Patients and Caregivers Rally Outside of Senator Skelos Office in Long Island to Demand Action on Medical Marijuana Bill

Rockville Centre, Long Island — Today, parents of children with epilepsy and patients living with multiple sclerosis and other serious, debilitating medical conditions will rally at the Rockville Centre LIRR station across from Senate Co-president Dean Skelos’ office to demand a vote on the Compassionate Care Act (S.4406-B/Savino and A.6357-B) in the New York Senate.  The bill, which would create one of the nation’s most tightly regulated medical marijuana programs, would allow seriously ill patients access to a small amount of marijuana under the supervision of their healthcare provider.

Earlier this month, the Assembly passed the bill for the fifth time with broad bipartisan support.  The bill has also passed through the Senate Health Committee and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate Finance Committee. The Senate bill sponsor, Senator Diane Savino, has said she has more than enough votes to pass the bill if it comes to the floor for a vote. But thus far, the Senate Majority Coalition Leaders – Senator Skelos and Senator Klein – have not allowed the bill to the floor of the senate for a vote. If the vote does not take place before the session ends on June 19th, patients and caregivers will be forced to wait another year for relief.

What: Rally with caregivers and patients to support the Compassionate Care Act
When: Wednesday, June 4th from 4 PM to 7 PM
Where: Rockville Centre LIRR Station
Who: Patient and caregivers working to pass a comprehensive medical marijuana bill in New York

Momentum for the Compassionate Care Act continues to build. A poll from Quinnipiac University released last week found that a super majority (83%) of New York voters support medical marijuana. The bill has strong bipartisan support in the Senate, with three Republican co-sponsors (Senators Robach, Grisanti, Maziarz) and three additional Republicans — Senator John Bonacic,  (R-Middletown), Senator Tim O’Mara (R, C – Big Flats, Elmira), and Senator Larkin – who have all expressed their support.