Assemblyman Steve Katz (R, C, I -Yorktown), who had previously voted against the legalization of medical marijuana, reversed his position and voted on Monday in favor of an assembly bill that would allow for marijuana to be used for "medicinal and therapeutic purposes."
"After many discussions with healthcare professionals and the people of my district, as well as hearing the stories of those afflicted with unimaginable pain, I have elected to vote in favor of this legislation," Katz in a statement.
Katz also said that doctors should prescribe the painkillers they view as necessary.
"That's not for government to decide, that's for the physician," he said. "It is time to stop acting as though Albany knows better than trained medical professionals."
Just last week Katz voted in favor of a bill that would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. The bill would lower the penalty of publicly possessing marijuana – fewer than 15 grams – from a misdemeanor to a violation.
That vote came close to three months after Katz, 59, was ticketed for unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding on the New York State Thruway in the town of Coeymans on March 14 at about 10 a.m.
As part of a plea deal, Katz received 20 hours of community service and a $75 fine.
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