January 6, 2014 - 16:30 AMT
New York to announce legalization of medical marijuana

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is to announce the legalisation of medical marijuana for those with serious illnesses in his state, Belfast Telegraph said.

New York will join 20 other U.S. states and Washington DC in permitting the sale, possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes. Washington state has also legalised recreational marijuana.

According to The New York Times, Governor Cuomo will unveil the plans in his annual State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan 8.

Several bills to legalise the drug have made it through the New York state assembly only to be stalled in the Republican-controlled state senate.

Governor Cuomo intends to overrule the senate with an executive order, allowing 20 New York hospitals to prescribe cannabis to patients suffering from serious conditions.

Governor Cuomo’s change of heart reflects a growing shift in public opinion on the issue of marijuana legalisation.

Recent polls suggest about half of the U.S. population now supports an end to its prohibition.