New York legislators may be closer to approving marijuana for medical use. Assembly member Richard Gottfried and Senator Thomas Duane, both Manhattan Democrats, introduced similar bills last month that are now in the Assembly and Senate Health Committees for review.

Gottfried sponsored similar bills during the last two years, which were passed in the Assembly. But the legislation has never had a sponsor in the Senate until now.

"It is cruel to make seriously ill patients criminals for relying on medial marijuana for relief when their doctor recommends it," Gottfried said in a written statement. "I hope that the Senate and governor will make this the year we protect patients from arrest for simply treating a serious condition."

Patients or designated caregivers would require certification from their licensed physicians stating that their medical conditions warrant this type of treatment. The certification would be good for one year, and then require renewal.

AIDS and cancer patients are seen as the most likely to benefit from medical marijuana, since they frequently have trouble managing pain, nausea, and appetite levels.

The bills allow patients to posses up to 2.5 ounces or to grow up to 12 cannabis plants. The bills would also allow qualified nonprofit organizations to produce and distribute marijuana to patients.

The bills do not make it legal for patients to smoke marijuana in public places, to resell, or to distribute it. Plants must be grown inside private property and out of public view.

It is not clear whether Governor David Paterson will sign the legislation if it is approved.