Rock Star and Cancer Survivor Melissa Etheridge, In Albany for a Concert Saturday, Urges Passage of New York’s Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Legislation — the Compassionate Care Act

Albany – Legendary rock star and cancer survivor, Melissa Etheridge – who is in the state capital for a concert on Saturday at the The Egg theater — called on Governor Andrew Cuomo and the leaders of the New York Senate to pass the Compassionate Care Act. Etheridge also arranged for patients and caregivers from Compassionate Care NY — a coalition of patients, caregivers and organizations working for passage of the bill — to collect signatures in support of the legislation at her concert. The Compassionate Care Act, A.6357-C (Gottfried) / S.4406-C (Savino), would alleviate the suffering of thousands of New Yorkers with serious and debilitating conditions — such as cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS — by allowing them access to a small amount of medical marijuana under the supervision of their healthcare provider.

Just this week, the Compassionate Care Act moved through its final Senate committee. Negotiations between state leadership are now underway, and while Governor Cuomo expressed some tepid support, he has not yet embraced the measure. If Senate leadership does not allow the bill to the floor for the vote by June 19th, the bill will die, and patients will be forced to wait another year for relief.

In statement, Etheridge said:

Tonight, I am calling on Governor Cuomo and the New York State legislature to stand with patients across New York and pass the Compassionate Care Act without further delay.  As a cancer survivor, I know the ravages of a serious illness, and patients who are suffering deserve access to a medication that can provide them relief. Tonight, I stand with those patients, with their caregivers, and with the vast majority of New Yorkers who support medical marijuana.  It’s time for leaders in Albany to listen to the people of New York and to show some compassion to those who are suffering needlessly; it’s time for them to pass the Compassionate Care Act.”

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NY 1

Advocates Call on Senate to Pass Medical Marijuana Bill

By: Zack Fink

June 11, 2014

http://www.ny1.com/content/politics/political_news/210269/advocates-call-on-senate-to-pass-medical-marijuana-bill/