Last year, the New York Assembly voted to pass legislation that would make it legal to use marijuana medicinally under a doctor’s care. The Senate Majority Leader, Joe Bruno, quickly killed the bill. On Wednesday, The New York Assembly voted again, 89-52, to pass Assemblyman Richard Gottfried’s (revised) medical marijuana bill, A.4867B.

Similar to the laws in effect in the other 12 medical marijuana states, this bill allows registered patients to grow plants for their own medicinal use. As soon as the Federal government gives the state permission, it will start regulating distribution. A.4867B is more strict in that it will apply strictly to patients with life-threatening or debilitating conditions, who’s doctors believe marijuana would be the most effective treatment.

Monday, June 23rd, is the day the Senate will adjourn, and New York state needs you to help convince the Senate, and Joe Bruno, to pass this legislation. First, call Joe Bruno. Urge him to bring the bill to a vote. After that, call your senator, whether you already have or not, and have them commit to asking Joe Bruno to bring the bill for a vote.

With nearly the entire state medical community and 76% of voters supporting medical marijuana, there is no good reason for them not to take up the bill! Many senators, including Joe Bruno, have expressed their support for medical marijuana; it’s up to you now to make them take action on their words.

A chemical, cannabidiol, naturally found in the marijuana plant, may prevent the spread of breast cancer. A recent study published in the Molecular Cancer Theraeutics Journal showed that the chemical affects the gene responsible for the growth of metastic cancer cells.

According to the study, “because CBD occurs in only very small quantities in the cannabis plant, the researchers do not recommend smoking marijuana as a cancer treatment. To be effective, CBD will either have to be artificially synthesized or extracted and concentrated.”

Cannabidiol is non-toxic, which could make it a great possible alternative to other treatments like Chemotherapy, which is effective but very toxic and painful for patients.

According to this article, “the researchers also expressed hope that CBD will also prove effective against other cancers that rely on [the gene], including brain, colon and prostate cancer.”