlling symptoms.

"This is a common sense step for families with children suffering acute pain while awaiting the legalization of medical marijuana to go into effect,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I hope the Attorney General will use his authority to help ease the pain of these families and their children who shouldn't have to wait any longer for an effective medicine.”

New York's medical marijuana law was passed in July, but it's expected to take 18 months for the law to be fully implemented.