TALK SHOW HOST BACKS MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE

ALBANY, N.Y. - Montel Williams threw his support behind legalizing
medical marijuana in New York, saying pot helps him cope with multiple
sclerosis.

Williams, who was diagnosed with the neurological disease in 1999,
said he uses marijuana every night before bed to relieve the pain in
his legs and feet.

"I'm breaking the law every day, and I will continue to break the
law," said Williams, host of the syndicated "Montel Williams Show."

Williams recalled during a news conference how prescription
painkillers and even morphine failed to control his tremors and spasms.

Nine states -- Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine,
Nevada, Oregon and Washington -- allow medical marijuana use.

Williams, 47, said he can legally obtain marijuana in California,
where he owns property, but argued that as a New York state taxpayer,
he should have the same right there.

Opponents of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes fear rogue
doctors or patients might abuse it.