[420 Girl]

To those in favor of legalizing medical marijuana, the rationale is clear -- the substance offers potential relief for New Yorkers suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS and other serious health conditions.

"Medical marijuana has the ability, it's been proven again and again, to make a difference for folks in certain kinds of really horrible situations," said Manhattan Senator Daniel Squadron.

Now, with New York facing a more than $9 billion budget deficit, there is a new argument for legalized medicinal marijuana taking hold in Albany.

"In a tough budget year like this, you want to leave no stone unturned in considering every policy that might also have a positive effect," said Squadron.

Legalizing medical marijuana could generate some $15 million for the state in fees. That is hardly enough to plug the budget gap, but the fiscal benefit is a point made by California advocates for legalizing the drug altogether.

One advocacy group says the money would just be an added bonus in New York.

"It's the right thing to do regardless of the revenue generator.... If that gets this done quicker, if it gets patients access sooner, then we are all for it," said Adam Scavone of New York Patients First.

Brooklyn Senator Martin Golden, an opponent of the plan, says he is concerned that legalizing medical marijuana would make it more accessible to the public, and specifically young people.

"We really can't control today the beer we sell out of the grocery stores, yet we are going to control marijuana? I do believe it's a gateway drug," said Golden.

Governor David Paterson, who has tried marijuana, is waiting to see what the legislation looks like once it passes both houses before commenting on it, according to a spokesman.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who dressed up as a hippie last week in a skit, has also tried marijuana and even told a reporter before his first election that he enjoyed the experience.

The bill is making its way through the State Senate and is under consideration in the State Assembly. The Assembly has passed similar legislation in previous years.


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