N.Y. POLS 'OPEN' TO MEDICINAL POT LAW

ALBANY - The state Senate and Assembly could be nearing a joint
agreement to allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to seriously ill or
dying patients.

Senate Republican Leader Joe Bruno (R-Rensselaer) was described by his
spokesman yesterday as being "open and receptive" to backing medicinal
pot.

Aides to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) called him
"sympathetic" to the notion that marijuana could help ease the pain
for seriously ill or dying people.

But Gov. Pataki is not onboard. A Pataki spokesman said the governor
believes there are already legal alternatives available for pain relief.

The debate is expected to heat up over the next few weeks as lawmakers
scramble to wrap up the legislative session by late June. A co-sponsor
of the legislation, Assemblyman Scott Stringer (D-Manhattan), noted
the state's largest doctors lobby supports the measure.

Television talk show host Montel Williams, who admits using pot to
help him cope with multiple sclerosis, is slated to be at the Capitol
today to tout the legislation.