New York ‘to relax’ marijuana laws

The US state of New York has announced plans to announce an executive action to relax its marijuana laws to allow limited use by seriously ill patients, the New York Times says.

Joining an increasing number of states that have loosened restrictions on marijuana, most notably Colorado - where thousands have flocked to buy marijuana since it became legal for recreational use - Governor Andrew M Cuomo of New York is to make the announcement this week.

However, as opposed to his Colorado counterpart, Coumo's plans will be far more restrictive. Whereas in Colorado, people with conditions as mild as backaches can take medical marijuana, New York is set to allow just 20 hospitals across the state to prescribe marijuana to patients with cancer, glaucoma or other serious diseases that meet standards to be set by the state department of health.

While Cuomo's measure falls well short of full legislation, it nonetheless moves New York closer to policies being embraced by marijuana advocated and lawmakers elsewhere.

20 states across the United States have already relaxed the marijuana laws, while on Wednesday; Colorado became the first US state to allow shops to sell cannabis for recreational purposes. On the other hand, Washington is expected to loosen its laws to allow the sale of marijuana later this year.

In California, people suffering from mild medical complaints can obtain prescriptions for the drug.

Nevertheless, despite the relaxation of these laws, the drug is still illegal under federal law.