New York media personality and Republican politician Rob Astorino is criticizing Gov. Andrew Cuomo's move to allow the use of marijuana for the seriously ill.
Astorino, the Westchester County Executive who is considering a run against Cuomo this year, said Sunday that the Democratic governor's about-face on the issue of allowing marijuana use for medical purposes is the
first step to permitting recreational use of pot, reports the New York Post.
"Let's be honest, once this door is opened, increased drug abuse and a push for further drug liberalization will follow," he told the newspaper Sunday.
"With so many people out of work and fleeing our state, this is tops on the governor's to-do list?"
Under the plan, 20 hospitals statewide would be allowed to prescribe marijuana to patients with glaucoma, cancer, and other serious illnesses.
Meanwhile, other top New York Republicans appear to be throwing their support behind Astorino as the party's gubernatorial candidate to
challenge Cuomo's re-election effort, reports Newsday.
"I do see that happening," Suffolk County Republican chairman John Jay LaValle said Friday after announcing he will co-host a fundraiser for Astorino this weekend with state GOP Chairman Ed Cox.
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