S3294

The New York State Senate voted 59-0 to reconsider passage of S3294, an act to amend the Cannabis Law, and restored the bill to its place on the Third Reading Calendar. Sen. Gianaris moved for reconsideration on behalf of Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and subsequently offered amendments to the bill. The amendments were received by the presiding officer. The bill's ultimate disposition was not finalized during this session segment.

The New York State Senate passed legislation to modernize the state's medical marijuana regulations, with S3294 winning approval on a 37-19 vote. Sponsored by Sen. Cooney, the bill amends the Cannabis Law with several key provisions aimed at improving access and research. Sen. Krueger, who authored the original marijuana regulation bill in 2016, highlighted the measure's importance in lowering taxation on medical marijuana—the only medicine in New York currently subject to such taxation—and streamlining the collection of research data on cannabis products. The bill also aims to make it easier for patients to access information needed to make informed decisions with their healthcare providers about which cannabis products might best suit their medical needs. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage. The vote split largely along party lines, with 19 senators voting in opposition.