NEW YORK'S GOV. ANDREW CUOMO SIGNS LEGAL MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to sign a medical marijuana into law for New York, making it the 23rd state to legalize the drug to treat patients, according to advocates invited to the ceremony.

Cuomo, a Democrat seeking re-election, will sign the bill at 1 p.m. at the New York Academy of Medicine in New York City. Susan Rusinko, of Auburn, and Donna Romano, of Syracuse, were invited to the event, Rusinko said this morning.

In the final days of session last month, Cuomo and legislative leaders negotiated a narrower version of a medical marijuana programfor New York than advocates like Rusinko had lobbied for. The bill passed with overwhelming support in the New York State Senate and Assembly.

Still, Rusinko said today she was honored to be invited for the bill signing ceremony.

"Now he needs to get moving and get it implemented," she said this morning.

The program will begin in 18 months and does not allow the drug to be smoked. The state will certify up to five companies to grow and distribute the drug. The governor has the power to halt the program if either the state's health commissioner or superintendent of New York State Police recommends it.